Infidelity between romantic partners can lead to devastating emotional turmoil and often results in the end of a relationship. No one wishes to experience the betrayal of being lied to, manipulated, or deceived by someone they deeply love and trust. The pain that accompanies such acts can be overwhelming and life-altering.

Sadly, this is a reality for many.

Below, we present an extensive compilation of 50 Songs About Cheaters and Cheating. This diverse selection includes tracks written from the perspective of the heartbroken partner, the one who strayed, and even the perspective of the “other woman,” highlighting the multifaceted nature of infidelity.

At the very least, the experience of cheating often inspires some profoundly cathartic and relatable music.

1. “Got to Choose,” Kiss
From: Hotter Than Hell (1974)

We begin our list with the powerful track “Got to Choose” by Kiss, penned by Paul Stanley. In this song, Stanley expresses a sense of indifference regarding his partner’s potential departure, stating, “but you can’t be his and still be mine, so…” This lyric underscores the emotional conflict and turmoil often associated with infidelity.

2. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” Marvin Gaye
From: In the Groove (1968)

The original recording of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” was by the Miracles in 1966, but it was Gladys Knight & the Pips who turned it into a massive success, making it Motown’s best-selling single at that time. Marvin Gaye’s rendition, released in 1968, became a chart-topping hit in both the U.S. and U.K., solidifying its status as a classic. Gaye’s version is often regarded as the definitive take on this timeless song, though we must also acknowledge Creedence Clearwater Revival’s extended 11-minute version from 1970.

3. “(Somebody Else Been) Shaking Your Tree,” ZZ Top
From: ZZ Top’s First Album (1971)

“(Somebody Else Been) Shaking Your Tree” marks the only single released from ZZ Top’s aptly titled debut album. Despite its failure to chart, the song, written by Billy Gibbons, evokes themes of betrayal and infidelity. Gibbons has shared insights into his songwriting process, suggesting that inspiration can arise from everyday experiences and observations. “A turn of phrase, a potential title might spring to mind or a riff presents itself,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of being open to creativity.

4. “Little Lies,” Fleetwood Mac
From: Tango in the Night (1987)

In “Little Lies,” Christine McVie explores the complexities of trust and deception, though the song’s connection to infidelity is somewhat ambiguous. Co-written with her then-husband Eddy Quintela, the track conveys a sense of resignation and the desire to maintain a façade. McVie once remarked, “The idea of the lyric is: If I had the chance, I’d do it differently next time.” This sentiment resonates with anyone who has faced similar dilemmas in relationships.

5. “Sundown,” Gordon Lightfoot
From: Sundown (1974)

While Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown” does not recount a past act of cheating, it expresses the anxiety and suspicion that often accompany relationships. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, Lightfoot shared, “I think my girlfriend was out with her friends one night at a bar while I was at home writing songs.” This sentiment of uncertainty—wondering what a loved one is doing in their absence—resonates with many listeners, capturing the essence of romance and the inherent doubts that can arise.

6. “Careless Whisper,” Wham!
From: Make It Big (1984)

<p"When George Michael was a teenager, he candidly identified himself as a ‘two-timer,’ often beginning new relationships without ending old ones. These formative experiences fueled the creation of his iconic hit “Careless Whisper.” In his autobiography, he elaborated, “The whole idea of ‘Careless Whisper’ was the first girl finding out about the second – which she never did.” This narrative captures the guilt and remorse that often accompany infidelity.

7. “Dirty Work,” Steely Dan
From: Can’t Buy a Thrill (1972)

David Palmer lent his voice to “Dirty Work,” one of only two tracks he led on Steely Dan’s debut album. In this song, he portrays the conflicted feelings of a lover who struggles to end an affair. The poignant line, “I foresee terrible trouble / And I stay here just the same,” encapsulates the emotional turmoil of being entangled in a romantic web of deceit.

8. “Part-Time Lover,” Stevie Wonder
From: In Square Circle (1985)

Engaging in secret romances can result in painful consequences, yet it can also lead to accolades, as evidenced by Stevie Wonder’s Grammy-winning “Part-Time Lover.” Written based on his personal experiences with overlapping relationships, the song won the award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1986, highlighting the complexities of love and infidelity.

9. “Picture,” Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow
From: Cocky (2001)

The collaboration between Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow on “Picture” presents a compelling narrative, suggesting that the characters have already separated while grappling with lingering feelings. The lyrics reveal the challenges of temptation, with a reference to a “different girl every night at the hotel,” underscoring the difficulties faced by those in the public eye.

10. “Back Door Man,” Howlin’ Wolf
From: 1961 Single

The legendary blues singer Sara Martin once famously stated that “every sensible woman got a back door man,” referring to a clandestine lover. Howlin' Wolf echoed this sentiment in his song, which is told from the perspective of a rough and rowdy back door man. The memorable line, “Well the men don’t know, but little girls understand,” highlights the complexities of infidelity and the hidden relationships that often exist.

11. “That’s When Your Heartache Begins,” Elvis Presley
From: 1957 Single

In “That’s When Your Heartache Begins,” Elvis Presley poignantly captures the essence of love and betrayal. The lyric “Love is a thing you never can share / When you bring a friend into your love affair” resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of infidelity, emphasizing the heartache that follows such encounters.

12. “Lovin’, Touchin,’ Squeezin’,” Journey
From: Evolution (1979)

In “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” Steve Perry narrates a tale of infidelity that ultimately leads to poetic justice. Initially, he sings about his unfaithful lover, but as the story unfolds, she finds herself betrayed in turn. The powerful line, “Now it’s your turn, girl, to cry,” illustrates the cyclical nature of relationships marked by deceit and betrayal.

13. “Pale Blue Eyes,” The Velvet Underground
From: The Velvet Underground (1969)

Lou Reed once revealed that “Pale Blue Eyes” was inspired by a real person, although the subject had hazel eyes instead. While the specifics of the song’s narrative remain somewhat ambiguous, it is widely believed to be about Shelley Albin, Reed’s first serious girlfriend, who was married at the time. The lyric “The fact that you are married” conveys the emotional complexities of unrequited love and longing.

14. “Lyin,’ Eyes,” Eagles
From: One of These Nights (1975)

In the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles during the 1970s, Glenn Frey and Don Henley observed a myriad of romantic entanglements at a local bar. Their experiences inspired “Lyin’ Eyes,” where they portrayed the tale of a beautiful woman involved with an older, wealthier man. The song captures the essence of deception and the disillusionment that often accompanies infidelity.

15. “Into Temptation,” Crowded House
From: Temple of Low Men (1988)

Neil Finn of Crowded House shared insights into the inspiration for “Into Temptation,” explaining that the song reflects his struggle to reconcile his conservative background with the complexities of desire and guilt. He stated, “There’s a lot of songs about these days that deal with sex and sexuality in quite a flippant manner,” illustrating his internal conflict and the emotional weight of such temptations.

16. “Backdoor Love Affair,” ZZ Top
From: ZZ Top’s First Album (1971)

Interestingly, ZZ Top’s First Album is framed by songs about infidelity, starting with “(Somebody Else Been) Shaking Your Tree” and concluding with “Backdoor Love Affair.” This thematic continuity highlights the complex emotions associated with love and betrayal.

17. “Two Timer,” Kiss
From: Dressed to Kill (1975)

Gene Simmons is notorious for his romantic escapades, claiming to have had intimate encounters with nearly 5,000 women. Ironically, in the song “Two Timer,” he finds himself on the receiving end of betrayal, showcasing the duality of relationships marked by infidelity.

18. “Tempted,” Squeeze
From: East Side Story (1981)

Interestingly, Squeeze’s “Tempted” did not achieve immediate success upon its release in 1981; however, it has since become a beloved classic. The upbeat melody contrasts with the song’s themes of infidelity, showcasing the band’s ability to address serious subjects with a lighthearted touch.

19. “I Want You,” Elvis Costello
From: Blood & Chocolate (1986)

Elvis Costello described “I Want You” as a “pornographic snapshot,” filled with dark and intense imagery. The lyrics reveal a longing steeped in jealousy and pain, with lines like “I want to know the things you did that we do too / I want you / I want to hear he pleases you more than I do,” reflecting the emotional turmoil that often accompanies unfaithfulness.

20. “Baby Loves That Way,” David Bowie
From: 1965 Single

David Bowie first recorded “Baby Loves That Way” in 1965 under the name Davie Jones. He later revisited the song in 2000 during sessions for the unreleased album Toy, which eventually surfaced in 2021’s Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001) box set, showcasing Bowie’s enduring influence on music.

21. “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’,” The Allman Brothers Band
From: Idlewild South (1970)

The poignant lyrics of The Allman Brothers Band’s “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin'” reveal that infidelity is often intertwined with deeper issues. The line, “You were lost in the silver spoon / Thought I pulled you out in time / And I hope that you got reasons / For the way that you’ve been lyin’,” encapsulates the confusion and pain experienced in troubled relationships.

22. “Me and Mrs. Jones,” Billy Paul
From: 360 Degrees of Billy Paul (1972)

Kenny Gamble, one of the songwriters behind “Me and Mrs. Jones,” drew inspiration from observing a couple who frequented the same bar daily. He explained that their routine sparked a narrative about a secret romance, leading to the creation of this iconic track, which encapsulates the essence of forbidden love.

23. “Girlfriend,” Wings
From: London Town (1978)

“Girlfriend,” written by Paul McCartney, was intended for Michael Jackson, who eventually recorded it in 1979. However, McCartney’s version with Wings appeared on the 1978 album London Town, showcasing McCartney’s lyrical prowess and melodic sensibilities.

24. “32-20 Blues,” Eric Clapton
From: Me and Mr. Johnson (2004)

Eric Clapton’s rendition of “32-20 Blues” strongly advocates against the betrayal of a woman through infidelity. Originally penned by Robert Johnson, the song has been embraced by numerous artists, highlighting its timeless themes of love, loss, and regret.

25. “All I Need,” The Temptations
From: The Temptations With a Lot o’ Soul (1967)

In “All I Need,” The Temptations deliver a heartfelt plea from someone yearning to reunite with their lover after infidelity. This Top 10 hit illustrates the often painful desire for forgiveness and reconciliation in the aftermath of betrayal.

26. “Back Street Girl,” The Rolling Stones
From: Between the Buttons (1967)

Mick Jagger once stated that “Back Street Girl” is his favorite track from The Rolling Stones‘ Between the Buttons album, even as he expressed dissatisfaction with the album overall. The song explores the concept of hidden love and the longing for a forbidden relationship.

27. “If She Would Have Been Faithful…,” Chicago
From: Chicago 18 (1986)

In “If She Would Have Been Faithful…,” Chicago touches upon the silver lining that can emerge from infidelity: the chance to find someone more trustworthy. The poignant lyrics reflect on how betrayal can lead to unexpected new connections, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of love.

28. “Hey Joe,” The Jimi Hendrix Experience
From: Are You Experienced (1967)

It is indeed striking that “Hey Joe” speaks to the act of violence against a woman for infidelity. While not originally written by Jimi Hendrix, his rendition became a major hit, showcasing the emotional intensity of the narrative.

29. “You Can’t Do That,” The Beatles
From: A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

The legendary John Lennon urges his partner to avoid any interactions with other men in “You Can’t Do That,” showcasing the jealousy and possessiveness that can arise in relationships. This theme of infidelity and control resonates throughout the Beatles’ discography.

30. “Footsteps in the Dark,” The Isley Brothers
From: Go for Your Guns (1977)

The Isley Brothers’ “Footsteps in the Dark” delves into the theme of commitment amidst temptation. While not directly about cheating, the song highlights the struggle to remain faithful, with lyrics that contemplate the distractions that can lead one astray.

31. “Maybe Your Baby,” Stevie Wonder
From: Talking Book (1972)

Interestingly, Stevie Wonder’s 1972 album Talking Book begins with the uplifting “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” followed by the stark contrast of “Maybe Your Baby,” which explores feelings of betrayal at the hands of a trusted friend. This juxtaposition emphasizes the unpredictable nature of love and relationships.

32. “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do,” Led Zeppelin
From: 1970 Single

In “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do,” Robert Plant grapples with the challenge of wanting to stay with a partner who is unfaithful. The lyric, “’cause I got a worried mind sharin’ what I thought was mine,” captures the emotional conflict inherent in relationships strained by infidelity.

33. “My Favorite Mistake,” Sheryl Crow
From: The Globe Sessions (1998)

Despite speculation linking “My Favorite Mistake” to Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow maintains that its true inspiration remains private. In a recent interview, she shared, “It’s still so personal to me that I don’t know that anybody knows who it’s really about,” highlighting the complexity of relationships and emotional intimacy.

34. “I Hate U,” Prince
From: The Gold Experience (1995)

Carmen Electra revealed that “I Hate U” was written by Prince after he discovered she had gone on a date with another man during a period of uncertainty in their relationship. Electra recalled, “It was hard to hear,” emphasizing the emotional weight of the song’s themes of love, anger, and betrayal.

35. “(I Know) I’m Losing You,” Rod Stewart
From: Every Picture Tells a Story (1971)

Rod Stewart was not the first artist to record “(I Know) I’m Losing You”; that honor belongs to the Temptations. Stewart’s version, credited to Faces, became a hit, showcasing the pain of realizing one is losing a loved one to infidelity.

36. “Mamma Mia,” ABBA
From: ABBA (1975)

Despite its upbeat sound, “Mamma Mia” opens with the stark realization of betrayal: “I’ve been cheated by you since I don’t know when.” The song captures the emotional struggle of returning to an unfaithful lover, underscoring the complexities of love and forgiveness.

37. “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right,” Faces
From: Ooh La La Outtake (1973)

The theme of extramarital relationships is explored in various adaptations of “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right,” with Faces‘ version serving as an outtake from the Ooh La La sessions. The narrative centers around a man determined to maintain his forbidden love.

38. “Keep on Loving You,” REO Speedwagon
From: Hi Infidelity (1980)

Given the album title Hi Infidelity, it is fitting that it features the song “Keep on Lovin’ You.” Kevin Cronin wrote this heartfelt track after discovering his wife’s infidelity prior to their marriage, showcasing the complexities of love and the desire to stay committed despite betrayal.

39. “Little by Little,” The Rolling Stones
From: The Rolling Stones (1964)

In “Little by Little,” the singer discovers the painful truth that his partner is being unfaithful. The lyric “things ain’t been the same since my mother died” adds an emotional layer to the narrative, highlighting the intersection of personal tragedy and romantic betrayal.

40. “Runaround Sue,” Dion
From: Runaround Sue (1961)

Dion has claimed that “Runaround Sue” is not based on any specific individual, although his then-girlfriend, conveniently named Sue, believes otherwise. The playful yet poignant narrative of a girl who cannot be trusted has resonated with audiences since its release.

41. “Long Black Veil,” The Band
From: Music From Big Pink (1968)

Numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, have covered “Long Black Veil,” a poignant tale of love and betrayal. The narrator refuses to provide an alibi for a murder he did not commit because he was with his best friend’s wife at the time, illustrating the devastating consequences of infidelity.

42. “Maybellene,” Chuck Berry
From: 1955 Single

Chuck Berry’s “Maybellene” takes its title from a mascara box, as noted by producer Leonard Chess. The song serves as a precursor to the themes explored in “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do,” pleading with a lover to remain faithful amidst temptation.

43. “No Reply,” The Beatles
From: Beatles for Sale (1964)

<p"The Beatles‘ “No Reply” delves into the feelings of betrayal as the narrator witnesses a loved one walking “hand in hand with another man in my place.” This poignant expression of infidelity showcases the emotional toll such experiences take.

44. “Wake Up Dead,” Megadeth
From: Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? (1986)

In “Wake Up Dead,” Megadeth‘s narrator embodies the role of the unfaithful partner, sneaking home in the early hours after a night of escapades. This real-life experience of Dave Mustaine captures the reckless nature of infidelity.

45. “Part-Time Love,” Elton John
From: A Single Man (1978)

Elton John candidly addresses the prevalence of secrets in relationships in “Part-Time Love,” asserting that everyone harbors hidden truths. The lyric “Wipe those stars from your eyes” encourages listeners to acknowledge the reality of infidelity.

46. “A Quick One, While He’s Away,” The Who
From: A Quick One (1966)

A title like “A Quick One, While He’s Away” suggests a moment of infidelity, yet the song ultimately conveys themes of forgiveness and understanding, showcasing the complexities of human relationships.

47. “Run to You,” Bryan Adams
From: Reckless (1984)

In “Run to You,” Bryan Adams expresses the internal conflict of choosing a secret lover over a faithful partner. Originally crafted for Blue Oyster Cult, the song ultimately became a major hit for Adams, highlighting the tension between desire and loyalty.

48. “Take It on the Run,” REO Speedwagon
From: Hi Infidelity (1980)

In “Take It on the Run,” Kevin Cronin grapples with disbelief over his partner’s potential unfaithfulness while also recognizing the underlying signs of betrayal. The song reflects the nuances of love and trust.

49. “Willing to Forgive,” Aretha Franklin
From: Greatest Hits: 1980–1994 (1994)

Aretha Franklin captures the emotional evidence of betrayal in “Willing to Forgive,” from the telltale signs like the cheap perfume to the suspiciously high telephone bill. While she expresses a willingness to forgive, she also acknowledges the difficulty of forgetting the pain of infidelity.

50. “You’re So Vain,” Carly Simon
From: No Secrets (1972)

Carly Simon takes a pointed jab at the subject of “You’re So Vain,” detailing his extravagant habits and questionable loyalties. The lyrics, “Well, you’re where you should be all the time,” suggest a deeper narrative of betrayal and self-absorption.