Betrayal, be it by a family member, a friend, colleague, or a lover, is one of the worst things that anyone can endure. From the historical standpoint, some of the greatest humans that have ever lived, including Jesus Christ and Julius Caesar have all suffered betrayal which led to their sad end. If someone you once trusted has double-crossed you, the first thing you should understand is that you are not the first to suffer songs, and secondly, there are many betrayal songs that you can listen, to help you get through the tough times.
In general, studies have shown that music is a therapy on its own. Once you find the right songs for any mood or moment you are passing through, it will be easy and you may be able to snap out easily than without music.
Best Songs About Betrayal You Can Listen To
1. Sorry – Beyonce
- Artist: Beyonce
- Album: Lemonade (2016)
- Released: 2016
- Genres: Electro-R&B
- Songwriter(s)– Diana Gordon, Sean Rhoden, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Best For
This song is pretty much the best when you have been betrayed by a lover and you want to move on from such a person. This song comes from a very deep place for Beyonce because she released it after she was allegedly betrayed by her husband Jay Z who was alleged to have cheated on her.
Lyrics
Looking at my watch, he shoulda been home
Today, I regret the night I put that ring on
He always got them fucking excuses
I pray to the Lord you reveal what his truth is
2. What Goes Around… Comes Around – Justin Timberlake
- Artist: Justin Timberlake (Tim Mosley)
- Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006).
- Released: 2006
- Genres: Pop
- Songwriter(s)– Justin Timberlake, Nate “Danja” Hills
Best For
This is one of the best songs to play after you have been betrayed by a lover. It gives you some level of comfort knowing that whatever goes around will come around thanks to the law of karma.
The song tells the story of a relationship that came to an end after a cheating scandal. This is also significant because according to speculations, Justin sang the song after he was betrayed by his ex-girlfriend Britany Spears. However, he revealed that it was for a friend.
Lyrics
Is this the way it’s really going down?
Is this how we say goodbye?
Should have known better when you came around
That you were gonna make me cry
It’s breaking my heart to watch you run around
‘Cause I know that you’re living a lie
But that’s okay, baby, ’cause in time you will find
What goes around, goes around, goes around
3. Cry Me A River – Justin Timberlake
- Artist: Justin Timberlake (Tim Mosley)
- Album: Justified (2002)
- Released: 2002
- Genres: R&B/ Pop
- Songwriter(s)– Justin Timberlake, Scott Storch
Best For
Yet another song of Timberlake, it is also a good one after you have been betrayed by a lover. It is another story of love that went south because of a cheating lover. Cry Me a River came after his breakup with Britany Spears and so it is believed that the song is a breakup ballad in reference to their widely publicized relationship.
Lyrics
You told me you love me
Why did you leave me all alone
Now you tell me you need me
When you call me on the phone
Girl, I refuse
You must have me confused with some other guy
The bridges were burned
Now it’s your turn, to cry
4. You Give Love A Bad Name – Bon Jovi
- Artist: Bon Jovi
- Album: Slippery When Wet (1986)
- Released: 1986
- Genres: Glam metal, Rock
- Songwriter(s)– Desmond Child, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora
Best For
This is very different among other bongs about betrayal because, in spite of the hurt, Bon Jovi is not blaming love but the person giving love a bad name. This is a great song for moments when you feel like the betrayal has damaged you and nothing more can be done about your situation. However, you still have hope for love because it is your former lover that gives love a bad name.
Lyrics
Shot through the heart and you’re to blame
Darling, you give love a bad name
An angel’s smile is what you sell
You promised me heaven, then put me through hell
Chains of love got a hold on me
When passion’s a prison, you can’t break free
Woah, you’re a loaded gun, yeah
Oh, there’s nowhere to run
No one can save me, the damage is done
5. Take A Bow – Rihanna
- Artist: Rihanna
- Album: Good Girl Gone Bad
- Released: 2007
- Genres: Rock, R&B/Soul
- Songwriter(s)– Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Shaffer Smith (Ne-Yo)
Best For
This is the best song to listen to after a lover who has betrayed you is trying to find his way back when you know they are coming again to hurt you. It is a great song for moving on from a bad relationship and a lover who pretended to you and is not faithful.
Lyrics
Don’t tell me you’re sorry ’cause you’re not
Baby when I know you’re only sorry you got caught
But you put on quite a show
Really had me goin’
But now it’s time to go
Curtain’s finally closin’
That was quite a show
Very entertaining
But it’s over now
(But it’s over now)
Go on and take a bow, oh
6. Over You – Daughtry
- Artist: Daughtry
- Album: Daughtry (2007)
- Released: 2007
- Genres: Alternative Rock
- Songwriter(s)– Chris Daughtry, Brian Howes
Best For
It is a great song for a lover who has helped you up only to later betray you. It is a great song for a very rough time when someone you trusted and never doubted betrayed you. Now, you are ready to get over such a lover and move on with your life. There is hardly a better song for moving on.
Lyrics
Well, I never saw it coming.
I should’ve started running
A long, long time ago.
And I never thought I’d doubt you,
I’m better off without you
More than you, more than you know.
I’m slowly getting closure.
I guess it’s really over.
I’m finally getting better.
And now I’m picking up the pieces.
I’m spending all of these years
Putting my heart back together.
‘Cause the day I thought I’d never get through,
I got over you
7. Picture to Burn – Taylor Swift
- Artist: Taylor Swift
- Album: Taylor Swift 2006
- Released: 2008
- Genres: Rock, Country, Pop
- Songwriter(s)– Taylor Swift, Liz Rose
Best For
For a better part of her early career, Taylor Swift was known for her songs about heartbreak. With this song, she delivers one of the best songs about betrayal from a lover, for someone who is set to leave behind the relationship that did not work and the cheating partner.
Lyrics
There’s no time for tears
I’m just sitting here planning my revenge
There’s nothing stopping me
From going out with all of your best friends
And if you come around saying sorry to me
My daddy’s gonna show you how sorry you’ll be
8. The Worst – Jhene Aiko
- Artist: Jhene Aiko
- Album: The Signmagazine Presents The Essential Indie R&B Collection
- Released: 2015
- Genres: R&B/Soul
- Songwriter(s)– Jhené Aiko Chilombo, Myron Birdsong, Mac Robinson, Brian Warfield, Shawn Carter, Chad Hugo, Pharrell Williams
Best For
This is a great song for when you are calling someone that has betrayed you on their BS. You are making it clear to them what they are and that you are over them and moving on with your life even though you still want them.
Lyrics
Tell me whatcha say now?
Tell me whatcha say
Come again?
If you cannot stay down
Then you do not have to pretend
Like there is no way out
I shoulda never let you in
‘Cause you got me face down
And don’t take this personal
But you’re the worst
You know what you’ve done to me
And although it hurts I know
I just can’t keep runnin’ away
9. Apologize – Timbaland ft. OneRepublic
- Artist: Timbaland
- Album: Shock Value
- Released: 2007
- Genres: Rock, Pop rock, Hip-Hop/Rap
- Songwriter(s)– Ryan Tedder
Best For
It is an amazing song when you have had enough of a cheating partner or someone that has betrayed you. You love this person but they still betray you and you do not want anything to do with the person again. You don’t even want their apology.
Lyrics
I’m holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I’m hearing what you say
But I just can’t make a sound
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you’re sorry
Didn’t think I’d turn around and say
That it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
Too late, oh
10. Irreplaceable – Beyoncé
- Artist: Beyonce
- Album: B’Day (2006)
- Released: 2006
- Genres: R&B
- Songwriter(s)-Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Espen Lind,Amund Bjorklund, Beyoncé Knowles
Best For
This is for someone who betrays you and still feels that they are too good for you to be able to find a replacement for them. This is a simple way of telling them that your life will always go on without them because they can be replaced at any time.
Lyrics
So go ahead and get gone
Call up that chick and see if she’s home
Oops, I bet ya thought that I didn’t know
What did you think I was putting you out for?
Because you was untrue
Rolling her around in the car that I bought you
Baby you dropped them keys
Hurry up before your taxi leaves
11. Positively 4th Street – Bob Dylan
- Artist: Bob Dylan
- Album: Positively 4th Street (Single)
- Released: 1965
- Genres: Rock, Country music, Folk, Country
- Songwriter(s)– Bob Dylan
Best For
Bob Dylan’s 1965 single takes a hit at fake friends and family members who betray you and pretend that they are your friends. They try to turn the tables on you and claim to be your friends but you know them for who they are and you are making them know you know what has been happening.
Lyrics
You’ve got a lotta nerve to say you are my friend
When I was down you just stood there grinnin’
You’ve got a lotta nerve to say you got a helping hand to lend
You just want to be on the side that’s winnin’
You say I let you down, ya know its not like that
If you’re so hurt, why then don’t you show it?
You say you’ve lost your faith, but that’s not where its at
You have no faith to lose, and ya know it
12. Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
- Artist: Adele
- Album: 21 (2011)
- Released: 2011
- Genres: pop
- Songwriter(s): Adele Adkins, Fraser T. Smith
Best For
This is a great song for moments when you fall deeply for someone who is betraying you and being manipulative. Although you want to free yourself from the grip of such a person, you feel helpless, but you are willing to “set fire to the rain” so that you can be free.
Lyrics
But there’s a side to you
That I never knew, never knew
All the things you’d say
They were never true, never true
And the games you’d play
You would always win, always win
But I set fire to the rain
Watched it pour as I touched your face
Well, it burned while I cried
‘Cause I heard it screaming out your name
Your name
13. I’m Not The Only One – Sam Smith
- Artist: Sam Smith
- Album: In the Lonely Hour (2014)
- Released: 2014
- Genres: Soul
- Songwriter(s)– Sam Smith, James Napier
Best For
What makes this one of the best songs about betrayal is how a lover leaves his partner after making a vow to cheat with another. The song is for moments when someone you love and trust decides to let you down but you are finding it difficult to let such a person go even though you know it will be for the best.
Lyrics
You and me we made a vow
For better or for worse
I can’t believe you let me down
But the proof is in the way it hurts
For months on end I’ve had my doubts
Denying every tear
I wish this would be over now
But I know that I still need you here
You say I’m crazy
‘Cause you don’t think I know what you’ve done
But when you call me baby
I know I’m not the only one
14. Everybody Plays the Fool – The Main Ingredient
- Artist: The Main Ingredient
- Album: Bitter Sweet
- Released: 1972
- Genres: R&B Soul
- Songwriter(s)– J. R. Bailey, Rudy Clark, Ken Williams
Best For
What makes this song very special among all others is that it is a great one to listen to if you have been betrayed and taken for a fool and you want to do something crazy. The song tells you to get up and continue living because there is no exception to one being made a fool; it happens to everyone.
Lyrics
Okay, so your heart is broken
You sit around mopin’
Cryin’ and cryin’
You say you’re even thinkin’ about dyin’
Well, before you do anything rash, dig this
Everybody plays the fool sometime
There’s no exception to the rule
Listen, baby, it may be factual, may be cruel
I ain’t lyin’, everybody plays the fool
Falling in love is such an easy thing to do
And there’s no guarantee that the one you love
Is gonna love you
Oh-oh-oh, lovin’ eyes they cannot see
A certain person could never be
Love runs deeper than any ocean
You can cloud your mind with emotion
Everybody plays the fool, sometime
There’s no exception to the rule
15 Heartless- Kanye West
- Artist: Kanye West
- Album: 808s & Heartbreak (2008)
- Released: 2008
- Genres: Rhythm and blues, Hip-Hop/Rap, Electronic dance music
- Songwriter(s)– Kanye West, Ernest Wilson, Scott Mescudi, Malik Jones
Best For
This is one of the best songs about betrayal for someone who has lost himself after a very unfortunate betrayal. It is a song for a difficult moment when you don’t know if you can return to the person you were before meeting “Dr. Evil”.
Lyrics
How could you be so, cold as the winter wind when it breeze, yo
Just remember that you talkin’ to me though
You know need to watch the way you talkin’ to me, yo
I mean after all the things that we’ve been through
I mean after all the things we got into
Hey yo, I know of some things that you ain’t told me
Hey yo, I did some things but that’s the old me
And now you wanna get me back and you goin’ show me
So you walk around like you don’t know me
You got a new friend, well I got homies
But in the end it’s still so lonely
If after these songs, you feel you still want something that will help you, even more, to give the middle finger to the past, here are the best fuck you songs you can listen to.
