We’ve all been there. Tears streaming down our face. A pint of ice cream snuggled in our arms. All sorts of emotions tumble through you. Betrayal. Desperation. Hurt. Anger.

But, nevertheless, we get back on our feet. We persevere. We survive. To help us get to this point, I’ve compiled a list of 13 empowering break up songs that bring you back to your confident self in no time. (Thank me later).

1. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
   Honestly, is there a more iconic ‘get back at your ex’ song than Carrie Underwood’s?
   Disclaimer: I do not suggest committing vandalism
   Best Line: I dug my key into the side/Of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive

2. “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC
   Tell it to ‘em, Justin.
   Best Line: Baby bye bye bye

3. “Shout Out to My Ex” by Little Mix
   Sing this. Post this. @ your ex. Okay, maybe don’t do that last part, but this song will have you back to your old self in no time.
   Best Line: Shout out to my ex, you’re really quite the man/You made my heart break and that made me who I am
   
   
4. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
   This song has been around for awhile, but it aged like wine.
   Best Line: But since you been gone/I can breathe for the first time
   
   
5. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
   Gloria Gaynor’s words of wisdom back in the 70’s apply even now.
   Best Line: Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
   Side Note: It’s best to sing this song at the top of your lungs
   
   
6. “You Give Love a Bad Name” by Bon Jovi
   A classic.
   Best Line: Shot through the heart/And you’re to blame/You give love a bad name

7. “Picture to Burn” by Taylor Swift
   Would it even be a break-up playlist if Taylor Swift wasn’t on it?
   Best Line: As far as I’m concerned you’re / just another picture to burn
8. “Best Thing I Never Had” by Beyoncé
   Beyoncé says it best.
   Best Line: ‘Cause honestly you turned out to be the/Best thing I never had
   
   
9. “Best Days of Your Life“ by Kellie Pickler
   Kellie’s song will give you a sense of comfort.
   Best Line: And it’s just too bad, cause you’ve already had the best days/The best days of you life
   
   
10. “Survivor“ by Destiny’s Child
    Even if you don’t believe it right now, you have no choice but to after listening to Destiny’s Child.
    Best Line: I’m not gon’ stop (what), I’m gon’ work harder (what)

    

11. “Woman” by Kesha
    Honestly, is there a more empowering song for women?
    Best Line:  I’m a mother******* woman, baby, alright/I don’t need a man to be holding me too tight

12. “Ugly Heart” by G.R.L.
    This song just gets you. You might find comfort in knowing G.R.L’s been there too.
    Best Line: But it’s such a pity a boy so pretty/With an ugly heart

13. “My Give a Damn’s Busted” by Jo Dee Messina
    Trust me. Just listen.
    Best Line: I’d like to give it one more try / But my give a damn’s busted.

Channel your inner Beyoncé, Jovi, or Kesha. Get your group of friends together and become the new and improved NSYNC. Do what you have to do to move on. Just know that you’ll have all these artists helping you along the way.

Have any songs you’d like to add? Comment Below