Anit-love-song mixtape

February 14, 2006 12:28 PM

Love-sucks-anti-Valentine's-Day-Filter: Help me make a mix of anti-love songs. Visualize a mix you might give your ex after a really, really nasty break-up. Something that says "F0ck you, I hate you, and every second we were together was torture, you evil witch," with every song. Maybe starting with OMD's "If You Leave," and getting nastier from there.

Alternatively, I also like the sentiment expressed in "If You Leave," so suggestions for a mix that says "If you think you broke my heart, don't kid yourself, I never really cared about you anyway," would be appreciated, as well.

Bonus points on both counts for songs set to a sentimental or poppy melody, again along the lines of "If You Leave." The idea here being that it should be a mixtape that, were it not for the lyrics and sentiment behind it, the girlfriend might otherwise really like and listen to. Just to give the knife that extra little twist. Hence Eminem's "Bonnie and Clyde" doesn't really work. You get the idea, right?

posted by ChasFile to human relations (115 comments total)

The Corrs, I Never Loved You Anyway
posted by amber_dale at 12:32 PM on February 14, 2006

Ben Folds Five's "Song for the dumped" seems to fit the bill.

So you wanted to take a break?
Slow it down some, and have some space?
Well fuck you too!
Give me my money back,
give me my money back, you bitch.
I want my money back.
...
Wish I hadn't bought you dinner,
right before you dumped me on your front porch.
...
And don't forget to give me back my black T-Shirt.

posted by Eldritch at 12:33 PM on February 14, 2006

Dylan's "Don't Think Twice (Its Alright)

I'm not sayin' you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don't mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don't think twice, it's alright.
posted by grateful at 12:34 PM on February 14, 2006

Mason Jenning's "Bullet"

All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't stop the abracadabra that invites these men
And all the alleyways in Amsterdam could not compete
With the Wall Street speed with which you leave your feet
posted by occhiblu at 12:39 PM on February 14, 2006

(And for the anti-fairytale bit, the last lines are "You're not Cinderella, so don't forget your shoes; I've never been as lonely as when I was with you.")
posted by occhiblu at 12:40 PM on February 14, 2006

Radiohead's "Lurgee" ?

I feel better, I feel better now you've gone.
I got better, I got better, I got strong.
I feel better, I feel better now there's nothing wrong.
I got better, I got better, I got strong.
posted by blender at 12:40 PM on February 14, 2006

Weird Al Yankovic's One More Minute.

"I'd rather clean out all the mens' rooms in Grand Central Station with my tongue
Than spend one more minute with you."
posted by KRS at 12:42 PM on February 14, 2006

If you like country music, Patty Loveless' "You Can Feel Bad" features these lines:

"You can feel bad if it makes you feel better.
Picture me crying reading all your love letters."

And then basically goes on to say, "HA!, AS IF!"
posted by SuperSquirrel at 12:43 PM on February 14, 2006

A fabulous one is "Special" by Garbage.

You might try Ani DiFranco's "Untouchable Face," especially the live version on the Living in Clip CD, in which she delivers the lyrics amid happy giggles. "So fuck you and your untouchable face/And fuck you for existing in the first place/Who am I that I should be vying for your touch?/Who am I? I bet you can't even tell me that much."
posted by lilybeane at 12:44 PM on February 14, 2006

Ween's "Baby Bitch"
Ween's "You Fucked Up"
Ween's "Falling Out"
Most Ween songs
posted by RustyBrooks at 12:44 PM on February 14, 2006

What about "Dead Flowers" by the Stones?

And you can send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers at my wedding
And I won’t forget to put roses on your grave
posted by caution live frogs at 12:45 PM on February 14, 2006

How about the Adam Sandler "Somebody Kill Me" song from the Wedding Singer soundtrack? Nice, touchy lovey-dovey song that suddenly gets interrupted rudely with:

But it all was bullshit.
It was a goddam joke.
And when I think of you Linda,
I hope you bleeping choke.

Granted it uses the name Linda, but you could use an editor to sub out that part and use you saying your ex's name for added emphasis.
posted by kraagenskul at 12:46 PM on February 14, 2006

Granted, he wrote them for comedy's sake, but Weird Al Yankovic has a few great anti-love songs. "One More Minute," "Since You've Been Gone" and "I'm So Sick Of You" come immediately to mind.

(On preview, KRS beat me slightly to the punch.)
posted by Faint of Butt at 12:48 PM on February 14, 2006

Elliott Smith - Waltz #2 (XO)
Phil Collins - I Don't Care Anymore
Lucinda Williams - Change the Locks (or the Tom Petty cover)
posted by rocket88 at 12:48 PM on February 14, 2006

The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove by Dead Can Dance is one of my favorite fuck you songs. Not quite pop sounding, more ambient world.

"You build me up then you knock me down.
You play the fool while I play the clown.
We keep time to the beat of an old slave drum.
You raise my hopes then you raise the odds
You tell me that I dream too much
Now I’m serving time in disillusionment.

I don’t believe you anymore...i don’t believe you."
posted by kimdog at 12:49 PM on February 14, 2006

You could pick and choose several from The Magnetic Fields' 69 Love Songs. How about:

Grand Canyon
"If I was the Grand Canyon
I'd echo everything you say,
but I'm just me I'm only me
and you used to love me that way"

No One will Ever Love You
"No one will ever love you honestly
No one will ever love you for your honesty"

The Cactus Where Your Heart Should Be
"The cactus hwere your heart
once was has power to rend and flay"
posted by MsMolly at 12:50 PM on February 14, 2006

Stars - Your Ex-Lover Is Dead
posted by j.edwards at 12:54 PM on February 14, 2006

Grateful Dead's Hell in a Bucket

You analyze me, pretend to despise me,
You laugh when I stumble and fall.
There may come a day I will dance on your grave
If unable to dance, I will crawl across it
Unable to dance, I'll still crawl.

You must really consider the circus
'Cause it just might be your kind of zoo
I can't think of a place that's more perfect
For a person as perfect as you.

And it's not like I'm leaving you lonely
'Cause I wouldn't know where to begin
But I know that you'll think of me only
When the snakes come marching in
When the snakes come marching in
posted by grateful at 12:58 PM on February 14, 2006

Perhaps "You don't care about us" - Placebo

You're too complicated, we should separate it.
You're just confiscating, you're exasperating.
This degeneration, mental masturbation.
Think I'll leave it all behind, save this bleeding heart of mine.


I'm sure placebo have others that are suitable, but I'm drawing a blank right now.

Oh, and what Eldritch said.
posted by blender at 1:00 PM on February 14, 2006

Pretty much anything by Aden should foot the bill
posted by psychobum at 1:02 PM on February 14, 2006

"Broke" by Modest Mouse

Broke up and I'm relieved somehow,
It's the end of the discussions that just go round and round

Pretty much anything off of Sebadoh's Bakesale would fit the bill.
posted by saladin at 1:03 PM on February 14, 2006

All the Things She Gave Me by The Waterboys:

I wrapped them up
in a big brown box
tied it with ribbon
drove to the docks
checked my time
by the old town clock
all the things...
I saw the watchman
he was blowing into
cupped hands
as he walked to the car
he said "Where do you think
you're drivin' to son?
All good folks are in bed
the day's work is done"
I said I'm just lookin' for
someplace to burn
all the things
all the things that she gave me
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 1:04 PM on February 14, 2006

It's a crapshoot whether Flowers on the Wall (made famous from Pulp Fiction) is a "our breakup really does bother me" or "our breakup really doesn't bother me" song.
posted by WCityMike at 1:05 PM on February 14, 2006

"Cold and Ugly" by Tool.
posted by JekPorkins at 1:06 PM on February 14, 2006

Also by The Waterboys, We Will Not Be Lovers
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 1:06 PM on February 14, 2006

The Mountain Goat's, "No Children" is an almost comically acid song. Final lines--

"I am drowning
There is no sign of land
You are coming down with me
Hand in unloveable hand
And I hope you die
I hope we both die."
posted by u2604ab at 1:07 PM on February 14, 2006

You might try Ani DiFranco's "Untouchable Face," especially the live version on the Living in Clip CD, in which she delivers the lyrics amid happy giggles.

See, I think that makes it the worst version of that song.

Anyhow, don't forget these old-school classics:
Depeche Mode - Tainted Love
Bon Jovi - You Give Love a Bad Name
posted by falconred at 1:11 PM on February 14, 2006

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone", the most popular (and poppy) "glad to be rid of you" song in recent memory.
posted by jjg at 1:12 PM on February 14, 2006

Dude, you can't subcontract spleen. You're supposed to spend a long weekend drinking Jack from the bottle and going through your record collection to make your own angry mix.

That said, you can't go wrong with the Old 97's. Try Going, Going, Gone.
posted by felix betachat at 1:18 PM on February 14, 2006

"Circuit Breaker" by the Electric Hellfire Club. Starts out with "Do you remember the power surge that happened when we met," but after a bit of that it moves onto:

You still wear my heart around your neck, but now it's just a worthless token
Of all the lies that you have told, of all the oaths that you have broken
Some small slice of happiness was all that I hoped to find
But every time I turned around you changed your fucking mind
You walked away from what we made without a reason why
You threw away everything I ever gave you and you left me here to die
Well I'm still here, where the hell are you
Do you remember all the shit that you put me through
What about the promises you made, do you know how it feels to be betrayed
I used the knife you left behind to cut through all your fucking lies
I can't believe it took so long for me to finally realize that I have the power

Plus there's a sample in the middle somewhere of a line of dialogue from some movie about "pronouncing sentence on you in the name of our Lord Satan." It is the Electric Hellfire Club, after all.
posted by Gator at 1:19 PM on February 14, 2006 [1 favorite]

Dylan's Idiot Wind is about the nastiest breakup song I have ever some across.

Samples:

I can't feel you anymore, I can't even touch the books you've read

You hurt the ones that I love best and cover up the truth with lies.
One day you'll be in the ditch, flies buzzin' around your eyes,
Blood on your saddle.
posted by Richat at 1:22 PM on February 14, 2006

Fiona Apple, "Get Gone," "Shadowboxer," "Oh Well"

The last one's the nastiest, but perhaps any Fiona will do.

Carly Simon, "You're So Vain"

Lotsa Aimee Mann stuff works great too.
posted by anjamu at 1:22 PM on February 14, 2006

Here's a gimme:

I will survive - Gloria Gaynor

Although I am more partial to the CAKE version of I Will Survive myself. Feels more modern, and CAKE is my fav.

At first I was afraid
I was petrified
I kept thinking
I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights
Just thinking how you'd done me wrong
And I grew strong
I learned how to get along
So now you're back
From outer space
I just walked in to find you here
Without the look upon your face
I should have changed my f-ing lock
I would have made you leave your key
If I'd have known for just one second
You'd be back to bother me
posted by zhivota at 1:23 PM on February 14, 2006

Ugly Kid Joe - I Hate Everything (about you)
posted by blue_beetle at 1:24 PM on February 14, 2006

Oh, and Alkaline Trio! From my high school alt-chick days.

"Radio": I wish you would take my radio to bathe with you,
plugged in and ready to fall
posted by anjamu at 1:24 PM on February 14, 2006

"Meaningless" by Magnetic Fields
"Dime a Dozen" by Tuscadero
"So Yesterday" by Hilary Duff
"Dear Josie" by Sarge
"The Sign" by Ace of Base (or as covered by The Mountain Goats)
posted by unknowncommand at 1:25 PM on February 14, 2006

The Byrds' "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better When You're Gone" (actually Dylan, I think, but I like this one best)

Husker Du's "I Will Never Forget You" (bitterness incarnate)

and speaking of Dylan, "Idiot Wind" (one of his meanest songs IMHO)

and finally, John Lee Hooker or someone similar has a song called "You Deserve to Suffer." Zing.

Actually none of these sounds even remotely poppy. Sorry.
posted by scratch at 1:26 PM on February 14, 2006

A fun, poppy rock one is You're So Yesterday by Marvelous 3.

Chorus:
You're so yesterday
Miles away
I promised myself
on New Years Day
I'd take a bath today
And wash you away
As all your little blond hairs
go down the drain

Your sister called me yesterday
to tell me I was a loser
At least I haven't lost my mind
And at least I'm not a boozer
As I tried to heed to your
wants and your needs
You were solemnly lost in space
So keep reading your books
on "how to give dirty looks"
Everytime I should be
put in my place
posted by educatedslacker at 1:29 PM on February 14, 2006

I can't believe no one mentioned "Love Stinks", by the J. Geils Band.
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 1:29 PM on February 14, 2006

Also, check out Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie's "Better than I am" for a sarcastic love song.

I love you cause you're scared of me
I love you cause you're meek
I love you cause you're insecure, unconfident, and weak
Some people think it's a power trip, but I don't give a damn
I love you cause you make me feel much better than I am

I love you cause you worry, you're always taking pills
You always watch the evening news, and it always gives you chills
I love you cause you're shaking, and cause you're always tense
Compared to you I'm Mister Cool, Professor Confidence

My mama taught me long ago, "Remember this one thing
Surround yourself with losers so that you can be their king
And if you choose to fall in love, pick someone with a curse
Cause no matter how bad you may feel, she'll always feel much worse"

I love you cause you're scared of me
I love you cause you're meek
I love you cause you're insecure, unconfident, and weak
Some people think it's a power trip, but I don't give a damn
I love you cause you make me feel much better than I am

So put the self-help books away, and that subliminal tape
You're overweight, that's okay, c'mon and have another cake
Oh I will be your better half and you can be my worse
I'm going drinking, Baby, so I took some money from your purse

I love you cause you're scared of me
I love you cause you're meek
I love you cause you're insecure, unconfident, and weak
Oh, some people think it's a power trip, but I don't give a damn
I love you cause you make me feel
That you're the Captain and I'm Teneille
That you are pork and I am veal
Like I'm the fortune and you're the wheel
I love you cause you make me feel much better than I am

posted by blue_beetle at 1:31 PM on February 14, 2006

Caught Out There by Kelis (whos chorus is something like - I hate you so much right now)
I Need Some Fine Wine And You, You Need To Be Nicer by The Cardigans
Leave (Get Out) JoJo
posted by heartquake at 1:32 PM on February 14, 2006

Lyin' Ass Bitch by Fishbone
posted by frogan at 1:37 PM on February 14, 2006

Do you Remember the Riots - Jens Lekman
posted by shoepal at 1:38 PM on February 14, 2006

"You're Breaking My Heart" by Harry Nilsson which includes the chorus:

You're breakin' my heart
You're tearin' it apart
So fuck you!
posted by Robot Johnny at 1:41 PM on February 14, 2006

Future Bible Heros (Stephin Merritt of the Magnetic Fields) - I'm Lonely and I Love It:

I'm lonely and I love it. If only I'd dreamed of it, I'd have broken up with you so long ago, you wouldn't even know. I'm as lonely as an emperor upon a golden throne, going off my diet with a double chocolate cone, shouting from the rooftops and through every telephone. All the time I've been with you, I wish I'd been alone.

Plus, it's got a beat and you can dance to it!
posted by Gortuk at 1:44 PM on February 14, 2006

Going South by the woefully underrated Monks of Doom should be added to the list.
posted by nixxon at 1:45 PM on February 14, 2006

"Every day I love you less and less" by the Kaiser Chiefs.
It sounds all upbeat at first listening, but actually the message's not that nice. Great song, though.

---

Artist : Kaiser Chiefs
Song : Every Day I Love You Less & Less
Album: Employment

Everyday I love you less and less
It's clear to see that you've become obsessed
I've got to get this message to the press
That everyday I love you less and less
And everyday I love you less and less
I've got to get this feeling off my chest
The Doctor says all I needs pills and rest
Since everyday I love you less and less
Unless, unless

I know, I feel it in my bones
I'm sick, I'm tired of staying in control
Oh yes, I feel a rat upon a wheel
i've got to no what's not and what's real
Oh yes I'm stressed, I'm sorry I digressed
Impressed you're dressed to SOS
Oh, and my parents love me
Oh, and my girlfriend loves me

Everyday I love you less and less
I can't believe once you and me did sex
It makes me sick to think of you undressed
Since everyday I love you less and less
And everyday I love you less and less
You're turning into something I detest
And everybody says that your a mess
Since everyday I love you less and less
Unless, unless

I know, I feel it in my bones
I'm sick, I'm tired of staying in control
Oh yes, I feel a rat upon a wheel
I've got to no what's not and what is real
Oh yes I'm stressed, I'm sorry I digressed
Impressed you're dressed to SOS

Oh, and my parents love me
Oh, and my girlfriend loves me
Oh, they keep photos of me
Oh, thats enough love for me
Oh, and my parents love me
Oh, and my girlfriend loves me
Oh, they keep photos of me
Oh, thats enough love for me
posted by lodev at 1:45 PM on February 14, 2006

lush - ciao.
posted by subtle-t at 1:52 PM on February 14, 2006

Mason Jenning's "Bullet"

Second this.

It doesn't exactly fit, because it's not just a hatefest but a bit self-reflective too, but I recommend As Cool As I Am by Dar Williams.

So I'm leaving
you can find out how much better things can get
and if it helps, I'd say I feel a little worse than I did when we met
So when you find someone else, you can try again, it might work next time,
You look out of the kitchen window and you shake your head and say low,
"if I could believe that stuff, I’d say that woman has a halo,"
And I look out and say, "yeah, she’s really blond,"
And then I go outside and join the others, I am the others,

Oh -- and that's not easy, I don’t know what you saw, I want somebody who sees me....

posted by weston at 1:53 PM on February 14, 2006

Since we seem to be praying at the Stephin Merritt altar, why not "Falling out of love with you" from the 6ths album Wasps Nest, sung by Dean Wareham of Luna/Galaxie 500.

"But every day in every way
I'm falling out of love with you
Every kiss means less and less
I'm falling out of love with you
Every hour kills a flower
I'm falling out of love with you
You just bore me more and more
I'm falling out of love with you "

Hell, most of the songs on that album (and most others of his) qualify. "Who do you love when I'm out of town" , "You've tried science you've tried art but you can't break a broken heart."

I thought you were my boyfriend.
posted by shoepal at 1:56 PM on February 14, 2006

The Smiths "Unhappy birthday":

I've come to wish you an unhappy birthday
I've come to wish you an unhappy birthday
'Cause you're evil
And you lie
And if you should die
I may feel slightly sad
(But I won't cry)

Basement Jaxx "Good luck":

Tell me tell me is life just a playground
Think you're the real deal honey
And someone'll always look after you

But wake up baby
You're so totally deluded
You'll end up old and lonely
If you don't get a bullet in your head

Good luck good luck
Good luck in your new bed
Enjoy your nightmares honey
When your're resting your head


Alanis Morissette "You oughta know"
posted by iviken at 1:57 PM on February 14, 2006

Wow, no one mentioned "Oughta Know" by A. Morissette with her immortal line, "...And every time I scratch my nails down someone else's back I hope you feel it.." or "Ugly Girl" by Fleming and John. But for the smooth jazz folks there is always Sade's "You're Not the Man". And DiFranco's "Untouchable Face" is nice one too. So many songs of love, anger and vengeance.
posted by jadepearl at 1:58 PM on February 14, 2006

Super Furry Animals, "No Sympathy."

I have no sympathy for you
You make me realise
The who I am

I have no sympathy for thee
You make me realise
The who I am not

Sympathy, sympathy
You want some:
Don't come to me

Don't try me for sympathy
I don't feel sorry for thee:

You deserve to die
posted by Skot at 1:58 PM on February 14, 2006

Robyn's "Be Mine".
posted by maxreax at 2:00 PM on February 14, 2006

Copper Blue by Sugar is one of my go-to records for stuff like this -- I've always heard it as one of the breakup albums par excellence. For example, here are a couple of snippets from "Changes":

I want something like I remember
And I want something that lasts forever
I remember times you said that you'd be true to me
Look at how the weather's changing

I'm accustomed to your deception
Comes the rule with no exception
And I've been dragged across the river, running far and wide
Come and see how I feel inside

Change for the better, change for the worse
Changes with summer and fall
Now you're a stranger, spare me some change
So I can find someone to call my own

And for some serious fucking bile backed by psychedelic swirly guitars, there's not much better than "I Am the Resurrection" by the Stone Roses:

Stone me, why can't you see?
You're a no one, nowhere, washed-up baby who'd look better dead
Your tongue is far too long,
I don't like the way it sucks and slurs upon my every word

Don't waste your words I don't need anything from you
I don't care where you've been or what you plan to do
I am the resurrection and I am the life
I couldn't ever bring myself to hate you as I'd like
posted by scody at 2:10 PM on February 14, 2006

The Replacements "Don't Ask Why"

"the way I used to love her is the way I hate her now"
posted by vronsky at 2:11 PM on February 14, 2006

Wow, a surprising number of on-topic responses before people stopped trying to answer the question that was actually asked.
posted by jjg at 2:18 PM on February 14, 2006

Jude - "The Asshole Song"

Your eyes are all wet now
You know that I’m lying
I swear I was only protecting your heart

But there are some reasons
And also some pictures
Which if you saw they would rip you apart
And I won’t watch you cry
Goodbye, I’m an asshole

I’m almost a tall guy
And fairly good looking
So people they trust me but sometimes they’re wrong
I have often wondered
Which one was the taller
My old alexander or kubla khan
And would they watch you cry
Goodbye, I’m an asshole

I was a pig
And never no good
Now you can see through the streams in your eyes every nickel is wood

Your lines are all fading
Your model’s all last year
I am still a young man and I need a new car

Your friends will all hate me
But I know I’m smarter
I’m in love with a fan and she thinks I’m a star
And she will never
So I won’t ever
I won’t watch you cry
Goodbye
I won’t watch you cry
Goodbye, I’m an asshole
posted by AwkwardPause at 2:20 PM on February 14, 2006

Something like this could be the cover:

posted by blue_beetle at 2:24 PM on February 14, 2006

Eamon's Fuck It (I Don't Want You Back). It's an awful song, but a nice sentiment:

Fuck what I said, it don't mean shit now
Fuck the presents, might as well throw 'em out
Fuck all those kisses, they didn't mean jack
Fuck you, you ho, I don't want you back
posted by amarynth at 2:25 PM on February 14, 2006

Tainted Love - Soft Cell
Bye, Bye, Bye - NSync
Cry Me A River - Justin Timberlake
Son of A Gun* - Janet Jackson
American Woman - Lenny Kravitz cover
Smack My Bitch Up** - Prodigy

*I prefer the remix featuring Puffy, aka P. Diddy, and Missy Elliot but the original version is good too.

**Although, not technically a break up song, if your ex's taste runs towards dance/techno I'd throw this in there as well.
posted by nooneyouknow at 2:27 PM on February 14, 2006

How about "Prayer To God" by Shellac.

Sample lyric :

Her - she can go quietly, by disease or a blow
to the base of her neck,
where her necklaces close,
where her garments come together,
where I used to lay my face...
That's where you oughta kill her,
in that particular place.

Pleasant.
posted by coach_mcguirk at 2:27 PM on February 14, 2006

Depeche Mode didn't cover "Tainted Love". Falconred, you are probably thinking of the Soft Cell version (a classic), although Marilyn Manson also covered it.

Joan Armatrading's "You'd Help Me More if You Helped Yourself." From her self-titled album, IIRC.
posted by QIbHom at 2:50 PM on February 14, 2006

For innocuous sounding yet dark songs that are always good, you could do worse than to check out Richard Cheese - recommended in particular, his cover of 'She Hates Me'. [lyrics]
posted by BishopsLoveScifi at 2:52 PM on February 14, 2006

A comedian named Craig Baldo has some tips on making a mix tape for an ex in this video.
posted by srah at 3:03 PM on February 14, 2006

Here I think of The Cure and of their powerful use of the subjunctive case. Try "Lovesong," for example. Upbeat, peppy, often dedicated to a lover by a lover who has not listened closely to the facts as stated in the song. "However far away," the singer says; "however long I stay"; "whatever words I say"; yeah, of course, definitely, "I will always love you." Uh huh. Sure I will.
posted by cgc373 at 3:04 PM on February 14, 2006

The Nylons. . .Stepping Stone (got me through a bed breakup, that song did:

The love you think you see
Deep in her eyes
Is filled with misery
Her love's a lie
She's just a woman
But before the main event
She may look like an angel
But she's far from heaven sent
(Beware) You're just a decoy
(Take care) To reel the bigger fish in
She'll treat you like a toy
She'll break you in the end
She's playing her own game
A game you can't win
You better, you better, you better, you better watch out boy. . .
posted by Danf at 3:05 PM on February 14, 2006

Tricky's "Makes Me Wanna Die"

How could you dare?
Who do you think you are?
You’re insignificant
A small piece, an ism
posted by ruevian at 3:08 PM on February 14, 2006

Or you could save yourself the trouble and just get a copy of the High Fidelty soundtrack (and skip the last track, because that's actually a happy love song)
posted by luneray at 3:08 PM on February 14, 2006

Janet Jackson's What Have You Done For Me Lately and Sheryl Crow's My Favorite Mistake and Change.
posted by orange swan at 3:11 PM on February 14, 2006

You might want to listen to this week's Sound Opinions (Jim DeRogatis' show on Chicago Public Radio) podcast, because they discuss this very topic. Some great picks in there, including the Buzzcocks "Ever Fallen in Love", Marianne Faithful's "Why'd You Do it?" and Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart". A very fun show!
posted by melorama at 3:19 PM on February 14, 2006

No idea what your taste is, but Elton John? "I'm Still Standing" is from when he was at least pretending to rock.

"The threats you made were meant to cut me down, / And if our love was just a circus, you'd be a clown by now."
posted by booksandlibretti at 3:20 PM on February 14, 2006

"Next" by Scott Walker
posted by echolalia67 at 3:21 PM on February 14, 2006

Chelsea Hotel by Leonard Cohen
Positively 4th Street by Dylan
posted by ORthey at 3:28 PM on February 14, 2006

Elvis Costello's Blood and Chocolate contains many breakup classics including "Crimes of Paris," "The Next Time Round," "Blue Chair," and my favorite, "I Hope You're Happy Now," for the line "you make him sound like frozen food, his love will last forever."
posted by Sara Anne at 3:32 PM on February 14, 2006

Looking over the review I linked to, I notice that "I Hope You're Happy Now" is described as one of the nastiest, most spiteful songs ever written. Enjoy.
posted by Sara Anne at 3:47 PM on February 14, 2006

Wow, great call on "I Hope You're Happy Now", Sara Anne!

That song encapsulated my breakup with my last gf (a relationship which, ironically enough, was initially sparked out of a mutual love of Elvis Costello).

A perfect break-up song!
posted by melorama at 3:48 PM on February 14, 2006

Not sure if it fits your melody requirements, but "Gunning Down Romance" by Savage Garden is a pretty good cynical-about-love song. Or "Break Me Shake Me" by the same band.

"Heart Attack" by Darren Hayes is poppy and a bit cheesy but it should work!
posted by divabat at 4:05 PM on February 14, 2006

Let me also suggest almost anything David Gedge has written, either with The Wedding Present, or his current band, Cinerama.

He has a most insidious style of songwriting, much like The Smiths (in fact, I was initially turned on to the Wedding Present because I thought they really sounded like a more rockin', "edgier" version of The Smiths), where some of the most bile and angry lyrics are hidden within totally melodic (and in the case of Cinerama, even "sweet" and pretty) music.

This passage from the Cinerama song "Maniac" pretty much encapsulates the style of Gedge's songwriting. You find yourself singing along to it, just because it's such a goddamn catchy song, and then after awhile you realize just how terrible the sentiment of the lyrics are. And yet, even though the lyrics seem so malevolent, it's still obvious that it isn't simply Eminem-level hatred--you can tell that Gedge is truly writing from the viewpoint of somone who still deeply loves the target of said bile. It's so fucking great:

And when I made that stupid oath
About how I was going to
Pay for someone to kill you both
It was just my way of showing you

That I wasn't playing
Oh yeah, you're right, I sounded like a maniac
But that's just what I am saying
You'll only see how much I've changed, if you come back
posted by melorama at 4:06 PM on February 14, 2006

R.E.M., "The One I Love":
This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I left behind
A simple prop
To occupy my time
This one goes out to the one I love.

Billy Bragg or the Beautiful South would probably have something, too.
posted by kirkaracha at 4:17 PM on February 14, 2006

Rob Clarkson - A Can of Lemonade and a Pastie:

When I said “I’m sorry for the things I did”
I meant the good things not the bad things
I’m sorry if I ever did anything good for you
When you thought I said “I’m bitter”
What I really said was “I bit her”
Who I’m talking about is the voodoo doll I made of you last night

I guess I’m getting bitter
I guess I’m getting nasty
But I think you know I’d love to take you out for dinner
If you could handle a can of lemonade and a pastie.

You know that photograph of us that I had on my wall?
Well, I tore it up completely except for the bit with me in it
Because I think the angle does me justice – my smile’s pretty good
I’m wearing nice clothes – my acne doesn’t show
And, for once, my eyelids aren’t half-closed…


posted by pompomtom at 4:20 PM on February 14, 2006

Prince - I hate you

Your honor, may I call 2 the stand my one and only witness?
A girl that know damn well she didn’t have no damn business
I know what u did, how u did it and uh.. who u did it with
So u might as well plead guilty cuz u sure can’t plead the 5th
Now raise your right hand
Do u swear 2 tell the whole truth
Not the half truth like u used 2 so help u god?
Nod your head one time if u hear me
If u don’t, I’ll have 2 use the rod
Anything 2 make u see that uh.. u’re gonna miss me
Yeah, u’re gonna miss me
Uh, uh, uh, oh!
posted by Sijeka at 4:25 PM on February 14, 2006

Janet Jackson's version of Son of a Gun (I betcha think this song is about you):

You think you irk me, and you’re so right,
I’d rather keep the trash and throw you out,
Stupid bitch in my beach house
No, I ain’t gonna go and act a fool,
And be the lead story, on the n**** news
Not me, sucker, I’d never be your lover,
I’d rather make you suffer, you stupid motha fucker
posted by phoenixc at 4:35 PM on February 14, 2006

Tom Waits, "Who Are You" ("I did my time/In the jail of your arms").
posted by dilettante at 4:41 PM on February 14, 2006

Not quite so acidic, but kind of more crushing for it, is Mr. T Experience's "I Don't Need You Now". A very pretty pop song that mostly sticks to saying you just don't matter to me anymore, which I think is way harsher and much more empowering than saying I hate you. It would make a very good good last song on a bitter album. Here's a taste:

There was a time when I thought I should try to make myself hate you to get by.
It wasn't hard to do, to think of you and all the things you put me through.
But now I've had some time to contemplate,
and I've discovered other things to hate.
There's still bitterness I can't resist,
but you're moving to the bottom of a pretty long list.

So I don't hate you now,
and I don't even want to checkmate you now.
I still don't like how much you don't want me to touch you,
but I don't hate you now.

And though I'm still aware you're still out there,
still busy breaking someone's heart somewhere,
and though to you it's nothing new,
for once I've got no explaining to do.

Cause I don't know you now,
and I don't have anything to show you now,
except for all of these apologies that I don't owe you now.
posted by team lowkey at 4:57 PM on February 14, 2006

The Anti-Valentine Playlist at the Washington Post allows you to listen to clips and vote on the most anti-valentine selection.
posted by alms at 4:58 PM on February 14, 2006

If you like George Michael, try "Something to Save" from Listen without Prejudice and "Everything She Wants" by Wham. They are both kind of poppy and sentimental, - maybe not angry enough. They probably go with the OMD in your mix.

By Depeche Mode, there's "The Things You Said" from Music for the Masses.
posted by sophie at 4:59 PM on February 14, 2006

Guns and Roses "I used to love her"

"I used to love her,
but I had to kill her
I had to put her six feet under
and I can still hear her complain"
posted by kechi at 5:21 PM on February 14, 2006

I'd definitely nix the ideas of using You Oughta Know from Alanis Morissette, as that's really a song about someone who is pissed about being dumped and is jealous of that person for being with someone else. I think it's the opposite of what's being asked for here.
posted by educatedslacker at 5:58 PM on February 14, 2006

How about "I wanna be around" maybe by Ray Charles or Frank Sinatra? lyrics here.
posted by olecranon at 6:08 PM on February 14, 2006

Welcome Mat by the Moto-Litas, in realaudio, here!
A funny, biting extended metaphor along the lines of:
Don't try to find my new house.
My light's not on for you.
No parking in my driveway.
My mat won't welcome you.

The Shin's Gone for Good?

Belle and Sebastian's You Don't Send Me?

Johnny Cash's Cocaine Blues certainly has a place somewhere in there, no?
posted by lalalana at 6:22 PM on February 14, 2006

Elliott Smith's "Somebody I Used To Know"

I had tender feelings that you made hard,
But it’s your heart, not mine, that’s scarred.
So when I go home, I’ll be happy to go -
You’re just somebody that I used to know.

You don’t need my help anymore,
It’s all now to you, there ain’t no before,
Now that you’re big enough to run your own show
You’re just somebody that I used to know.

I watched you deal in a dying day,
And throw a living past away,
So you can be sure that you’re in control,
You’re just somebody that I used to know.

I know you don’t think you did me wrong,
And I can’t stay this mad for long,
Keeping a hold of what you just let go -
You’re just somebody that I used to know.

Or "I Better Be Quiet Now"

Wish you gave me a number
Wish I could call you today,
Just to hear a voice.
I got a long way to go
Getting further away.

If I didn't know the difference,
Living alone would probably be OK.
It wouldn't be lonely.
I got a long way to go
Getting further away.

A lot of hours to occupy
It was easy when i didn't know you yet,
Things i'd have to forget.
But I better be quiet now,
I'm tired of wasting my breath
Carrying on, getting upset.

Maybe I have a problem,
But that's not what I wanted to say.
I prefer to say nothing.
I got a long way to go
Getting further away.

Had a dream as an army man
With an order just to march in my place
But a dead enemy screams in my face
But I better be quiet now,
I'm tired of wasting my breath
Carrying on, not over it yet.

Wish I knew what you were doing.
Why you want to do it this way.
So I can't go the distance,
I got a long way to go,
I'm getting further away.
I got a long way to go
Getting further away.
posted by emelenjr at 8:38 PM on February 14, 2006

Strong second for the Mountain Goats' Tallahassee album:

The songs of "Tallahassee" are founded on those that precede them, tracing the final, desperate movements of a fictional couple -- known to fans as "the alpha couple" because of the presence of the word "alpha" in the titles of most songs about the pair -- who've been hurtling toward divorce ever since their first appearance in a short song called "Alpha Double Negative: Going to Catalina" from the Mountain Goats' very first release ("Songs for Petronius," vinyl 7" EP, Shrimper, 1992).

The album includes 'No Children' - a sarcastic "singalong song of hate" that's "one of the most perfect breakup songs ever written." Lyrics here:

I hope that our few remaining friends
Give up on trying to save us
I hope we come up with a failsafe plot
To piss off the dumb few that forgave us
I hope the fences we mended
Fall down beneath their own weight
And I hope we hang on past the last exit
I hope it's already too late
And I hope the junkyard a few blocks from here
Someday burns down
And I hope the rising black smoke carries me far away
And I never come back to this town
Again in my life
I hope I lie
And tell everyone you were a good wife
And I hope you die
I hope we both die

I hope I cut myself shaving tomorrow
I hope it bleeds all day long
Our friends say it's darkest before the sun rises
We're pretty sure they're all wrong
I hope it stays dark forever
I hope the worst isn't over
And I hope you blink before I do
Yeah I hope I never get sober
And I hope when you think of me years down the line
You can't find one good thing to say
And I'd hope that if I found the strength to walk out
You'd stay the hell out of my way
I am drowning
There is no sign of land
You are coming down with me
Hand in unlovable hand
And I hope you die
I hope we both die

Hard to imagine a better anti-love-song.
posted by mediareport at 8:42 PM on February 14, 2006

My favourite breakup song is by Good Day by The Dresden Dolls. Kind of an I'm over you/you don't matter type song which manages to be both upbeat and angry (to my ears anyway). Maybe need to take into account I've been in a happy, stable relationship for 11 years and counting.

I picked up the pieces of my broken ego
I have finally made my peace as far as you and me go
But I'd love to have you up to see the place
And I'd like to do more than survive, I'd like to rub it in your face.....
posted by shelleycat at 8:43 PM on February 14, 2006

XTC's Your Dictionary. It's Andy Partridge's divorce song, and although it's kinda juvenile, it's utterly brutal.
posted by painquale at 8:47 PM on February 14, 2006

MPR is streaming the greatest break-up songs in honor of VD; not sure how long it's going to be available, but here's a direct link.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:10 PM on February 14, 2006

my most happy-to-be-rid-of her breakup, i made the ex in question a cd with only 2 songs:

Avalanches- Stay Another Season
"since i left you, i found a world so new"
(extremely joyful-sounding, very high energy.)

Modest Mouse- Worms vs Birds
self-pity me, you're so pitiful/ you can see that we don't have to get along"
(bitter.)
posted by hyperfascinated at 9:13 PM on February 14, 2006

Lots of stuff by Godsmack.
posted by polyglot at 10:31 PM on February 14, 2006

Maybe not a perfect breakup song, but I always loved the way it was all soft-sounding, and yet, here's some lyrics:

I keep your picture upon the wall.
It hides a nasty stain that's lying there.
So don't you ask me to give it back.
I know you know it doesn't mean that much to me.
I'm not in love, no no, it's because...

Ooh, you'll wait a long time for me.
Ooh, you'll wait a long time.
I'm not in love, I'm not in love...

-10cc "I'm Not in Love"
posted by Sorcia at 10:41 PM on February 14, 2006

-A breakup song that's been around, unless I miss my guess, since the early twentieth century: "Frankie and Johnny".

-You've got to hear him sing it to understand how snotty and bitter it is, but James McMurtry's "Off And Running" definitely fills the bill:

Answer me when I'm calling out
Tell me what's all the noise about
Explain to me the rules of love
Tell me just what I'm guilty of
I somehow I must've missed it
I never knew I was blind
Repeat it real slow so I get it this time

-There's Motley Crue's "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)". Despite it's overly nasty title, it actually begins in a sort of sweet, power ballad style.

-If your ex was a greedy bitch, there's "Moneytalks" by AC/DC. Though there's nothing at all sweet or subtle about it.

-Butch Hancock's "Moanin' of the Midnight Train" has a nice, sad ballad / love song feel to it but contains the immortal lines: "You ask if I miss you / yes of course I miss you / I miss you every night or two." That might work.

Beck's "Nitemare Hippy Girl" is both sweet and nasty at the same time. But it only applies to certain types of ex-girlfriends; "She's making salad for breakfast / She's got tofu the size of Texas."

-The tone may be a bit too mean for what you have in mind, but it is a truly great "fuck you, bitch" song: Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows."

Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Ah give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you've been discreet
But there were so many people you just had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows

-Much sweeter and more subtle: U2's "One": "You say love is a temple / Love the higher law / You ask me to enter / and then you make me crawl."

-Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row" is a break-up song. No, really, it is. But you have to listen all the way through to the final verse.

-"Already Gone" by the Eagles.
posted by Clay201 at 11:07 PM on February 14, 2006

You know if you actually make this, you're gonna have to share it, right?
posted by digitalis at 11:48 PM on February 14, 2006

100+ comments and no one puts up Tina Turner's What's Love Got to Do With It? OK, late to the party, but I do:

..."I`ve been thinking of a new direction
But i have to say
I`ve been thinking about my own protection
It scares me to feel this way"...
posted by paulsc at 12:23 AM on February 15, 2006

The Beautiful South: A Little Time:

"You had a little time and you had a little fun
Didn't you didn't you
While you had yours do you think I had none
Do you do you
Your freedom that you wanted back
Is yours for good I hope you're glad
Sad into unsad

I've had a little time to think it over
Had a little room to work it out
I found a little courage to call it off

I've had a little time."

Having said that, why tell the ex via a mix CD that you're not thinking of them etc.? By making a mix CD, you are...
posted by badlydubbedboy at 2:15 AM on February 15, 2006

"Die Die My Darling" originally by the Misfits, but I'm only familiar with the Metallica cover:
"Die, die, die my darling, Don't utter a single word
Die, die, die my darling, Just shut your pretty mouth
I'll be seeing you again, I'll be seeing you... in Hell
Don't cry to me oh baby, Your future's in an oblong box
Don't cry to me oh baby, Should have seen it a-coming on
Don't cry to me oh baby, I don't know it was in your power
Don't cry to me oh baby, Dead-end girl for a dead-end guy
Don't cry to me oh baby, Now your life drains on the floor
Don't cry to me oh baby"

Or how about "Everything About You" by Ugly Kid Joe?
"'cause I'm havin' a ball and never cared a thing about you
Everything about you, everything about you
I get sick when I'm around
I can't stand to be around
I hate everything about you"
posted by Chunder at 3:01 AM on February 15, 2006

Reel Big Fish - Valerie

I’ll never ever be the same my life is ruined, you’re to blame
Every moment of the year we spent you pushed me further and further over the edge
Maybe you didn’t mean it, maybe you’re sorry as well but I know that you are evil, you came
Straight out of hell

- Suckers

Hey everybody I’ve got somethin’ to tell it's what I learned from relationship hell
Lust turns to disgust a heart of gold into rust a soft touch to a slap in the
face- it gets old it goes away
posted by emmling at 5:03 AM on February 15, 2006

There are some mp3s on Shake Your Fist that may interest you.
posted by hot soup girl at 5:06 AM on February 15, 2006

Bob Dylan, "Blood on the tracks."

Game over.
posted by docgonzo at 7:10 AM on February 15, 2006

"Die Die My Darling" originally by the Misfits, but I'm only familiar with the Metallica cover:

Um, a song about sexual homicide kinda doesn't fit, even if the topic is ANTI love songs.
posted by scratch at 8:04 AM on February 15, 2006

"Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart" - performed by Johnny Cash on At Folsom Prison (written by Jack Clement)
posted by Idiot Mittens at 10:09 AM on February 15, 2006

Dead Flowers-The Rolling Stones

Death on Two Legs-Queen
posted by TedW at 10:47 AM on February 15, 2006

It can't compare to some of the classics here (Dylan et al), but Lucky by Jim's Big Ego is a nice, peppy little breakup number.
posted by anthom at 1:39 PM on February 15, 2006

"Rip the heart out of me" - Adema
"Not Me" - Lo-pro
"Don't stay" - Linkin Park
"Can't do this anymore" - Nickleback (I know, they kinda suck, but this particular song is good)
"Quitter" - Edgewater
"Crashing Foreign Cars" - Helmet
"Take it all away" - Puddle of Mudd
"In Memory" - Shinedown
"Bringin' me down" - Drowning Pool
and the list goes on...

Fun question ChasFile, and I know where you're coming from!
posted by rinkjustice at 8:29 PM on February 15, 2006

Just thought of a few more:

"I Survived You" and "No More Sad Songs" by Clay Aiken are both poppy and "I'm over you".

"I Will Survive"? If the Gloria Gaynor version doesn't suit you, the Cake version might.

Does Kelly Clarkson's "Because Of You" count?
posted by divabat at 5:32 AM on February 16, 2006

I'm really fond of the sarcastic and subtly sardonic "Miserable" by Lit:

You make me come
You make me complete
You make me completely miserable
posted by Samantha at 5:51 AM on February 16, 2006

So long as this an academic exercise, I'd also recommend Versus's Two Cents Plus Tax as the most harrowingly accurate musical depiction of a breakup. If you have actually been through a breakup recently, however, I wouldn't recommend listening to that album, unless you want to feel much, much worse.
posted by Sara Anne at 7:19 PM on February 17, 2006