Songs About Missing Someone

Missing someone is one of those feelings that doesn’t have an off switch. It catches you in the strangest moments — a smell, a song, a place you used to go together. And when it hits, the only thing that sometimes helps is knowing that someone else has felt exactly the same way and written a song about it.

These songs about missing someone cover all the versions of that feeling: missing someone who’s gone, someone who’s far away, someone who’s still here but somehow out of reach, and someone you’re not sure you’re allowed to miss anymore. If you’ve lost someone, you might also find comfort in our playlist of songs about losing someone you love.

Highlights From the Playlist

“I Miss You” – Blink-182

Eerie, theatrical, and oddly comforting. The contrast between Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge’s voices gives this song a kind of dual perspective on grief and longing that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.

“Someone Like You” – Adele

Possibly the greatest break-up song ever written. Adele showing up at an ex’s door and wishing them well while clearly not being fine at all is one of the most emotionally honest things in pop music. The piano and vocal alone could soundtrack a thousand heartbreaks.

“Here Without You” – 3 Doors Down

A long-distance love song that captures the specific ache of being physically separated from someone you love. The quiet intensity of the verses makes the chorus land even harder.

“Wish You Were Here” – Pink Floyd

One of the most beautiful songs ever written about absence. Originally about Syd Barrett, it has become a universal meditation on loss and disconnection. The acoustic guitar opening is one of the most recognisable in rock history.

“The Night We Met” – Lord Huron

A haunting wish to go back in time — specifically to the moment before everything changed. The retro production and Ben Schneider’s voice make it feel like a song playing from another room in a dream. Thanks to 13 Reasons Why, a new generation discovered just how devastating this song is.

“Far Away” – Nickelback

Yes, Nickelback. This is a genuinely great missing-someone song, and it’s time to admit that. The emotional directness and the soaring chorus do exactly what they’re supposed to do. No apologies.

Missing Someone Who Is Gone vs. Far Away

There are really two kinds of missing someone, and different songs speak to each:

• Missing someone who has died: “Tears in Heaven” (Eric Clapton), “Supermarket Flowers” (Ed Sheeran), “You Should Be Here” (Cole Swindell) — see also our songs about losing someone you love
• Missing an ex: “Someone Like You” (Adele), “I Miss You” (Blink-182), “Without You” (Mariah Carey)
• Missing someone far away: “Here Without You” (3 Doors Down), “Far Away” (Nickelback), “Soldier” (Destiny’s Child)
• Missing someone who’s still here but changed: “The Night We Met” (Lord Huron), “When We Were Young” (Adele), “Fix You” (Coldplay)

Full Playlist: Songs About Missing Someone

1. I Miss You – Blink-182
2. Someone Like You – Adele
3. Here Without You – 3 Doors Down
4. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
5. The Night We Met – Lord Huron
6. Far Away – Nickelback
7. Without You – Mariah Carey
8. When We Were Young – Adele
9. You Should Be Here – Cole Swindell
10. Bring Him Home – Les Misérables
11. Skinny Love – Bon Iver
12. Missing – Everything But the Girl
13. Come Back When You Can – Barcelona
14. The One That Got Away – Katy Perry
15. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
16. Stay With Me – Sam Smith
17. Soldier – Destiny’s Child
18. Wait for Me – Theory of a Deadman
19. Please Come to Boston – Dave Loggins
20. Photograph – Ed Sheeran

Spotify Playlist

Check out this playlist by Spotify user Brocq:

This site is dedicated to playlist themes! Have we missed a song that should be included in this playlist? Comment below to share it!