When it comes to the heartache and tangled emotions that come with unfaithfulness, few things capture the essence quite like songs about cheating. These tunes have a way of creeping into our ears and hearts, spinning stories that resonate with anyone who’s ever been wronged or stepped out of line. There’s a raw honesty in songs about cheating that often reflects what we’re too scared to say out loud.
From the soft strumming of a guitar to the mournful wail of the blues, these songs form a soundtrack for the betrayed and the betrayer alike. They remind us that we’re not alone in our experiences, echoing the age-old dramas of love and loss.
So, let’s dive into the rhythms and rhymes that tell tales of sneaking around and broken trust, and explore how these songs about cheating have become timeless anthems of the heart’s more complicated corners.
Top 19 Songs About Cheating Hearts
1. “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood
- Singer: Carrie Underwood
- Writer: Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear
- Release Year: 2006
Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” became an instant hit when it hit the airwaves, and for good reason. This song isn’t just about cheating; it’s a fierce anthem of empowerment. With her strong voice, Carrie tells the story of a woman who takes matters into her own hands when she learns her man is out with another girl. She doesn’t just sit at home and cry; she grabs a baseball bat and goes to town on his prized car. This song caught the ears of so many because it’s about getting even and standing strong, instead of just being a victim.
It’s got a catchy beat that you can’t help but tap your foot to, and the chorus is a shout-along moment for anyone who’s ever been cheated on. The music video, with Carrie Underwood teaching a lesson in respect, made just as big a splash as the song. It’s no surprise it’s still a go-to karaoke song for anyone looking to belt out their heartbreak and anger.
2. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” – Marvin Gaye
- Singer: Marvin Gaye
- Writer: Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong
- Release Year: 1968
Marvin Gaye’s soulful rendition of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a classic that stands the test of time. This song about cheating dives into the disbelief and pain of hearing rumors about a loved one’s infidelity. Marvin’s voice, smooth yet full of aching, brings to life the sting of betrayal. It’s not just about the words; it’s about the way he sings them, with a mix of hurt and the kind of sophistication that only Marvin Gaye could deliver. The song was such a massive hit that it’s often what folks think of when they hear his name.
The melody is haunting, the kind that stays in your head long after the song is over. It’s been covered by many artists, but Marvin’s version remains a staple on the radio and in the hearts of those who know all too well the feeling of learning the truth the hard way.
3. “You Oughta Know” – Alanis Morissette
- Singer: Alanis Morissette
- Writer: Alanis Morissette, Glen Ballard
- Release Year: 1995
Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” is a powerhouse of raw emotion. The song, with its fierce lyrics and Alanis’s passionate delivery, strikes a chord with anyone who’s felt the burn of being replaced. It’s a song about cheating that doesn’t hold back any punches. Alanis’s voice crackles with the intensity of her feelings, mixing anger, confusion, and a touch of sarcasm. The track became an anthem for the scorned and a flagship song of the ’90s. It catapulted Alanis to fame, and it’s easy to see why.
The driving guitar, the relentless beat, and that unforgettable chorus make it a song that’s not just heard but felt. When “You Oughta Know” comes on, you can bet people are singing along, channeling their own heartaches through Alanis’s powerful words.
4. “Cry Me a River” – Justin Timberlake
- Singer: Justin Timberlake
- Writer: Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Scott Storch
- Release Year: 2002
Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River” is a modern take on the age-old story of cheating, and it became a huge hit with its sleek production and Justin’s smooth vocals. The song is a mix of regret and a bit of revenge. It’s about finding out you’ve been cheated on and letting the person who hurt you know that you’re moving on, and they’ve lost their chance. The music video, with its mysterious, almost spy-like storyline, added to the song’s intrigue and popularity.
What makes this song stick is not just the tale of betrayal but the way Justin delivers it—with a kind of cool that makes the pain seem sharp yet somehow stylish. “Cry Me a River” is a song that makes heartbreak seem almost glamorous, and it’s been a fan favorite ever since it first played on the radio.
5. “Jolene” – Dolly Parton
- Singer: Dolly Parton
- Writer: Dolly Parton
- Release Year: 1973
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is a bit different from your typical songs about cheating—it’s a plea. In this timeless classic, Dolly sings to Jolene, asking her not to take her man just because she can. The song’s gentle guitar strumming and Dolly’s clear, emotive voice create a sense of urgency and vulnerability. It’s not about anger or revenge but about the desperation and fear of losing love to someone else. “Jolene” has been covered by countless artists and resonates with audiences worldwide.
It’s the simplicity of the melody and the relatability of the lyrics that make this song unforgettable. Dolly Parton brings to life the emotion of someone who is pained by the possibility of cheating, rather than the act itself, and it’s this twist that keeps “Jolene” etched in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
6. “Take a Bow” – Rihanna
- Singer: Rihanna
- Writer: Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Shaffer Smith
- Release Year: 2007
“Take a Bow” by Rihanna is a sleek, R&B ballad where the singer confronts a cheating partner. The song’s graceful piano accompaniment contrasts sharply with the cutting lyrics, delivering a poised goodbye to a lover who’s been caught in the act. Rihanna’s vocal performance is both controlled and emotive, revealing a story of someone reclaiming their dignity after betrayal. What’s compelling about “Take a Bow” is how it blends the pain of infidelity with a strong sense of self-respect.
It became a chart-topping hit, resonating with listeners for its empowering message. The song is a musical pat on the back for anyone who’s ever had to walk away from a partner who was not truthful, making it a memorable and dignifying anthem for the wronged.
7. “Your Cheatin’ Heart” – Hank Williams
- Singer: Hank Williams
- Writer: Hank Williams
- Release Year: 1953
Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart” is a cornerstone of country music and a heartfelt expression of sorrow and reproach. The twang of Williams’ guitar and the lonesome wail of his voice paint a vivid picture of the loneliness that comes from being cheated on. It’s a song that speaks to the heartbreak of knowing your love has been unfaithful. The straightforward lyrics and simple melody have made it a timeless classic, one that has spoken to generations of listeners.
Even those who don’t typically listen to country music recognize the raw emotion that “Your Cheatin’ Heart” conveys. This song has been covered by many artists over the years, but Hank Williams’ original recording remains a poignant reminder of the sting of infidelity.
8. “Unfaithful” – Rihanna
- Singer: Rihanna
- Writer: Ne-Yo, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S. Eriksen
- Release Year: 2006
In “Unfaithful,” Rihanna takes on the role of the one doing the cheating, which adds a complex layer to the theme of infidelity. The song is a confession of guilt, depicting the inner conflict of someone who is causing pain to their partner through their actions. Rihanna’s voice conveys a mixture of regret and inevitable sorrow, against the backdrop of a dramatic piano arrangement. This song stood out for its honesty and its exploration of the cheater’s remorse, a less commonly sung-about perspective.
“Unfaithful” became a massive hit, praised for its emotional depth and the maturity of Rihanna’s performance. It taps into the struggle of loving someone yet knowing you’re causing them harm, making it a compelling narrative that’s both tragic and beautifully rendered in song.
9. “Lips of an Angel” – Hinder
- Singer: Hinder
- Writer: Austin Winkler, Brian Howes, Cody Hanson, Lloyd Garvey, Mark King, Mike Rodden
- Release Year: 2005
“Lips of an Angel” by Hinder is a rock ballad that captures the conflicted emotions of reconnecting with an ex while in a current relationship. The song’s raw guitar riffs and gritty vocals reflect the turmoil of being tempted to cheat with a past love. Its popularity soared as it tapped into the universal feeling of longing and the temptation that can threaten even the most committed relationships.
The lead singer’s raspy voice adds to the song’s emotional intensity, making the listener feel the weight of the situation. “Lips of an Angel” found its way into the hearts of many who could relate to the bittersweet nostalgia and the pain of unresolved feelings that the song so powerfully expresses.
10. “Should’ve Said No” – Taylor Swift
- Singer: Taylor Swift
- Writer: Taylor Swift
- Release Year: 2007
Taylor Swift’s “Should’ve Said No” is a powerful country-pop song that addresses a moment of betrayal with fiery indignation. With the twang of banjos and an upbeat tempo, it belies the song’s strong message to a cheating partner. Taylor Swift’s narrative songwriting shines through as she recounts the discovery of infidelity and the regret that her partner should feel for making such a mistake. The song quickly became a fan favorite for its relatable lyrics and catchy chorus.
“Should’ve Said No” showcases Swift’s ability to blend country storytelling with pop sensibility, creating a track that’s as danceable as it is poignant. It became a defining song for Swift in her early career, resonating with those who’ve faced the heartbreak of a partner not staying true.
11. “It Wasn’t Me” – Shaggy
- Singer: Shaggy
- Writer: Ricardo Ducent, Shaun Pizzonia, Brian Thompson
- Release Year: 2000
Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me” puts a playful spin on getting caught cheating. The song features a back-and-forth conversation where a friend advises to simply deny everything despite overwhelming evidence. Shaggy’s reggae-infused beats and catchy hook made this song a chart-topping hit. While the topic is serious, the light-hearted approach and the song’s infectious rhythm have listeners singing along to the story of a man who’s advised to claim “It wasn’t me” when confronted about his infidelity.
It’s a humorous take on the lengths some will go to avoid responsibility, and this clever, tongue-in-cheek storytelling is part of what made the song stand out and become a pop culture reference for denial.
12. “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” – Blu Cantrell
- Singer: Blu Cantrell
- Writer: Dallas Austin
- Release Year: 2001
Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” is an anthem for anyone who’s ever wanted to get back at a cheating partner through their wallet. The song tells the story of a woman who goes on a shopping spree with her unfaithful boyfriend’s credit cards. With a mix of R&B and jazz, Blu Cantrell’s powerful vocals empower listeners to take control and strike back.
The song became a hit not only because of its catchy melody but also because it gave a voice to the idea of turning betrayal into a form of personal liberation and retribution. It’s sassy, it’s bold, and it resonated with listeners who admired the protagonist’s unapologetic stance against being wrong.
13. “Don’t” – Ed Sheeran
- Singer: Ed Sheeran
- Writer: Ed Sheeran, Benjamin Levin
- Release Year: 2014
Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t” is a gritty, rhythmic tale of a romance gone wrong. The song’s narrative unfolds with Sheeran’s smooth vocal delivery over a looping beat, telling the story of a fling that turned sour when infidelity comes into play. It’s a departure from his usual ballads, showing a tougher side of Sheeran. “Don’t” became popular because it combined the relatable theme of cheating with a catchy and unique musical style.
The song’s blend of soulful storytelling and hip-hop-inspired beats made it a favorite on the charts and a standout track from his discography. Listeners appreciated the raw honesty and the way Sheeran turned personal betrayal into a hit song.
14. “Misery Business” – Paramore
- Singer: Paramore
- Writer: Hayley Williams, Josh Farro
- Release Year: 2007
“Misery Business” by Paramore is a high-energy rock anthem about frontwoman Hayley Williams’ experiences with a love triangle. The song’s driving guitar riffs and Williams’ fiery vocals make it an energetic outing that captures the tumult and angst of teenage relationships and the complications of dealing with a cheating partner. Its lyrics strike a chord with anyone who’s ever been pitted against another for someone’s affection. The song catapulted Paramore into the mainstream, becoming an emblematic track of the 2000s rock scene.
The unapologetic attitude and the band’s dynamic performance made “Misery Business” a memorable song that many could relate to and find solace in during their own messy encounters with love and betrayal.
15. “Ring the Alarm” – Beyoncé
- Singer: Beyoncé
- Writer: Beyoncé Knowles, Kasseem Dean, Sean Garrett
- Release Year: 2006
Beyoncé’s “Ring the Alarm” is a fiery R&B track that captures the intensity of discovering a partner’s infidelity. With an urgent siren-like intro and an aggressive beat, the song conveys the raw emotion and the rush to fight back against being wronged. Beyoncé’s powerful and emotional performance expresses the urgency and the pain of a woman scorned, unwilling to let her cheating partner walk away without consequence.
The song’s high-energy and combative tone resonated with listeners, and it was lauded for its portrayal of strength and assertiveness in the face of betrayal. “Ring the Alarm” remains a fierce number in Beyoncé’s catalog, encapsulating the theme of cheating with a vigorous and passionate response.
16. “Leave (Get Out)” – JoJo
- Singer: JoJo
- Writer: Soulshock & Karlin, Alex Cantrell, Kenneth Karlin, Phillip White
- Release Year: 2004
“Leave (Get Out)” by JoJo is a pop-R&B track that exploded onto the music scene, making JoJo the youngest solo artist to have a number-one single in the United States at the time. The song, delivered with the conviction of someone beyond her years, speaks to the moment of asserting oneself and kicking a cheating partner to the curb. With its catchy chorus and JoJo’s impressive vocal range, the song became an instant hit.
The message is empowering, focusing on self-respect and the decision to walk away from someone who isn’t faithful. “Leave (Get Out)” remains an empowering song for a new generation, symbolizing the strength to stand up for oneself in the face of infidelity.
17. “You Know I’m No Good” – Amy Winehouse
- Singer: Amy Winehouse
- Writer: Amy Winehouse
- Release Year: 2007
Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good” is a soulful confessional track where the singer-songwriter admits to her own infidelity with raw honesty. The song’s blend of jazz and R&B, alongside Winehouse’s distinctive voice, creates a sultry and remorseful atmosphere. She tells the story of her own cheating and the subsequent guilt with a candidness that struck a chord with listeners worldwide.
Her lyrics are self-reflective and the music complements the narrative of a flawed relationship marred by her own misdoings. This song became emblematic of Winehouse’s troubled yet brilliant career and remains a haunting reminder of her talent for storytelling through music.
18. “Creep” – TLC
- Singer: TLC
- Writer: Dallas Austin
- Release Year: 1994
TLC’s “Creep” is a smooth, R&B track that addresses cheating from a different angle: the women in the song decide to cheat in response to their partners’ infidelity. With its funky bassline and catchy chorus, “Creep” became a major hit and a signature song for the trio. The song’s message about taking control in a cheating relationship, combined with its danceable groove, helped it climb the charts.
TLC’s blend of vocals and raps conveys both the pain of being cheated on and the conflicted feelings about cheating themselves. It’s a nuanced take on infidelity that invites listeners to consider the complexities of love and trust.
19. “Wake Up Call” – Maroon 5
- Singer: Maroon 5
- Writer: Adam Levine, James Valentine
- Release Year: 2007
Maroon 5’s “Wake Up Call” tells the story of a man who discovers his lover’s infidelity and reacts with a mix of shock and vengeance. The song features a catchy pop-rock melody that contrasts with the dark narrative of the lyrics. Adam Levine’s smooth vocals carry the tune over a driving beat, reflecting the emotional turmoil of being cheated on.
The song was a commercial success, thanks in part to its relatable theme and Maroon 5’s signature style. It speaks to the sudden jolt one feels upon uncovering a partner’s betrayal, likened to a wake-up call that changes everything.
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Conclusion
As we wrap up our look at these raw and real songs about cheating, it’s clear that this tricky topic has inspired artists across all music genres. Whether it’s the sharp sting of betrayal or the fiery response of the scorned, these tunes have a way of striking a chord within us. They remind us that, while cheating is a rough patch in the road of love, it can also be a powerful muse for some of the most memorable and heart-hitting songs we’ve got on our playlists.
So next time life throws a curveball your way, maybe one of these songs will not just echo your feelings, but also give you a beat to march on to.