20 Best Songs About Forbidden Love

“Songs about forbidden love” delve into the intense emotions and challenges faced by lovers whose relationships defy societal norms, capturing the passion, heartache, and yearning that come with such connections.

This collection showcases 20 Best Songs About Forbidden Love, each illustrating the conflict and longing that arises when affection defies societal norms.

Forbidden love has inspired countless artists, sparking passionate ballads and poignant lyrics that resonate with listeners.

From tales of secret romances to struggles against external pressures, these tracks encapsulate the complex emotions tied to loving someone whom one cannot openly embrace.

Dive into these heartfelt melodies celebrating the beauty and pain of a love that must remain hidden.

Table of Contents

1. “Crazy for You” by Madonna (1985) – Perfect Ballad Songs About Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: Vision Quest Soundtrack
  • Released: 1985
  • Artist: Madonna
  • Genre: Pop, Ballad
  • Key Lyric: “I’m crazy for you, touch me once and you’ll know it’s true.”

Released in 1985, “Crazy for You” is one of Madonna’s most memorable ballads, capturing the essence of love as intense as it is forbidden.

Written for the soundtrack of the film Vision Quest, the song highlights the passionate emotions that come with a love that must be kept secret.

Madonna’s sultry voice adds a layer of desperation and longing to the lyrics, making it clear that this love is not meant to be.

The gentle rhythm and heartfelt delivery of this song make it an enduring anthem for those caught in the whirlwind of forbidden love.

It stands as a testament to the strength of emotions that defy societal expectations.

2. “This Kiss” by Carly Rae Jepsen (2012) – Best Pop Songs About Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: Kiss
  • Released: 2012
  • Artist: Carly Rae Jepsen
  • Genre: Pop
  • Key Lyric: “This kiss is something I can’t resist, your lips are undeniable.”

“This Kiss” released in 2012, is a pop anthem by Carly Rae Jepsen that captures the thrill and danger of a forbidden romance.

The song discusses the excitement and tension of a kiss that shouldn’t happen, yet feels irresistible.

Jepsen wrote the song reflecting on the exhilaration of a moment that defies logic, where desire overrides the consequences.

The upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast the underlying theme of guilt and recklessness.

It’s a tale of the momentary lapse in judgment, where the temptation of the forbidden kiss is too strong to resist.

3. “Do You Want To Know a Secret?” by The Beatles (1963) – Recommended Pop Rock Songs About Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: Please Please Me
  • Released: 1963
  • Artist: The Beatles
  • Genre: Pop Rock
  • Key Lyric: “Do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell?”

“Do You Want To Know a Secret?” was released in 1963 by The Beatles and carries the charm of a whispered confession of love.

Written by John Lennon, the song was inspired by a line from a Disney movie that Lennon’s mother used to sing to him.

The playful tone of the song contrasts with the secrecy it suggests, capturing the innocence of young love that needs to be hidden away.

It reflects the excitement and vulnerability of sharing a secret that could change everything.

The Beatles’ early sound adds a nostalgic touch to this tale of a love kept under wraps.

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4. “At Last” by Etta James (1960) – Awesome Soul Song

About this song:

  • Album: At Last!
  • Released: 1960
  • Artist: Etta James
  • Genre: Soul, Rhythm and Blues
  • Key Lyric: “At last, my love has come along, my lonely days are over.”

Released in 1960, “At Last” by Etta James is a soulful expression of finally finding love but with undertones of longing for something hard to come by.

Though the song is often seen as a romantic ballad, its depth lies in the struggle and eventual triumph of love that was once out of reach.

James’ powerful vocals convey a mix of relief and passion, suggesting that the love she sings about may not have always been easily attainable.

The song was composed when James emerged from a troubled past, giving it an extra layer of poignancy.

It’s a celebration of love that has overcome obstacles, including societal barriers that once kept it forbidden.

5. “Dance in the Dark” by Lady Gaga (2010) – Remarkable Electropop Songs About Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: The Fame Monster
  • Released: 2010
  • Artist: Lady Gaga
  • Genre: Electropop, Dance-pop
  • Key Lyric: “Baby loves to dance in the dark, ’cause when he’s lookin’ she falls apart.”

“Dance in the Dark” by Lady Gaga, released in 2010, delves into the complexities of hidden love and the fear of judgment.

Gaga wrote the song as an anthem for those who feel they must hide their true selves and their love in the shadows.

The dark, electronic beat reflects the tension of living a double life, where love can only be expressed in secret.

Gaga’s lyrics speak to the pain and liberation that come with loving someone in the dark, away from prying eyes.

It’s a powerful commentary on the fear of rejection and the courage it takes to love against the odds.

6. “Secret Love Song” by Little Mix ft. Jason Derulo (2016) – Stunning Ballad Song

About this song:

  • Album: Get Weird
  • Released: 2016
  • Artist: Little Mix ft. Jason Derulo
  • Genre: Pop, Ballad
  • Key Lyric: “Why can’t I hold you in the street, why can’t I kiss you on the dance floor?”

Released in 2016, “Secret Love Song” by Little Mix featuring Jason Derulo is a poignant ballad about a love that cannot be displayed openly.

The song explores the pain and frustration of loving someone when circumstances prevent that love from being acknowledged publicly.

Little Mix and Derulo convey the emotional struggle of wanting to be together but being forced to hide their feelings from the world.

The collaboration was inspired by real-life experiences of forbidden love, making the song relatable to many who have faced similar challenges.

It’s a powerful narrative of hidden love that still burns brightly in the hearts of those involved.

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7. “Bruise” by Ryan Beatty (2018) – Excellent Indie Pop Songs About Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: Boy in Jeans
  • Released: 2018
  • Artist: Ryan Beatty
  • Genre: Indie Pop
  • Key Lyric: “Don’t wanna be your bruise, just wanna be your everything.”

“Bruise” released in 2018 by Ryan Beatty, is a haunting portrayal of love that leaves its mark in ways that are not easily seen.

The song reflects on the emotional toll of a relationship that is both intoxicating and damaging, much like a bruise that forms beneath the skin.

Beatty’s introspective lyrics capture the duality of love that is deeply felt but also comes with pain and secrecy.

The circumstances of composing this song reflect Beatty’s experiences of hidden love and the scars it leaves behind.

It’s a raw and honest exploration of the darker side of love, where the marks it leaves are invisible to the outside world but deeply felt by those involved.

8. “Saving All My Love For You” by Whitney Houston (1985) – Wonderful R&B Song 

About this song:

  • Album: Whitney Houston
  • Released: 1985
  • Artist: Whitney Houston
  • Genre: R&B, Soul
  • Key Lyric: “’Cause tonight is the night, for feeling alright, we’ll be making love the whole night through.”

Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love For You” released in 1985, is a classic ballad about the sacrifices made for a love that is not entirely available.

The song tells the story of a woman in love with a man who belongs to someone else, yet she continues to save her love for him, hoping for a future together.

Houston’s emotive voice brings depth to longing and hope despite knowing that love is forbidden.

The song was inspired by personal experiences and speaks to the universal theme of waiting for love that may never fully materialize.

It’s a timeless tale of dedication and the heartache that comes with loving someone you cannot have.

9. “She Don’t Have To Know” by John Legend (2004) – Ideal Soul Songs About Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: Get Lifted
  • Released: 2004
  • Artist: John Legend
  • Genre: R&B, Soul
  • Key Lyric: “We should keep this on the low, never let them know.”

Released in 2004, “She Don’t Have To Know” by John Legend explores the theme of infidelity from the perspective of the one engaging in the affair.

The smooth R&B melody of the song contrasts with the guilt and secrecy embedded in the lyrics.

Legend wrote the song to delve into the complexities of forbidden love and the moral dilemmas that accompany it.

The circumstances of the song suggest a deep connection that defies the boundaries of commitment, leading to a relationship built on secrecy.

It’s a reflective piece that captures the internal conflict of a love that exists in the shadows.

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10. “Careless Whisper” by George Michael (1984) – Amazing Pop Song

About this song:

  • Album: Make It Big
  • Released: 1984
  • Artist: George Michael
  • Genre: Pop, Soul
  • Key Lyric: “I’m never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm.”

“Careless Whisper” released in 1984, is one of George Michael’s most iconic songs, dealing with regret and betrayal in forbidden love.

The saxophone riff, which became legendary, sets the tone for a narrative about infidelity and the guilt that follows.

Michael co-wrote the song, inspired by his experiences of youthful mistakes and the consequences of giving in to temptation.

The lyrics express the sorrow and realization that some actions cannot be undone, and the love that seemed so thrilling is now a source of deep regret.

It’s a cautionary tale about the cost of forbidden love and the scars it leaves behind.

11.”Rewrite the Stars” by Zendaya (2017)

About this song:

  • Album: The Greatest Showman Soundtrack
  • Released: 2017
  • Artist: Zendaya & Zac Efron
  • Genre: Pop, Musical
  • Key Lyric: “What if we rewrite the stars? Say you were made to be mine.”

“Rewrite the Stars” was released in 2017 as part of the soundtrack for The Greatest Showman, performed by Zendaya and Zac Efron.

The song represents the yearning to overcome societal obstacles that keep two lovers apart.

Written for a musical, it captures the fantasy of being able to change fate and rewrite the rules that dictate who can love whom.

The circumstances of composing the song reflect a desire to inspire hope and resilience in the face of forbidden love.

It’s a romantic duet that speaks to the power of love to challenge the status quo and the dream of creating a world where love knows no bounds.

12. “The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry (2011) – Forbidden Love Song

About this song:

  • Album: Teenage Dream
  • Released: 2011
  • Artist: Katy Perry
  • Genre: Pop
  • Key Lyric: “In another life, I would make you stay, so I don’t have to say you were the one that got away.”

Released in 2011, “The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry is a nostalgic reflection on a past love that could never be fully realized.

The song discusses the pain of losing someone who was once so close yet ultimately out of reach.

Perry wrote the song based on personal experiences and the universal feeling of wondering what could have been.

The circumstances of its composition reveal a deep longing for a connection that remains just out of grasp, making it a poignant anthem for those who have lost a forbidden love.

It’s a melancholic tale of love and regret, wrapped in Perry’s signature pop style.

13. “The End of The Affair” by Laura Marling (2020) – The End of A Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: Song for Our Daughter
  • Released: 2020
  • Artist: Laura Marling
  • Genre: Folk
  • Key Lyric: “The end of the affair, the weight of the world, the kindness gone to waste.”

“The End of The Affair” by Laura Marling, released in 2020, is a haunting exploration of the aftermath of a love that could not last.

Marling’s folk-inspired sound and introspective lyrics delve into the emotional fallout of an affair doomed from the start.

The song was inspired by Marling’s observations of relationships and the inevitable end that comes when love is forbidden.

It captures the quiet devastation and the lingering memories of a love that had to be let go.

The circumstances of composing the song reflect Marling’s deep understanding of the complexities of human emotions and the pain of parting ways with someone who was never truly yours.

14. “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner (1984) – Experience Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: Agent Provocateur
  • Released: 1984
  • Artist: Foreigner
  • Genre: Rock, Power Ballad
  • Key Lyric: “I want to know what love is, I want you to show me.”

Released in 1984, “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner is a powerful ballad that speaks to the longing for understanding and connection during a complex relationship.

The song was written by Mick Jones, who sought to express the desire to experience true love after facing challenges in both personal and professional life.

The circumstances of composing the song reflect a deep introspection and the realization that love is more complicated than it seems.

It became an anthem for those searching for love that transcends boundaries, including those set by society.

It’s a plea for clarity and a hope that love can overcome the obstacles that make it forbidden.

15. “Better” by Khalid (2018) – Forbidden Love Song

About this song:

  • Album: Suncity
  • Released: 2018
  • Artist: Khalid
  • Genre: R&B, Pop
  • Key Lyric: “Nothing feels better than this.”

“Better” released in 2018 by Khalid, is a smooth, soulful track that touches on the thrill and secrecy of a forbidden romance.

The song captures the feeling of being with someone in a relationship that must be hidden from the world.

Khalid’s mellow voice and the laid-back production of the song create a contrast between the relaxed vibe and the tension of the situation.

The circumstances of composing the song reveal a desire to express the beauty and excitement of a love that feels right, even when it’s not allowed.

It’s a celebration of moments stolen away, where the love shared is all that matters.

16. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift (2008) – Dream of Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: Fearless
  • Released: 2008
  • Artist: Taylor Swift
  • Genre: Country Pop
  • Key Lyric: “Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.”

“Love Story” released in 2008, is one of Taylor Swift’s most famous songs, drawing inspiration from the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet.

The song reimagines the story with a happier ending, where love triumphs over the obstacles that once made it forbidden.

Swift wrote the song as a modern-day fairy tale, reflecting on her experiences of love that faced disapproval.

The circumstances of composing the song reveal her longing for a world where love can overcome the barriers that keep it apart.

It’s an anthem for those who dream of a love that defies the odds and ends in happiness.

17. “Long Black Veil” by Lefty Frizzell (1959) – Forbidden Love And Betrayal

About this song:

  • Album: The One and Only
  • Released: 1959
  • Artist: Lefty Frizzell
  • Genre: Country
  • Key Lyric: “She walks these hills in a long black veil.”

“Long Black Veil”, first recorded by Lefty Frizzell in 1959 and later covered by Johnny Cash and The Band, is a haunting tale of love and betrayal.

The song tells the story of a man falsely accused of murder who refuses to provide an alibi because it would reveal his affair with his best friend’s wife.

The eerie melody and mournful lyrics capture the tragedy of a love that leads to death and secrecy.

The song was written when tales of forbidden love were often tied to themes of honor and sacrifice.

It stands as a dark narrative of love that remains hidden, even at the cost of one’s life.

18. Best Song About Forbidden Love: “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift (2009)

About this song:

  • Album: Fearless
  • Released: 2009
  • Artist: Taylor Swift
  • Genre: Country Pop
  • Key Lyric: “If you could see that I’m the one who understands you.”

Released in 2009, “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift is a catchy pop anthem about unrequited love and longing.

The song tells the story of someone who believes that their love interest is with the wrong person and that they should be together instead.

Swift wrote the song based on her high school experiences of watching someone she cared about be with someone else.

The circumstances of composing the song reveal the frustration and hope that comes with loving someone out of reach.

It’s a relatable tale of love that feels right but is kept apart by circumstances.

19. “Don’t Matter” by Akon (2007) – Keep That Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: Konvicted
  • Released: 2007
  • Artist: Akon
  • Genre: R&B, Reggae Fusion
  • Key Lyric: “Nobody wanna see us together, but it don’t matter, no, ’cause I got you.”

“Don’t Matter” released in 2007 by Akon, is a reggae-influenced track about love that faces societal disapproval.

The song discusses the strength and resilience needed to keep a relationship going when the world is against it.

Akon wrote the song based on his experiences of being judged for his choices in love.

The circumstances of composing the song reflect a defiant attitude, where love is prioritized over the opinions of others.

It’s an empowering anthem for those who refuse to let outside forces dictate their love lives.

20. “shedontknowbutsheknows” by Tove Lo (2017) – Bad Forbidden Love

About this song:

  • Album: Blue Lips
  • Released: 2017
  • Artist: Tove Lo
  • Genre: Electropop
  • Key Lyric: “Said she don’t know but she knows now, she knows.”

“Shedontknowbutsheknows” released in 2017 by Tove Lo, is a provocative track that delves into the complexities of infidelity.

The song tells the story of a woman who is involved with someone who is already in a relationship, creating a love triangle filled with secrecy and deceit.

Tove Lo’s candid lyrics and edgy production bring out the raw emotions involved in such a situation.

The circumstances of composing the song reflect Tove Lo’s willingness to explore the darker sides of love and relationships.

It’s a bold and unapologetic narrative of forbidden love that thrives in the shadows.

Songs About Forbidden Love

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 20 Songs About Forbidden Love encapsulate a wide range of emotions and narratives, from longing and heartache to empowerment and hope.

Each song offers a unique perspective on the complexities of love that transcends societal norms and personal barriers.

Through powerful lyrics and evocative melodies, these artists capture the bittersweet essence of desires that must be hidden or challenged, reminding us that love, in all its forms, is a universal experience worth exploring.

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