15 Songs About Complicated Love (Relationship)

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In life, sometimes we find ourselves in a situation whereby we are in some form of situationship with someone and we don’t know how to define the relationship or know how to move forward. Here is a list of songs to resonate with if you are in such a situation.

1. Chris Brown – Undecided

In this song, Chris Brown is conflicted about his romantic relationship with a girl. The girl wanted a commitment but Chris wasn’t sure about pursuing a relationship with her or just keeping it strictly physical. He does feel like he has chemistry and feeling for her but he doesn’t really enjoy feeling that way.

The track is on the album Indigo (2019).

 

2. Fifth Harmony – Don’t Say You Love Me

This was a song from their final, self-titled album Fifth Harmony which was released in 2017. In an interview with LA Times, Dinah described the song as a heart-wrenching song that gets you in your feelings whether you are in a relationship or not.

Lyrically, the singer requests her potential partner not to play with her feelings. He should only act when he truly means it. This is because they have had a close relationship but it has been inconsistent and he has tried to avoid their romance getting deeper. The singer makes it known that she needs more from him.

 

3. Jason Derulo – Goodbye

In the track, Jason Derulo and Nicki Minaj play the part of a couple that is arguing about the future of their relationship. Jason tells her that he would like to connect with her deeper emotionally, however, she doesn’t fully trust him and thinks he is just in the relationship for the sex.

Nicki uses the lines “down for my fatty, fatty” or “down for my naughty, naughty” to symbolize that Jason just wants her body. Hence she urges him that they should part ways but Derulo tries to urge her to stay one more night.

 

4. Taylor Swift – Red

The track is the second track on the album Red, released in 2012. It was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA. Here, Taylor Swift compares the emotions she felt in the relationship to colors.

Just like many of her tracks, Taylor Swift drew her inspiration from a past relationship she was in. In an interview, she stated that the relationship that she was in was the worst thing ever and at the same time was also the best thing to ever happen to her. She uses red to show emotions that are daring, bold, passionate, affectionate and loving. On the other side of the spectrum, it can also show jealousy, anger and frustration.

 

5. Justin Bieber – What Do You Mean

The track was Justin Bieber’s first number one hit in his music career. It was part of the Purpose album released in 2015. When asked about the meaning he stated that girls are often flip-floppy. They say something and then they mean something else. He sings about the indecision often heard when talking to women.

Lyrically, we see Justin frustrated and confused by a girl who doesn’t really know what she wants. Her emotions are fighting each other and it’s causing her to have contradictory standpoints.

The song is thought to be about his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez.

 

6. Maroon 5 – One More Night

This was the second single from their fourth studio album, Overexposed. Lyrically, Adam sings about a relationship that is rough and aggressive. The music video shows Adam boxing his girlfriend and this can be a metaphor for how they are always at each other’s throats.

However, despite all the fighting they still can’t get enough of each other. Adam feels like he can’t resist hooking up with her despite all logic pointing against this action. He finds himself completely entranced by the prospect of intimacy with her.

 

7. Rihanna – Rehab

The song is about a complicated relationship whereby Rihanna is in love with a person who treats her badly but still loves him and doesn’t know why. She ends up comparing her failing relationship to cigarettes. Smoking cigarettes is an unhealthy habit but people who do can’t seem to get enough of them.

In addition to that, Rihanna feels she is addicted to her partner despite the love having so many side effects. She feels like the only way out is to go to rehab just like a person addicted to drugs.

The song is from the album Good Girl Gone Bad released in 2007. It managed to peak at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

8. David Guetta – Say My Name

The singers sing about a relationship that seems to be slowly dwindling. Bebe mentions that she is trying a lot to please her man but he doesn’t reciprocate but instead distances himself leaving her wondering if there is someone else. Based on his behavior she even doubts whether he wants to be with her.

The feelings of being alone in the relationship start to creep in and levels of trust dwindle. However, the two still have physical intimacy. The chorus finds them looking for a reaffirmation of love as Bebe sings “say my name, if you love me”.

 

9. Khalid – Talk

Khalid talks about a relationship that seems to be moving too fast for him and he feels like they will get lost in the process. He requests his partner for extra communication and clarification on what is happening between them and see where the relationship is headed.

The song is the lead single from Khalid’s sophomore album and his first collaboration with an electronic production duo. It debuted at #44 on the Hot 100 and peaked at #3.

 

10. Beyonce – Mine

The track is part of the album Beyonce released in 2013 and was co-written and produced by Drake’s in-house producer 40. Lyrically, the track is about doubt in a relationship. Beyonce opens up about the uncertainty she has experienced in getting married, becoming a mother and falling in love. She also touches on her experience with post-natal depression.

Beyonce also revealed that before getting married to Jay Z, they experienced tensions about whether to make an official commitment through marriage.

 

11. Taylor Swift – End Game

Taylor Swift sings about wanting to be her lover’s soulmate. However, there are some drawbacks that come with dating her. She has some drama that revolves around her that may keep the guy from being with her. Over the years she has been dragged into several high-profile feuds such as one with Kanye West which had a very publicized fallout. She is also concerned about how the media’s portrayal of her could affect her personal life.

Rumors went round the internet that the song was about Tom Hiddelston since they were in a relationship in 2016 or Joe Alwyn whom she was dating when the song was released.

 

12. Avril Lavigne – Complicated

This is the first single from her debut album Let Go and launched her music career when she was just 17 years old. It was able to hold the top spot on Billboard’s Adult Top 40 chart for 16 weeks in a row and peaked at #2 on the Hot 100.

Lyrically, the track is about the problems that sprout when you pretend to be something you are not especially when you are in a relationship with someone. It makes the relationship complicated and frustrates your partner since they feel like you changed to be someone completely different.

 

13. Khalid & Normani – Love Lies

The song was featured in the movie Love, Simon (2018) and the first collaboration between the two artists.

The message in the song revolves around the intimate connection between two people. However, they both question the boundaries and feelings they have for one another. Khalid has had a hard time trusting his partner in previous relationships and finally he has found someone he is comfortable trusting.

There has been some significant history between the two characters but they have been fearful to talk about them. They urge each other to be open and expressive about their feelings.

 

14. Cardi B & Kehlani – Ring

The song is part of Cardi’s debut album Invasion of Privacy. It peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100. Lyrically, we see Kehlani and Cardi express their doubts of their partner’s commitment to the relationship. Cardi complains about how he is hard to get in touch with and he never tries to contact her.

 

15. Billie Eilish – I Love You

This is a soft acoustic ballad that explores the struggles and feelings of a complicated relationship. Billie wishes that she wishes her relationship had never gotten off the ground in the first place just like a plane taking off on a runaway.