Can Writing Breakup Songs Make You Rich?

Breakups suck. But you know what's worse? Losing both the love and the money. Unless... you turn the heartbreak into hits. In 2025, writing breakup songs is one of the sneakiest ways lyricists are making bank, and today we’re breakin’ it all down.

Why Breakup Lyrics Hit Hard—& Pay Big

Every time someone gets dumped, what do they do?
Spotify. YouTube. Apple Music. On repeat.

That emotional punch from lyrics like “you said forever, now I drive alone past your street” (thanks Olivia Rodrigo 👀) triggers streaming, shares, and social media chaos. This turns into 💰real money💰 for the lyricist.

✅ Take Taylor Swift for example. Her entire career literally runs on breakup hits. She’s now worth over $1.1 billion according to Forbes.

How Lyric Writers Earn from Sad Songs

Let’s break down the income sources:

Performance Royalties – When your song plays on radio or is covered live
Streaming Revenue – Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
Mechanical Royalties – From song downloads and CDs (yes, ppl still buy ‘em!)
Sync Licensing – Breakup tracks in movies/series (e.g. Euphoria, To All The Boys)
Publishing Rights – If you wrote the lyrics, you get paid... forever

Want proof? Read how other writers earn in our post:
How Writers Like Tay Keith & Sasha Sloan Earn Money from Lyrics

Real Writers, Real Riches

Julia Michaels – Co-wrote Justin Bieber's “Sorry,” now has her own emotional hit "Issues."
Linda Perry – Wrote Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful.” One song. Multi-millionaire.
Finneas (Billie Eilish’s bro) – Behind the heartbreak behind “When the Party’s Over.” $$$.

Learn how they keep earnin’ from just one verse here:
👉 BMI’s royalty breakdown

Why Breakup Songs Stick Financially

People replay heartbreak more than hype.
Why? Cus emotions sell. And pain is repeatable.
If you're a lyricist who knows how to bleed on the mic... you can live off one breakup for years.