10 Times Singers Exposed Their Partner in a Song

Top 10 Times Singers Exposed Their Partner in a Song

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most scandalous songs artists have used to call out their partner’s bad behavior.

#10: “Don't” (2014)

Ed Sheeran

The lyrics of Ed Sheeran’s 2014 single “Don’t” are scathing. They recount a former relationship that started casually but quickly soured when the woman allegedly cheated with someone close to him. Sheeran takes on the role of narrator, singing about feeling blindsided and disrespected after this mysterious partner left their hotel to sleep with his friend. Although he didn’t name names, fans were quick to speculate that the song was about his brief romance with fellow pop star Ellie Goulding. And the man she supposedly cheated with? Former One Direction member Niall Horan. Goulding has since denied ever dating Sheeran, but she released “On My Mind” the following year, which many consider to be a response to “Don’t.”

#9: “U + Me (Love Lesson)” (2017)

Mary J. Blige

Written in the thick of her highly publicized divorce from former husband and manager Kendu Isaacs, Mary J. Blige’s 2017 album “Strength of a Woman” captures the singer’s anger and heartbreak. Those emotions are especially powerful on the second single “U + Me (Love Lesson).” On the track, Blige confronts the betrayal head-on, calling out the lies, infidelity and financial exploitation she says she endured during their marriage. She sings with clarity and conviction about recognizing her partner’s manipulative behavior and refusing to let it break her spirit. Blige does some emotional math on the song, and eventually comes to the realization that the failed relationship, though painful, ultimately taught her a vital lesson in love and self-respect.

#8: “Without Me” (2018)

Halsey

Halsey’s biggest hit as a solo artist is also one of her most vulnerable. They released “Without Me” shortly after their split from rapper G-Eazy, leading fans to speculate that the lyrics were about him. In the song, Halsey reflects on her feelings of betrayal and exhaustion after supporting a partner who repeatedly let her down. They describe how they helped build him up – financially, emotionally and professionally – only to be repaid with infidelity. These themes mirror Halsey’s public comments about her relationship with G-Eazy, which she said ended because he “cheated on [her] in front of the entire world.” The song’s music video reinforces this connection by featuring a doppelgänger of G-Eazy as their love interest.

#7: “Back to Black” (2007)

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse held little back on her acclaimed album “Back to Black.” The title track focuses on her tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil, whom she later married and divorced before her untimely passing. The lyrics describe how Fielder-Civil left her to return to his ex-girlfriend, breaking Winehouse’s heart and sending her into a destructive spiral. Here, “black” symbolizes the dark place she slipped into after their breakup, dealing with loneliness and depression, and eventually regressing to self-destructive habits. “Back to Black” not only exposed the cracks in their relationship, but also foreshadowed the struggles with substance use that would plague her in the years ahead. With all these warning signs, many were left puzzled why Winehouse still married Fielder-Civil shortly after the song’s release.

#6: “When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You” (1978)

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye began recording his album “Here, My Dear” under a legal obligation to give the profits to his ex-wife, Anna Gordy, as part of their divorce settlement. Initially, he planned to record a simple, uninspired album just to fulfil the agreement. However, the emotional weight of their breakup soon took over, and he poured that pain into the music, particularly on “When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You.” The six-minute track abandons typical song structure as it traces the rise and fall of their relationship, accusing Anna of infidelity and broken vows. But Gaye also acknowledges his own faults and the role he played in their split. Ironically, it remains one of the most personal songs he ever recorded.

#5: “All Too Well” (2012)

Taylor Swift

Widely regarded as one of Taylor Swift’s most powerful and emotionally revealing songs, “All Too Well” first appeared on her 2012 album “Red.” The song is believed to recount her brief but intense relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal. Through vivid storytelling, Swift reflects on the early excitement of their romance, capturing small details, like a forgotten scarf, and the intimate memories that they shared. As the song progresses, the tone shifts from nostalgia to heartbreak. Swift suggests that Gyllenhaal took advantage of her innocence, portraying him as dismissive and emotionally manipulative. In the extended 10-minute version, she goes even deeper into her emotions, describing how she was made to feel like a “secret” and was abandoned just as the relationship turned serious.

#4: “Madeline” (2025)

Lily Allen

This English singer’s 2025 album “West End Girl” is essentially the musical equivalent of the ‘cool girl’ monologue from “Gone Girl.” Framed like a personal diary, the album traces Allen’s marriage to actor David Harbour, which reportedly involved an open arrangement with rules that he initiated and then violated. After first establishing her husband’s alleged mistress in the song “Tennis,” “Madeline” sees Allen confront her, trying to understand how long their affair had been going on. Although the song is addressed to Madeline, Allen exposes her husband’s deceptive acts and the emotional devastation they caused – from lying to her to bringing the affair into their matrimonial bed. She closes by warning Madeline not to fall for the same smooth tricks she fell for.

#3: “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” (2023)

Bizarrap & Shakira

There is no question who Shakira’s viral song “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” is about. In fact, the singer pretty much calls out its subject by name. Following her publicized split from footballer Gerard Piqué amid rumors of infidelity, Shakira went on to lay out the details of their relationship. The song includes several references to this period, such as living next door to Piqué’s mother and blaming him for her issues with Spanish tax authorities. She also openly addresses Piqué’s alleged infidelity and his new relationship with Clara Chía Martí, implying that he traded her for a cheaper replacement. Explosive and brutal in its accusations, the song quickly went viral and topped the charts in over a dozen countries.

#2: “Go Your Own Way” (1976)

Fleetwood Mac

What’s worse than writing a diss track about your ex? Making them sing backing vocals on it. Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” was written and sung by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham as a way of processing the painful end of his relationship with fellow band member Stevie Nicks. The band was in turmoil at the time and Buckingham used the song to channel his anger and heartbreak directly into the music. In the lyrics, he accuses Nicks of being dishonest and unfaithful, claims which she has always denied. Regardless, Nicks recorded the backing vocals on the track, even though her disagreement with Buckingham’s version of events made her uncomfortable performing the song live for years.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Be Careful” (2018), Cardi B

The Rapper Admonishes Her Unfaithful Partner and Demands to Be Treated Right

“Circle the Drain” (2010), Katy Perry

Reportedly Inspired by Travie McCoy, Perry Calls Him Out for His Self-Destructive Behavior

“Cry Me a River” (2002), Justin Timberlake

Alludes to Timberlake’s Relationship With Britney Spears & Her Affair With Wade Robson

“Drivers License” (2021), Olivia Rodrigo

Seemingly Shades Ex-Boyfriend Joshua Bassett & His Quick Rebound With Sabrina Carpenter

#1: “Sorry” (2016)

Beyoncé

“Who the hell is Becky?” was the question on everyone’s mind when Beyoncé dropped her 2016 album “Lemonade.” One of the most talked-about tracks on the album, “Sorry,” sees Beyoncé directly confront the pain caused by her partner’s infidelity, addressing the lies and late-night excuses that nearly destroyed their marriage. Although she doesn’t name her husband, Jay-Z, many believed the song was inspired by his past actions. So when Beyoncé named a certain “Becky with the good hair,” fans and the press alike were keen on uncovering her identity. Delivered in an unapologetic and defiant tone, Beyoncé refuses to shoulder the blame and instead makes it clear that she won’t beg for respect. It’s the ultimate middle finger to a philandering husband.

Which of these shady diss tracks do you play on repeat? Let us know in the comments below.