Ah, love! What a wonderful thing it is to be in love. You feel like you’re floating on air, that the birds chirp and tweet just for you, that the sun shines bright just so you could smile, and the trees sway this way and that just so you could brush back locks of your hair from your forehead. You feel as if you’re on cloud nine and that everything in the world is as it should be. And when you’re feeling like this, what’s better to keep you and your sweetheart company than the best English love songs – of the 2000s? Think there aren’t any that can capture what you’re feeling? Then think again; for here we have 25 of the best English love songs from 2000 to 2014. Buckle up for the ride, bucko!
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1. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol (2006)
When you’re in love, you feel like you’re on top of the world, that if you just have your love beside you, nothing else matters. This desire for the other person to feel the same way is beautifully brought out in Chasing Cars. The slow build up of the song leaves you gasping for more.
Lyrics we love:
We don’t need
Anything
Or anyone
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
2. The Scientist – Coldplay (2002)
This song in the slightly-nasally voice of Chris Martin beautifully captures the poignancy of a screwed up relationship. Every relationship goes through ups and downs, but how you handle these as a couple and come out stronger on the other side is important. But this song speaks about all the things he/she screwed up, and wishes to explain the reasons with science, but is unable to do so. So he wishes to go back to the start of the relationship when everything was perfect.
Lyrics we love:
Nobody said it was easy
It’s such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Oh, take me back to the start
3. Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars (2010)
This one is just super cute and a guy who says things like this to the woman in his life, is the best kind of guy there could be. Hold on to him, and never let go. If he thinks you’re beautiful just the way you are, despite all the shortcomings and imperfections you see in the mirror, he’s a keeper for sure.
Lyrics we love:
I know, I know
When I compliment her she won’t believe me
And it’s so, it’s so
Sad to think that she don’t see what I see
But every time she asks me, ‘Do I look okay?’
I say,
When I see your face
There’s not a think that I would change
‘Cause you’re amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
‘Cause, girl, you’re amazing
Just the way you are
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4. You And Me – Lifehouse (2005)
When you love someone, it’s not always necessary that the other person feel the same way about you. Sometimes you get your heart bruised and bumped and dragged along in this journey of unrequited love. But sometimes, it just so happens that the person you’re in love with, sees you for the first time as you see them, and it’s … magical. No other word to describe it. This pain of unrequited love is captured soulfully in this song.
Lyrics we love:
‘Cause it’s you and me and all of the people with nothing to do, nothing to lose
And it’s you and me and all of the people
And I don’t know why I can’t keep my eyes off of you
All of the things that I want to say just aren’t coming our right
I’m tripping on words
You got my head spinning
I don’t know where to go from here
5. Stereo Hearts – Gym Class Heroes featuring Adam Levine (2011)
Love makes two hearts beat as one. You become so attuned to the one you love that you both are basically two bodies and one soul. This thought is captured in this peppy yet meaningful song.
Lyrics we love:
My heart’s a stereo
It beats for you, so listen close
Hear my thoughts in every note
Make me your radio
And turn me up when you feel low
This melody was meant for you
Just sing along to my stereo
6. How To Save A Life – The Fray (2005)
Although different people can interpret this song in different ways, I choose to interpret it in the context of a breakup. Most breakups are hard, and it leaves a hole in your heart the size and shape of the relationship you’re left mourning. Even when you love someone with all your heart, you can’t really change who they are inherently and how they feel about you. So it’s best to leave the relationship while you still can and try and move on.
Lyrics we love:
Step one, you say, ‘We need to talk.’
He walks, you say, ‘Sit down. It’s just a talk.’
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
You begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong? I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
7. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones (2002)
Such a simple song yet holds a wealth of meaning. In this song, the woman is asking her lover to come away with her to a world where there are no lies, no criticisms, or even unrealistic expectations. The woman is telling her lover to physically, mentally, and emotionally escape the world to an unknown land where she could walk with him hand in hand, with no disturbance, but just surrounded by their love for each other.
Lyrics we love:
Come away with me and we’ll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I’ll never stop loving you
And I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I’m safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me
8. White Flag – Dido (2003)
Being abandoned by the one you love is one of the most heart-wrenching things that could happen to you. This song talks about how the act of being abandoned leaves unfinished business between the couple. That although one of them still loves the other, there’s almost no chance of a reconciliation due to past hurts, and that she’ll continue to love him even though that love is never going to be reciprocated.
Lyrics we love:
I know you think that I shouldn’t still love you,
Or tell you that.
But if I didn’t say it, well I’d still have felt it
Where’s the sense in that?
I promise I’m not trying to make your life harder
Or return to where we were
9. Unfaithful – Rihanna (2006)
Sometimes unfaithfulness and lies wedge their way in between a couple. They fester and become deep wounds, erasing trust and respect and love – the foundations on which a relationship is built. It doesn’t matter if the woman was unfaithful or the man – cheating is cheating – there’s no excuse for it. Cheating on the man in her life, the lies she tells him, and the fact that that has now become a sort of unacknowledged truth is what Rihanna croons in this heartbreaking song.
Lyrics we love:
Our love, his trust
I might as well take a gun and put it to his head
Get it over with
I don’t wanna do this
Anymore
I don’t wanna do this anymore
I don’t wanna be the reason why
And every time I walk out the door
I see him die a little more inside
And I don’t wanna hurt him anymore
I don’t wanna take away his life
I don’t wanna be …
A murderer
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10. Hero – Enrique Iglesias (2001)
When you love someone, you need to be able to trust them, feel safe enough to reveal your vulnerabilities, and to feel one with them. In this song, the guy reveals his vulnerability when he asks the woman in his life those questions in the beginning. Then he goes on to say that he could be his hero, kissing away all of her pain, and be there for her – always. If a guy who does this, even though he’s not as articulate as Enrique here, hold on to him and never let go – he’s a keeper for sure.
Lyrics we love:
I can be your hero, baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away
Would you swear that you’ll always be mine?
Would you lie? Would you run and hide?
Am I in too deep? Have I lost my mind?
I don’t care. You’re here tonight.
11. Falling Slowly – The Swell Season (2008)
Just love is hard to sustain a relationship. A relationship needs more than just love to make it through all the bumps and dips in the journey of life. And sometimes, even after all you’ve put in to a relationship, it’s just not enough to sustain it. That’s when you have to make a choice – to break if off and move on. This is what this song depicts.
Lyrics we love:
I don’t know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can’t react
And games that never amount
To more than they’re meant
Will play themselves out
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We’ve still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You’ve made it now
12. Fallin’ – Alicia Keys
Love can hurt as much as it can make you happy. When you love a person who gives you pleasure on the one hand and hurts you on the other – what are you supposed to do? This dilemma is what Alicia Keys is singing in this song.
Lyrics we love:
I keep on
Fallin’
In and out of love with you
I never loved someone
The way that I love you
Oh, oh, I never felt this way
How do you give me so much pleasure
And cause me so much pain
Just when I think
I’ve taken more than would a fool
I start fallin’ back in love with you
13. First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes (2005)
The lines that stuck with me from this song are the ones where the singer says he’d rather work for a paycheck than wait around to win a lottery. The way I interpreted these lines – in life, not everyone gets to have a grand adventure, fall in love, and be consumed by passion for the one you love. Sometimes, you just have to look at the big picture and see what’s right in front of you – Mr Right Now, rather than wait around forever for Mr Perfect to happen along your path.
Lyrics we love:
Remember the time you drove all night
Just to meet me in the morning
And I though it was strange you said everything changed
You felt as if you’d just woke up
And you said, ‘This is the first day of my life
I’m glad I didn’t die before I met you
But now I don’t care I could go anywhere with you
And I’d probably be happy.’
So if you want to be with me
With these things there’s no telling
We just have to wait and see
But I’d rather be working for a paycheck
Than waiting to win the lottery
Besides maybe this time is different
I mean, I really think you like me
14. We Found Love – Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris (2011)
You don’t decide to fall in love; love just … happens. But this might not be the love you need or deserve; but you feel hopelessly powerless to distance yourself from this person. You feel such intense and deep love for this ‘wrong’ person, that it seems like you’re addicted to them. That it’s as bad as a drug – while making you seem euphoric, it’s corroding you from the inside out. This song is all about finding love in a hopeless place.
Lyrics we love:
Yellow diamonds in the light
Now we’re standing side by side
As your shadow crosses mine
What it takes to come alive
It’s the way I’m feeling I just can’t deny
But I’ve gotta let it go
We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place
15. Like A Star – Corinne Bailey Rae (2006)
When you love someone, you accept them with all their faults, quirks, and idiosyncrasies. It doesn’t matter if you yell at them or scream at them, you know, deep down, that it’ll be alright when the dust settles down – cause you know that your relationship is built on solid ground – trust and friendship, and not to forget, love.
Lyrics we love:
Still I wonder why it is,
I don’t argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind
You’ve got this look I can’t describe,
You make me feel like I’m alive,
When everything else is au fait,
Without a doubt you’re on my side,
Heaven has been away too long,
Can’t find the words to write this song
16. Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis (2008)
When you’re hurt in love, you try to close yourself off from ever feeling that way again. You start to think that no amount of love is worth all the pain it leaves behind when it’s over. You build all these walls to protect yourself from further hurt. But, once in a while, a bright ray of sunshine in the form a new love makes their way past these walls and make you fall in love again. And now that you’re open to it, people around you seem to think you’ve gone off the deep end, maybe even crazy, for rushing into a new relationship. But when you know, you know. There’s nothing stopping you from loving that person with all that you’ve got.
Lyrics we love:
Closed off from love
I didn’t need the pain
Once or twice was enough
And it was all in vain
Time starts to pass
Before you know it you’re frozen
But something happened
For the very first time with you
My heart melted to the ground
Found something true
And everyone’s looking round
Thinking I’m going crazy
Suggested read: 15 first dance wedding songs for a memorable wedding
17. Love Story – Taylor Swift (2009)
Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet, the star-crossed lovers. And it was a tragedy. The same star-crossed-ness happens in real life too – due to various reasons. Some men and women too, are just not brave enough and defiant enough to give their love a chance – away from their parents and family’s influence. But how wonderful would it be if Romeo and Juliet had had a happy ending! That is what Taylor Swift does in this song. By the time the song ends, Romeo, asking Juliet to marry him, tells her that her father is okay with the union. How wonderful it would’ve been had it happened that way in the original!
Lyrics we love:
I got tired of waiting
Wondering if you were ever coming around.
My faith in you was fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town.
And I said …
Romeo, save me, I’ve been feeling so alone.
I keep waiting for you but you never come.
Is this in my head? I don’t know what to think.
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said …
Marry me, Juliet, you’ll never have to be alone.
I love you, and that’s all I really know.
I talked to your dad – go pick out a white dress
It’s a love story, baby, just say, ‘Yes.’
18. It Will Rain – Bruno Mars (2011)
When the love of your life leaves you, it feels like your heart is being ripped in two and that your churning stomach will leave you retching – for the rest of your life. That you’ll never feel whole again. Dreading this separation in an unknown future, the singer talks about how neither religion nor medication would save him if she ever leaves him. He also goes on to say that without her beside him, the sunlight fades away, the skies are ominous with swathes of dark clouds, and that his life would resemble an eternal rain – always crying.
Lyrics we love:
There’s no religion that could save me
No matter how long my knees are on the floor
So keep in mind all the sacrifices I’m makin’
To keep you by my side
To keep you from walkin’ out the door.
‘Cause there’ll be no sunlight
If I lose you, baby
There’ll be no clear skies
If I lose you, baby
Just like the clouds
My eyes will do the same, if you walk away
Everyday it’ll rain, rain, rain
19. The Only Exception – Paramore (2009)
Losing a parent to divorce or worse, cheating, is not a pretty situation from any angle. Not only is the cheated-on parent left to pick up the broken pieces, their belief in love is also shattered. This shattered belief sometimes makes them bitter and resentful, which, they unwittingly pass on to their kids as well. In this song, the singer has seen her father suffering from a broken heart and keeps her distance from love by creating everyone at arm’s length. But there’s that one person who made her realize that love is worth it, and that it doesn’t necessarily mean heartbreak – always. That he’s the only exception. But, despite him being the exception, she also talks about the inevitability of ending up alone. That she has to find a way to be happy – alone.
Lyrics we love:
And I’ve always lived like this
Keeping a comfortable distance.
And up until now I have sworn to myself
That I’m content with loneliness.
Because none of it was ever worth the risk.
Well you are the only exception.
20. Crazy In Love – Beyoncé featuring Jay Z (2003)
When you’re in love, the early phase – the honeymoon phase, so to speak – leaves you wanting more and more of the person you love. You want to be with them every minute of every hour of every day. You can’t bear to be apart from them. You need to touch them – even if it’s just a brush of their hand with yours. This song talks about this honeymoon phase of a relationship, where, you seem like you’re going crazy – in love – in a good way (sort of)!
Lyrics we love:
I look and stare so deep in your eyes,
I touch on you more and more every time,
When you leave I’m begging you not to go,
Call your name two or three times in a row,
Such a funny thing for me to try to explain,
How I’m feeling and my pride is the one to blame.
‘Cuz I know I don’t understand,
Just how your love can do what no one else can.
21. In These Arms – The Swell Season (2009)
When you’re riddled with uncertainties and insecurities, you have to find yourself and love yourself first before looking for love elsewhere. This is what the singer in this song talks about. Giving in to his insecurities, he ran away from the woman he loved. And she moved on with her life with others. But remaining true to her, he came back for her and realized that he was meant to be with her.
Lyrics we love:
You were restless
I was somewhere less secure
So I went running to the road
And so now there’s
A long list of places I was
I quit my rambling and I came home
Cause maybe I was born to hold you in these arms
Maybe I was born to hold you in these arms
22. Young And Beautiful – Lana Del Rey (2013)
This song beautifully and hauntingly showcases a woman’s question that she asks of her lover – ‘will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful.’ Then, as much to convince herself, she asserts she knows that he will; that he will love her even when she’s old and wrinkled and can hardly see. If your sweetheart loves you even at your messiest, angriest, and the worst, then he’s a keeper for sure. Don’t let him go. Hold on to him, because he’s worth it.
Lyrics we love:
Will you still love me
When I’m no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me
When I got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will
I know that you will
Will you still love me when I’m no longer beautiful?
23. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran (2014)
When there’s love between a couple – the kind that holds true when you face the challenges that life throws at you, when you weather the storms your love is caught in – together, and that is evident even when you’re so old, you won’t be able to do more than just kiss your sweetheart to show that you love them, that’s worth sticking around for. That’s the kind of love that the singer of this song professes to his beloved. It’s such a sweet song, you won’t be able to fall in love with your darling all over again while listening to this playing. Sigh!
Lyrics we love:
When your legs don’t work like they used to before
And I can’t sweep you off of your feet
Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love?
Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks?
And, darling, I will be loving you ‘til we’re 70
And, baby, my heart could still fall as hard at 23
And I’m thinking ‘bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways
Maybe just a touch of a hand
Well me – I fall in love with you every single day
And I just wanna tell you I am
Suggested read: Top 15 Jazz love songs to make you believe in the power of love
24. Stay With Me – Sam Smith (2014)
You can only love, you can’t predict or control the outcome, or even the reaction of the other person involved. Love isn’t always meant to last; sometimes it’s just love – pure and simple – without any reciprocation. And sometimes, you try to hold on to that fleeting moment of connection to try and make it last as long as possible. This song is speaks of a love that didn’t last.
Lyrics we love:
Oh, won’t you stay with me?
‘Cause you’re all I need
This ain’t love, it’s clear to see
But darling, stay with me
Why am I so emotional?
No, it’s not a good look, gain some self-control
And deep down I know this never works
But you can lay with me so it doesn’t hurt
25. Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding (2014)
When the man in your life is both the cause and cure of pain, the light and the dark in your life, but he’s also as vital to you as the blood that runs through your veins, love is like a drug to you. You’re addicted to it; as long as it’s in your love, you’re okay. To me, this song speaks of the good and the bad that’s present in a person. That when you love someone, you accept all of them – both the good as well as the bad. That’s what makes them who they are – a unique individual who is the object of your affection. This song is one of my absolute favorites from this list.
Lyrics we love:
You’re the light, you’re the night
You’re the color of my blood
You’re the cure, you’re the pain
You’re the only thing I wanna touch
Never knew that it could mean so much, so much
You’re the fear, I don’t care
‘Cause I’ve never been so high
Follow me through the dark
Let me take you past our satellites
You can see the world you brought to life, to life
So love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do
Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do
Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do
What are you waiting for
Well, these are our picks for the best English love songs from 2000 till date. Of course it’s not a comprehensive one, but our picks – the ones that resonated with us with their lovely and soulful and haunting lyrics that touch upon almost every aspect of love. If you have different choices, do let us know about them in the comments below. Ta!
Featured image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License
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