Songs

32 Top Songs About Missed Chances

songs about missed chances
Written by Corey Morgan

Best songs about missed chances

How many times have you regretted not taking that job, not saying hi to that attractive friend, or not grabbing that great deal?

Life is full with opportunities, both good and bad, and making decisions can be challenging! While some of these decisions will have a lasting impact on your life, others may leave you wondering, “what if?”

The following are some of the best songs about best songs about missed chances and getting another. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

1. James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain”

James Taylor - Fire and Rain (Official Audio)

First on our list about missed chances is “Fire and Rain”. Taylor has a lot of regrets in her life, and this song is about some of them.

During the first verse, he expresses his grief over the death of a close friend. Friends kept the news of her death from him for six months while he worked on his first album. In the following verse, he discusses his battles with drug addiction and depression in more detail.

As a result of signing a solo deal, his band disbanded. The song’s central theme is a collection of his regrets about various life events.

2. Tim McGraw’s “Please Remember Me.”

Tim McGraw - Please Remember Me (Official Music Video)

This masterpiece also reflects on songs about missed chances. Rodney Crowell, who co-wrote the song with Will Jennings, originally recorded it.

In addition to co-writing the aforementioned “Tears in Heaven,” Jennings has demonstrated that he is an expert at capturing the raw emotion of loss. McGraw’s rendition carries a tremendous amount of weight on the emotional scale.

This song is unique in that it is told from the point of view of the person who is dying or dead, rather than the person who has been abandoned.

He regrets his shortcomings as a romantic partner and wishes that she find someone better. Despite his flaws, he hopes that he will be remembered fondly in the future.

3. Mike + The Mechanics’ “The Living Years,”

Mike + The Mechanics - The Living Years (Official Video)

The tender and heartfelt lyrics of this 1980s British rock song have made it an enduring classic. It’s about B.A. Robertson’s relationship with his estranged father.

When his father died just before he became a father for the first time, he wished they had spent more time together.

4. Billie Eilish’s “When the Party’s Over”

Billie Eilish - when the party's over (Official Music Video)

The minimalistic production of this track has a certain evocative quality. The depressing lyrics depict the lingering loneliness after a relationship ends.

Eilish’s ethereal vocal delivery elevates the song’s gorgeous melancholy a notch higher.

5. Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved”

Lewis Capaldi - Someone You Loved

Capaldi’s baritone is a unique combination of raspy and resonant. This wistful love song is given a sense of urgency by his guttural singing style.

There is a sadness in his voice when he sings, “I tend to close my eyes when it hurts sometimes.”

6. Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,”

Sam Smith - Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

Having regrets isn’t limited to epic love stories. By way of this heartfelt song, they express their regret for the one-night stands they’ve had in order to alleviate their loneliness. It is possible to regret even a brief encounter.

7. Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2U”

Sinéad O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U (Official Music Video) [HD]

After a breakup, the narrator sings this song to celebrate her newfound independence and to look on the bright side of things.

But in the end, she wishes she had never let go of her longtime partner. A bad relationship is still worth having back in her life because she can’t imagine life without him.

8. Be Happy, Don’t Worry,” by Bobby McFerrin

Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)

The acapella version of this song was what originally caught my ear. However, it’s the message it delivers that matters most.

The song’s lyrics include a list of regrettable things. You don’t have to be broke, single, or lacking in style to be on the verge of being evicted.

However, your character is formed by your response to adversity. You don’t have to allow yourself to sink into a pit of self-pity. Alternatively, you can keep your head up and keep moving forward.

9. Snow Patrol’s “You Could Be Happy”

Snow Patrol - You Could Be Happy [HD]

When a relationship ends, this song expresses the feeling of loss. A painful breakup occurred, and the narrator’s partner wasn’t pleased when she left him.

In retrospect, he realizes how wonderful their relationship was before it came to an end, now that some time has passed.

His wish is that she will be happy and content as she goes about her day-to-day routine. Even if you’re sad about how something ended, you can still move on with hope in your heart, as this song shows.

10. Feist’s “So Sorry”

There are times when a disagreement with a loved one or a friend can be a relationship ender. Even if you regret it later, one of you can walk out the door and there will be no return.

Feist takes a stand against regret in this track.This couple can avoid the possibility of regret by reconciling before the point of no return.

11. Avril Lavigne’s “Head Above Water”

Avril Lavigne - Head Above Water (Official Video)

It’s possible to listen to this song and not feel uplifted because of its dramatic chords. The narrator, on the other hand, tries to keep her head above water as she drowns in regrets. Seeing her perseverance and willingness to ask for help is inspiring.

12. Carolina Chocolate Drops, “I Truly Understand That You Love”

I Truly Understand That You Love Another Man

As demonstrated by the Carolina Chocolate Drops, the banjo and panpipes can be used to communicate sadness and sorrow.

An exuberant tune contrasts dramatically with the lovely harmony of the vocalists’ voices, which are in a different timbre.

13. “Empire Builder” Laura Gibson

Laura Gibson "Empire Builder (Lyric Video)"

Laura Gibson’s fragile voice and lightly plucked guitar depict a song about a love that may have been doomed from the start.

There is an unnamed narrator who was rejected by her significant other because of her “love songs,” which always sounded “gritty and sad.”

However, despite the lyrics, Gibson is left wandering aimlessly through a deserted town in search of someone who may or may not have already left.

14. “I Have to Keep You Down,” by Christian Lee Hutson

I Have to Keep You Down

This song expresses remorse for attempting to keep a relationship alive by doing the wrong things. Guitar, drums, bass, and tambourine back Christian Lee Hutson up as he delivers strained and painfully spoken lyrics.

Even so, Hutson worries about losing her because he thinks she’s better than him. He tries to persuade her otherwise, but it appears that his efforts have been in vain.

15. “On My Own” by the cavemen

In Cavemen’s “On My Own,” the band expresses their regret for “the things that we once had.” This mellow acoustic rendition laments the passing of a lover and begs for another chance with an old flame. Unless he gets another opportunity, the protagonist will remain on his own.

16. John Lennon’s song “Starting Over”

[Just Like] Starting Over (Ultimate Mix)

When it comes to songs about missed chances, this is probably the first one that comes to mind. In John Lennon’s song “Starting Over,” a couple splits up, only for one of them to later regret their decision.

When one of the lovers finally sees the other after a long time, the song is about wanting another chance. While singing, the singer thinks back fondly on their time together and imagines a better future.

If they do get back together, the singer promises a beautiful and loving life together.

17. Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds”

Phil Collins Against All Odds

In Phil Collins’ song “Against All Odds,” the subject of a person’s worthlessness after their lover breaks up with them is depicted.

The betrayed and abandoned lover is inconsolable over the experience and can do nothing but weep.

Reunion with the person who truly understands them is the goal of the lyrics. It conveys a sense of helplessness in the absence of the longed-for lover.

Even though the singer believes their lover’s return is virtually impossible, they are willing to accept the “odds” regardless of the song’s title.

18. Bette Midler’s “Every Road Leads Back To You”

Every Road Leads Back to You

All roads lead back to you by Bette Midler, not only a desperate lover looking for another chance, but also a lonely friend searching for their long-lost companion.

The fact that the singer refers to their missing one as both a friend and a lover suggests that they have a more intimate relationship.

To express their desire to see them again, they have written a song in which they sing about their longing to see this person again.

19. Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0put0_a–Ng

“Make You Feel My Love” by Adele is a cover of a Bob Dylan song from the late 1990s that talks about the regret and feelings of desperation that come when your sweetheart dumps you. You have a gut feeling that you are the perfect partner for them, but they don’t seem to agree.

The singer spends the majority of the song exclaiming how much they adore their partner and how they would do anything to get a second chance with him or her in life.

Before making any decisions, the partner should have a better understanding of the other person.

20. Scorpions’ “Still Loving You”

Scorpions - Still Loving You (Official Video)

When you let true love slip through your fingers and then realize what you’ve done, Scorpions’ “Still Loving You” is a beautiful song about the feelings you have and the regret you feel.

The singer is eagerly anticipating a second chance to correct the mistakes they made on their first attempt.

You’ll get goosebumps listening to this song because you’ll get a sense of how intense the emotions are and how difficult it is to express them.

21. Sade’s “Still in Love With You”

Sade - Still In Love With You (lyrics)

After being abandoned, Sade’s “Still In Love With You” is about a lover who is consumed with regret over what might have been. A broken heart is depicted in the song, which is a somber reminder of the pain that comes with it.

22. Barry Manilow’s “If I Should Love Again.”

If I Should Love Again

“If I Should Love Again” by Barry Manilow tells the story of a person who, despite the fact that they have no hope of ever reuniting with their lover, continues to believe in the possibility.

Getting the chance to fall in love again is the key to making everything better, according to the lyrics of the song.

23. Sergio Mendez’s song, “Never Gonna Let You Go.”

Sergio Mendes - Never Gonna Let You Go (HQ Audio)

Sergio Mendez’s “Never Gonna Let You Go” tells the story of a lover who abandons their beloved but later regrets their decision.

In the song, the narrator remembers what could have been, but also realizes that a second chance may never arrive.

24. ABBA’s “Take A Chance On Me”

ABBA - Take A Chance On Me (Official Music Video)

After being rejected by their desired one, “Take A Chance On Me” by ABBA tells the story of a person who is hoping for a second chance. The singer has never been in a relationship with this person, but he or she wants to be.

25. Nelly and Tim McGraw’s “Over and Over”

Nelly - Over And Over (Official Music Video) ft. Tim McGraw

Nelly and Tim McGraw’s “Over and Over” tells the story of a person who has lost a loved one because of the actions of another man.

They are wishing they had been the one to make her happy instead of blaming themselves. He has a second chance, and he’s eagerly awaiting her yes!

26. Quincy Jones’ “Just Once”

Quincy Jones - Just Once

“Just Once” by Quincy Jones tells the story of a person who has had enough of the “hot and cold phase” and wants to make things right once more. In order to get another chance, the singer wants to do their best to show love and kindness to those around them.

27. Eminem, “Lose Yourself”

Eminem - Lose Yourself [HD]

“Lose Yourself” was inspired by Eminem’s character B-Rabbit in the film 8 Mile, Jimmy Smith Jr. (B-Rabbit). A Detroit-raised rapper’s journey to stardom is chronicled in this biopic, which is loosely based on Eminem’s life.

It’s a great motivator because it reminds you that “you only get one shot” and that you need to have faith in yourself if you want to succeed in your endeavors. The song encourages you to seize the moment and pursue your dreams now!

28. Opportunity Knocks – Nick Javas

Nick Javas - Opportunity Knocks (Prod. by DJ Premier) OFFICIAL VIDEO

There’s a backstory to this song. He is given a chance in the studio, but he is forced to come up with something on the fly because he does not have anything prepared.

He raps about how you can’t miss out on opportunities if you don’t take them when they’re presented to you.

He also raps about how grateful he is to have the opportunity to record in a studio that has previously hosted legendary rappers like Tupac Shakur and Rakim. As a reminder to be thankful, this song is one of the best songs about missed chances you should listen to.

29. Frank Sinatra’s My Way

My Way (2008 Remastered)

He takes on the role of an elderly person in the song “My Way,” recalling the past and looking forward to a peaceful retirement. He thinks he lived the life he wanted to lead.

Errors were made, but he was willing to take chances and seize opportunities. It doesn’t matter, though, because he did what he wanted to do in the end anyway.

Taking a look at things from the perspective of death may inspire you to go for it so that you can say, “I did it my way.”

30. Daryl Hall and John Oates – A missed opportunity

Daryl Hall & John Oates - Missed Opportunity (Official Video)

Not every opportunity is about a job or experience. This masterpiece also reflects on songs about missed chances but not in a typical relationship way. Your’missed opportunity,’ on occasion, is someone or something that goes awry in your life.

In this song, the narrator laments the fact that he and his love interest are always making the same mistakes over and over again.

Their lives may simply be too busy, or they may never find love at the right time for them. It doesn’t matter what it is, he still holds out hope that things will work out.

31. Opportunity – The Jewels

The Jewels - Opportunity

During the song, the Jewels sing about a man who had worked his entire life away. He worked from dawn to dusk, chasing opportunities.

In the second verse, “a fool’s advice” is that “opportunity knocks once, not twice,” but in the third verse, “the man missed out on life because he worked all the time,” the song seems to contradict itself. Or perhaps they’re singing about two different people, or they’re saying that every person needs some sort of balance in their daily lives.

32. Neil Young’s song “Field of Opportunity”

Field of Opportunity (2016 Remaster)

There appears to be a connection between the “Field of Opportunity” and finding a partner. After missing out on the chance to be with someone he was interested in, Neil Young is now forced to “cultivate more seeds,” that is, meet another woman.

Even after he’s found someone, he says he’ll still wonder where she is and won’t hesitate when he finds her again later in life, even after he’s found someone.

Final thoughts on songs about missed chances

If you’ve been in a similar situation before, listening to songs about missed chances will allow you to acknowledge some of your inner thoughts and feelings.

You’ll be flooded with feelings and your sad encounters will be transformed into more meaningful and soulful musical experiences thanks to this list.

All you have to do is put the headphones on and play any of these 33 songs about missed chances and you will surely hear a story that might make you cry (sadness can be beautiful too). That’s all for now, and I appreciate your time.