20 Songs About Being Led On or Taken Advantage Of

As someone who has been there, I know how painful and frustrating it feels to be led on or taken advantage of in a relationship. The false promises, the mixed signals, the emotional manipulation – it’s a special kind of heartbreak that leaves you questioning everything.

I’ve spent many a night blasting songs that perfectly captured the anger, sadness and confusion I felt. Music has a way of expressing those complex emotions we struggle to put into words.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of songs that speak to the experience of being led on or used by someone you cared about. 

1. “Have a Heart” by Dean Martin

Dean Martin’s “Have a Heart” is a plea for sincerity and honesty in a romantic relationship. The song expresses the vulnerability of falling in love for the first time and the fear of being taken advantage of. Martin warns his partner to treat his heart with care, emphasizing that his love is not a “play-thing” or “throw-away thing.” The lyrics convey a sense of earnestness and a request for the partner to be fair and considerate, highlighting the emotional risk involved in opening one’s heart to another.

2. “You Tear Me Up” by Ricky Nelson

In “You Tear Me Up,” Ricky Nelson sings about the emotional turmoil caused by a romantic partner who plays with his feelings. The song describes the physical and emotional reactions he experiences when his partner is near, such as trembling and feeling weak. Nelson’s lyrics express a longing for reciprocal love and a plea for the partner not to take advantage of his vulnerability. The song captures the pain and confusion of being in love with someone who may not feel the same way and the fear of being emotionally hurt.

3. “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” is a track from her Reputation album that addresses themes of betrayal and the consequences of trusting the wrong people. The song is widely interpreted as a response to her public feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, among others. Swift uses the metaphor of “nice things” to represent genuine friendships and trust, which she feels have been broken by deceit and betrayal. The song combines a playful tone with sharp criticism, reflecting on how her efforts to maintain relationships and enjoy her success have been undermined by others’ actions.

4. “You Took Advantage of Me” by Rosemary Clooney

“You Took Advantage of Me” is a classic song composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Lorenz Hart, famously performed by Rosemary Clooney. The song portrays a character who feels manipulated and emotionally exploited by a romantic partner. The lyrics describe the character’s helplessness and inability to resist falling for someone who has taken advantage of their feelings. The song’s tone is both witty and self-deprecating, capturing the complexity of being aware of one’s emotional vulnerability while still being unable to escape it.

5. “Drive” by Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus’s “Drive” explores the emotional conflict of wanting to leave a relationship while still feeling attached to the partner. The song captures the pain of being led on by promises of forever that were not kept. Cyrus expresses heartbreak and frustration, as she grapples with the desire to move on yet remains emotionally tethered. The song’s lyrics reflect the internal struggle of knowing a relationship has ended but still yearning for the love that once was, highlighting the feeling of being taken advantage of by someone who was not sincere.

6. “Donna Donna” by The Everly Brothers

“Donna Donna” by The Everly Brothers tells the story of a man who feels deceived by a woman named Donna. The lyrics describe how Donna led him on, making him believe in the possibility of romance, only to reject him abruptly. The song conveys feelings of betrayal and disappointment, as the protagonist reflects on how Donna’s actions have left him emotionally stranded. This narrative of being misled and emotionally manipulated is central to the theme of the song.

7. “I Beg of You” by Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley’s “I Beg of You” is a heartfelt plea from a man who fears having his heart broken by someone he loves deeply. The song’s lyrics emphasize vulnerability and the fear of being taken advantage of due to his genuine feelings. Presley implores his partner not to exploit his love, expressing a desire for mutual affection and reassurance. The song captures the anxiety of being emotionally dependent on someone who holds significant power over his heart.

8. “Lady Double Dealer” by Whitesnake

“Lady Double Dealer” by Whitesnake is a rock song that addresses themes of deceit and manipulation in a romantic relationship. The lyrics describe a woman who has taken advantage of the protagonist’s love, leading him on while seeking something for nothing. The song’s tone is assertive and confrontational, as the protagonist demands that the deceitful partner get out of his life. This narrative of being used and misled is a central theme, highlighting the emotional toll of dealing with a “double dealer” who is untrustworthy.

9. “If You’ve Got Trouble” by The Beatles

“If You’ve Got Trouble” is a lesser-known Beatles track, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and sung by Ringo Starr. Originally intended for the Help! album, the song was ultimately shelved and later released on Anthology 2. The lyrics revolve around themes of resilience in the face of adversity, though they are considered somewhat uninspired by Beatles standards. The song humorously touches on the idea of having more troubles than someone else, but it lacks the depth and wit typical of Lennon-McCartney compositions. The track’s rejection highlights The Beatles’ high standards and their commitment to quality, as it was deemed not up to par with their other works.

10. “About a Girl” by Nirvana

“About a Girl” is one of Kurt Cobain’s early compositions, featured on Nirvana’s debut album Bleach. The song was inspired by Cobain’s relationship with his then-girlfriend, Tracy Marander, and addresses the tensions in their relationship due to Cobain’s reluctance to work or contribute to household chores. The lyrics capture the feeling of being taken advantage of while also expressing a desire for companionship. Cobain’s straightforward admission that the song is “about a girl” reflects its personal nature. The track is noted for its catchy melody and pop sensibility, blending grunge with a more melodic sound influenced by The Beatles.

11. “I Bet” by Ciara

“I Bet” by Ciara is a raw and emotional R&B ballad from her album Jackie. The song deals with themes of betrayal, trust issues, and infidelity, drawing from Ciara’s personal experiences following her breakup with rapper Future. The lyrics express feelings of being taken for granted and the pain of moving on from a relationship that was once filled with love. Ciara’s candid approach in the song includes addressing her ex-lover’s new partner and expressing her belief that he will regret losing her. “I Bet” was well-received for its honesty and emotional depth, marking a strong comeback for Ciara.

12. “How Do You Sleep?” by Sam Smith

Sam Smith’s “How Do You Sleep?” explores the emotional turmoil of being in a toxic relationship where one partner is consistently deceitful. The song’s lyrics convey the pain and complexity of dealing with lies and betrayal, questioning how the unfaithful partner can sleep at night knowing the damage they’ve caused. Despite the desire to move on, the narrator struggles with the strong attraction to the deceitful partner. The song highlights the narrator’s journey towards healing and self-discovery, emphasizing the emotional toll of being taken advantage of in a relationship.

13. “Without Me” by Halsey

Halsey’s “Without Me” is a deeply personal track that explores themes of betrayal and emotional manipulation in a relationship. The song was inspired by Halsey’s tumultuous relationship with rapper G-Eazy, and it reflects on how she supported him during difficult times, only to feel taken advantage of in return. The lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and self-realization as Halsey questions how her partner can thrive without her, given that she was instrumental in his success. The song’s raw emotion and candid storytelling resonated with many listeners, making it a significant hit and marking a departure from Halsey’s previous conceptual work.

14. “Mr. Rogers” by Korn

“Mr. Rogers” by Korn is a track from their album Life is Peachy that deals with themes of lost innocence and disillusionment. The song uses the figure of Fred Rogers, the beloved children’s television host, as a metaphor for the false sense of security and naivety that the narrator experienced during childhood. The lyrics express anger and regret toward the simplistic and overly optimistic messages received from children’s programming, which the narrator feels left them vulnerable to real-world hardships and exploitation. This track is characterized by its intense emotional delivery and heavy musical composition, typical of Korn’s style.

15. “The Art of Losing” by Rise Against

“The Art of Losing” by Rise Against is a song that delves into the feelings of betrayal and anger after being taken advantage of in a relationship. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s realization of being manipulated and their struggle with the resulting emotional turmoil. The song captures the frustration and helplessness of having one’s trust and forgiveness exploited, leading to a sense of regret and rage. The intense and aggressive tone of the song reflects the band’s punk rock roots, emphasizing the raw emotions associated with such experiences.

16. “Lorelei” by Scorpions

“Lorelei” by Scorpions is a rock ballad that tells the story of a romantic betrayal using the metaphor of the Lorelei, a mythical siren who lures sailors to their doom. The song’s protagonist reflects on a past relationship where they were misled by promises of love and commitment, only to be deceived and left heartbroken. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and disillusionment as the protagonist grapples with the loss of their dreams and the realization of being led astray. The song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics capture the timeless theme of love and betrayal.

17. “Day Time Girl” by Bee Gees

“Day Time Girl” by the Bee Gees, from their 1968 album Horizontal, explores themes of unfulfilled potential and being taken for granted. The lyrics describe a girl who is unaware of what she is missing, having never experienced love or the wisdom of others. The song paints a picture of someone who takes advantage of the opportunities and people around her without truly appreciating them. The narrative suggests a sense of regret and nostalgia as the protagonist reflects on what the girl has missed out on. The Bee Gees use this metaphor to convey the emotional impact of being led on by someone who is oblivious to the consequences of their actions.

18. “You Don’t Love Me” by Boyz II Men

“You Don’t Love Me” by Boyz II Men addresses the pain and frustration of being in a relationship where one partner feels unappreciated and taken for granted. The lyrics express the disappointment of giving everything to someone who does not reciprocate the same level of love or commitment. The protagonist laments how their partner fails to recognize the genuine care and stability they provide, contrasting it with the partner’s past experiences of neglect and mistreatment. The song captures the emotional turmoil of realizing that the love and effort invested in the relationship are not valued, leading to feelings of betrayal and heartache.

19. “Hate That I Love You” by Rihanna featuring Ne-Yo

“Hate That I Love You” by Rihanna, featuring Ne-Yo, is a mid-tempo pop and R&B song that delves into the conflicting emotions of loving someone who is not good for you. The lyrics explore the cycle of unrequited love, where both parties are aware that the relationship is unhealthy but are unable to let go. The song captures the frustration and vulnerability of being emotionally dependent on someone who continually causes pain. Rihanna and Ne-Yo’s vocal performances highlight the tension between love and resentment, making it a relatable anthem for those caught in similar situations.

20. “Heart and Soul” by Huey Lewis & The News

“Heart and Soul” by Huey Lewis & The News, from their 1983 album Sports, is a pop rock song that touches on themes of desire and emotional manipulation. The song describes the experience of being drawn to someone who is captivating yet elusive, leading to a sense of longing and frustration. The lyrics convey the idea of giving one’s heart and soul to a person who may not fully appreciate or reciprocate those feelings. The energetic and catchy tune, combined with its narrative of romantic pursuit and emotional vulnerability, made it a hit during its time.

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