You may find yourself lost in the runs of “Love On Top” by Beyoncé. Or perhaps screaming out “I hate you so much right now!” by Kelis is more your speed. Either way, February 14th tends to bring out those mixed emotions of experiencing real love and/or real heartbreak. Unlike the fairy tale love found in films like Twilight — we’re talking Angela Bassett’s glow-up in Waiting To Exhale.
Sometimes you may think you’re over the relationship, but you’ve revisited old photos, checked their Instagram account for the third time that day, and may have even sent them a text (“by mistake,” of course). Either way, breaking up ain’t easy.
It takes time to let go of someone who’s seen you in all seasons and once made you feel comfortable enough to lower your guard. However, in order to truly release what no longer serves you and reclaim parts of yourself — you have to stop communication, and as Lizzo says, be “100% that bi**h!”
Here are 14 timeless songs to add to your playlist this Valentine’s Day to get over them, completely.
And by the way, Valentine’s Day isn’t always about having a boo to spend it with, it can be a day to simply love on yourself.
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"I Will Survive" - Gloria Gaynor
An oldie, but goodie.
“I Will Survive” is the “Dreams and Nightmares” of breakup songs dating from the late ’70s. The Gloria Gaynor disco tune serves as a redemption song for the girl who could never see herself overcoming a heartbreak, but survives it.
Notable lyrics: But now I hold my head up high and you see me/ Somebody new/ I’m not that chained-up little person still in love with you/ And so you felt like dropping in and just expect me to be free/ Well, now I’m saving all my lovin’ for someone who’s loving me.
Revisit “I Will Survive” above.
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"Irreplaceable" - Beyonce
Ever needed an anthem to listen to while kicking someone out of your crib? Beyoncé created one.
“Irreplaceable” is a staple breakup song for when you’re way beyond the tears; moving trucks are on the way and a new bae is in close proximity.
Notable Lyrics: So since I’m not your everything/ How about I’ll be nothing, nothing at all to you/ Baby I won’t shed a tear for you/ I won’t lose a wink of sleep/ ‘Cause the truth of the matter is/ Replacing you is so easy.
Take a look at the video for “Irreplaceable” above.
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"Truth Hurts" - Lizzo
Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” is a reminder that you’re “100 percent that bi**h!” whenever you may have forgotten that.
It’s easy to lose yourself while placing your time and energy into someone else’s growth. Even if it was a temporary love affair. However, it doesn’t hurt to remind them of what they could’ve had just by leveling up your life.
Notable lyrics: You coulda had a bad bi**h, non-committal/ Help you with your career, just a little/ You’re supposed to hold me down/ But you’re holding me back/ And that’s the sound of me not calling you back.
Sing along to “Truth Hurts” above.
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"Movin' On" - Mya
This 1998 smooth breakup jam is for the girls who have just come to terms with the fact that it’s finally time to let go. Yes, he may still be in the relationship (for now), but you’ve exited mentally a while ago.
Notable lyrics: You ain’t got no money/ I should’ve left you long ago/ And your stroke ain’t strokin’ no more/ So I’ve been sleepin all alone/ If you know what I mean, I’m movin’ on.
Check out the video to “Movin’ On” by the R&B vet above.
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"Tyrone" - Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu was fed up on 1997’s “Tyrone.”
Ready for her man to pack his belongings and leave, the track serves as a testimony for women financially supporting a man who’s gotten too comfortable. Now, there’s no shame in reciprocal help, but Badu was downright being taken advantage of, and ready to kick them to the curb.
Notable lyrics: I think you’d better call Tyrone/ And tell him come on help you get your sh*t/ You need to call Tyrone/ Hold on…But you can’t use my phone.
Revisit the ‘90s smash hit above.
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"It's Not Right But It's Okay" - Whitney Houston
Who said that getting over him had to be a sad occasion?
The late Whitney Houston‘s “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay,” is a celebratory song for making it out of a bad relationship — almost like a follow up to Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”
This one’s for those of us who won’t necessarily cry about their mate cheating, but will leave his belongings at the door for him to find. Y’know, when he’s done “doing him.”
Notable lyrics: Pack your bags up and leave/ Don’t you dare come running back to me/ It’s not right, but it’s okay/ I’m gonna make it anyway/ Close the door behind you, leave your key/ I’d rather be alone than unhappy.
Listen and watch “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay” above.
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"Pick Up Your Feelings" - Jazmine Sullivan
Jazmine Sullivan wanted her ex to eat his words and actions — with no crumbs left — in “Pick Up Your Feelings.”
The Heaux Tales hit perfectly describes what it means to revoke all access to you, and make someone regret treating you how they did. Change your number and the locks!
Notable lyrics: I’m tryna find a f**k to give for you/ You ran out of chances of forgivin’, yeah/ Yeah, listen, I ain’t listenin’/ Just for you to go and break my heart again/ I learned my lesson (last time)/ And I ain’t comin’ back now/ This is what you had now, and I bet you I look better, don’t I?
Give “Pick Up Your Feelings” a listen above.
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"Hit 'Em Up Style" - Blu Cantrell
Blu Cantrell’s 2001 revenge anthem, “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” details getting a cheater back in the pettiest way ever — by leaving all of their accounts in a drought.
This one’s for the exes who’d rather “make him pay for it all,” literally. A truly liberating yet spiteful song that just simply makes you feel good, and their pockets hurt.
Notable lyrics: While he was schemin,’ I was beamin’ in the Beamer, just beamin’/ Can’t believe that I caught my man cheatin’/ So I found another way to make him pay for it all/ So I went, to Neiman-Marcus on a shopping spree-ah/ And on the way I grabbed Sole and Mia/ And as the cash box rang, I thought everything away.
Revisit the millennial anthem “Hit ‘Em Up Style” above.
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"None Of Your Concern" - Jhene Aiko
Jhené Aiko’s making it clear on this track that whoever she’s with now, is of no concern to an ex — especially after he’s pushed her away. We could learn a thing or two from the stance the crooner takes.
Getting over your ex involves excluding them from your new love life. They shouldn’t know your new boo’s name, where they live or how good they’re lovin’ you. It’s none of their business.
Notable lyrics: I was traumatized and suicidal, sick and tired, I am not to blame/ Once I felt a way, but not today, I’m not afraid, now I can say/ Get your bi**h ass off of my phone, please leave me alone/ I am not your girl anymore, you need to watch your tone/ Don’t worry about who it is I’m f**kin’ or who I am lovin’, just know that it is not you/ This isn’t up for discussion, I wish you good luck, man, when it comes to you.
Listen to Jhené Aiko’s “None of Your Concern” above.
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"Karma" - Queen Naija
Have you ever wanted to make someone feel the emotional pain they’ve caused you? Although some deem it “immature” to “get your lick back,” Queen Naija sang about giving her ex-boyfriend his karma in the best way.
Let’s be honest, sometimes it does feel good to see someone get what they deserve, even if it just means watching you become the best version of yourself. That’s revenge too.
Notable lyrics: You don’t got to worry about me/ You made it clear that you’re unhappy, yeah/ Go ahead and have your fun now/ Just remember what goes around comes around.
Watch Queen give her ex his “Karma” above.
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"Take A Bow" - Rihanna
Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” is another breakup staple.
With this one, Rih Rih actually makes fun of the guy who broke her heart, comparing his “re-runs” of apologies to bad acting, and calling him out for his “ugly” cry. This one’s sure to help you get over an ex. The 2008 smash-hit erupts those stinging feelings of believing someone to be who they never were.
Notable lyrics: Oh, and the award for the best liar goes to you (Goes to you)/ For making me believe, that you could be, faithful to me/ Let’s hear your speech, oh/ How ’bout a round of applause?/ A standing ovation.
Rewind the clocks with Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” above.
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"B.S." - Jhené Aiko Feat. H.E.R.
Jhené Aiko has too many songs fit for a “get over him,” list. However, “B.S.” stands out due to her “idgaf” approach.
After giving love a real chance and being disappointed yet again, Aiko says ”to hell with love,” and heads back to the streets. In this track from Chilombo, the R&B crooner would rather not feel emotions – if it means she’ll have to deal with heartache. Getting over someone may include pretending that your emotions doesn’t exist and just having some fun.
Notable lyrics: It seem like I give so much and don’t get nothin’ back/ I really thought it was love but you’re so f**kin’ whack/ Always get caught up in love, but I am done with that/ I can’t get caught up in love, so now I’m—, yeah.
Take a listen to “B.S.” featuring H.E.R. above.
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"No Reply" - Mahalia
Mahalia’s “No Reply” is a great song to listen to when you’re tired of your ex blowing your phone up — because you’re ready to cut off all contact. No more updates on your life, or how you’ve been. This 2018 track is about making your absence felt.
Notable lyrics: So what you got? New excuses/ There you are, same old you sh*t/ Bet you need a favor, find a girl on your radar/ I ain’t never gonna save ya, again/ Sail on, I don’t want you, yeah/ Baby, you must be dumb/ I can’t feel the wave that you’re on/ Can’t you hear the tone? I don’t wanna know.
Watch Mahalia hit decline in “No Reply” above.
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"Smoking On My Ex Pack" - SZA
SZA taps into her inner rapper as she brags in her ex’s face about the type of woman she is and the kind of guys she’s capable of pulling.
The S.O.S. track exudes a braggadocious energy that gives reminders to be the boss that you are. A true confidence booster, SZA throws it in her ex-boyfriend’s face that she was that chick—before and after him.
Notable lyrics: I’m f**kin’ on heartthrobs, I got your favorite rapper blocked/ I heard the d*ck was whack, your favorite athlete screamin’, ‘Text me back’/ I make no exception/ The lesser part of me loves all the cap/ He screamin’, ‘Get back togеther’/ I’m screamin,’ ‘Back of the bus, trick.’
Take a listen to SZA’s rap about an ex above.