21 Songs About Being Used, Led On, or Taken Advantage Of

There’s no denying the pleasant sensation of love. Unfortunately, not all feelings are equally returned, and some people experience the pain of being used, led on, or lied to. Not only does this occur in romantic partnerships, but also in platonic and familial bonds.

Below is a list of the best songs about being used, led on, and taken advantage of, in case you’re going through something similar and need some musical solace or an outlet for your emotions.

21. How Do You Sleep? — Sam Smith

Hold onto your heart because our opening track might break it. Sam Smith released “How Do You Sleep?” in 2019, and it was immediately well received. You’ll feel a stab of emotion in your heart when you absorb those words about wondering how somebody sleeps after breaking his heart. The compilation album Ultratop Hit Connection Best Of 2019 features this catchy pop tune.

20. Your Power — Billie Eilish

Emotive guitar strums open Billie Eilish’s “Your Power,” and it’s effective in setting a melancholic mood. This soul track came out in 2021 on the Happier Than Ever album, and it has received several nominations since. Her soft and airy voice adds depth to the emotions of the song, which is about someone who abuses his power to control and oppress one’s heart.

19. Never Again – Kelly Clarkson

A singer-songwriter who has won a Grammy is going to perform here today with her song “Never Again.” Her wide vocal range shines through as she sings about learning from her own mistakes and avoiding repeating them. It is done in a pop-rock style and features compelling instrumentation that has an upbeat tempo. This track can be found on her album titled My December.

18. Part of Me — Katy Perry

From Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection comes a pop hit that has been loved by many since its release in 2012. It’s titled “Part of Me” and is a People’s Choice Award nominee for Favorite Music Video. Because of its heartfelt lyrics and infectious rhythm, it became an instant breakup anthem and a great song about women’s empowerment.

17. Say My Name — Destiny’s Child

13 years ago, in 1999, the vocal group Destiny’s Child recorded “Say My Name” for The Writing’s on the Wall. It is an R&B track that won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The lyrics of “Say My Name” revolve around a guy who leads them on. It’s an enticing soulful track that doesn’t get old.

16. Heartbreak Girl— 5 Seconds of Summer

5 Seconds of Summer, or 5sos, released a track titled “Heartbreak Girl.” It is full of catchy riffs and hooky vocals. The song’s lyrics are written from the perspective of the girl’s friend, who is being used as a crutch by the girl whenever she and her boyfriend have issues. Many people can identify with the experience of being “friend-zoned” through this track.”

15. Dive — Ed Sheeran

A beautiful soul track by Ed Sheeran that you will never get tired of listening to is up next. It’s “Dive” from his album titled “÷.” It has now garnered more than 200 million YouTube views. Ed Sheeran brings his full emotions and passion into singing, making the words something that will move you. Its melody is also catchy. “Dive” should absolutely be part of your song playlists.

14. Bed of Lies — Nicki Minaj

Today marks 8 years since Nicki Minaj dropped her single “Bed of Lies” in 2014. Skylar Grey provides backing vocals on the choruses of this rap-pop track. This wrenching song is based on Nicki’s own experience of being lied to by a romantic partner and is therefore deeply personal to her. Her album, The Pinkprint, features this track.

13. A Sad Song About a Girl I No Longer Know — Bedside Kites

Another raw piece of music is in our collection. It was recorded by Bedside Kites in 2018 and is titled “A Sad Song About a Girl I No Longer Know.” This title track is an acoustic indie track about him regretting the things he allowed to happen, saying, “Why’d I let you walk all over me?” This song is great for jamming out when you’re in agony.

12. Sorry — Halsey

Halsey’s “Sorry” stands out from the rest of the songs on this list because she’s not a victim but rather the one who took someone for granted. The otherworldly tones of Halsey’s voice can reach out and touch you. Her album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, features this song, and it will make you teary-eyed for its sorrowful mood.

11. New Rules — Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa’s “New Rules” is a huge hit off her self-titled album Dua Lipa and even earned a nomination for the Brit Award for Song of the Year. As for the lyrics of “New Rules”, she sings about avoiding the things that led her into his trap in the first place. You can’t help but groove and dance along to this infectious electronic pop song’s beat.

10. (You Keep Me) Hangin’ On — Ann Peebles

Here is a treat for classic lovers out there! In 1974, Ann Pebles released a song called “(You Keep Me) Hangin’ On” as part of I Can’t Stand the Rain. It is a soothing yet painful song about how good someone is at wrapping her around his fingers. Ann’s soulful vocals, the laid-back instruments, and the lyrics of this track were perfectly arranged.

9. Last Rites / Loved to Death — Megadeth

Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! is the name of the album Megadeth released in 1985. Among its tracks is a metal rock song titled “Last Rites / Loved to Death.” The vocalist’s powerful voice and the fast-paced backing track will have you banging your head. “Last Rites / Loved to Death” is chaotic yet entertaining to play and listen to at the same time.

8. Damage — H.E.R.

A song by H.E.R. titled “Damage” has already amassed 155 million views on YouTube. It goes to show how well-liked this track from her album Back of My Mind is. In addition, it also earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Song. Her beautiful voice brings depth and emotion to this song about a man who, if she lets him, could cause her a lot of harm. It is a timeless song you’ll want to always play.

7. FourFiveSeconds — Kanye West, Paul McCartney, and Rihanna

Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney collaborated on the title track, “FourFiveSeconds.” It is a golden pop song recorded in 2015 that has received more than half a billion views on YouTube, and it also got nominated for the MuchMusic Video Award for iHeartRadio International Artist of the Year. Listening to this song has a hypnotic, irresistible quality.

6. Mean It — LANY and Lauv

Our next entry is titled “Mean It” and is about someone who isn’t as invested in a relationship as the other is. It is performed by LANY and Lauv. Its beat and lyrical tune are catchy and will have listeners snapping their fingers and tapping their toes. This pop track is among the tracks from the 2019 album, ~how i’m feeling~ (The Extras.)

5. waiting on nothing — joan

Another fresh song released in 2021 is joan’s song titled, “waiting on nothing.” It is a great addition to our collection, as it is a song about being led on. This pop song from the album HEADLINERS: joan has the power to take you to its world. “waiting on nothing” is something that will leave a lasting impression.

4. Piece Of Me — Bullet for My Valentine

“Piece of Me” is a rock song by the band Bullet for My Valentine’s Gravity album. The arrangement of this track’s instrumentation and singing make it a banger. The lyrics center on one’s lack of sympathy towards the person who broke him so badly, as evident in the following lines:

You brought me misery
You took my confidence
Too many bruises
Too many hit to take

“Piece of Me” is a track that is both pleasurable to listen to and one that has the ability to get your blood pumping.

3. that way —Tate McRae

In 2021, Tate McRae released an album called Decade of Summer: The 10s, which includes the song “that way.” The central theme of the story is a woman’s uncertainty over their relationship status. This electro-pop track features Tate McRae’s alluring vocals. If you are stuck in the friend zone, the line “friends don’t look at friends that way” will surely hit you right through the core.

2. Used — SZA

Used,” recorded by SZA featuring Don Toliver, is one of the tracks on her album titled SOS. This R&B has a fast tempo and a chill vibe. The harmony of SZA and Don Toliver’s voices is on point and pleasant to the ears. This song, which is about someone who is used to being used, is a great selection to play while on a drive or while hanging out with your pals.

1. The Heart Wants What It Wants — Selena Gomez

Well done on reaching the final piece! You can raise your standards as it is a Radio Disney Music awardee for the Best Breakup Song. It is “The Heart Wants What It Wants” from Selena Gomez’s 2014 album, For You. With its moving lyrics and exquisite music, this masterpiece is sure to touch your heart and soul, as evidenced by its staggering 800 million-plus YouTube views. It is a song you’ll want to play and hear everywhere.