21 Songs About Second Chances (2023)

We all need a second chance, whether in personal relationships or life in general. Music has beautifully encapsulated countless stories of heartbreak and fresh beginnings. Let’s look at some of the songs about giving love another chance.

21. “Starting Over” by John Lennon

This popular single by John Lennon of The Beatles is a Grammy awardee for Record of the Year. “Starting Over,” tells a message of rediscovering love and returning to when they started as lovers. This beautiful 1980 rock song is from Lennon’s “Double Fantasy Stripped Down” album.

20. “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins

“Against All Odds” is a famous song by Phil Collins that became very popular. The song talks about how much it hurts when someone you love leaves you and how much you want them back. Phil Collins won an Academy Award for this song, which has been covered by other artists like Mariah Carey.

19. “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum

This song is all about two lovers missing each other, and they can’t help but feel lonely and helpless. “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum won the Grammy Awards for Best Country Song. Released in 2009, this song has a message that speaks to many lovers out there.

18. “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele

Adele never fails to inspire listeners with yet another love song that speaks from the heart. “Make You Feel My Love” is about love always ready to go miles. It promises a love that will stay through thick and thin. This masterpiece is from Adele’s album “19’ released in 2008.

17. “Whatever It Takes” by Lifehouse

Lifehouse’s song “Whatever It Takes” came out in 2007 on the album “Who We Are.” The song is about the singer feeling bad for hurting his girl and wanting to do anything to make things right and get her back. Many people for sure may relate to the message of this song.

16. “Back To You” by John Mayer

Another John Mayer song has swept the hearts of the hopeless romantic. “Back To You” is about a love that the singer can’t resist, even though they know they should be moving on and away from each other. This 1999 hit is from Mayer’s album “Inside Wants Out.”

15. “If You’re Gone” by Matchbox Twenty

This popular track by Matchbox 20 speaks about the fear of losing someone who is still physically there but emotionally away. The line keeps saying, “If you’re gone, maybe it’s time to come home,” suggesting that he wants her back so they can start over again. This song was released in 2000 on the album “Mad Season.”

14. “Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down

This alternative rock by 3 Doors Down is about missing someone so badly to the point of dreaming about that person every night. This song is the third single from the American band’s “Away From the Sun” studio album. It was released in July 2003 and had been on the Billboard Hot 100.

13. “Back To You” by Selena Gomez

“Back To You” by Selena Gomez is a popular song about the struggles of letting go. This song is a bonus track from Selena’s 2020 album “Rare” and is a soundtrack of the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.” It also won the Teen’s Choice Award for Choice Summer.

12. “If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago

This timeless classic by Chicago is a soft rock song with a message imploring someone not to leave as it will break the person’s heart. The singer also mentions the journey they have been through, saying that they “have come too far to leave it all behind.” It was released in 1976 on the album “Chicago X.”

11. “The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles

“The Long and Winding Road” is a ballad by the legend, The Beatles. It tells of a person’s long journey where he still ends up coming back to the person whom he deeply loves. This beautiful 1970 song is from the album “Let It Be,” which won the English band multiple awards.

10. “Never Really Over” by Katy Perry

Here’s another song about the pain of moving on from a relationship that was once real. “Never Really Over” by Katy Perry hits differently when you’ve been in a complicated love life. This one is from her 2020 album “Smile.”

9. “Still Loving You” by Scorpions

“Still Loving You” is a sad love song by Scorpions. It’s about a lost love that the singer wants to get back. The words show that the singer wants to fix things and start again, even though their pride and mistakes caused problems in the relationship. This classic rock was released in 1984 on their album “Love At First Sting.”

8. “If I Should Love Again ” by Barry Manilow

This 1981 love song has undoubtedly touched the hearts of many with its relatable lyrics. “If I Should Love Again ” by Barry Manilow is about a love that ended painfully, but the person would still choose the same woman if given a chance to love again.

7. “Back To December” by Taylor Swift

This one is surely Taylor Swift’s major hit as the song’s message speaks of regret over a love that should have lasted if the singer treated her man better. This yet another iconic heartbreak song is said to be dedicated to her former lover, the actor Taylor Lautner, whom he dated for a short period. This hit was released in 2010 on the album “Speak Now.”

6. “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men

“On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men is an R&B hit inspired by the love story of one of the band members. Released in 1994, this song made its way to the charts because of its message that speaks about wanting to get back to the person dearly loved and asking for forgiveness for the things said and done. This 90s classic inspired many people going through the same love journey.

5. “The Scientist” by Coldplay

“The Scientist” by Coldplay is from their album “A Rush of Blood to the Head” and was released in 2002. This song has an interesting music video that shows a rewind of an incident, delivering a message of wanting to turn back time and reverse a tragic accident. No wonder it won the Grammys as Best Music Video.

4. “Stay” by Lisa Loeb

Another massive hit is here. “Stay” by Lisa Loeb is about regrets and longing to get back with the person she lost. Those who went through painful heartbreaks will surely relate to some of the words of this song. It was released in 1994 and became the soundtrack of the movie “Reality Bites.”

3. “Just Once” by James Ingram

The song “Just Once” by James Ingram is a classic that people who want to try love again will find meaningful. The song’s first line is famous because it expresses the feeling of giving your best but still not being enough. This renowned classic was released in 1981 on the album “The Dude.”

2. “Too Good To Say Goodbye” by Bruno Mars

“Too Good To Say Goodbye” is a pop song by Bruno Mars featured on his “24K Magic” album. The song is about a man who did something wrong, and his girlfriend left him. He feels terrible about what he did and wants to fix things by getting back together with her.

1. “Just Give Me A Reason” by Pink (Featuring Nate Ruess)

This song will surely hit home to lovers whose relationship is on the rocks. “Just Give Me A Reason” is about a couple who has had some difficulties but thinks they “can learn to love again.” Pink’s powerful singing justifies the intense emotions in this masterpiece. This song, released in 2012, features Nate Ruess as the leading male vocals. It has a playful piano intro and harmony beautifully delivered by the singers.

Have you picked the perfect song that you most relate to? Add these songs to your playlist now!