The feeling of missing someone can be really intense and at times hard to handle.
But some of the most beautiful songs have been written because of it.
Songs about lost love or about simply missing someone have the most aching, profound, but also very raw lyrics and touching melodies.
Listening to these songs makes you realize how universal this feeling is, and that’s very comforting in some way.
However, every person goes through hard times in their own way, so there are many different genres and moods of the so-called I miss you songs.
We’ve created a list of our favorite songs about missing someone. The list includes various artists, genres, and music eras.
You’ll be reminded of some all-time hits but you might also discover several musical gems that will perfectly fit your mood.
Listening to this kind of music when you’re feeling blue can be really helpful – these songs will help you process your thoughts and give you the much-needed belief that you’ll eventually be just fine!
25 Songs About Missing Someone
1. Florence & The Machine – “Long and Lost”
This is not one of the most popular songs of Florence and the Machine, but it’s very captivating and powerful.
It’s clearly a song about missing someone you love, but it also offers a glimpse of hope, especially in the part:
“It’s been so long between the words we spoke
Will you be there upon the shore, I hope.”
2. Bill Withers – “Ain’t No Sunshine”
This familiar song is a Grammy award-winner and a timeless classic among missing you songs.
It’s Bill Withers’ first hit, and it’s been covered by many artists including Michael Jackson, Joe Cocker, Isaac Hayes, Sting, and Paul McCartney.
No matter how many times you’ve heard this song, the beginning: “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone, it’s not warm when she’s away” always hits hard.
And the fun fact about this song is that Withers almost edited out what turned to be the most iconic part: “I know, I know, I know, I know, I know…”
3. Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here”
Another timeless classic on our list is “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd.
Although the song is generally about longing and detachment, Roger Waters said that the inspiration for the song was Pink Floyd founding member Syd Barrett and his battle with mental illness.
It has arguably one of the most unique verses:
“We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl year after year.“
It’s also a relatively easy song to learn, so it’s also very popular among guitar beginners. There are many great tutorials if you’re taking guitar classes.
4. Blink 182 – “Miss You”
Now, something for the 90’s kids!
“Miss You” by Blink 182 passed the test of time and remained one of the most iconic rock songs about missing someone.
Besides original and touching lyrics, the song manifests a rather mixed mood – it makes you feel sad and nostalgic, but also calm hopeful. Well, it probably depends on the memories the song evokes.
“Hello there,
The angel from my nightmare,
The shadow in the background of the morgue.
The unsuspecting victim of darkness in the valley.
We can live like Jack and Sally
If we want.“
5. Janet Jackson – “Miss You Much“
Songs about missing him can be upbeat, and “Miss You Much” by Janet Jackson is a great example.
The pop icon expressed her feelings in her own way – through a catchy melody, direct lyrics, and signature dance moves.
After all, pop and R&B songs are never a bad idea if you’re feeling down and want to get your spirits up.
6. The Rolling Stones – “Miss You“
Another example of a lively song that expresses the emotions of missing someone is the popular “Miss You” by The Rolling Stones.
The song is considered to be about Mick Jagger’s failing relationship with his wife, although he claimed otherwise saying that it’s simply a song about longing.
Nevertheless, it’s an all-time hit with a recognizable groovy sound and a clear message.
7. Coldplay – “Warning Sign“
This beautiful gem was released in 2002 on Coldplay’s second studio album “A Rush of Blood to the Head.”
Coldplay’s Chris Martin explained it’s a song about the girl he once met.
It’s a gentle alternative rock ballad with an emotional and soothing chorus that easily gets stuck in your head.
8. One Republic – “Come Home“
Although both Coldplay and One Republic are still ruling the charts, some of their older music includes truly beautiful, honest ballads about missing that special someone.
“Come Home” is a calm and mesmerizing song from the One Republic’s 2007 album “Dreaming Out Loud.”
And how can it not be mesmerizing with the lyrics:
“And right now there’s a war between the vanities
But all I see is you and me
And the fight for you is all I’ve ever known
So come home.”
9. The Kooks – “I Already Miss You“
The Kooks are known for their lively alternative songs, but they also released some beautiful, easy tunes.
And this song about longing and regrets is as pure as it gets.
“Sweetheart I already miss you
Sweet eyes I already miss you
And you only just walked out the door.“
10. Hot Chip – “Need You Now”
Sometimes the feeling of longing for someone is pretty vague, and you don’t even know who you’re really missing.
“Need You Now” by the English synthpop band Hot Chip is about needing someone who will care about you and make you feel safe.
The song has a very unique lively yet melancholic mood, and you’ll like it if you’re fond of alternative dance genres.
11. Louis Tomlinson – “Miss You“
This song is probably the most familiar to younger generations who follow the path of this talented singer and songwriter who became famous a member of the band One Direction.
It’s a relatable song to anyone going through the tough time of living your life and suddenly realizing you’re missing someone, but also dealing with the end of a relationship in an unhealthy way.
In fact, Louis Tomlinson said: “I wrote this song about a time in my life when I was going out partying every night. In hindsight throughout that time I was pretty numb and just going through the motions. Deep down it was always in the back of my mind that what I really missed was the girl that I loved. It was important for me to write something really honest.”
12. Billie Eilish – “Happier Than Ever“
“When I’m away from you, I’m happier than ever” is how this 2021 song by Billie Eilish starts.
It’s clearly not one of the typical songs about lost love. But sometimes that feeling of missing someone can trick us into thinking that the relationship that ended is better than it actually was.
If you need a reminder that you’re better of on your own, and that you deserve better, this song is for you.
13. Passenger – “Let Her Go“
“Well, you only need the light when it’s burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go.”
This song was a big hit when it was released in 2021, and we still gladly give it a listen from time to time.
Sometimes we realize we’re loving someone when the person is already gone, and “Let Her Go” by Passenger painfully (and beautifully) portrays that.
14. James Blunt – “Goodbye My Lover“
This one is also a goldie among lost love songs.
Although best known for his hit “You’re Beautiful”, in “Goodbye My Lover”, James Blunt delivers similar emotional expression of letting someone go.
“I am a dreamer and when I wake
You can’t break my spirit, it’s my dreams you take
And as you move on, remember me
Remember us and all we used to be.“
15. Diana Krall – “I Miss You So“
If you like jazz and you’re searching for a gentle song about missing someone you love, this one is for you.
The everlasting charm of this Canadian singer and jazz pianist is recognizable in the I Miss You So where she portrays the emotion of longing in a very calm and romantic way.
“Those happy hours I spent with you
That lovely afterglow
Most of all, I miss you so.“
16. Guns N’ Roses – “Patience“
“Shed a tear cause I’m missing you
I’m still alright to smile.“
This Guns N’ Roses’ 1988 single is a classic love song, but its first verse clearly states it’s also a song about missing someone.
The separation of lovers is stated in the lyrics, but also in the gentle ballad-like melody.
17. Avril Lavigne – “When You’re Gone“
We have another best miss you song for 90’s kids. Avril Lavigne was a bit hit in the mid 2000s (although she’s still producing music), and she wrote many relatable love songs.
“When You’re Gone” is a beautiful song that includes the painful part of missing someone when things you do or see during the day remind you of them.
“I’ve never felt this way before
Everything that I do
Reminds me of you.“
18. Evanescence – “My Immortal“
My Immortal” by the American rock band Evanescence brings a different profound emotion of longing.
Some believe it’s a song about grieving a loved one, especially because of the loss of the singer Amy Lee’s sister, but it can also be a song about being haunted by memories of someone, regardless of the way of losing them.
Nonetheless, it’s a powerful song with a beautiful piano melody and Amy’s mesmerizing vocals.
19. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Brendan’s Death Song“
“Brendan’s Death Song” tackles the topics of death and loss in a very direct yet gentle way specific to Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The song is a tribute to the late Brendan Mullen, the founder of the Masque punk rock club and the band’s long-running friend.
20. Madonna – “Miles Away“
Miles Away is a real treat for those who enjoy classic pop beats.
The song is released on Madonna’s 2008 album “Hard Candy” and it’s a hidden gem among singer’s popular radio hits.
However, the song beautifully expresses the feeling of being far away from someone and the complexities of long distance love.
“Too much of no sound
Uncomfortable silence can be so loud
Those three words are never enough
When it’s long distance love.“
21. Billie Holiday – “These Foolish Things“
Here comes another queen from a different era – Billie Holiday was an American jazz singer who wrote some of the most romantic songs from the 1930s to the ’50s.
“These Foolish Things” is an incredibly charming and gentle tune with relatable lyrics about being constantly reminded of someone.
“A cigarette that bares a lipstick’s traces
An airline ticket to romantic places
Still my heart has wings
These foolish things remind me of you.“
22. Plain White T’s – “Hey There Delilah“
This American rock band Plain White T’s became famous with their beautiful acoustic song “Hey There Delilah”.
It’s a calm, hopeful song about long distance love.
It’s also a personal statement of the singer Tom Higginson who wrote it for the American long distance runner Delilah DiCrescenzo.
“A thousand miles seems pretty far
But they’ve got planes and trains and cars
I’d walk to you if I had no other way.“
23. Ane Brun – “Miss You More“
If you’ve never listened to the Norwegian songwriter Ane Brun, now is a perfect time.
Besides Miss You More, she has plenty of dreamy, delicate songs about love and longing.
Her voice is as touching as ever in the part:
“Sweetheart I already miss you
Sweet eyes I already miss you
And you only just walked out the door.”
24. Adele – “I Miss You“
Adele is probably the queen of contemporary love songs.
I Miss You is from Adele’s third studio album “25” and it’s one of her songs about still being in love.
It’s co-written by Paul Epworth who previously worked with Adele on “Skyfall” and some other tracks from the album “21”.
And when you start to feel calmer and more confident, we recommend that you listen to her single “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” from the same album.
25. Nick Cave – Into My Arms
“Into My Arms” by Nick Cave is a timeless anthem of love.
The song is released as the first single from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ studio album “The Boatman’s Call” in 1997.
Cave’s distinctive vocals, raw music video, and haunting lyrics make one of his most beautiful creations.
“And I don’t believe in the existence of angels
But looking at you I wonder if that’s true
But if I did I would summon them together
And ask them to watch over you.“
Songs About Missing Someone – Final Thoughts
After creating the list of the best songs about missing someone, we’ve realized how some of the most beautiful lyrics and melodies were inspired by the uneasy feeling of missing someone.
Yes, it’s not a comfortable emotion, but it will become easier over time, and relatable songs can be really helpful.
Music can be a true healer, especially if the song you’re listening to reflects your mood and thoughts. You’ll realize you’re not alone, and that’s the magic of music – it connects you with the world in a unique way.
Moreover, music can evoke new emotions, and you can feel differently afterwards. Yes, most of the songs about lost love are sad, but they will help you understand your state of mind and then successfully process your feelings.
But even if you’re not missing anyone specific, these songs are always nice to listen to.
We hope our list reminded you of some familiar oldies but also introduced you to some new favourites!
We included various artists, from Madonna to Pink Floyd. They all convey emotions in their own way and show how many shades the feeling of missing someone has.
