Crushes are a universal experience that both teens and adults go through. It is marked by anticipation, uncertainty, and heart-fluttering excitement. When you’re crushing on someone, it can be thrilling, nerve-wracking, or simply confusing.
Songwriters capture these complex emotions in songs with narratives that we can all relate to. These songs reflect the many ways that crushes can impact our lives.
And so today, we’ve come up with 35 of the best songs about crushes and having a crush. Let them be the soundtrack to your secret infatuations.
1. “Crush” By David Archuleta
Following his stint on American Idol season seven, David Archuleta released “Crush” as his first single. This heartfelt ballad is about the emotional whirlwind of having a crush.
The lyrics capture the vulnerability and raw emotions that come with falling in love. This is embodied in the story of a young man who is friends with a girl. However, he believes they can be more than friends. He loves her but struggles with his feelings.
It comes to a point where he questions whether it’s real love or just another crush. This is addressed in the lines “Am I crazy or falling in love? / Is it real or just another crush?”
2. “Complicated” By Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Yes, having a crush on someone can be confusing, particularly if that someone is your close friend. Carolyn Dawn Johnson sings about the emotional turmoil of having a crush in “Complicated.”
What makes it complicated, it turns out, is the contradicting emotions she feels around him. What used to be friendship turns into something more romantic. At least from her end. And now she has to deal with her growing crush on him, unsure how to navigate her emotions for fear of ruining their friendship.
“Complicated” captures the rollercoaster of emotions that come with having a crush. It speaks to the frustration and heartache often associated with unrequited love.
3. “Crush” By Mandy Moore
Our list of songs with “crush” in the title is not complete without this track from Mandy Moore. Her single “Crush” came out in 2001 from her self-titled second studio album.
The lyrics delve into the narrator’s anxiety that comes with having a crush. The object of her affection seems to be someone close to her, likely a friend. However, she is too shy and doesn’t have the courage to tell him how she feels.
This leaves her in a struggle whether to reveal her feelings to him. This is compounded by the fact that everyone wants him. The song captures the common fear many have of revealing their feelings to their crushes.
4. “Clumsy” By Fergie
When you have an intense crush on someone, so many things can happen! In Fergie‘s fun and upbeat song “Clumsy,” the narrator feels she’s out of control to the point of clumsiness.
The lyrics describe how she feels helpless from the intense infatuation she feels toward her crush. She finds herself stumbling and fumbling her way through the experience. It seems she can’t resist the allure of her crush.
At its core, Fergie’s “Clumsy” captures the exhilarating and sometimes awkward journey of navigating a new crush. It’s a relatable theme for everyone who has experienced ripping over their feelings for someone else.
5. “Girl Crush” By Little Big Town
Next on our list, Little Big Town‘s “Girl Crush” has a unique take on the concept of having a crush. This track was released in 2014 from their album Pain Killer.
The song is not about having a girl crush on another girl per se. The narrator just feels an intense jealousy over the girlfriend of a guy she likes. In particular, the narrator wants the girl’s long blond hair and her “magic touch.”
All this just so she can understand what makes this girl so special and desirable. She wants to experience what it’s like to be the guy’s girl.
6. “Enchanted” By Taylor Swift
The romantic ballad “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift is one relatable song. It captures that magical feeling of meeting someone for the first time and having a crush on them. The feeling is so intense that it feels like something out of a fairy tale.
The song describes how meeting someone special changes the narrator’s day. Even the simplest conversation adds color to her bleak life, and the monotony instantly goes away. For her, it feels enchanting to have met him.
Obviously, he has left such an impression that she wants him to be a part of her life. She wishes that their meeting is the start of something promising and “not where the storyline ends.”
7. “I’ve Got A Crush On You” By Frank Sinatra
The jazz standard “I’ve Got a Crush on You” is up next. Since its publication in 1930, it has been covered by various artists, including one of Frank Sinatra in 1947.
This classic ballad is all about persistent and enduring affection. The narrator has a sea of admirers, but one specific girl stands out for her persistence. He falls for her and declares himself her Romeo.
This reflects the all-encompassing nature of having a crush, where one person stands out from the crowd and becomes the sole focus of your attention.
8. “Can’t Blame A Girl For Trying” By Sabrina Carpenter
In “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying,” Sabrina Carpenter laments the challenges of young love, particularly in relation to having a crush. It shines a light on the vulnerability that comes with putting your feelings out there despite knowing that heartbreak might be around the corner.
In the song, the narrator embodies the anticipation, hope, and fear of rejection. Despite all this, she believes that it’s all worth it in the end. She might have made some mistakes, but she asserts that at least she has tried.
The song reminds listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities. It also highlights the importance of accepting mistakes as part of life.
9. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” By REO Speedwagon
Sometimes, when you have a crush, you’re afraid of expressing your feelings. REO Speedwagon‘s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” reflects this sentiment as the narrator falls in love with a long-time friend.
The song reflects the common fear of revealing your feelings to your crush. In the case of the narrator, the object of his affection is someone he’s known for a long time. Despite his intense emotions, he can’t bring himself to tell her. He fears of jeopardizing their friendship.
But it comes to a point when he “can’t fight this feeling anymore.” He ultimately decides to follow his heart.
10. “Smile” By Uncle Kracker
We all know having a crush is exciting. It can make you do things, like what Uncle Kracker sings about in “Smile.” The song was released in 2009 from his album Happy Hour.
“Smile” is a heartwarming song that captures the happiness when one has a crush. He lists the ways his crush affects him, such as making him “fall outta bed” and “shine like gold.” Most of all, his crush makes him smile.
These instances are a testament to the profound impact his crush has on him. She has a positive influence on his mood and overall well-being.
11. “Yeah Boy” By Kelsea Ballerini
Released in 2016, Kelsea Ballerini‘s “Yeah Boy” is about a girl who knows what she wants. It’s a contagious, flirty song that captures the thrill and excitement of having a crush.
Like the narrator in the story, we’ve all experienced seeing our crush for the first time and falling in love. The narrator is enamored by the guy and is not afraid to let her feelings known.
Not only that. She quickly lets him know that she wants to spend time with him. It goes without saying that she wants her feelings reciprocated.
12. “Crush” By Dave Matthews Band
The romantic ballad “Crush” by Dave Matthews Band came out in 1998 from their album Before These Crowded Streets. It talks about the exhilarating feelings associated with falling in love.
Anyone can relate to this song as it embodies the happiness, longing, and intense attraction one feels toward their crush. The narrator in the song wants nothing more than to spend hours with his beloved. He is enamored with her, and she occupies his every thought.
This aligns with the feelings one has when they have a crush. He feels heightened emotions, anticipates seeing her, and desires reciprocation.
13. “Shower” By Becky G
Up next is the lively pop song “Shower” by singer Becky G. It perfectly captures the giddy feelings associated with having a crush. It’s also about the thrill of young love.
“Shower” describes the stage where you are attracted to someone, and they’re the first thought when you wake up and the last one before you sleep. This is the kind of crush that has you daydreaming and singing in the shower.
In addition, the song depicts the joy and excitement when your crush reciprocates your feelings. For the narrator, it feels like he “lights [her] up inside / like the Fourth of July.”
14. “Crush” By Yuna Ft. Usher
Malaysian artist Yuna and American singer Usher teamed up to produce “Crush.” This song with “crush” in the lyrics was released in 2016 from Yuna’s album Chapters.
“Crush” is a soulful song exploring the emotions and uncertainties associated with falling in love. In relation to crushes, the song captures the feelings when you’re around someone you’re attracted to. It makes it difficult to contain these emotions.
The song portrays the moment when two people realize they’re made for each other for the first time. Feelings transition from having a crush to something deeper.
15. “One Day” By Tate McRae
Imagine having a crush on someone and not knowing they like you, too. That is the narrative behind Tate McRae‘s “One Day,” a song released in 2017.
Lyrically, the story follows a girl who harbors strong feelings for a crush. Perhaps due to fear of her feelings not being reciprocated, she can’t bear to look at or talk to him. In the same way, the object of her affection has a crush on her but doesn’t have a chance to make a connection.
The song expresses one’s desire to have their feelings acknowledged and returned. In the case of the characters, let’s just hope one day they’ll get to know the other’s feelings for them and have a happy ending.
16. “Wanted” By Hunter Hayes
Up next is “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes. This heartfelt song relates to having a crush in a deeply personal way. It’s about one’s longing to make someone feel cherished and valued.
“Wanted” reflects the narrator’s hope of turning a crush into something more meaningful. He desires to turn it into a deeper relationship where they want and value each other. He wants her to always know that she’s “all [he] ever wanted.”
The song paints a picture of genuine affection and the wish to make your crush feel wanted. Not just in the sense of being desired but in a way of being appreciated for who they truly are.
17. “Crush” By Jennifer Paige
The international teen-pop hit “Crush” by Jennifer Paige came out in 1998 from her self-titled debut album. With its pulsing groove and relatable lyrics, it’s easy to see why it peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered a Gold certification from RIAA.
Lyrics-wise, this pop song captures the essence of having a crush on someone. However, the narrator has second thoughts about taking the relationship further. She implores her crush not to “make a fuss and get crazy over [them].”
These themes make the song relatable to those who experienced momentary flings. “Crush” reflects the uncertainty and fear of escalating a casual crush into something more serious.
18. “Stacy’s Mom” By Fountains of Wayne
The playful “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne is about the adolescent experience of having a crush in an unconventional way. Instead of focusing on a girl his age, the narrator has developed a crush on his friend Stacy’s mother.
The song captures one of those awkward and misaligned crushes that occur during adolescence. The narrator fantasizes about Stacy’s mom, believing that she might be interested in him as well.
In essence, “Stacy’s Mom” portrays the complexities and confusion of early romantic feelings. It highlights a shift from childish interests to more mature attractions.
19. “One Thing” By One Direction
In “One Thing,” One Direction sings about what it’s like to have a crush. The song explores the feelings of being intensely attracted to a person who possesses that elusive “one thing” that sets them apart from everyone.
In relation to crushes, “One Thing” captures the longing that accompanies these feelings. The narrator sees something unique in the girl that no one else has. That something draws him toward her irresistibly.
The narrator can’t pinpoint what it is exactly about the girl that has him captivated. This mirrors the inexplicable nature of crushes, where it’s sometimes hard to define the reasons for the attraction.
20. “Black Butterflies And Déjà Vu” By The Maine
Who would have thought that having a crush could be that complicated? The Maine‘s “Black Butterflies and Déjà Vu” reflects one’s struggle of expressing his emotions to the person he has a crush on.
The narrator feels an intense attraction for someone but cannot express his feelings when she’s around. This mirrors the situations when words fail us whenever we’re around someone we’re deeply attracted to. This is a common experience where the intensity of our feelings renders us speechless.
The song also explores the concept of déjà vu. In the context of the song, this is the repetitive nature of having a crush. In other words, the constant cycle of longing, hesitation, and the struggle to express feelings.
21. “Things I’ll Never Say” By Avril Lavigne
It’s understandable to feel nervous when you’re around your crush. No matter how strong your feelings are, sometimes you’ll end up struggling to express your emotions. Such is the sentiment behind Avril Lavigne‘s “Things I’ll Never Say.”
In the lyrics, the narrator becomes anxious every time she’s around him. She is torn between revealing her feelings and fearing the consequences of doing so. She wrestles with the words she wants to say.
In conclusion, “Things I’ll Never Say” captures the emotional rollercoaster that comes with having a crush. It reflects the common experience of choosing to keep things unsaid for fear of rejection or messing things up.
22. “Crush On You” By Lil’ Kim Ft. Lil’ Cease And The Notorious B.I.G.
Up next, we have “Crush On You” by rapper and singer Lil’ Kim, featuring Lil’ Cease and The Notorious B.I.G. The song delves into the feelings associated with having a crush on someone who doesn’t feel the same way.
The narrator expresses her desire for a man who doesn’t “pay [her] no attention.” Rather, he’s with “a different girl every day of the week.” Nevertheless, she still wants him to know she’s got the hots for him.
When feelings are not reciprocated, it can be frustrating. And so the narrator yearns to catch his attention and make him notice and appreciate her.
23. “Teardrops On My Guitar” By Taylor Swift
One downside to having a crush is when they don’t feel the same way. A one-sided love can bring all the negative emotions out of you. In the case of Taylor Swift‘s “Teardrops on My Guitar” delves into the pain of liking someone oblivious to those feelings.
The narrator is crushing on a boy named Drew, who is interested in someone else. She secretly wishes for more than just friendship. Drew is unaware of her feelings, which leads to her secret heartbreak.
“Teardrops on My Guitar” is a relatable song in many ways. It mirrors the real-life experience of unrequited love and the struggle of hiding one’s true feelings.
24. “#1 Crush” By Garbage
Too much of something is bad, even when it comes to having crushes. The lyrics to Garbage‘s “#1 Crush” mention the kind of crush that borders on obsession.
The song reveals a dark side of love, where the narrator would go to extremes for her crush. She would pray, cry, burn, lie, and even die for that person. She would also do anything just “to be close to [him].”
All this highlights the powerful and consuming nature of such feelings. The emotional intensity and overwhelming feelings of love and devotion can become obsessive.
25. “You Really Got Me” By The Kinks
Moving down the list, we have “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks. Released in 1964, the song is about the intense attraction one feels when having a crush.
The lyrics reflect the essence of an all-consuming crush. The attraction is so intense it dominates the narrator’s thoughts and feelings. He can’t even sleep at night. This push-and-pull dynamic conveys the rollercoaster of emotions associated with having a crush.
At its core, “You Really Got Me” is about the overwhelming power of attraction. It highlights the impact that this kind of intense desire can have on one’s life.
26. “I Try To Think About Elvis” By Patty Loveless
Sometimes, having a crush can keep you preoccupied and distracted. You think about nothing and no one else but that person. Patty Loveless captures this sentiment in “I Try to Think About Elvis.”
The lyrics follow a woman who is crushing hard on someone that she cannot focus on anything else. What she does is distract herself by thinking about random things such as Elvis, Oprah, and even palm trees.
Despite her best efforts, her thoughts keep getting back to her crush. This suggests how she is deeply affected by the person she’s infatuated with.
27. “Heartbreak Girl” By 5 Seconds Of Summer
It can be frustrating to have a crush on someone who only sees you as a friend. That’s what the narrator experiences in “Heartbreak Girl” by 5 Seconds of Summer.
The guy is deeply in love with a girl who’s still caught up with her ex-partner. She turns to him for comfort, telling him she can’t get over her ex getting over her. The narrator ends up lying and telling her what she wants to hear.
But deep inside, he’s hurting that she can’t see his romantic feelings for her. The song conveys his frustration of being stuck in the “friend zone.”
28. “Hot For Teacher” By Van Halen
In Van Halen‘s “Hot for Teacher,” the narrator is attracted to an authority figure. Here, the narrator is a student who is hopelessly infatuated with his teacher. This is an experience many can relate to when it comes to having a school crush.
The lyrics capture the thrill of forbidden attraction. It encapsulates the youthful fantasy of liking someone off-limits. However, this only serves to intensify the attraction.
At its core, “Hot for Teacher” conveys the attraction and longing that come with such feelings. It also touches on the complexities of navigating these emotions in a setting where acting on them is inappropriate.
29. “Crush On You” By Aaron Carter
Singer and rapper Aaron Carter was only nine when he sang “Crush on You” as the opening act for the Backstreet Boys in 1997. An original by The Jets, Carter’s version reached the top 10 in certain countries. Not to mention it became popular among teens due to its relatable theme.
Lyrically, the narrator has to deal with the consequences when a girl finds out he’s got a crush on her. It all began when his best friend spilled the secret, leading to a mix of anxiety and excitement. This is a common experience, particularly with school-age crushes.
In essence, “Crush on You” depicts the charm of innocent infatuation and the challenge of navigating a crush. It’s relatable to anyone who has experienced similar feelings.
30. “Cupid” By Sam Cooke
The challenge to having a crush is getting the object of your infatuation to feel the same way. If it seems impossible, then perhaps the next step is asking for the help of Cupid. Sam Cooke‘s “Cupid” captures the essence of longing for someone.
The song is about a narrator who asks Cupid, the Roman god of love, desire, and affection, to help him. As it turns out, he “love[s] a girl who doesn’t know [he] exist[s].” He believes that Cupid can fix this and make the girl fall in love with him.
In addition, “Cupid” explores the vulnerability involved in revealing one’s feelings. By invoking Cupid, the narrator is taking a chance at love even though there is no guarantee of his feelings being returned.
31. “I Wanna Get Next To You” By Rose Royce
Another tale of unrequited love when it comes to having a crush is one by Rose Royce. “I Wanna Get Next to You” was released in 1976 for the movie Car Wash.
The lyrics are about a man who harbors a deep affection for a woman who is unaware of his feelings. The song reflects his frustration, and he feels as if he’s just wasting his time.
Nevertheless, he implores her to give him a chance. He promises to go to lengths to get her love because she is his “dream come true.
32. “This Time I Know It’s For Real” By Donna Summer
Unrequited love seems to be a recurrent theme when it comes to having crushes. And it’s always frustrating when you know the other person doesn’t feel the same way. Much so when that crush has transitioned into something deeper. This is the message of “This Time I Know It’s for Real” by Donna Summer.
The lyrics find the narrator pining for a man who’s caught her heart. She yearns for him to notice her and know about her feelings. She wants him to know that “this time … it’s for real.”
The song conveys her desire for reciprocation. She is not content with just having these feelings. She wants her love interest to acknowledge and return them.
33. “Crush” By Lila McCann
The lyrics to Lila McCann‘s “Crush” convey the thrilling yet uncertain stage of having a crush. The song captures the mixed feelings of excitement, apprehension, and confusion that come with developing strong feelings for someone.
For the narrator, she is certain that what she’s feeling for someone is just a crush. It’s nothing serious and definitely not love.
She admits that she likes him, but she’s “not sure if it’s meant to be or not.” She implores the guy not to rush things and to take it slow. Mainly because she’s “not ready to call it love.”
34. “Beautiful Soul” By Jesse McCartney
It’s no wonder when we crush on someone who’s beautiful inside and out. Jesse McCartney offers a heartfelt song for a girl in his 2004 song “Beautiful Soul.”
In relation to crushes, the narrator longs for a deeper connection with the object of his affection. What he feels for her is more than just physical attraction. He wants to be drawn to her at her core — her soul.
The song conveys the idea of falling for someone’s inner beauty rather than just their physical appearance. It also expresses the desire for authenticity in a relationship.
35. “Check Yes Or No” By George Strait
Last but not least is George Strait‘s “Check Yes Or No.” This charming song, released in 1995, is about innocent childhood crushes that evolve into a lifelong love.
Their love story begins when the narrator and Emmylou develop a mutual crush while schoolmates. She passes him a note to confirm his feelings by checking “yes” or “no.” This simple yet significant act is the beginning of their love journey.
At its core, “Check Yes Or No” portrays the transition from a childhood crush to a lifelong commitment. It highlights the power and potential of these early infatuations.
Summing Up Our List Of Having A Crush Songs
The songs above have shown us that having a crush can lead to uncertainties and frustrations. On the other hand, it can also lead to deep love and lifelong commitment.
With how relatable having a crush is, we hope you came to enjoy reading the list above. Perhaps they’ve jogged your memory about your crushes at school when you were young, or they reminded you how life became more meaningful with those experiences.
That’s it for now. We’re looking into adding to the list in the future, so if you have more song recommendations, let us know. We’ll add them for you!
