Beep! Those Lyrics Are About Heartbreak! A Compilation of Songs Often Played at Weddings But Actually About Unrequited Love or Breakups

2019.07.12 published

Did you know? That song isn't about mutual love!

There are many famous Western songs known as wedding songs around the world,

but did you know that some of them are not happy songs about mutual love,

but rather songs that express the sad feelings of unrequited love or heartbreak...?!

Many of us often play them unknowingly.

Indeed, when we listen to Western music, we don't always carefully check the English lyrics, so it's common not to fully grasp the content,

(After all, we tend to remember Western songs more by melody than by lyrics!)

With well-known songs that we're familiar with, there's often a strong assumption that "it must be a happy song, right?",

and it's common for newlyweds to play songs about unrequited love or heartbreak at a joyous wedding ceremony without realizing it...!

What kind of western songs fall under unrequited love or heartbreak...?

Western Song ① Vanessa Carlton "A Thousand Miles"

Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles," which won a Grammy Award, is a refreshing ballad with a piano melody.

It's often played during candle services or when sending off guests at weddings＊

But this song is actually about the time right after a breakup.

As the title suggests, it sings about how his heart has moved far away from hers.

Yet, even after being dumped, she can't forget him,

and there's a lyric that goes, "I'd walk a thousand miles If I could just see you tonight"—

it paints a bittersweet picture of a girl who still loves him.

By the way, a thousand miles is about 1,600 km in kilometers, roughly the distance from Aomori to Hiroshima...!

Western Song ② Whitney Houston "I Will Always Love You"

Next up is the representative song of the late Whitney Houston, "I Will Always Love You"＊

Famous for its ending, this classic is soul-stirring when you close your eyes and listen,

but in fact, it’s also a song about parting.

"We both know I'm not what you, you need" and "And I... will always love you"—

These lyrics make for a sad yet profoundly reflective song about what love truly means.

Western Song ③ James Blunt "You're Beautiful"

James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" became famous through a Shiseido TSUBAKI commercial＊

It's a song about unrequited love from a male perspective.

Moreover, it’s about a fleeting crush on a girl he passed by on the subway, whom he probably won’t see again!

It's a song about an ephemeral love that cannot be realized, but the chorus,

"You're beautiful" is incredibly moving no matter how many times you hear it.

It might be nice to just play the chorus at a wedding＊

Western Song ④ Sweetbox "Cinderella"

Sweetbox's "Cinderella" seems to have a happy vibe from its title,

but it’s not about Cinderella ultimately finding happiness,

rather, it's about, "Where's my happily ever after?" and "I won't wait to find prince charming"—

it's a song about searching for a destined person that she hasn't even met yet. Surprising, isn't it...!

However, rather than relying on magical powers like in fairy tales, it’s about finding happiness through one's own strength, which is positive!

The melody is very cute, so it seems fine to play it without worrying too much about the lyrics＊

Western Song ⑤ Mariah Carey / Boyz II Men "One Sweet Day"

Finally, the last song to introduce is the duet "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men＊

With its soulful melody, it’s popular to play in emotional moments during wedding receptions.

But despite the title suggesting a wonderful day in the future, this song is actually a heartfelt farewell for a deceased lover.

In the 1990s, many young people died of HIV, and this song reflects that social background.

It's sad, yet the lyrics about looking forward to meeting again in heaven resonate deeply.

By the way, the title "One Sweet Day" refers to the day when you'll meet again in heaven after becoming old and passing away.

It's up to you whether to play them or not＊

I introduced five popular songs that are often played at weddings but actually contain themes of heartbreak and unrequited love.

Though they are sad and poignant songs, they are all classic pieces that will continue to be sung around the world!

For newlyweds who are indifferent to the lyrics, playing such songs at their wedding is perfectly fine,

and if you have mixed feelings but really like the song, it could be lovely to cut parts of it out or play it in a music box!