Introduction
On Friday August 13, 1999, an English judge declared the marriage of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall null and void. If there ever was a reason for a list of ‘breakup’ songs, it surely has to be this ruling.
At the bottom of this article the entire list is available as a Spotify playlist.
Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall
Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall met in 1977. At the time Jagger was married to Bianca Jagger and Hall was engaged to be married to Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry. Soon, Jagger and Hall became inseparable and entered a tempestuous relationship, where both left the other numerous times, before they married on November 21, 1990 in Bali. Despite Jagger’s countless affairs, including Carla Bruni, the couple stayed together. They got 4 children.
Hall had always had a problem with Jagger’s infidelity: “We got on great, except he slept with lots of other people, which was horrible. Otherwise, he was perfect.” She also stated “There’s nothing more humiliating than loving him so much that you forgive the infidelities.”
Mick Jagger & Jerry Hall
But, early January 1999 Hall learned that Jagger had impregnated a 28 year old Brazilian model, she decided she’d had enough. She filed for divorce. Of course there was a lot of money involved with the divorce settlement. Hall had enough money of her own, but Jagger’s money was something else entirely. Jagger was not about to give up ‘his’ money and his lawyers came up with a plan. Apparently the marriage ceremony in Bali had never been officially backed up with the right documents. Maybe the marriage could be declared null: no marriage, no money. Hall was ‘not amused’: “I didn’t like the idea of annulling after 23 years and four children, it seemed a bit rude.” On August 13, 1999, an English judge declared the Jagger/Hall marriage null and void. It’s not clear what this outcome has meant for the financial settlement.
Today, Jagger and Hall are on speaking terms and Hall is positive on Jagger’s role as a father, his role as a partner is a different story. Hall: “I’ve had a wonderful adventure and four beautiful children. Mick and I are great friends. It’s quite an achievement to have had the life we had together.”
Breakups
Upon reading this story, I started thinking of breakup songs. Breakups are hard, they lead to sorrow, loneliness, anger, resignation and/or hate. Every emotion plays its part and all have been subjects in music.
So why not a list of 25 songs that personally touch or move me?
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The Rolling Stones – It’s All Over Now1964 One of the reasons for a breakup: getting cheated on. In 1964 Jagger didn’t like it, at all. Well, baby used to stay out all night long Because I used to love her |
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The Beatles – For No One1966 The relationship hasn’t ended yet, but both parties know it’s over. And in her eyes, you see nothing |
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Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through the Grapevine1968 Learning the relationship is over from someone else… I know a man ain’t supposed to cry I heard it through the grapevine |
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Neil Young – Only Love Can Break Your Heart1970 Written for Graham Nash after his relationship with Joni Mitchell had ended. But only love can break your heart |
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Al Green – How Can You Mend A Broken Heart1972 Being hopeful for a different, better life, even if you have a broken heart. And how can you mend a broken heart? |
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Joni Mitchell – River1972 Moving, intimate song about a recent breakup, Joni wants nothing more than escape the painful emotional consequences. It is said to be inspired by her relationship with Graham Nash. I’m so hard to handle |
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Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way1976 Lindsey Buckingham wrote this song about colleague and former lover Stevie Nicks, who found herself singing lyrics she hated… Loving you isn’t the right thing to do |
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ABBA – Knowing Me, Knowing You1977 Saying goodbye after a divorce. Painful and inevitable. No more carefree laughter We just have to face it, this time we’re through |
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Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart1980 A relationship can fall apart even though both parties love each other. Heartbreakingly beautiful. You cry out in your sleep |
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The Police – The Bed’s Too Big Without You1980 Supposedly, the song is based on Sting’s first girlfriend who committed suicide after the breakup. Cold wind blows right through that open door The bed’s too big without you |
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Prince – 17 Days1984 Prince has been sad ever since he was left behind 17 days and nights ago. So here I sit in my lonely room |
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Lone Justice – Don’t Toss Us Away1985 Maria McKee was still young when she performed this song. Impressive! Well it seems that everyone we’ve known |
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Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds – By The Time I Get To Phoenix1986 Leaving and sticking to that plan is an art in itself. She’ll turn softly in her sleep and call my name out low |
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The Smiths – I Know It’s Over1986 Morrissey gets verbally spanked in this great song filled with self-pity. “If you’re so funny |
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Bonnie Raitt – I Can’t Make You Love Me1991 One final night together, before the curtain drops for the very last time. I’ll close my eyes, then I won’t see |
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Mary J Blige – Real Love1992 The female version of Al Green’s How Can You Mend A Broken Heart: searching for new love after a bad experience. Ooh, when I met you |
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Jeff Buckley – Last Goodbye1994 The relationship is dying, both parties know they weren’t made for each other. This is our last goodbye |
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TLC – Switch1994 Infidelity? Get out! Erase, replace, embrace new face, come on |
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Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know1995 Alanis is angry at her ex. She want him to know and feel what she’s going through. And every time you speak her name And I’m here to remind you |
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Erykah Badu – Tyrone1997 Erykah’s lover is behaving badly and neglects his girlfriend. Erykah isn’t having it and kicks him out. Like Badu, I’ma tell you the truth I think you better (Call him) |
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Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor1997 Keep on trying, even against your better judgement. Hopeless love. See I know what we’ve got to do |
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Kelis – Caught Out There1999 Kelis is pissed, her ex has left her for someone else or has been cheated on. The hate comes from her deepest being! What is this I see? You don’t come home to me I hate you so much right now! I hate you so much right now! |
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Outkast – Ms. Jackson2000 The end of a relationship can also affect the parents of… I’m sorry, Ms. Jackson, ohh, I am for real |
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Amy Winehouse – Back To Black2006 What can you do when the one you love doesn’t feel the same (anymore)? We only said goodbye with words |
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Solange – Losing You2012 Solange knows the answer, but still poses the question whether or not the relationship is over. Tell me the truth, boy, am I losing you for good? |
In closing
What songs work for you? Let me know!
Video/Spotify
This story contains an accompanying video. Click on the following link to see it: Video: Breakups, 25 songs about the end of a relationship. The A Pop Life playlist on Spotify has been updated as well.
