20 Songs About Envy And Jealousy

We’ve all been there. That gnawing feeling in the pit of your stomach when you see someone else living the life you want, achieving the success you crave, or worse – capturing the attention of someone you desire. I know I have. Envy and jealousy are emotions as old as time, and as a music lover, I’ve found solace and understanding in songs that capture these complex feelings.

Here, I’ve compiled a list of 20 songs that dive deep into the murky waters of envy and jealousy. From pop anthems to rock ballads, these tracks explore the many facets of wanting what others have. 

1. “I Want Your Girlfriend to Be My Girlfriend Too” by Reel Big Fish

This song by Reel Big Fish, from their debut album Everything Sucks (1995), captures the raw and unfiltered emotions of jealousy and desire. The lyrics express a longing for someone else’s girlfriend, highlighting feelings of envy and frustration. The protagonist is infatuated with a girl who is already in a relationship, leading to intense emotions and even dark thoughts about eliminating the competition. The repetitive chorus emphasizes the obsession and the irrationality that often accompanies jealousy: “I want your girlfriend to be my girlfriend too”.

2. “Jealous” by Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas’ “Jealous,” from his self-titled second studio album (2014), is a pop and R&B track that delves into the insecurities and possessiveness that can arise in romantic relationships. The song’s lyrics describe Jonas’ feelings of jealousy when other men look at his girlfriend, despite knowing she loves him. He admits to feeling “hellish” and “obsessed,” highlighting the irrational nature of jealousy. The catchy chorus underscores the conflict between admiration and possessiveness: “Cause you’re too sexy beautiful, and everybody wants a taste, that’s why I still get jealous”.

3. “Ring the Alarm” by Beyoncé

“Ring the Alarm,” from Beyoncé’s B’Day album (2006), is a powerful anthem about a woman confronting her partner’s infidelity. The song’s aggressive tone and intense lyrics convey a sense of betrayal and possessiveness. Beyoncé’s character in the song refuses to let another woman take her place, expressing her anger and determination to hold onto what she believes is rightfully hers. The lyrics, “But I’ll be damned if I see another chick on your arm,” encapsulate the fierce protectiveness and jealousy she feels.

4. “All Would Envy” by Sting

“All Would Envy,” a collaboration between Sting and jazz pianist Chris Botti, tells the story of a young woman involved with an older, wealthy man. The song’s narrative explores themes of envy and desire from the perspective of an outsider looking in. The lyrics describe the material wealth and social status that come with the relationship, which others envy. However, the song also hints at the superficial nature of such envy, suggesting that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be bought. The melancholic tone and reflective lyrics provide a nuanced take on jealousy and materialism.

5. “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield

“Jessie’s Girl” is a quintessential song about unrequited love and jealousy, released in 1981 on Rick Springfield’s album Working Class Dog. The song narrates the protagonist’s envy of his friend Jessie’s girlfriend, whom he desires intensely. Springfield’s lyrics vividly depict his longing and frustration, as he watches Jessie with his girl and wishes he could be in Jessie’s place: “And she’s watching him with those eyes / And she’s loving him with that body, I just know it” . The upbeat, catchy melody contrasts with the underlying theme of jealousy, making it a memorable anthem of the 80s .

6. “Hey Jealousy” by Gin Blossoms

“Hey Jealousy,” released in 1992 by the Gin Blossoms, is a poignant song that delves into the depths of regret and longing following a failed relationship. Written by Doug Hopkins, the song captures the desperation of wanting to rekindle a lost romance while grappling with jealousy. The lyrics, “If you don’t expect too much from me, you might not be let down,” reflect the protagonist’s awareness of his shortcomings and the lingering hope for reconciliation . The song’s upbeat tempo juxtaposes its melancholic theme, creating a powerful emotional resonance.

7. “Anyone Else” by Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton’s “Anyone Else,” from his 2004 album Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill, explores the darker side of friendship and envy. The song portrays a man who feels undermined by a friend who is never happy for his successes. Shelton’s emotive vocals convey the pain and confusion of dealing with a toxic friend who is consumed by jealousy: “Anyone else would shake my hand / Wish me luck, be proud for a friend” . This heartfelt country ballad highlights the destructive impact of jealousy on personal relationships.

8. “Send Them Off!” by Bastille

“Send Them Off!” by Bastille, from their 2016 album Wild World, is an energetic indie rock track that metaphorically addresses the desire to rid oneself of jealousy and negative emotions. The protagonist pleads for an exorcism of the “demons” that represent his insecurities and jealousy: “Demons running ’round in my head / They feed on insecurities I have” . The song’s dynamic melody and powerful vocals underscore the urgency and intensity of these emotions, making it a compelling exploration of the struggle against jealousy.

9. “Girl With One Eye” by Florence + The Machine

“Girl With One Eye,” from Florence + The Machine’s debut album Lungs (2009), is a dark and haunting song that delves into themes of betrayal and revenge. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who exacts violent retribution on another woman who has wronged her, possibly by stealing her lover. The macabre imagery and Florence Welch’s intense vocal delivery convey a sense of deep-seated jealousy and anger: “I took a knife and cut out her eye / I took it home and watched it wither and die” . The song’s gothic and visceral narrative highlights the destructive power of jealousy and the lengths to which it can drive someone.

10. “Jealous Guy” by John Lennon

“Jealous Guy,” from John Lennon’s acclaimed 1971 album Imagine, is a poignant and introspective song that explores the singer’s feelings of jealousy and insecurity. Originally written during The Beatles’ trip to India as “Child of Nature,” the song evolved to reflect Lennon’s personal struggles with possessiveness, particularly in his relationship with Yoko Ono. The lyrics, “I didn’t mean to hurt you / I’m sorry that I made you cry / Oh now, I didn’t want to hurt you / I’m just a jealous guy,” reveal a deep sense of remorse and self-awareness . Lennon’s vulnerable performance and the song’s haunting melody make it a timeless exploration of the darker side of love.

11. “We Don’t Talk Anymore” by Charlie Puth

“We Don’t Talk Anymore,” a 2016 collaboration between Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez, is a pop song that captures the lingering feelings of jealousy and regret after a breakup. The lyrics describe the pain of seeing an ex-partner move on and the jealousy that arises from imagining them with someone new: “We don’t talk anymore / Like we used to do / I just heard you found the one you’ve been looking / You’ve been looking for” . The song’s catchy melody and relatable theme of post-breakup envy resonated with many listeners, making it a commercial success.

12. “Deja Vu” by Olivia Rodrigo

“Deja Vu,” from Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album SOUR (2021), is a reflective pop song that explores the feelings of jealousy and déjà vu experienced when seeing an ex-partner repeat the same romantic gestures with a new lover. The lyrics vividly describe the protagonist’s realization that her special moments are being replicated: “So when you gonna tell her / That we did that too? / She thinks it’s special, but it’s all reused” . Rodrigo’s emotive delivery and the song’s detailed storytelling highlight the pain and jealousy of feeling replaced and the sense of familiarity in seeing someone else live your past experiences.

13. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

“Mr. Brightside,” the debut single by The Killers, was released in 2003 and is featured on their album Hot Fuss (2004). The song narrates the intense jealousy and paranoia of a man who suspects his partner of infidelity. The protagonist is consumed by vivid and painful images of his significant other with someone else, leading to feelings of insecurity and heartache: “Now they’re going to bed / And my stomach is sick / And it’s all in my head” . The song’s catchy melody and poignant lyrics have made it an enduring anthem of jealousy and heartbreak.

14. “Found Out About You” by Gin Blossoms

“Found Out About You,” from the Gin Blossoms’ 1992 album New Miserable Experience, explores the lingering pain and jealousy after discovering an ex-partner’s new relationship. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of betrayal and obsession, as the protagonist grapples with the rumors and memories of the past relationship: “Rumors follow everywhere you go / Like when you left and I was last to know” . The melancholic melody and reflective lyrics capture the torment of unrequited love and the haunting presence of jealousy.

15. “My Best Friend’s Girl” by The Cars

Released in 1978 on their self-titled debut album, “My Best Friend’s Girl” by The Cars tells the story of a man who is envious of his best friend, who is now dating his ex-girlfriend. The song’s twist lies in the revelation that the girl used to be his, adding a layer of nostalgia and regret: “She’s my best friend’s girl / But she used to be mine” . The upbeat tempo and catchy rock riffs juxtapose the underlying theme of jealousy and loss, making it a classic track that resonates with many.

16. “Pacify Her” by Melanie Martinez

“Pacify Her,” from Melanie Martinez’s debut album Cry Baby (2015), delves into the emotions of a girl who is infatuated with a boy already in a relationship. The protagonist’s jealousy and desire to replace the other girl are evident as she dismisses the current girlfriend as annoying and unworthy: “Pacify her / She’s getting on my nerves” . The song’s haunting melody and Martinez’s distinctive vocal style emphasize the dark and possessive nature of jealousy.

17. “Green Is The Colour” by Pink Floyd

“Green Is The Colour,” from Pink Floyd’s 1969 album More, is a reflective and atmospheric track that delves into the complex emotions of envy and longing. The song uses the color green as a metaphor for jealousy and desire, symbolizing the yearning for what others possess. The lyrics, coupled with the soothing melody and simple folk instrumentation, evoke a sense of wistfulness and introspection: “Green is the colour of her kind / Quickness of the eye deceives the mind” . The song’s haunting quality and poetic imagery make it a poignant exploration of the subtle and pervasive nature of envy.

18. “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me,” from her 2008 album Fearless, is a pop-country anthem about unrequited love and jealousy. The song narrates the feelings of a girl who believes she is a better match for her male friend than his current girlfriend. She envies the girlfriend and feels overlooked, expressing her frustration and longing through relatable lyrics: “She wears high heels, I wear sneakers / She’s Cheer Captain and I’m on the bleachers” . The upbeat melody contrasts with the underlying theme of jealousy, making it a catchy yet emotionally resonant track that has become one of Swift’s signature songs.

19. “Lounge Act” by Nirvana

“Lounge Act,” from Nirvana’s iconic 1991 album Nevermind, is a raw and introspective song that explores themes of jealousy and personal conflict. Kurt Cobain’s lyrics convey the protagonist’s struggle with feelings of possessiveness and insecurity in a relationship: “I’ll go out of my way to prove I still / Smell her on you” . The song’s grunge sound, characterized by gritty guitar riffs and Cobain’s emotive vocals, amplifies the intensity of the protagonist’s inner turmoil. “Lounge Act” stands as a powerful expression of the darker aspects of human emotions and relationships.

20. “Jealous Bone” by Patty Loveless

“Jealous Bone,” from Patty Loveless’ 1991 album Up Against My Heart, is a country song that delves into the intense and sometimes irrational nature of jealousy. The lyrics describe a woman who is deeply in love but plagued by suspicions and fears of infidelity: “I can’t bear to see you out of my sight / I can’t stand the thought of you with anyone else” . Loveless’ powerful vocals and the song’s traditional country instrumentation convey the raw emotion and vulnerability of the protagonist. “Jealous Bone” was a commercial success, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and remains a standout track in Loveless’ discography.

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.