There are few things that can help heal a wounded heart after a nasty break-up quite like a great revenge song. From a variety of genres, decades and styles, revenge songs all pretty much have the same message: “Eat your heart out… I’m better of without you!” Here is a look at seven of the very best revenge songs of the last thirty years that are bound to ease the pain from even the nastiest of break-ups.
“You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette
The angst ridden lyrics of “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette sets the standard for non-sappy break-up songs. She’s not sad about the break-up; she’s pissed! Her lyrics hit a chord for those who received the short end of the stick in their relationship. Break-ups can be cold, bitter and unkind, and Morissette’s song perfectly embodies the anger that can be found in a particularly brutal end to a relationship.
Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood is a formidable revenge song, and the typically bubbly Southern star is actually pretty scary in this song. She gets her revenge against a cheating boyfriend by destroying his car. The song rocks hard, and the message empowered women everywhere, while men looked for better car insurance.
“So What” by Pink
In a brazen move, Pink wrote a song about her divorce from husband Cory Hart and featured him in the music video. Both the song and the video give the attitude of “Who cares?!” about the divorce rumors, and it is sure to lift the spirits of the most down and out dumpee around with its upbeat tone.
“Seven Devils” by Florence and the Machine
While “Seven Devils” by Florence and the Machine has major religious undertones, the song also makes for one hell of a revenge song. With lyrics such as “I don’t want your money, I don’t want your crowd, I’ve come to burn your kingdom down.” The lyrics are not happy, but man are they powerful.
These Boots Were Made for Walking” by Nancy Sinatra
“These Boots Were Made for Walking” by Nancy Sinatra is a well known song that gets plenty of play time during break-ups. After feeling walked upon in her relationship, she threatens to walk all over her partner with her walking boots.
“Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake
The ultimate revenge song of the last ten years belongs to Justin Timberlake with “Cry Me a River.” The video that fueled a media frenzy, is quite possibly one of the best revenge songs of all time. Shortly after the break up of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, Timberlake released “Cry Me a River,” clearly getting his digs in where he can.
“Feeling Good” by Muse
Sometimes the best revenge is showing your ex that you’ve moved on and you’re perfectly okay. Muse’s remake of the song is bound to lift spirits and help get you past all the humdrum, melancholy, and maybe even three minutes of angst.
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