Music is a powerful force that can help people navigate the joys and sorrows of life. When you're moving on after divorce, listening to songs that reflect your feelings, lift you up, and help you cope with the extremely complex emotions involved when a marriage comes to an end, can provide solace, comfort, and inspiration.
1. A Little Bit Stronger
Sadness is a natural reaction to the end of a marriage. In A Little Bit Stronger, Sarah Evans acknowledges that strength returns in small steps, even in the early days past the end of a relationship. The song can provide comfort for those who are ready to start recovering and moving on, even when the pain of splitting up is relatively new.
2. Better By Myself
Hey Violet's Better By Myself serves as a powerful a reminder that going solo is far preferable to being in a toxic relationship. Listen to this tune when you're looking for reinforcement that you made the right decision by leaving a relationship that was a barrier to being able to live your best life.
3. Better in Time
Wondering why the pain of divorce is lingering longer than you like? Better in Time by Leona Lewis provides reassurance that things will get better than they are now. Healing from divorce isn't a fast process, but you will ultimately be fine and move on, in your own time.
4. Bye Bye Bye
Ready to put any lingering doubts about ending your marriage behind you? Give a listen to NSYNC's upbeat anthem Bye Bye Bye.
5. Dancing With Myself
Billy Idol's Dancing With Myself is a great reminder that you don't need anyone else to enjoy life. This tune will convince you once and for all that there's no reason to feel apprehensive about going solo.
6. Free Bird
Are you rediscovering the real you after staying too long in a relationship that has run its course? Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird just may be the perfect classic rock song to help you move on following a marriage in which you felt stifled.
7. Go Your Own Way
When you realize that loving your ex really "isn't the right thing to do" and you're ready to move on, Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac just feel like the soundtrack of your life.
8. Gonna Get Over You
Looking for a tune that expresses the complexity of realizing that it's time to move on yet not being quite ready to fully let go? That's exactly what Sara Bareilles' Gonna Get Over You provides. Tune in and get inspired to "find the other side of someday."
9. Harden My Heart
Ready to stop putting energy into grieving a broken marriage? Harden My Heart by Quarterflash is the perfect song when you're ready to leave the past firmly behind you and step into the future.
10. I'm Movin' On
Looking for a ballad that expresses the sense of loss that comes with the realization that a marriage is beyond repair? I'm Movin' On by Rascal Flatts is a soulful country song that may reflect the complicated emotions you are feeling.
11. I'm Still Standing
Ready to let the world know that you can't be kept down and are ready to move on to the next chapter of your life? Elton John's I'm Still Standing is the perfect tune to announce to the world that you're on your feet and prepared to face the future.
12. Irreplaceable
Beyoncé's Irreplaceable is a beautiful and empowering song to listen to when you're finally free from a cheating spouse who took your love for granted.
13. My Life
Ready to take control of your life and chart your own course to the future? Billy Joel's My Life is the perfect tune to reinforce your confidence and determination to live life on your own terms.
14. One Way Ticket
Ready to make your way in the world now that you're single again? LeAnn Rimes' One Way Ticket is an upbeat reminder of all the possibilities that awaits you now that you have the opportunity to make a fresh start.
15. Separate Ways
Journey's Separate Ways is an anthem for moving on after a marriage, especially when there are still feelings of love between onetime partners who have decided to move forward separately.
16. Silver Lining
Starting to get a sense that the best may be yet to come? Rilo Kiley's Silver Lining acknowledges that there's beauty in a lost love, but healing and moving on may bring something even better.
17. Since U Been Gone
Ready to redefine your life post-divorce? Kelly Clarkson's Since U Been Gone is an empowering theme song for moving on and embracing the freedom and release that can come after a stifling relationship.
18. So What
Pink's So What is an upbeat and catchy tune that reflects the freedom that comes from realizing that your ex doesn't define your identity. Own who you are and realize that you don't need anyone else to be your best self.
19. Stronger
Ready to let the world know that you have the strength to thrive on your own? Let Britney Spears' Stronger become your theme song as you come into your own following divorce.
20. These Boots Are Made for Walking
These Boots Are Made for Walking is a great song about breaking free from a relationship that's holding you back. Whether you listen to the original version recorded by Nancy Sinatra or the modern version by Jessica Simpson, this song can help you walk away from a marriage that's over into a brighter future.
21. Warrior
Are you ready to own your strength and power? Have you put a toxic relationship squarely in the past? Demi Lovato's Warrior is a passionate song for those who have overcome heartbreak and adversity to emerge strong and proud on the other side.
22. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Have you realized that you are better off without your ex-spouse in your life? We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together Again by Taylor Swift is a great uplifting ballad to add to your playlist.
23. Wide Awake
Looking for a song that reflects the clarity that comes with moving forward from a toxic marriage? Wide Awake by Katy Perry just may reflect the empowering feeling that comes with moving on.
24. You Learn (Alanis Morissette)
Alanis Morissette's anthem You Learn provides a powerful perspective for people preparing to move on post-divorce. Get inspired by the song's reminder of the growth that can come as a result of navigating love, loss, and other life challenges, including the dissolution of a marriage.
25. You're No Good
Have you realized that the bad far outweighed the good in your former relationship? Singing along with Linda Ronstadt as she repeats "you're no good, you're no good, you're no good" just might be what it takes to help you start feeling better and looking toward a brighter tomorrow.
Building Your Perfect Post-Divorce Playlist
Of course, these are just a few of the many great break-up songs that make a great addition to any post-divorce playlist, including tunes that are sad, angry, or make you want to dance. Music can serve as a soothing soundtrack or be a source of inspiration as you heal following the end of a marriage and get prepared for the many new experiences life has in store for you as time goes by.
