In the complex landscape of relationships, there comes a time when one realizes they deserve more respect, love, and care. Musicians have captured this sentiment in their songs, giving voice to those who are seeking healthier, more fulfilling partnerships. Here are 13 songs that explore the idea of deserving better in a relationship.
13 Songs About Deserving Better In A Relationship
1. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – Kelly Clarkson
This empowering anthem by Kelly Clarkson is about emerging from a difficult relationship stronger. The lyrics, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Stand a little taller. Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone. What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter. Footsteps even lighter. Doesn’t mean I’m over ’cause you’re gone” suggest that the singer has realized she deserves better than the pain and heartache of the past relationship. The upbeat tempo and Clarkson’s powerful vocals encourage listeners to have the confidence to move on and seek a more rewarding connection.
2. “Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson
Another Clarkson hit, “Since U Been Gone” is filled with a sense of liberation. The lyrics, “Since you been gone, I can breathe for the first time. I’m so moving on, yeah, yeah. Thanks to you, now I get what I want” convey that the end of the relationship was a turning point. It implies that the singer was in a situation where she wasn’t getting what she deserved, and now, with the relationship over, she can look forward to something better. The catchy pop – rock melody makes it an anthem for those who have broken free.
3. “Irreplaceable” – Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” is a song about self – worth and knowing one deserves better. The lyrics, “To the left, to the left. Everything you own in the box to the left. In the closet, that’s my stuff. Yes, if I bought it, please don’t touch. Don’t touch” show a firm stance. The singer is telling her partner that she is not going to tolerate being mistreated and that she has the power to walk away, believing she deserves a relationship where she is truly valued. The sassy R&B melody adds to the song’s confident message.
4. “You Oughta Know” – Alanis Morissette
This song is a passionate outburst about a past relationship where the singer feels wronged. The lyrics, “You, you, you oughta know. What it’s like to be the bad man. What it’s like to be the sad man. Behind blue eyes” express the pain and anger of a relationship that didn’t meet her expectations. Morissette’s raw and emotional delivery makes it clear that she believes she deserved better treatment from her former partner, and the alternative – rock melody amplifies the intensity of her feelings.
5. “So What” – Pink
Pink’s “So What” is a song about self – empowerment after a relationship ends. The lyrics, “So what, I’m still a rock star. I got my rock moves, and I don’t need you. And guess what, I’m having more fun. And now that we’re done, I’m gonna show you” show that the singer is not going to let the end of the relationship bring her down. It implies that she realizes she deserves a relationship that doesn’t hold her back, but rather supports her individuality and fun – loving spirit. The energetic pop – rock melody matches the song’s feisty attitude.
6. “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood
In this country song, Carrie Underwood’s character is taking revenge on an unfaithful partner. The lyrics, “Maybe next time he’ll think before he cheats” suggest that the partner’s actions have made the singer realize she deserves better. It’s a song about standing up for oneself and not accepting infidelity or mistreatment in a relationship. The catchy country melody and Underwood’s strong vocals make it a relatable song for those who have been wronged.
7. “Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem feat. Rihanna
While the song is mainly about a toxic relationship, Rihanna’s part, in particular, shows the cycle of abuse and the realization that she deserves better. The lyrics, “Now you’re in each other’s face, spewing venom in your words when you spit ’em. You push, pull each other’s hair, scratch, claw, bit ’em. Throw ’em down, pin ’em. So lost in the moments when you’re in them. It’s the rage that took over, it controls you both. So they say it’s best to go your separate ways. Guess that they don’t know you ’cause today that was yesterday” describe the destructive nature of the relationship. Rihanna’s vocals convey the pain and the slow – building realization that she should seek a healthier relationship.
8. “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
This disco classic is an anthem for self – preservation and moving on from a bad relationship. The lyrics, “At first I was afraid, I was petrified. Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side. But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong. And I grew strong. And I learned how to get along” show the transformation from fear to strength. It’s a song that encourages listeners to believe they deserve better than a relationship that holds them back, and the energetic disco beat makes it a song to dance to while reclaiming one’s self – worth.
9. “Someone Like You” – Adele
Adele’s “Someone Like You” is a song about heartbreak and the hope for a better future. The lyrics, “Nevermind, I’ll find someone like you. I wish nothing but the best for you too. Don’t forget me, I beg, I remember you said. ‘Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead'” show that although the relationship has ended painfully, the singer is looking forward to finding someone who will treat her better. The emotional ballad, with Adele’s powerful vocals, captures the raw emotion of the realization that one deserves a more loving relationship.
10. “Better in Time” – Leona Lewis
This song is about healing after a relationship ends and believing in a better future. The lyrics, “It’s been a long time coming. But I feel good. And I can’t explain. How I’m feeling. I just know that I should. Be happy with the choices I made. And where I’m going. I took some time to think it through. And all I know is I’m better in time” suggest that the singer is coming to terms with the past relationship and realizing she deserves to be happy. The R&B – pop melody, with its soothing yet empowering tone, makes it a song for those on the journey to self – discovery and finding a better relationship.
11. “Scars to Your Beautiful” – Alessia Cara
Although the song is more about self – acceptance in general, it can be related to relationships. The lyrics, “You, you beautiful thing. You, you inimitable. You, you refugee of love. Just stick with me, don’t give up” can imply that in a relationship, one should be with someone who sees their beauty and worth. It encourages the listener to not settle for a relationship where they are not fully appreciated, but to hold out for someone who will love them for who they are. The gentle, soul – pop melody adds to the song’s positive and empowering message.
12. “Brave” – Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles’ “Brave” is a call to be bold and stand up for oneself. In a relationship context, the lyrics, “Say what you wanna say. And let the words fall out. Honestly, I wanna see you be brave” can be interpreted as an encouragement to speak up when one is not getting what they deserve. It’s about having the courage to demand better treatment in a relationship and not being afraid to voice one’s needs. The upbeat, piano – driven melody gives the song a sense of determination.
13. “Good as Hell” – Lizzo
Lizzo’s “Good as Hell” is a song about self – confidence and knowing one’s worth. The lyrics, “I woke up like this, I look too good tonight. I’m ’bout to kill this, I’m feelin’ so right. I might get me a ‘nother one, I’m ’bout to bring two or three. I’m ’bout to act a fool, I’m feelin’ so good as hell” convey a sense of self – assurance. In a relationship, it implies that the singer is not going to settle for less than she deserves. The funky, hip – hop – inspired melody makes it a song to boost one’s confidence and remind them that they are worthy of a great relationship.
Conclusion
These 13 songs offer a wide – ranging exploration of the feeling of deserving better in a relationship. Whether through empowerment anthems, emotional ballads, or feisty declarations, they all convey the message that one should not settle for a relationship that doesn’t meet their needs. They serve as a source of inspiration for those who are in or have been in less – than – ideal relationships, encouraging them to seek and believe in a more fulfilling partnership.
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