Songs About Betrayal
Betrayal is a concept often used in works of art. Many artists have encountered betrayal at different stages of their lives. We are lucky that many artists were able to turn these traumas into immortal songs. Here is songs about betrayal with examples of different genres:
Beyoncé – Irreplaceable
Queen Bey, commonly referred to as Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter, is a multi platinum American singer-songwriter and businesswoman. She gained prominence during the late 1990s as lead vocalist of R&B girl group Destiny’s Child; one of the world’s best-selling female groups ever.
Beyonce began her solo music career with B-Day (2006), her debut visual album. Beyonce even wrote and performed the theme song for Dreamgirls (2006) a film adaptation of its Broadway counterpart that she wrote herself.This work by Beyonce is one of the first ones that come to mind among songs about betrayal.
Eminem – Love the Way You Lie ft. Rihanna
Eminem’s rap songs have generated much debate and much-deserved exposure for him. His initial popularity stemmed from using harshly critical personal experiences as topics for his songs; for example, when he commented in one song that he would rather see President Donald Trump dead than live under an authoritarian regime; later he went on to allege his mother had drug dependency issues which caused her to file suit against him.
He eventually settled his suit and began making more money through music. Soon thereafter, he and Kim had a daughter that became the subject of many of his rap songs – his daughter serving as an example of both love and hatred in their relationship. His daughter also serves as a metaphor for his struggles: both loving her but wanting to kill her.
He then transitioned into acting, appearing as his signature character in 8 Mile. Since then he has released more albums such as Revival (2017), Kamikaze (2018) and Music to Be Murdered By in 2020 which received mixed reviews. Furthermore he teamed up with other rappers such as Royce da 5’9″ to form Bad Meets Evil duo. Among songs about betrayal, it would be impossible not to mention this song by Eminem.
Justin Timberlake – Cry Me a River
Justin Timberlake, an American singer-songwriter and actor, has sold over 32 million records worldwide. Additionally, he is an accomplished producer and film director. First rising to fame as part of boy band NSYNC during their breakthrough self-titled album in 1998 made them a pop phenomenon; though subsequent albums No Strings Attached and Celebrity proved just as successful until their third release had lost some of its excitement and they took time away from group projects altogether to pursue solo ventures.
Timberlake performed alongside Janet Jackson at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, but their performance was marred by what became known as a wardrobe malfunction involving part of Jackson’s costume detaching and exposing her breasts. Timberlake later apologized in a television appearance scripted for him.
Timberlake’s acting career quickly flourished following his debut. He made several comedies and dramas such as Bad Teacher (2011), Trouble with the Curve (2012) and Runner Runner (2013); additionally providing voice talent as Branch in Trolls (2016) animated movie.
Taylor Swift – I Knew You Were Trouble
Taylor Alison Swift, best known for her songwriting, musical versatility and artistic reinventions is a renowned American singer-songwriter and cultural icon.
Swift began her singing career when she won first prize at a local talent competition at 11. She soon found an affinity for country music and began performing locally – eventually garnering a development contract with RCA Records. This unforgettable song is one of the most high-energy among songs about betrayal.
Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know
After releasing several successful albums, she expanded into acting, appearing on shows like Sex and the City and Curb Your Enthusiasm as well as taking roles in films like Dogma. In 2008 she released her seventh studio album called Flavors of Entanglement alongside Guy Sigsworth who helped take it in an alternative direction. This successful song has one of the most emotional lyrics among songs about betrayal.
P!nk – Don’t Let Me Get Me
Alecia Beth Moore was born September 8th 1979 in Doylestown Pennsylvania, and began performing back-up singing with local hip-hop bands at 13 before writing her own songs at 16. Soon she would come to be known by her stage name P!nk (sometimes written Pink). Inspired by director Quentin Tarantino’s crime drama Reservoir Dogs where Mr. Pink plays an iconic role.
After making her mark on Philadelphia club scene, she found success when an MCA Records executive recruited her to sing with rhythm-and-blues (R&B) band Basic Instinct. However, shortly thereafter it disbanded, leading her to be recruited by all-female R&B group Choice instead. It is considered as one of the songs about betrayal.
Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way
Fleetwood Mac is well known for creating dramatic art through their music. Since their formation in 1967, the group has earned itself an unrivalled reputation of drama. From John Mayall’s blues band came drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie before quickly taking shape as they gradually added guitarist Peter Green before finding success with Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Lindsey Buckingham joining later.
Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone
Kelly Clarkson rose to fame by winning the first season of American Idol in 2002, with her debut single ‘A Moment Like This’ becoming one of the best-selling singles that year. Following this success she began reinventing herself as a pop-rock artist with 2004’s Breakaway release and featured hits such as ‘Since U Been Gone’ and ‘Behind These Hazel Eyes’ earning two Grammy awards along the way.
Texas native Kelly Clarkson has achieved great success since moving to California: publishing children’s books, creating her daytime talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show and coaching on The Voice. Recently she purchased a 5,000 square-foot home worth $5.4 million that she and her children will share together. This is a striking example for the songs about betrayal.
Adele – Rolling in the Deep
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is one of the most accomplished singer-songwriters of her time. She has earned multiple accolades for her albums and singles, such as seven Grammys (a record) as well as an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for “Skyfall,” the theme song to James Bond film released in 2013.
Adele made her debut album 19 on London-based independent record label XL Records when she was only 18 years old; it immediately reached number one and launched Adele on a global career trajectory.
21 was a worldwide smash hit upon its release and broke sales records upon its debut. This melancholic album–named after her age at recording–includes soulful tracks such as Chasing Pavements and Cold Shoulder as well as more serious tunes such as “Someone Like You,” detailing an end relationship with a bisexual man; perhaps its most poignant track. Among songs about betrayal, Rolling in the Deep would be impossible not to mention this song.
Christina Aguilera – Fighter
She first came to prominence as a child actress on Broadway and in TV shows like Star Search and Mickey Mouse Club. Later she signed a record deal with RCA Records, becoming part of the teen pop trend alongside Britney Spears.
Christina Aguilera released her sophomore album Christina Aguilera in 2003 and featured the hit single, “Fallin’ Away from Me”. Two years later she released Back to Basics featuring influential standards with Jean Harlow-esque artwork for its album art cover. “Fighter” is also counted among songs about betrayal.
Dolly Parton – Jolene
“Jolene” is a classic country song by Dolly Parton, released as the title track of her 1974 album. The song tells the story of a woman, Jolene, whom the narrator pleads with not to take away her partner, expressing her fears and insecurities about losing him to someone she perceives as more attractive.
Dolly Parton’s emotive vocals and the song’s narrative about love, jealousy, and vulnerability struck a chord with audiences, making it one of her most iconic and beloved songs. “Jolene” has remained a timeless classic in country music, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocals, and captivating storytelling, earning a place as one of Dolly Parton’s signature tracks.
Gotye ft. Kimbra – Somebody That I Used to Know
This track is a great example for songs about betrayal with its lyrics. “Somebody That I Used to Know” is a breakout hit by Gotye featuring Kimbra, released as a single from Gotye’s album “Making Mirrors” in 2011. The song gained immense popularity for its haunting melody, raw emotion, and poignant lyrics that explore the aftermath of a broken relationship. Gotye’s soulful vocals, combined with Kimbra’s stirring contribution, narrate both sides of a failed relationship, reflecting on the feelings of detachment and transformation post-breakup.
The song’s distinctive sound, characterized by the use of xylophone-like instrumentals and minimalist production, captured the attention of audiences globally, earning critical acclaim and widespread recognition for its relatable portrayal of heartache and emotional detachment.