28 Powerful Long Distance Relationship Songs for Your 2020 Playlist! (With Lyrics)
Music truly knows no distance. You can listen to the same song as your partner from hundreds or thousands of miles away, and it all sounds exactly the same.
There’s a saying that goes, Music is what feelings sound like.
The melodies, the lyrics… they all serve a purpose. Not only does music impact your emotions and change your mood, but it is also a great way to understand one another better. You can learn about each other’s musical preferences, send one another songs to listen to, and discuss musical likes and dislikes.
Sometimes you need a song to help you bask in your sadness as you miss their presence. Other times, you need an upbeat song to remind you about all the great aspects of your relationship. Maybe you just want a song to send to your love to let them know you’re thinking about them.
Whatever the feeling, there’s a song for you—and we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of long distance relationship songs, with lyrics and download links, that are sure to hit you right in the feels!
How to Create & Share Playlists
Before getting started we've included some awesome links to guides on how to create and share playlists on the most popular music streaming services (we've included links to those songs on those services too!).
Create and Share Playlists - support.apple.com
Share Playlists With Friends - Informit.com
Share Music in Your Google Play Library - Support.Google.com
Share With Amazon Music - Amazon.com
Long Distance Relationship Songs
Pop Songs
When You're Gone - Avril Levigne (2007)
When you really just need a good cry and are missing your significant other, this is a definite go-to song. It’s a powerful ballad by one of the top pop princesses of the 2000s, and it’s such an accurate portrayal of the emotions of an LDR.
Key Lyrics: "When you’re gone/the pieces of my heart are missing you”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Here Without You - 3 Doors Down (2001)
Even sixteen years after its release, this song resonates with every person in an LDR who listens. If you’re looking for a cross between a sappy ballad and a boy band song, “Here Without You” is the way to go. For an extra dose of emotion, check out the acoustic version.
Key Lyrics: “But all the miles that separate/disappear now when I’m dreaming of your face”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Nothing Like Us - Justin Bieber (2012)
Hate on the Biebs all you want, but this highly underrated song of his is a gem. It’s a stark contrast from most of his popular music, and, when times get tough, this is a great reminder of all that you have and are fighting for.
Key Lyrics: “There’s nothing like us/There’s nothing like you and me/Together through the storm”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Hey There Delilah - Plain White T’s (2005)
This song is simultaneously a super catchy jam and a relatable long distance relationship song. When you want to let your significant other know that everything’s going to be alright—or you need a reminder for yourself—give this tune a listen.
Key Lyrics: “A thousand miles seems pretty far/But they've got planes and trains and cars/ I'd walk to you if I had no other way”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Long Distance - Megan & Liz (2012)
The first of two songs entitled “Long Distance” on this list, this emotional song by twin
YouTubers Megan & Liz talks about the difficult emotions that often accompany LDRs. This is definitely one of the hidden gems amongst long distance relationship songs.
Key Lyrics: “Now could you take the million miles away/It’s you I’m missing in this long distance”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Many the Miles - Sara Bareilles (2007)
Sara Bareilles’ powerful voice and these relatable lyrics make for a killer song. The jazzy flavor of this song is a nice change from typical long distance relationship songs and takes you back decades. This tune is sure to wipe the frown off your face.
Key Lyrics: “Send me the miles and I’ll be happy to follow you, love”
Reveal Full Lyrics
The Girl - City and Colour (2008)
This song is a unique take on LDRs, from the perspective of someone who has left their significant other to pursue their dreams. Dallas Green, the voice behind City and Colour, has a soothing, soulful voice that makes this song a great listen.
Key Lyrics: “While I’m off chasing my own dreams/Sailing around the world/Please, know that I’m yours to keep/My beautiful girl”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Jet Lag - Simple Plan and Natasha Bedingfield (2011)
If you’re in a different time zone from your significant other, this is the perfect song to listen to. It talks about the realities of living in different parts of the world and missing one another. Bonus: Simple Plan and Natasha Bedingfield make a killer collaboration with an infectious tune.
Key Lyrics: “What time is it where you are/I miss you more than anything”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Someday - Bryan Greenberg (2007)
If you’re a One Tree Hill fan, chances are you swooned over this song when Bryan Greenberg (AKA Jake Jagielski) performed it on the show. An optimistic take on future possibilities, this is a great song to listen to when you need a little faith.
Key Lyrics: “I drive all night just to see your face/the way you touch, the way you taste/even if only for a day”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Wish You Were Here - Avril Lavigne (2011)
“Wish You Were Here” is like a grungier version of Avril’s song “When You’re Gone”. It talks about going through the motions of life, wishing the person you love could be with you. This is definitely one of those songs you put on repeat and listen to a dozen times.
Key Lyrics: “You’re always there, you’re everywhere/But right now I wish you were here”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Counting Down the Days - Natalie Imbruglia (2005)
This song is a unique combination of early 2000s bubble gum pop and power ballad—and that’s a great thing! “Counting Down the Days”, as the title suggests, is the perfect song to listen to as you count down to your next visit with your significant other. It’s a great fit for every mood!
Key Lyrics: “I want to travel through time/See your surprise/Hold you so tight/I’m counting down the days”
Reveal Full Lyrics
From Where You Are - Lifehouse (2007)
With a hint of twang reminiscent of a country song, this song is a realistic anthem for any long-distance couple. Focusing on all that you miss out on and sacrifice in an LDR, this is definitely a song to listen to if you need a good cry.
Key Lyrics: “So far from away from where you are/Standing underneath the stars/And I wish you were here”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Already Home - A Great Big World (2014)
We’ve all been there in an LDR—counting down the days until we get to see our significant other again. This song is one of the more uplifting, positive tunes about long distance relationships, saying that nothing can come between two people in love and that home is wherever you are together.
Key Lyrics: “Don’t you know that I spend all my nights/Counting backwards the days ‘til I’m home?”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Right Here Waiting - Richard Marx (1989)
Even if you don’t recognize the title of this song, there’s no doubt you’ve heard it before. The melody is contagious, the lyrics are from the heart, and there’s nothing about this song that you won’t absolutely adore. Warning: there might be some tears involved.
Key Lyrics: “Wherever you go, whatever you do/I will be right here waiting for you”
Reveal Full Lyrics
All of the Stars - Ed Sheeran (2015)
Ed Sheeran has a relatable song for every situation—and “All of the Stars” is no exception. Focusing on a cross-continental relationship, this gorgeous song is about two separated lovers who are looking at the same night sky. The combination of Sheeran’s soothing voice and these heartfelt lyrics can’t be beat.
Key Lyrics: “You’re on the other side/As the skyline splits in two/I’m miles away from seeing you”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Country Songs
Carolina - Parmalee (2013)
This is one of those long distance relationship country songs that you can listen to over and over again without getting tired of it. Country fans and non-country fans alike will find solace in these heartfelt lyrics—especially if they live in one of the Carolinas or have a significant other who is constantly traveling.
Key Lyrics: “I miss your pretty smile, and I’m coming back in a little while/But I’m a thousand miles away again”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Come Back… Be Here - Taylor Swift (2011)
Cue the old Taylor Swift. This is the song to listen to when you’re sitting at an airport, leaving your significant other, trying to hide the tears. The emotion is so raw and relatable that you’ll find yourself listening to it on repeat.
Key Lyrics: “This is when the feeling sinks in/I don’t wanna miss you like this”
Reveal Full Lyrics
I Want Crazy - Hunter Hayes (2013)
Added, thanks to Clara in the comments!
If you’re looking for a song to renew your sense of adventure, look no further. Even people who claim to hate country music love this upbeat song about not taking the easy way out of an LDR.
Key Lyrics: “You can’t undo a fall like this/’Cause love don’t know what distance is”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Love Remembers - Craig Morgan (2008)
This is some good, authentic country music—not to mention a super catchy tune. As the title suggests, the song is about how, when you’re in love, you remember every little thing, and that nothing or no one can come close to the person you love.
Key Lyrics: “Love remembers the smell of a summer day/Lying in a hammock over fresh cut grass/And the promise of forever”
Reveal Full Lyrics
R&B / Hip-Hop Tunes
No Air - Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown (2007)
If you’re a ‘90s kid, or just enjoy a good throwback tune, you surely know this catchy song. Once you dive into the catchy beat and infectious melody, the lyrics are heartfelt and genuine. Give this song a listen, or send it to your boyfriend or girlfriend as a way of showing how much they mean to you.
Key Lyrics: “Losing you is like living in a world with no air”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Long Distance - Brandy (2008)
This might be one of the most raw, relatable songs about long distance relationships. Brandy sings about how difficult a long-distance relationship is and how hard it can be to get the person you love off your mind, no matter how hard you try.
Key Lyrics: “This long distance is killin’ me/I wish that you were here with me”
Reveal Full Lyrics
I’m Missing You - Bobby Tinsley (2003)
This catchy tune definitely hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves—both in the music scene and within the world of LDRs. Tinsley’s soulful voice perfectly complements the lyrics about a man counting down until he can see his love again.
Key Lyrics: “So I go outside and I fake a smile/But if they knew how many miles”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Distance and Time - Alicia Keys (2009)
Alicia Keys croons the thoughts you haven’t been able to say aloud in this little-known song that gives you faith in your LDR despite the distance. This is the sort of song you fall asleep listening to on repeat or send to your significant other when they’re having trouble with the distance.
Key Lyrics: “No matter how far you are/No matter how long it takes him/Through distance and time, I’ll be waiting”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Throwbacks / Fun Tracks
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (1966)
You’ll probably hear this song at every wedding, sweet sixteen, or bar mitzvah you ever attend, but that’s because it’s simply an awesome, catchy tune. If you take the time to listen to the words being sung, you’ll see that, beneath the fun melody, the lyrics are actually quite beautiful. This is definitely one to send to your significant other.
Key Lyrics: “Remember life holds for you one guarantee/You’ll always have me”
Reveal Full Lyrics
A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton (2002)
Everyone knows and loves this song, courtesy of White Chicks, but it’s also a surprisingly accurate depiction of an LDR. We’d all give anything to have our love with us. This is an upbeat track for when you’d rather dance around your room thinking about your significant other than spend another night listening to sappy ballads.
Key Lyrics: “You know I’d walk a thousand miles if I could just see you tonight.”
Reveal Full Lyrics
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers (1988)
This song became a running joke on How I Met Your Mother, but, long before that, it was a hit in the United Kingdom in the ‘80s. The lyrics of this song are sweet and representative of an LDR, but the melody adds a fun, almost humorous element to it. You’ll find the chorus stuck in your head for days.
Key Lyrics: “I would walk 500 miles/And I would walk 500 more/Just to be the man who walks a thousand miles to fall down at your door”
Reveal Full Lyrics
Kiss Me Thru the Phone - Soulja Boy (2007)
This throwback tune is definitely a switch from the rest of the songs on this list, but it’s a fun take on LDRs. Take fun hip-hop beats from a decade ago and combine them with these catchy lyrics and you have a song worth sharing with your significant other.
Key Lyrics: “I just wanna kiss you/But I can’t right now/So baby kiss me thru the phone”
Reveal Full Lyrics
40 Kinds of Sadness - Ryan Cabrera (2004)
Ryan Cabrera was every teen girl’s celebrity crush in the early 2000s. Though this song wasn’t a big radio hit, it is definitely a hit amongst the LDR crowd. We’re the ones who understand that it is, in fact, possible to feel 40 different kinds of sadness when our significant other is gone.
Key Lyrics: “My eyes are waiting at the door/Just like every time before/Time flies so slow”
Reveal Full Lyrics
What are your fave long distance relationship songs?
Do you have an amazing song that other LDR couples could relate to? Is there a certain song that always reminds you of your relationship? We’d love to hear from you!
Add them to the comments below and you could see it on the list in the next update!
