Sometimes, all you need to hear is some of the best indie love songs that have ever been made. These songs may set you in the “love” mood, but not necessarily love for a spouse – who says they have to be? Some of these indie love songs could be for the love of one’s child, parents, spouse, or even home.
One thing for sure about the songs we’ve compiled here is that they bring some nostalgic feelings of love and you can say they may have the ability to wrap you in the arms of whatever you care about. Whatever your reason for wanting to listen to them, some of the things you can be certain to find in them include the right emotion that is needed, the rhythm that will get to you, the lyrical content that matters, and perhaps generally introspective.
From 30 different artists, here are 30 best indie love songs in no particular order. Well, we’ll start our list from the bottom to the top, perhaps saving the best for last – or maybe not!
30 Best Indie Love Songs
30. Milky Dance – Stolen Dance
In this song, the singer (Milky Dance) speaks to their lover to be by their side and they remind them of how much they want them. Hence, apart from enjoying the rhythm of this song, it could be a good option to listen to remind you of how much you want someone.
In a situation where words fail you to remind someone how you feel about them, perhaps you should send this song to serve as a good reminder.
Lyrics:
So that I never feel alone againThey’ve always been so kindBut now they’ve brought you away from hereI hope they didn’t get your mindYour heart is too strong anywayWe need to fetch back the time
We can bring it on the floorYou’ve never danced like this beforeWe don’t talk about itDancin’ on do the boogie all night longStoned in paradise, shouldn’t talk about it
And I want you
29. Bright Eyes – First Day of My Life
A song with a reference to how a first meeting changed everything and their perspective on life. This song shows the transformation that love comes with.
Lyrics:
This is the first day of my lifeSwear I was born right in the doorwayI went out in the rain, suddenly everything changedThey’re spreading blankets on the beach
Yours was the first face that I sawI think I was blind before I met youAnd I don’t know where I am, I don’t know where I’ve beenBut I know where I want to go
…
28. Mac Demarco – My Kind of Woman
There is a reflection of you in the person you love – at least that is what this song says. This Mac’s song further focuses on loving his woman with everything that he has.
Apparently, this song can be enjoyed when love is deep in you and can be shared with the one person you love as a reminder of your feelings for them.
Lyrics
Oh, babyOh, manYou’re makin’ me crazyReally drivin’ me madThat’s alright with meIt’s really no fussAs long as you’re next to meJust the two of us
You’re my, my, my, my kind of womanMy, oh my, what a girlYou’re my, my, my, my kind of womanAnd I’m down on my hands and kneesBeggin’ you please, babyShow me your world
27. Dan Auerbach – Never in My Wildest Dreams
The guitar, lyrics, and voice are not the only parts of this song that make it a great love song to enjoy. The song portrays the great feeling that the singer has toward his lover. Also, it speaks about how a person’s dream comes to reality when they finally find the right one.
Lyrics:
Never in my wildest dreamsWould I be loving youNever in my wildest dreamsWould my dreams come true
You’re just too good to touchI can’t discuss it muchI get too choked upDon’t wanna make a scene
…
26. Paul Weller – You Do Something to Me
Whether the lyrics, rhythm or the voice of the singer, this song definitely carries a lot of love in it. It is a song about unattainable love despite strong feelings toward a person.
You do something to meSomething deep insideI’m hanging on the wireFor love I’ll never find
You do something wonderfulChase it all awayMixing my emotionsThrows me back again
…
25. The Cure – Lovesong
Best for that one person who brings something new into a person’s life. As much as you can enjoy this song on your own, it may serve as a good reminder when you send it to someone who makes you feel special.
Lyrics
…
Whenever I’m alone with you
You make me feel like I am young again
Whenever I’m alone with you
You make me feel like I am fun again
However far away
I will always love you
However long I stay
I will always love you
Whatever words I say
I will always love you
I will always love you
24. The White Stripes – Fell in Love With a Girl
When you fall in love with a person who wants more and probably not with you, perhaps this song is a good summary of this situation. The woman who is the subject of this song feels differently but the man wants more than just being friends. He is left with either to be logical or follow his heart and follow her.
This is just one of the best songs of The White Stripes.
Lyrics:
Fell in love with a girlI fell in love once and almost completelyShe’s in love with the worldBut sometimes these feelings can be so misleadingShe turns and says, “Are you alright?”I said, “I must be fine ’cause my heart’s still beating”“Come and kiss me by the riverside, yeah”“Bobby says it’s fine, he doesn’t consider it cheating now”
…
23. Cults – Always Together
What is a love song without a reminder of being together forever? Well, Cults captured this essence through Always Together. So, when you think of a song to serve as a reminder of never going to be alone because you have a lover, this song will definitely be a great choice.
Lyrics:
You and me always foreverWe could stay alone togetherYou and me always foreverSay you’ll stay never be separate
You know you’ve got me in your pocketYou know just have to wait aroundYou know I’ll keep you in my locketJust come here and we can settle down
You and me always foreverWe could stay alone togetherHard to say things could be betterDarling don’t get away right now…
22. The Wannadies – You & Me Song
The song is best for a time when one endures the ups and downs of a relationship. Also, when it comes to the celebration of love, this song may be a great option.
Lyrics:
Always when we fightI try to make you laughUntil everything’s forgottenI know you hate that
… Always when we fightI kiss you once or twiceAnd everything’s forgottenI know you hate that
…
21. Foster The People – I Would Do Anything For You
Best for one who needs a reminder that they can do anything and everything for love. It is also a song of trust and willingness to be there.
Lyrics:
Never want to stand upon myselfNever want to get in the wayI said itI don’t know what the plan isBut you can shareWith me
‘Cause I’ll be a listening earTo everything you sayI won’t turn awayAnd I’ll listen, open up my heart andI must sayThat I love you, so
Ooh-la-loveI’ve fallen in loveAnd it’s better this timeThan ever beforeOoh-la-loveI’ve fallen in loveAnd it’s better this timeThan I’ve ever known
…
20. Noel Gallagher – Slide Away
This song is best for those who dream about having love for someone who they think could be their soulmate. To make it even more romantic, they later found love in each other.
Lyrics:
Slide away and give it all you’ve gotMy today fell in from the topI dream of you and all the things you sayI wonder where you are now?
Hold me down all the world’s asleepI need you now you’ve knocked me off my feetI dream of you and we talk of growing oldBut you said please don’t
Slide in baby together we’ll flyI’ve tried praying but I don’t know what you’re saying to me
…
19. The Smiths – There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
That moment when you fall in love and you care less about any other thing, this is just the right song to listen to. In fact, the singer does not mind dying beside his lover since he sees death beside his lover as a privilege.
Lyrics:
Take me out tonightWhere there’s music and there’s peopleAnd they’re young and aliveDriving in your carI never, never want to go homeBecause I haven’t got oneAnymore
Take me out tonightBecause I want to see peopleAnd I want to see lifeDriving in your carOh, please don’t drop me homeBecause it’s not my home, it’s their homeAnd I’m welcome no more
And if a double-decker busCrashes into usTo die by your sideIs such a heavenly way to dieAnd if a ten ton truckKills the both of usTo die by your sideWell, the pleasure, the privilege is mine
…
18. Steve Lacy – Dark Red
It is the song that narrates the story of a person in love but has feelings that something may go wrong. Since he is not willing to give up on this love, he admonishes his lover to not give up on the relationship.
Lyrics:
Something bad is ’bout to happen to meI don’t know it, but I feel it comingMight be so sad, might leave my nose runningI just hope she don’t wanna leave me
Don’t you give me up, please don’t give upHoney, I belong with you, and only you, babyOnly you, my girl, only you, babe (you)Only you, darling, only you, babe (you)Only you, my girl, only you, babe (you)Only you, darling, only you
…
17. Cigarettes After Sex – Apocalypse
This song is more than just about lovers but also about friends. The narration of the song is also about being there for the ones you love as well as helping them.
Lyrics:
You leapt from crumbling bridgesWatching cityscapes turn to dust
Filming helicopters crashingIn the ocean from way above
Got the music in you, babyTell me whyGot the music in you, babyTell me whyYou’ve been locked in here foreverAnd you just can’t say goodbye
…
16. Ben Howard – Only Love
This is best used in times when one’s lover is not around. Deeper than just love, the song is great for people who need comfort in the absence of their lover. It is a reminder that the person the singer is in love with will always protect and be with them always even when they are not physically together.
Lyrics:
Darling, you’re with me, always around me
Only love, my only love
Darling, I feel you, under my body
Only love, my only love
Give me shelter, oh, show me heart
Come on, love, come on, love
Watch me fall apart, watch me fall apart
And I’ll be yours to keep
A wind in the shadows, whale song in the deep
A wind in the shadows, whale song in the deep
…
15. Kings of Leon – On Call
When your relationship is sailing in the wrong ship but you still feel for your ex or partner, this is just the right song to listen to. It is a song that reminds one that no matter what comes, they’ll still be there.
Lyrics:
She said, “Call me now, baby”I’d come a-runnin’She said, “Call me now, baby”And I’d come a-runnin’If you’d call me now, babyThen I’d come a-runnin’
I’m on call to be thereOne and all to be thereAnd when I fall to piecesLord, you know, I’ll be there waiting
…
14. The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition
This Australian indie rock song is the one love song that is best listened to and serves as a reminder that there is no perfect relationship. Regardless, one should not give up.
Lyrics:
Sweet dispositionNever too soon
Oh, reckless abandonLike no one’s watching you
A moment, a loveA dream, aloudA kiss, a cryOur rights, our wrongsA moment, a loveA dream, aloudA moment, a loveA dream, aloud
So stay there‘Cause I’ll be coming overAnd while our blood’s still youngIt’s so young, it runsAnd won’t stop ’til it’s overWon’t stop to surrender…
13. The 1975 – About You
The greatness of memory and love are intertwined in the great indie love song by The 1975. It narrates the tale of remembering what made them fall in love with
Lyrics:
I know a placeIt’s somewhere I go when I need to remember your faceWe get married in our headsSomething to do while we try to recall how we met
Do you think I have forgotten?Do you think I have forgotten?Do you think I have forgotten?About you?
…
12. Girl in Red – We Fall in Love In October
Its lyrics were composed by Marie Ulven and the song has been considered to be a gay anthem. The song is filled with words of memory, admiration, and falling in love.
Lyrics:
Smoking cigarettes on the roofYou look so pretty and I love this view
We fell in love in OctoberThat’s why, I love fallLooking at the starsAdmiring from afar
My girl, my girl, my girlYou will be my girlMy girl, my girl, my girlYou will be my worldMy world, my world, my worldYou will be my girl
Smoking cigarettes on the roofYou look so pretty and I love this viewDon’t bother looking downWe’re not going that wayAt least I know, I am here to say
11. Ruelle – I Get Love You
This is probably one of the most lyrically strong indie love songs you can ever come across. This song is for someone who adores their partner and also makes promises to stick through the good and bad times.
Lyrics:
One look at you, my whole life falls in lineI prayed for you before I called you mineOh, I can’t believe it’s true, sometimesOh, I can’t believe it’s true
I get to love you, it’s the best thing that I’ll ever doI get to love you, it’s a promise I’m making to youWhatever may come, your heart I will chooseForever I’m yours, forever I doI get to love you, I get to love you
The way you love, it changes who I amI am undone and I thank God once againOh, I can’t believe it’s true, sometimesOh, I can’t believe it’s true
…
See Also: 30 Best Fuck You Songs For Very Difficult Moments
10. Drew Angus – Made to Love You
This song is best for one who is certain about their feeling towards another. To the singer, he was made just to love his partner. So, when words fail, this song can bridge the gap and serve as an assurance of love to your partner.
Lyrics:
Planes were made to flyCars were made to driveThe sun was made to rise and setFrom the East into the West
Birds were made to singBells were made to ringFlowers were made to bloom in springAnd oh it’s such a simple thingI know just what I was made to do
I was made to love youI was put on Earth for thisYou’re my reason for living, my one and only purposeI was made to love you
…
9. Wolman Ft. Pete Doherty – For Lovers
This song is best for times when you just want to get away with your lover and nothing else matters – not even yesterday!
Lyrics:
I’m running away with you
That’s all I’ll ever do
And that’s all we’ll ever need
I forgive you for everything
Meet me at the railroad bar
About seven o’clock
Talk while the sun goes down
Watch the lovers
Leaving town
This is for lovers
Running away
This is for lovers running away
Just for today, I’m running away with you
From yesterday’s news
Let’s leave it all behind
Help me back to my mind
…
8. Lucky Man – The Verve
Best for one who has gone through rough times but later found happiness and love. The love they found changed them and made them free.
Lyrics:
…Happiness, more or lessIt’s just a change in me, something in my libertyOh, my, myHappiness, coming and goingI watch you look at me, and watch my fever growAnd I know just where I am
But how many corners do I have to turn?How many times do I have to learnAll the love I have is in my mind?
But I’m a lucky manWith fire in my hands
…
Gotta love that’ll never die
Gotta love that’ll never die
No, no
I’m a lucky man
7. Biffy Clyro – Many Horror
This song is best for those who although may fight and hurt, they will still find ways to be together in love.
Lyrics:
…
I still believeIt’s you and me ’til the end of time
When we collide we come togetherIf we don’t we’ll always be apart
I’ll take a bruise, I know you’re worth itWhen you hit me, hit me hard
6. Arctic Monkeys – Baby I’m Yours
Best for a time of assurance and to set you in the mood of unconditional love. This song is also that love song that promises forever in love regardless of what will happen.
Lyrics:
Baby, I’m yours (baby, I’m yours)And I’ll be yours (yours) until the stars fall from the skyYours (yours) until the rivers all run dryIn other words, until I die
…
I’m gonna stay right here by your sideAnd do my best to keep you satisfiedNothing in the world could drive me awayEvery day, you’ll hear me say
…
5. Wolf Alice – Don’t Delete the Kisses
A great indie love song that expresses a close connection. Yet, they are too shy and scared of the outcome. At the end of it and despite the skepticism, the singer is certain that they were meant to be.
Lyrics:
I see the signs of a lifetime, you ’til I dieAnd I’m swiftly out, Irish goodbye
What if it’s not meant for me?LoveWhat if it’s not meant for me?Love
I’d like to get to know youI’d like to take you outWe’d go to The Hail MaryAnd afterwards make outInstead, I’m typing you a messageThat I know I’ll never sendRewriting old excusesDelete the kisses at the end
4. Florence + The Machine – You’ve Got The Love
While this song comes with a great melody that can capture attention from different angles, it is also a song that weaves itself into love and trust. Even though this song can be enjoyed as a love song between spouses, it has also been said to be a Christian song for the love of God for man.
The song was originally written by The Source and Candi Staton in 1986.
Lyrics:
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the airI know I can count on youSometimes I feel like saying “Lord I just don’t care”But you’ve got the love I need to see me through
Sometimes it seems that the going is just too roughAnd things go wrong no matter what I doNow and then it seems that life is just too muchBut you’ve got the love I need to see me through
When food is gone you are my daily mealWhen friends are gone I know my saviour’s love is realYou know it’s real
…
3. Paolo Nutini – Last Request
One of Paolo Nutini’s greatest songs and one of the best indie love songs you would ever come across. The song is that of a man dying to be with his love again even if it’s only for the last time.
Lyrics:
Slow down, lie downRemember it’s just you and meDon’t sell out, bow outRemember how this used to be
I just want you closer, is that alright?Baby let’s get closer, tonight
Grant my last request and just let me hold youDon’t shrug your shoulders, lay down beside meSure I can accept that we’re going nowhereBut one last time let’s go there, lay down beside me
…
2. Tom Odell – Grow Old With Me
This song is one of the best indie love songs you’ll come across. The emotional sound that comes with the song matches its lyrics on the need to grow old with the one you love.
Lyrics:
I can feel you breathing
With your hair on my skin
As we lie here within
The night
I’ll pull the sheets
When it’s cold on your feet
Cuz you’ll fall back to sleep
Every time
Grow old with me
Let us share what we see
And oh the best it could be
Just you and I
…
1. Coldplay – Yellow
One thing that makes this song even more daring is its ability to stand the test of time. It is a song about devotion to someone and how willing a person is to do anything for the sake of the one they love.
So, whether it is platonic or romantic love, this song may just be right for any time and place.
Lyrics:
Look at the starsLook how they shine for you
