5 Badass Breakup Songs

When I was a kid, my single mama worked at the local radio station. Music was always on in our house, in the car, and on air when we frequented the station. I have always turned to music to heal what’s been broken. I look to music to find answers when I’m stuck in the muck, and I sure as hell go to music to shake off the bullshit, find my power, and dance.

These are my favorite badass breakup songs, whether you are faking it til ya make it or you are celebrating your love and light, these songs are sure to fire you up!

Take No More Shit

Gaslighter by The Chicks

This album went #1 on the country charts and made it to #3 on the Billboard 200, proof that recovery and truth are bad. ass. I would REALLY like to open a bottle of bourbon and hear firsthand about Natalie Maines’s marriage and divorce. That is one BADASS woman who was clearly done being silent about her experience. We LOVE your light, Natalie! My daughter and I were so bummed that our Chicks concert was cancelled in August due to illness. Another time.

Favorite Lyrics

You think it's justifiable, I think it's pretty cruel

And you know you lie best when you lie to you

Gaslighter, big timer

Repeating all of the mistakes of your father

Gaslighter, you broke me

You're sorry, but where's my apology?

Gaslighter, you liar

(Basically every lyric in this song is awesome.)

You just had to start a fire, had to start a fire

Couldn't take yourself on a road a little higher

Had to burn it up, had to tear it down

Tried to say I'm crazy

Babe, we know I'm not crazy, that's you

This is a great article about the album. “But there's always a point where the sparks and noise subside, and there you'll be, untethered, nerves seared by the heat of the match.”

Dance in Your Underwear

‘Bout Damn Time by Lizzo

I was late to the Lizzo party but am very happy I finally made it. This is a go-to, celebrate your fabulous new life song when the kids are gone for alternate weekends. Honor the body that got you this far and don’t hide it! Get in front of the mirror, sing out, and shake that badass!

Favorite Lyrics

I'm way too fine to be this stressed, yeah

Oh, I'm not the girl I was or used to be

Uh, bitch, I might be better

Torch Song

Over and Done by Ariana DeBose

Let’s slow it down. Go back to that mirror, but first grab your best sequin dress and a studded microphone (or just your bathrobe and a hairbrush) and get ready to belt this one out from Season 2 of Schmigadoon. You may get looks from the dog (as I just did) but let your inner Dreamgirl shine as you proclaim your independence. Side note: if you haven’t watched the season yet you can close your eyes, turn the computer away, or listen here if you’re worried about spoilers.

Favorite Lyrics

I know that sometimes what we had it was good

Sometimes life plays out just the way that it should for us

I swear I've though it could for us

But I'm done holding your hand

I pray you'll understand

Bluegrass Badass

Blue Smoke by Dolly Parton

Dolly, need I say more? I come from a poor, rural Midwest heritage and have been told that back in the day folks would gather on porches with fiddles and the like for a distraction from hard times. When I hear this song and others like

Favorite Lyrics

Oh it hurts to know you cheated

And it hurt to know you lied

But it hurts me even worse to know you never even tried



Staying Power

Fighter by Christina Aguilera

When I say this song is over 20 years old I feel old. But it tells you the staying power of Christina. This song was part of the mixtape that got me through my very first adult breakup. In the words of Cogsworth, “if it’s not baroque, don’t fix it.”

Favorite Lyrics

I never saw it coming

All of your backstabbing

Just so you could cash in on a good thing before I realized your game

I heard you're goin' 'round playin' the victim now

But don't even begin feeling I'm the one to blame

'Cause you dug your own grave

If you play through these five songs and aren’t feeling the love and light flowing through you yet, check out all my favorite, non-broken heart, breakup songs in this playlist.

Previous
Previous

5 Songs for the Messy Middle of Divorce

Next
Next

Even Heroes Have the Right to Bleed