Pop artist Katy Perry got people talking in May with the release of her new song, \"Wide Awake,\" which is about her divorce from actor Russell Brand. On Monday, the music video of the song was released and it immediately went viral on Youtube with nearly 2.5 million hits to date.
In the spirit of breakups, WTOP put together a list of some of the top angst-ridden breakup songs.
In this 1995 hit, Alanis Morissette sings, "And every time you speak her name, does she know how you told me you'd hold me until you die, 'til you die, but you're still alive. And I'm here, to remind you, of the mess you left when you went away." The song is rumored to be about Morissette's breakup with "Full House" actor Dave Coulier, who played the character Joey.
In 1996, Gwen Stefani released "Don't Speak," purported to be about the end of her seven-year relationship with bassist Tony Kanal.
It's pretty clear what the song is about from its opening lines, "You and me, we used to be together, every day together, always. I really feel that I'm losing my best friend. I can't believe this could be the end."
Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" was named Single of the Year by the Country Music Association when it came out in 2007. The song was nominated for three Grammys and won two in 2008
All American Rejects' "Gives You Hell" was released in 2008 on the album "When the World Comes Down." It peaked No. 1 on the Pop charts on Billboard and on iTunes. It was the fifth most downloaded song in 2009.
Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" has achieved international success after its 2011 release in Australia and New Zealand, where the singer was born. Gotye wrote it at his parent's house in Australia about his past relationships.
Cee Lo Green says his 2010 hit "F*** You" is actually aimed at the music industry itself. It was released in various versions because of its profanity, and many radio versions play the song with the lyrics "Forget You."
Eminem's "Love The Way You Lie" is the second single from the rap artist's album "Recovery." He and singer Rihanna recorded the song together and she sings the chorus.
The Dixie Chicks' "Goodbye Earl" is about a woman named Wanda who gets married to Earl, who abuses her. After a restraining order and a divorce, Earl still won't leave Wanda alone. So Wanda and her best friend get together to figure out what to do, "And it didn't take long to decide that Earl had to die. Goodbye Earl."
According to Paul Simon, it's not that hard to get out of a relationship. There are "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover." That's the name of Simon's 1975 hit, which he wrote after his divorce from his first wife Peggy Harper. In the song, a mistress offers practical advice about how to breakup. "You Just slip out the back, Jack. Make a new plan, Stan. You don't need to be coy, Roy. Just get yourself free."
Pink's "So What" was released in 2008 to much applause. It was Pink's best-selling debut and peaked at No.1 on the Pop charts one month after its release. It's not clear if the song has anything to do with the singer's personal life. She and husband Carey Hart, a motocross racer, have had an on-again, off-again relationship but are currently together.
