Getting Over Him: One Song at a Time

The power of music during break up season.

BY Katie Browne ★ March 7th, 2026

Photo Credit: Hannah Wilson

Crying in bed and endlessly scrolling through old photos? We’ve all been there before or will be sooner or later. Heartbreak is a girl’s most gut-wrenching canon event.The good news is: there’s a remedy. A carefully curated playlist should be your first step to overcoming your breakup. While everyone’s music taste is unique to them, I’ve suggested some must-haves for each major stage of your recovery. 

Initial Sadness:  When you’re in the worst of your breakup, you are struggling to find hope that things will get better. This phase is a chance to cry your eyes out to the comfort of these songs, each of them letting you know they understand what it’s like to feel so hurt.

1. “Last Kiss,” by Taylor Swift

   Though Taylor Swift’s entire discography could be included in this article, “Last Kiss” stands out as it represents the  purest form of despair. Serving those currently being shattered by their first relationship and perfectly encapsulating helplessness and confusion, Swift is doing what she does best with this track. 

2. “Gave You I Gave You I,” by Gracie Abrams 

   While “I Love You, I’m Sorry” may have garnered more attention, this track is just as heartwrenching. For anyone feeling like you’ve been erased and forgotten, “Gave You I Gave You I” provides the relief of validation and comfort.

3. “Scott Street,” by Phoebe Bridgers 
   It’s hard to describe the discomfort of not knowing someone anymore. Phoebe Bridgers depicts it perfectly. This song will cut right to your heart. 

Anger: You’ve gotten yourself out of bed, but now you’re mad. Love turned to hatred feels powerful, and calls for some new songs to burn through.

1. “Cool,” by Gracie Abrams 

   Starting off strong, especially if you’ve been replaced, “Cool” is packed with the perfect amount of resentment to fuel forward progress. 

2. “You’re So Vain,” by Carly Simon
   That boy was never that special. Carly Simon figured that out in 1972. “You’re So Vain” will make you realize this now. 

3. “Coincidence,” by Sabrina Carpenter
   Left you for his ex? Sabrina Carpenter understands this. 

Acceptance: The dust has settled. Your relationship feels like it never even happened. These songs signal a new phase of peace. 

1. Stranger, by Olivia Rodrigo
   I think many of us can agree this is a go-to for the acceptance phase. Choosing to accept the outcome, knowing you are above it and maybe even feeling grateful for its lessons.

2. “Secrets From a Girl (Who’s Seen It All),” by Lorde
   Lorde gives you a friendly pep-talk that healing is possible with this one. Listen and learn. 

3. Yes I’m Changing,” by Tame Impala 
   This song feels like finally deciding to let go. It serves as an invitation to move into a new phase of your life with clarity and the absence of guilt. Your breakup is not about loss anymore, it’s about moving forward with confidence.

Music being your sole antidote won’t magically fix the way you are feeling right now. However, I find that it often at least provides some momentary relief and reminds us that things always look up eventually. So don’t text, or call or stalk. Settle in and press play.

Edited by: Anna Altman