Now that we've dealt with the initial pangs of heartache (hopefully with some songs like our first Great Heartbreak Songbook), it's time to embrace the heartache and become our own valentines! Here are our top 10 empowering breakup songs for getting over it.
10. I Cried For You – Billie Holiday
"Now it's your turn to cry for me"
9. I Gotta Be Me – Sammy Davis Jr.
"I can't be right for somebody else / If I'm not right for me"
8. By Myself – Cecile McLorin Salvant
"I'll face the unknown / I'll build a world of my own"
7. There’ll Be Some Changes Made – The Boswell Sisters
"Nobody wants you when you're old and gray / There'll be some changes made today"
6. An Occasional Man – Abbey Lincoln
"I've got papayas, peaches, / Sandy beaches, / And—an occasional man!"
5. Live Alone And Like It – Mel Tormé
"Doesn't mean you're lonely / Just that you're free"
4. After You’ve Gone – Bessie Smith
"Someday, when you grow lonely / Your heart will break like mine and you'll want me only"
3. I Wish You Well – Bill Withers
"Wanna wish you freedom to do the things you love"
2. You’re Breaking My Heart – Harry Nilsson
"I'm goin' insane / There's no one to blame so fuck you"
1. Thanks For The Memory – Sarah Vaughan
"I know it's a fallacy / That grown men never cry; baby, that's a lie"