When this happens, take off your thinking cap and turn up the volume. Not sure what to listen to? Here are 15 of the best long distance relationship songs that will speak to you, with a few extra.
1. If you need to be reminded that your long distance relationship is worth it
Listen to I Want Crazy, by Hunter Hayes. Why? This song will help shore up your determination to hang in there by reminding you of three truths: Long distance relationships are difficult. Other people might call you crazy. And your love is worth it! Best lines “I don’t want easy, I want crazy Are you with me baby?”
2. If you feel like your heart and your body are living in different time zones
Listen to Jet Lag, by Simple Plan Why? This song is like a good cup of coffee after a long night–a great pick-me-up. It perfectly captures the LDR whirlwind of hellos, goodbyes, virtual connections, and long distance yearning. It also manages to be catchy and upbeat. Best lines “You say good morning When it’s midnight”
3. If you miss them terribly
Listen to When You’re Gone, by Avril Lavigne Why? Sometimes listening to someone else put words to your pain is cathartic. This song is all about the pain that comes with long distance relationships—the hurts-to-breathe yearning that weighs you down when you’re not sure you’ll make it through one more day apart. Best lines “When you walk away I count the steps that you take” After that, listen to… Aeroplanes, by Futures Why? After you’ve gotten some raw anguish out of your system by listening to Avril, transition to something gentler. This song is a lyrical meditation on missing that also weaves in threads of determination and hope. Best lines “And I’m gonna build you the house on the water But first I will build the bridge across” Need more anthems to missing? Try From Where You Are by Lifehouse. Simple. Heartfelt. Mellow.
4. When you’re done wallowing
Listen to Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Why? Catharsis is all well and good, but at some point playing heart-wrenching songs on repeat stops being cathartic and just means you’re wallowing in your pain. So after you’ve had your catharsis pick yourself up off the floor and put on something upbeat. Best lines “If you need me call me no matter where you are, No matter how far; don’t worry baby”
5. If you need to be reminded not to put your life on hold while you’re waiting to be together
Listen to Many The Miles, by Sara Bareilles Why? When you’re in an long distance relationship it’s too easy to start feeling like your “real life” is on hold until you can close the gap. This song will help remind you that your real life is what you’re living today, even if you’re far apart from your favorite person. Best lines “But surely something has got to got to got to give Cause I can’t keep waiting to live.”
6. If you’re wondering what the future holds
Listen to 3000, by The Icarus Account Why? Uncertainty is part of every relationship—especially if you’re long distance. This acoustic gem captures the mishmash of joy, hope, pain, and wondering that so often plagues long distance couples as they wonder about their futures. Best lines: And I still fall asleep hoping that you will call Cause you’re worth waking up for Want more lyrical wonderings? Try Already Home by A Great Big World or Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx (and, as an added bonus, the 80s hairstyles in this last video will make you laugh).
7. If you’re sure you’ve found your one and only
Listen to 10 Hours, by Warren Barfield Why? Sometimes you just know when you’ve found the right one. If you’re not shy about wearing your heart on your sleeve and saying you want forever, this guitar ballad is for you. Best lines “And I could love you for a thousand years And wish for a thousand more” And if you’ve found your one and only, a single sappy song is never enough, so go have a listen to Westlife’s I Wanna Grow Old With You as well.
8. If you’re feeling wistful
Listen to A Thousand Miles, by Vanessa Carlton Why? This catchy tune somehow manages to be upbeat and inspire a gentle sort of nostalgia at the same time. It’s a great listen when you’re missing someone and wondering if they’re also thinking of you. Best lines “I wonder if I could fall into the sky Do you think time would pass me by?” Need more wistful soundtracks? Try Here Without You by 3 Doors Down or Leaving On A Jet Plane by John Denver.
9. If you’re wondering how on earth you ended up in a long distance relationship
Listen to A Lonely September, by Plain White T’s Why? So many long distance relationship couples start out online chatting, texting, or emailing. Then, months down the line, they have the bittersweet realization that they’ve fallen for their long distance buddy. Best lines “Well I didn’t mean for this to go as far as it did And I didn’t mean to get so close and share what we did”
10. If you’re on a road-trip
Listen to 200,000, by The Rocket Summer Why? Every road trip needs a catchy, intense anthem to help pass the miles. This upbeat homage to persevering for worthwhile love is a great choice for LDR-roadtrip playlists. Best lines “There are not one but two hundred thousand miles on my car. To be with you I’ve driven far, but I loved you that much.”
11. If you’re thinking about all the good times you’ve shared
Listen to The Promise, by Tracy Chapman Why? This song is the perfect soundtrack for a nostalgic stroll down memory lane. It is an earthy, sensual, celebration of love. It speaks of confidence in a shared future together. Best lines “If you can make a promise, if it’s one that you can keep I vow to come for you, if you wait for me”
12. If you need a pick-me-up
Listen to: Whatever, Whenever, by Shakira Why? I dare you to listen to this upbeat tune and not want to dance. It’s hard to stay feeling flat and depressed in the face of this catchy intensity. Best lines “Lucky that I love a foreign land for The lucky fact of your existence”
13. If it feels like you’ve been apart forever
Listen to Gone So Long, by Breathe Carolina Why? When you’ve been apart from your partner for months you can start to doubt everything from your own feelings to whether you have a future together. It all gets mixed up with missing them. This song captures this confusion with subtle, rhythmic intensity. Best lines “Do you still remember my touch at all? I never meant to be gone so long”
14. If you need some perspectives on your pain
Listen to Wouldn’t It Be Nice, by The Beach Boys Why? Sometimes you just to be reminded that past generations have gone through long distance relationships too, and without email! If you’re feeling old-fashioned (or you’re in the mood for something to make you feel like you’re driving the California coast in a convertible) try this classic by the Beach Boys. Best lines “You’re still with me in my dreams And tonight, girl, it’s only you and me” Want more old-fashioned without the convertible overtones? Try Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers or Oleta Adams’ Get Here.
15. When you’re determined to stick it out
Listen to I Can Wait Forever, by Simple Plan Why? When you’re in this for the long haul (and you’re willing to take some cheese with your boy-band) try this. It’s not going to win any awards for its lyrics, but it gets the main point across loud, clear, and in-tune. Best lines “I try to find the words that I could say I know distance doesn’t matter but you feel so far away” If you want a classier (although much less literal) alternative, try I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons. Featured photo credit: Unsplash via unsplash.com
