One and done: 20 memorable songs about being single

Fans got to see another side of Beyoncé when she introduced her alter ego to the world on her third solo album I Am… Sasha Fierce. One of the album’s most iconic hit songs is “Single Ladies,” produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. On the track, Beyoncé describes how she was in a relationship but the man wasn’t ready to commit to marriage. As she sings on the hook, “‘Cause if you like it, then you should’ve put a ring on it,” and don’t be mad when she moves on to the next man. 

Ariana Grande highlights the lessons learned and her gratitude for her past relationships that didn’t work out on her 2018 track “Thank U, Next.” Grande doesn’t look at her previous relationships as failures, but actually as relationships that taught her more about self-love and empowerment. As she sings in the first verse, “Thought I’d end up with Sean / But he wasn’t a match / Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh.” 

In 2009, Lil Wayne released his mixtape No Ceilings, which featured the hit song “I’m Single.” Produced by Noah “40” Shebib, the song finds Wayne highlighting how much he’s tired of dealing with his partner and is ready to move on as a single guy. “I’m Single” became a platinum-selling hit for the rapper. 

Girl group TLC is all about having standards when guys approach them on their hit song “No Scrubs.” Produced by Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs, TLC uses the song to highlight the types of guys that shouldn’t even waste their time trying to show interest. As they sing on the second verse, “Well a scrub checking me, but his game is kinda weak / And I know that he cannot approach me / ‘Cause I’m looking like class and he’s looking like trash / Can’t get with a deadbeat a**.” 

In 2005, The Pussycat Dolls released their debut album PCD which garnered six singles. Their song “I Don’t Need a Man” was produced by Rich Harrison and was released as the album’s fifth single. The song centers around the perspective of women who value their independence and freedom, and who also feel they don’t need a partner to truly complete them. 

In 2008, Trina released her fourth album Still da Baddest, led by the hit track “Single Again.” Produced by Timbaland and J-Roc, Trina uses the track to highlight the end of her relationship, but now that she’s newly single, her ex-partner wants her back. As she says on the hook, “I’m single again, back on the prowl / I thought he was perfect, I don’t know how.”

Miley Cyrus is an advocate for self-love and independence on her 2023 track “Flowers.” On the track, she highlights that although the relationship didn’t work, she knows that one of the most important things that people should have is love for themselves before they spend time with a partner. As she sings on the hook, “I can buy myself flowers / Write my name in the sand / Talk to myself for hours / Say things you don’t understand.” 

Jason Derulo came onto the scene in 2009 with his hit single “Whatcha Say.” The following year, he released his self-titled debut album which also featured the single “Ridin’ Solo.” On the track, Derulo describes the aftermath of a break-up and how he’s enjoying his newfound freedom. His stance is evident in the second verse as he says, “Yeah, now I’m feeling how I should / Never knew single could feel this good / Star player, misunderstood / Back in the game, who knew I would.” 

In 2002, girl group ISYSS released their second single “Single for the Rest of My Life.” In the song, ISYSS gives the perspective of a woman going through a break-up and she believes she won’t find that kind of love again. As they sing on the hook, “If I can’t have you / I’ll just be single for the rest of my life / ‘Cause you can’t be replaced by nobody else / I’ll go crazy if I can’t have you for myself.” 

Mariah Carey’s 2005 project The Emancipation of Mimi became known as her comeback album. One of the standout singles was the smooth ballad “We Belong Together,” which was produced by frequent collaborator Jermaine Dupri. On the track, Carey describes the feeling of calling it quits on a relationship and then feeling regretful as she hopes they can rekindle their love. As she sings on the hook, “When you left, I lost a part of me / Is that so hard to believe? / Come back, baby please / ‘Cause we belong together.”

Taylor Swift has never been shy about storytelling love and relationships in her music. In her 2012 single “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” she describes how she and her partner continue to have an on-again, off-again relationship. Not only did the track become a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, but it won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. 

In 2019, Big Sean released his track “Single Again,” and it was placed as a bonus track on his 2020 album Detroit 2. On the track, Sean describes dealing with a break-up and how it will give him the time he needs to focus on himself, before entering a new relationship. As he raps on the hook, “I’m single again / Told her we’ll be better off as friends / Maybe I should just focus on me / And slow down / Don’t rush romance.” 

Natasha Bedingfield came onto the scene in 2004 with her debut album Unwritten, led by the hit song “Single.” On the track, Bedingfield celebrates her single life and emphasizes how she doesn’t need a partner to make her feel complete.She sings on the hook, “This is my current single status / My declaration of independence / There’s no way I’m trading places / Right now a star's in the ascendant.”

The Supremes 1966 single “You Can’t Hurry Love” gives a woman’s perspective of wanting to be in love, but her mother tells her to be patient. As they sing on the hook, “You can’t hurry love / No, you just have to wait / She said, ‘Love don’t come easy / It’s a game of give and take.’” The song became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Producer Zedd teamed up with singer Kehlani on their 2019 single “Good Thing.” On the track, Kehlani describes how a single person is content with themselves, and if the right person comes along for a committed relationship, they’ll give it a chance. As they sing in the first verse, “I like my own company / Company, I don’t need it / I’m not always cold / I’m just good on my own, so good on my own.” 

In 2015, girl group Fifth Harmony released their debut studio album Reflection. One of the standout singles was “Miss Movin’ On.” in which the group highlights how people find strength and empowerment after going through a break-up. 

In 2000, Britney Spears released her sophomore album Oops!...I Did It Again. The album garnered four singles including the Max Martin-produced track “Stronger.” On the track, Spears showcases her bravery and strength in moving on from a relationship that no longer serves her. She’s ready to come into her full self as she sings, “‘Cause now I’m stronger than yesterday / Now it’s nothing but my way / My loneliness ain’t killing me no more / I, I’m stronger.”

In 2009, John Mayer released his fourth album Battle Studies which featured the single “Perfectly Lonely.” On the track, Mayer describes how content he is with being single after calling it quits on his relationship. As he sings on the hook, “I’m perfectly lonely / Cause I don’t belong to anyone / Nobody belongs to me.” 

After a four-year hiatus, pop-punk singer Avril Lavigne returned in 2011 with her fourth studio album Goodbye Lullaby. Led by the single “What The Hell,” the track is all about Lavigne going against the norm in her relationship and she’s ready for her freedom to do as she pleases. 

In 2008, P!nk released her fifth album Funhouse, led by the single “So What.” P!nk uses the track to describe going through a break-up and having a little more fun in her single life. As she sings on the first verse, “I guess I just lost my husband / I don’t know where he went / So I’m gonna drink my money / I’m not gonna pay his rent / I got a brand new attitude / And I’m gonna wear it tonight.”