Whether it’s because you work in different cities, live in different countries, or more recently, are apart due to the pandemic, long-distance relationships can be difficult and quite frankly, exhausting. But all these challenges pale in comparison to the thought of getting to love that special someone.
Below we have compiled a list of 50 songs bound to get you in your feels and help you feel less isolated when away from your love.
Here are the 50 Best Songs About Long Distance Relationships
- One Call Away —Charlie Puth
- Somewhere Out There —Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram
- Hey There Delilah —Plain White T’s
- From Where Are You —Lifehouse
- I Want Crazy —Hunter Hayes
- Come Back… Be Here —Taylor Swift
- Here Without You — 3 Doors Down
- Whenever You Call —Mariah Carey
- Such Great Heights —The Postal Service
- Set The Fire to the Third Bar —Snow Patrol featuring Martha Wainwright
- FourFiveSeconds —Rihanna, Kayne West, and Paul McCartney
- Distance —Mariah Carey
- Long Distance —Bruno Mars
- Daylight —Maroon 5
- Faithfully —Journey
- Lucky —Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
- Right Here Waiting —Richard Marx
- Photograph —Ed Sheeran
- You Belong To Me —Jason Wade
- Half a Heart —One Direction
- Jet Lag —Simple Plan featuring Natasha Bedingfield
- Need You Now —Lady Antebellum
- A Thousand Years —Christina Perri
- Many The Miles —Sara Bareilles
- Love Letters —Ketty Lester
- Transatlanticism —Death Cab For Cutie
- Right Now —One Direction
- I Drove All Night —Celine Dion
- Beating Heart —Ellie Goulding
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough —Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- Leaving On A Jetplane —Peter, Paul and Mary
- All of The Stars —Ed Sheeran
- Never Be Alone —Shawn Mendes
- I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) —The Proclaimers
- Keep Holding On —Avril Lavigne
- I Like Me Better —Lauv
- Talking To The Moon —Bruno Mars
- Maps —Yeah Yeah Yeahs
- Home —Michael Buble
- A Thousand Miles —Vanessa Carlton
- So Far Away —Carole King
- Radar Love —Golden Earring
- Calling You —Blue October
- When Can I See You Again —Babyface
- I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing —Aerosmith
- Miles Apart —Yellowcard
- I Won’t Give Up —Jason Mraz
- I Can’t Wait Forever —Simple Plan
- Ours — Taylor Swift
- My Heart Will Go On —Celine Dion
1. One Call Away —Charlie Puth
Being in a long-distance relationship can feel isolating at times. This song is the perfect way to assure your partner that no matter what, you’ll always be there for them, even if it’s via a call. The song reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Puth’s third top 40 single in the US and his third highest-charting single as a lead artist to date.
2. Somewhere Out There —Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram
The song was recorded by American singers Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram for the animated feature film An American Tail (1986). The song has a lullaby-esque quality with lyrics that help you feel a little less alone. My favorite verse just happens to be “And even though I know how very far apart we are, It helps to think we might be wishing, On the same bright star”
3. Hey There Delilah —Plain White T’s
Perhaps my favorite song on the list is one I grew up listening to every time someone brought over their guitars. The simple guitar chords, the poetic lyrics, and screaming our “The world will never ever be the same, And you’re to blame” with all our friends – this timeless piece ranked number 1 on three U.S. Charts and in Canada and Germany as well.
4. From Where Are You —Lifehouse
This song is one that reminds us of the power of love when accompanied by resilience and dedication to make it work. The lyrics beautifully portray the yearning of the narrator and the pain he feels from their physical separation.
The song has appeared in emotional moments on shows like One Tree Hill and Smokes and Mirrors
5. I Want Crazy —Hunter Hayes
This country hit had everyone in a chokehold back in 2011 – who cares if people think you’re acting crazy? Love does that to you, makes you do all sorts of stupid things, especially when you know your lover is so far away from you.
This song was certified 2× Platinum by the (RIAA) and in Canada, peaked at number 14 along with being certified Platinum, in addition to topping the Canadian Country Airplay chart compiled by Billboard
6. Come Back… Be Here —Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift may have moved on from this single but I am right where she left me (bonus points if you get the reference). One of the poppier songs from her album Red, Come Back… Be Here speaks of realizing how bad you miss someone after they’ve left and broken down when you realize they aren’t there with you.
7. Here Without You — 3 Doors Down
Missing someone doesn’t always depend on how long you’ve been away from them. Sometimes spending a single day away from them is more than enough to bring in the loneliness and yearning. This power ballad from the band’s second album describes the pain of the same feeling. The song reached No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in November 2003 and was certified double platinum in the US.
8. Whenever You Call —Mariah Carey
This song is like the female point of view of ‘One Call Away’. Just like the Charlie Puth song, Carey sings about being one call away whenever her lover needs her and the desire to be reunited with him. Although it was not released as a single, it remains a fan favorite as it showcases the singer’s timeless, signature style.
9. Such Great Heights —The Postal Service
This indie song ranked 27 on Rolling Stone‘s 100 Best Songs of the Decade list and I’m not surprised why. From the beautiful imagery describing the narrator’s lover to the way he misses her when he’s on the road, everything about this song is perfection.
10. Set The Fire to the Third Bar —Snow Patrol featuring Martha Wainwright
The warmth that comes with being next to your significant other is unparalleled. This song projects such a deep sense of sadness and desperation it makes me miss my non-existent lover as much as the narrator does his. It is among the Snow Patrol’s most commercially successful songs, being certified Gold in the UK by the (BPI)
11. FourFiveSeconds —Rihanna, Kayne West, and Paul McCartney
Relationships aren’t always sunshine and rainbows, sometimes it’s realizing you can do nothing to stop your partner from behaving recklessly because you’re physically far away. Kanye West and Rihanna perfectly play the role of two such lovers here.
The song was a huge success, peaking at number 1 in over 10 countries, including the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, with critics praising Rihanna’s vocals on the song.
12. Distance —Mariah Carey
This is a song that celebrates individuality and uniqueness, using these traits to strengthen a relationship so that no matter what anyone says, you hold your ground. Whether you interpret this song as ‘going the distance’ or quite literally in the sense of physical distance, it’s an empowering bop for sure.
13. Long Distance — Brandy
Some days are tougher than others, especially in long-distance relationships. More often than not, you feel like the distance is actually ‘killing you inside’. The song describes the pain with a vivid intensity, which is expected since Bruno Mars is one of the chief lyricists. It topped the U.S. US Dance Club Songs Chart
14. Daylight —Maroon 5
One of the most emotionally taxing days is the day before one of you has to leave and the relationship goes back to being long-distance again. The song describes the feelings of the narrator the night before as he says “When the daylight comes I’ll have to go”. This pop hit topped the charts in both the U.S. and Canada.
15. Faithfully — Journey
The power ballad starts off with the most riveting piano solo, topped off with Jonathan Cain’s heart-wrenching lyrics. Long distance relationships aren’t always romantic – this song was inspired by the band members’ families who couldn’t always be flown out to where they were. In a Classic Rock article, “Faithfully” was called the greatest power ballad ever recorded
16. Lucky —Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
To find a lover is to find a best friend, but how lucky are the ones whose best friends turn into their lovers? The singer enjoys the privilege of having this in this song, expressing that he can’t wait until he’s home again with his best friend. Topped with Colbie Caillat’s sublime vocals this sweet duet has cemented its place in my heart.
17. Right Here Waiting —Richard Marx
Realizing you’ve taken someone’s love and the time you had with them for granted is one of the most heartbreaking feelings, especially now that you’re not physically there with them. The songs encapsulates this heartbreak in such vivid beauty, that it’s no wonder Right Here Waiting was the was the UK’s most streamed love song on Spotify ahead of Valentine’s Day in 2013 alongside topping multiple charts in countries across the globe.
18. Photograph —Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is a mastermind when it comes to lyrics. Every verse Ed Sheeran croons, every chord is pure perfection. From first dances at weddings to Valentine’s Day, this song is no doubt one of the best love songs ever written.
My favorite verse of the entire song is the last two lines, the very essence of holding on in a long-distance relationship “When I’m away, I will remember how you kissed me, Under the lamppost back on Sixth street, Hearing you whisper through the phone, Wait for me to come home”
19. You Belong To Me —Jason Wade
Does this song sound familiar? Probably because you grew up watching Shrek! Many people interpret the song as full of possessiveness but I think it’s just plain beautiful. There is nothing possessive about reminding a partner, traveling all alone, that their place is by your side at the end of the day.
20. Half a Heart —One Direction
This hypnotic guitar procession gives a new meaning to being someone’s other half – when far apart you feel half a man, half a heart. My praise for this poetic masterpiece has nothing to do with my deep-rooted affection for One Direction. The song is a masterpiece in its own right and deserves more critical acclaim.
21. Jet Lag —Simple Plan featuring Natasha Bedingfield
One of the most complicated aspects of long-distance relationships is the different time zones; coordinating video calls and quality time gets hard. The pop-rock number highlights this complication, all with the addition of a beautiful metaphor; just like being physically jetlagged is a pain, living away from you is like jetlag, but it’s the heart that’s tired.
Four official versions of the song exist, but I prefer the one with British singer Natasha Bedingfield. Jet Lag was pretty commercially successful, reaching the top 10 in many countries including Canada, Australia, and Mexico.
22. Need You Now —Lady Antebellum
Perhaps one of the most recognizable country ballads of all time, we all can quite relate to feeling lonely enough to phone someone in the middle of the night. Commercially a hit, the song spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in late 2009. It also reached the top five hits in Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand and won Single of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards.
23. A Thousand Years —Christina Perri
Ah! Who doesn’t remember the chokehold Twilight and this song had on all of us back in 2011? Dearly loved by fans all over the world, the gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics alongside Perr’s heavenly vocals explore the themes of love and commitment. The timelessness of this masterpiece can be accounted for by its diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America in March 2022.
24. Many The Miles —Sara Bareilles
True love is worth the effort no matter how far you have to go. The song is an anthem searching for truth, experience, and wisdom all while never letting go of love. It marked Sara Bareilles’s debut into mainstream pop and has remained a fan-favorite ever since.
25. Love Letters —Ketty Lester
Do you know what I think used to be the most beautiful part about long-distance relationships back in the day? Receiving letters from your loved ones! This song encapsulates that feeling. Whether it be a scented note about weekly proceedings or a declaration of affection from the trenches, love letters straight from the heart are the most romantic gesture one can show
26. Transatlanticism —Death Cab For Cutie
Transatlanticism is from the band’s fourth studio album of the same name with themes of love and longing The song is a unique experience, but one that true fans will enjoy. A whopping 7 minutes 55 seconds, the latter 3 minutes focus on an almost hymn-like repetition of the same verse with a chorus at the end.
27. Right Now —One Direction
The boys seem to be experts at singing about long-distance relationships which comes as no surprise considering how much time they spent on the road. Right Now has to be one of my favorite One Direction songs – No matter how many people you’re surrounded by you’ll always wish for that one person to be with you
28. I Drove All Night —Celine Dion
The song taps into the emotion of unwavering commitment and desire to be with your beloved. the song was featured in the television show “American Horror Story” and the 2002 film “Lilo & Stitch,”. It also topped the Canadian Singles Chart and reached number 7 on the US Adult Contemporary chart in 2003.
29. Beating Heart —Ellie Goulding
Assembling all YA Fiction fans with this divergent soundtrack, showcasing Ellie Goulding’s vocals with these heartfelt lyrics were on the tip of all our tongues in 2014. That one last night of passion before paths diverge (another reference!)
30. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough —Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
This soul-pop 1960s wonder left a permanent imprint on all our brains when Guardians of The Galaxy revisited the song in the first movie of the franchise. The lyrics are simple and true – there ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, Ain’t no river wide enough, To keep me from getting to you
31. Leaving On A Jetplane —Peter, Paul and Mary
I know John Denver from Country Roads but I consider myself fortunate to stumble upon this folk hit of his. The pain of being away from a lover sung in Denver’s grainy voice with rusty ‘60s music is heaven. The song topped multiple charts in both the U.S. and Canada.
32. All of The Stars —Ed Sheeran
This list seems to be a throwback zone to so many YA fictional movies! The soundtrack to the heartbreaking film The Fault in Our Stars is platinum-certified in both the U.S. and Canada. I honestly don’t know what makes me cry more – the ending of the film or the credits with this song in the background.
33. Never Be Alone —Shawn Mendes
With hits like Stitches and Treat You Better, this mellow hit from Handwritten gets swept under the rugs. But Shawn’s lilting vocals, the acoustic guitar procession throughout, and the simultaneous grief and hope this song makes you feel, deserve more recognition.
34. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) —The Proclaimers
This Scottish duo came up with the most groovy Celtic rock banger about a sad situation that will make your head bop (and perhaps lessen the pain from the distance). It peaked at number 1 in Australia and New Zealand and you’ll find this song on every iconic ‘80s Hits playlist on Spotify.
35. Keep Holding On —Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne has been our Emo-emotional-support-pop-artist since the early 2000s, with a melody to accompany every situation a teenager might go through. If the song seems familiar, it is probably because Keep Holding On was used as the musical theme for the beloved 2006 film Eragon. Whether it be a fantasy movie about a dragon or your partner so far away, Avril Lavinge will always fit the vibe.
36. I Like Me Better —Lauv
I believe half the pain of staying away from your partner is missing the mundane activities. The domesticity of “Midnight into morning coffee, Burning through the hours talking”. Some people genuinely bring out the best version of you. This refreshing electropop song hit the top 10 in multiple charts across Europe, the U.S., and the UK.
37. Talking To The Moon —Bruno Mars
The basis of true love isn’t just an expression of affection, but mutual longing. Like a part of your soul is taken along when the other leaves. Bruno Mars depicts the intensity of this emotion in this melancholy number from his debut album, which was was certified twice platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America
38. Maps —Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Even though I didn’t enjoy this song sonically, the indie-rock number certainly cements its place on the list due to its unique composition and repetition which depict the desperation of wanting someone to stay when you know the time for them to leave is coming. the song reached number nine on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 26 in the United Kingdom.
39. Home —Michael Buble
Micheal Buble is a powerhouse of vocals and stage presence and this jazzy song proves that. Full of wistful thoughts about his lover and home, the slow pace of the song ensures you feel the lyrics just as deeply as the narrator feels his separation. Home peaked at number 1 on both the Adult Contemporary chart formats of Canada and the United States, in addition to certifying platinum in both countries
40. A Thousand Miles —Vanessa Carlton
You know this song from TikToks where I know this from Legally Blonde – we are not the same. Just kidding, no matter how you stumbled upon it, this timeless number is sure to be a morning playlist essential. The yearnful lyrics contrast the song’s upbeat tune, making it appropriate whether you want to brush your hair to it or just think about your boo.
The song was nominated for three Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) while being Carlton’sonly single to reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number five
41. So Far Away —Carole King
The most successful songwriter of the latter half of the 20th century, the legend, Carole King once again outdoes herself in this acoustic piano melody. Her rich timbre with lyrics that wonderfully encapsulate the desire to see your lover when they’re so far away, make this song one of my all-time favorites. She doesn’t just spin a tale about the physical distance, but the emotional gap as well.
It’s no wonder Paste ranked the song number four on their list of the 12 greatest Carole King songs while American Songwriter ranked the song number two on their list of the 10 greatest Carole King songs.
42. Radar Love —Golden Earring
True love isn’t just dependent on wifi and video calls but when two hearts connect it forms something of a psychic connection, or so says the narrator of this song. The concept of the song may lose some meaning to us younger generations, but the idea of a driver who is trying to get home because he knows his lover misses him is very romantic nonetheless. The song hit the Top 10 in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Spain.
43. Calling You —Blue October
Asking for reassurance via ill-timed calls seems to be a running theme on this list, but isn’t that the crux of all long-distance relationships? This sweet number by alternative indie rock band Blue October is. Just like “So while I’m on this phone, A hundred miles from home, I’ll take the words you gave me and send them back to you” The song is full of romantic promises.
44. When Can I See You Again —Babyface
The R&B tune describes a lover going through immense anxiety and desolation when far away from his partner. The song won the artist his first performance Grammy Award for Best Male R&B number 35 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming his highest charting single to date.
45. I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing —Aerosmith
Whether you’re an Aerosmith fan or recognize this from the iconic sci-fi movie Armageddon (1998), you’ll love the way this song talks about the fear of missing out on beautiful moments when you’re away from your loved ones. This song was Aerosmith’s biggest hit, debuting at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for 4 weeks.
46. Miles Apart —Yellowcard
This Indier-rock number doesn’t just talk about loneliness and longing, but also about regret that comes from not making the best of the time you had with someone. The frustration and yearning in further amplified by the emotion in the singer’s voice.
47. I Won’t Give Up —Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz seems to be a recurring guest on this list and for good reason. This is the perfect song to send to your long-distance partner as a reassurance- you’re there and you’re not giving up.
48. I Can’t Wait Forever —Simple Plan
Certain figures in your life are worth the wait, even if it means waiting forever. This beautiful declaration of commitment and resilience makes this song one that is very close to my heart.
49. Ours — Taylor Swift
This underrated Taylor Swist gem is reminiscent of her country music days, with a beautiful music video to accompany the sentiment – the love you share is made special only by your definition and commitment, irrespective of what someone else says.
50. My Heart Will Go On —Celine Dion
Ending this compilation with the most iconic song on the list, the Titanic theme song takes long-distance relationships to a whole new level (hint, beyond the grave). Celene Dion’s insane vocals are at the forefront here, along with the emotional attachment many of us have to Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
FAQs
What is the most famous song about long-distance relationships?
The most commercially renowned of these would be My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. The song topped the charts in more than twenty-five countries, remains the second-best-selling single by a woman in music history, and is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
What are the different themes in these songs?
These songs feature all sorts of problems a couple might have in a long-distance relationship: from anxiety to attachment issues and insecurities. Some songs also take on a more positive approach with narrators stating they eagerly await to see their lover again.
Where can I stream these songs?
While most of these songs are easily available on Spotify and Apple Music, we’ve included links to YouTube for each one of them. Fear not, even if you can’t find the song or it doesn’t stream in your country, you can always head to YouTube for music in the gold old 2000s manner.