Songs About Forbidden Love
Secret love stories of forbidden loves are commonly used themes in the beloved songs. Forbidden love has been an enduring theme throughout the history of music, captivating audiences with its complexity and emotional depth. We’ve compiled the best ones among songs about forbidden love for you.
From tales of star-crossed lovers to narratives exploring societal taboos, these songs about forbidden love weave poignant stories of affection that defy societal norms and explore the intricacies of love deemed forbidden.
Let’s explore together these songs about forbidden love by starting with a very popular track that came from Madonna!
Madonna – Forbidden Love
It may be the first song when we consider songs about forbidden love in the pop genre. Featured on Madonna’s album Confessions on a Dance Floor released in 2005, Forbidden Love is a dance-pop track that explores the theme of forbidden or taboo relationships. Madonna’s sultry vocals combined with an infectious beat create a compelling and catchy tune.
The song lyrically delves into the complexities of a clandestine romance, touching on themes of desire, longing, and the challenges of pursuing love against societal expectations. It may be remembered this beloved chorus:
“ In your eyes (In your eyes), Forbidden love
In your smile (In your smile), Forbidden love
In your kiss (In your kiss), Forbidden love
If I had one wish love would feel like this
(Love would feel like this) ”
Selena Gomez – Back To You
Another great pop song came from young singer Selena Gomez. Back To You can be considered one of the beloved examples of songs about forbidden love. Back To You by Selena Gomez is a pop track released in 2018 as part of the soundtrack for the TV series 13 Reasons Why. The song encapsulates the emotions of longing and the pull towards a past romantic relationship.
Gomez’s emotive vocals convey the nostalgia and vulnerability of seeking familiarity and comfort in a previous love, despite the challenges and complexities that led to its end.
CMAT – Peter Bogdanovich
It is an original example for songs about forbidden love. Peter Bogdanovich is a song by CMAT, an Irish singer-songwriter known for her witty and storytelling style. The track, named after the American filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich, narrates a personal tale with clever wordplay and nostalgic references.
CMAT weaves a story through the song that reflects on love, heartbreak, and the dynamics of relationships, showcasing her unique blend of poignant lyrics and captivating melodies.
Zac Efron and Zendaya – Rewrite The Stars
Let’s continue the list of songs about forbidden love with a popular soundtrack song. From the movie soundtrack of The Greatest Showman released in 2017, Rewrite The Stars is a duet performed by Zac Efron and Zendaya.
The song portrays the yearning of two individuals who feel destined to be together despite societal constraints and obstacles. Their vocals harmonize beautifully, echoing the desire to overcome barriers and rewrite their fate to be united in love.
Atlantic Starr – Secret Lovers
Here is real time traveling for you! Secret Lovers by Atlantic Starr, released in 1985, is an R&B ballad that addresses the theme of clandestine affairs. The song’s lyrics poignantly describe the hidden romance between two individuals who are involved in separate relationships but find solace and love in their secret liaison.
The track’s soulful melodies and heartfelt vocals express the emotions and challenges of maintaining a concealed love affair. It can be counted as one of the oldest examples of songs about forbidden love.
Alicia Keys – Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)
Alicia Keys should be remembered on our great playlist now. Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready) by Alicia Keys, from her album The Element of Freedom released in 2009, is a soulful R&B track. The song explores the feelings of being in a relationship that might be considered unconventional or against societal norms.
Alicia Keys’ emotive vocals express the vulnerability and readiness to take a chance on love, even if it defies expectations or challenges conventional wisdom.
Avant – Lie About Us
We cannot skip this track when we call songs about forbidden love. Lie About Us by Avant is an R&B song released in 2006 from his album Director. The track delves into the theme of secrecy and deception in a relationship.
Avant’s smooth vocals narrate the story of a clandestine affair, questioning the honesty and authenticity of the emotions shared between two individuals involved in a hidden romance.
Justin Bieber – As Long as You Love Me
He is one of the most popular singers of all time. There are definitely many examples of songs about forbidden love owned by Bieber. However, this track is one of the most popular ones. As Long as You Love Me by Justin Bieber, from his album Believe released in 2012, is a pop song that portrays the determination to overcome obstacles in a relationship.
Bieber’s vocals express the willingness to endure challenges and difficulties as long as there is love and commitment from his partner, emphasizing the strength of love amidst adversity. Popular young artist Bieber, who performed a duet with the famous hip-hop artist Big Sean, achieved a streaming success of more than 500 million with this song.
We shouldn’t forget this talent, who frequently releases songs on themes such as love and separation, in our list.
Lionel Richie – I Call It Love
Even though it is not as popular as other songs in our list of songs about forbidden love, we should remember Lionel Richie now. I Call It Love by Lionel Richie, from his album Coming Home released in 2006, is an R&B track that celebrates the feelings of being deeply in love.
Richie’s soulful voice conveys the joy and elation of being in a fulfilling and passionate romantic relationship, expressing gratitude and cherishing the emotions that come with being in love.
Taylor Swift – Love Story
Of course, Taylor Swift has to have a song for this playlist too. Love Story by Taylor Swift, from her album Fearless released in 2008, is a country-pop song that reimagines the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet.
With a streaming success of more than 700 million, it is one of the most popular examples on our list. Swift’s storytelling style narrates a romantic fairy tale of forbidden love, capturing the essence of youthful passion, overcoming obstacles, and the hope for a happy ending in a relationship despite challenges.
Clarence Carter – Slip Away
Here is another classical and old example for songs about forbidden love. Slip Away by Clarence Carter, released in 1968, is a soul classic that encapsulates the pain and longing of a breakup.
The song’s emotive lyrics and Carter’s soulful vocals express the heartache of losing a loved one and the struggle to move on from a relationship that has come to an end.
The Jaynetts – Sally Go ‘Round the Roses
Let’s go back to the 60’s with The Jaynetts. Sally Go ‘Round the Roses by The Jaynetts, released in 1963, is a mysterious and haunting song. The track’s enigmatic lyrics and hypnotic melody have sparked various interpretations.
It’s often perceived as a song about a girl named Sally and the secrets she holds, with cryptic lyrics that evoke a sense of intrigue and curiosity.
Usher – Confessions Part II
Usher’s heartfelt delivery and introspective lyrics contribute to the emotional depth of the track. Confessions Part II by Usher, from his album Confessions released in 2004, is a continuation of the narrative from the title track.
The song is about admitting to mistakes made in a relationship, detailing the regrets and complications stemming from infidelity.
Confessions can be remembered with this iconic introduction lyrics:
“These are my confessions, Just when I thought I said all I can say
My chick on the side said she got one on the way, These are my confessions
Man I’m throwed and I don’t know what to do, I guess I gotta give you part two of my confessions
If I’m gonna tell it then I gotta tell it all, Damn near cried when I got that phone call
I’m so throwed and I don’t know what to do, But to give you part two of my confessions”
Trey Songz – Last Time
Here is another example of songs about forbidden love that came from the R & B genre. Last Time by Trey Songz, from his album Trey Day released in 2007, is an R&B ballad that reflects on the complexities of a failing relationship.
The song’s lyrics convey the emotional struggle of realizing that a relationship might be coming to an end, reminiscing about the good times while acknowledging the need to let go.
Zara Larsson – Uncover
This cult song has had over 300 millions times on Youtube. Unfortunately, our playlist ends with this track now. Uncovered by Zara Larsson, released in 2015, is a pop ballad that explores the vulnerability of opening up emotionally in a relationship.
Larsson’s powerful vocals convey the intimacy and depth of feelings shared between two people, expressing a willingness to reveal one’s true self and be vulnerable in love.