Jealousy is an ugly feeling that makes for great songs. These cover the whole range: the green-eyed crush, the partner who can't stop watching the door, and the singer who has to beg a rival to back off.
Updated 2026
Jealous Guy by John Lennon 1971
Lennon owning up to the insecurity that made him cruel.
Mr. Brightside by The Killers 2004
A spiral of suspicion that never quite lets the singer rest.
Read the meaning behind the songJolene by Dolly Parton 1973
A desperate plea to a beautiful woman: please don't take my man.
Every Breath You Take by The Police 1983
A sweet melody hiding a deeply possessive watching.
Read the meaning behind the songYou Belong with Me by Taylor Swift 2008
Pining from the sidelines while the wrong girl gets the guy.
Jealous by Nick Jonas 2014
Admitting he hates how every other man looks at her.
I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye 1968
Tortured by rumors that she is about to leave.
Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne 2007
A bratty, unapologetic campaign to steal someone's boyfriend.
Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake 2002
Betrayal turned into cold, public payback.
You're So Vain by Carly Simon 1972
A takedown of a man too in love with himself to notice.
Obsession by Animotion 1984
Wanting someone so badly it tips past desire into something darker.
Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye ft. Kimbra 2011
Two sides of a breakup, both still stung by how it ended.