We’ve all been subjected to a lie or two. Politicians have a reputation for it unfortunately and let’s be honest, most of us have lied at one point or another, even if it was just a ‘white lie’ or ‘fib’.
So, here’s a list of some of the most popular songs about lying and liars. As we’ll find out, honesty is usually the best policy.
“Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac
It’s not often that you ask someone to lie to you, but that’s precisely what Christine McVie asks of her lover here. She loves him so much that she’d rather hear his lies than not have him there at all. That’s one interpretation, at least.
Recommended: Our curated list of Christine McVie’s greatest hits.
“Ain’t No Doubt” by Jimmy Nail
We all know the famous breakup line, “it’s not you, it’s me,” and most of us know it’s usually a load of old baloney! It is you, they just don’t want to hurt your feelings. Here, Jimmy Nail knows all about this, and calls her out: “she’s lying”!
“Would I Lie To You?” by Charles & Eddie
You might not have heard of Charles & Eddie before, but you’ll definitely know this song. It’s one of the most famous songs about liars ever, selling over 2 million copies and reaching number 1 in 16 countries.
“No Lie” by Sean Paul ft. Dua Lipa
Here’s a club banger by Jamaican dancehall artist Sean Paul. For this track, he joins forces with British-Albanian singer Dua Lipa, and the result is sure to get dance floors “lit up” across the world.
“I Could Have Lied” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
This song came about when singer Anthony Kiedis got dumped by Sinead O’Connor. According to O’Connor, they were never even an item, but that’s not Kiedis’ version. He was so cut about her rejection that he wrote this song the same evening – some exquisite guitar playing by John Frusciante on display here too.
“Beautiful Liar” by Beyoncé & Shakira
In this female empowerment song, Shakira and Beyoncé talk about the pathetic behavior of a man who plays them both along. They don’t plot their revenge, though. They ignore him. Smart move.
“Lyin’ Eyes” by Eagles
According to Don Henley, the band used to play bars in Hollywood that women frequented with “Lyin’ Eyes” (in other words, these women were looking for a little extra than what they were getting at home from their rich, but boring, men. This is one of the most famous cheating songs out there.
“White Liar” by Miranda Lambert
A ‘white lie’ is a harmless or trivial lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. Miranda Hart confronts her guy in this country song, accusing him of being a “white liar.” The lies slip off his tongue “like turpentine.”
“Liar” by Britney Spears
Justin Timberlake wrote ‘Cry Me A River’ about his split with Britney Spears, in which he accuses her of cheating in their relationship. This song is thought to be her reply, where she clearly states that wasn’t the case. Nothing quite like airing your dirty laundry in public is there!
“Liar” by Rollins Band
In this song, Henry Rollins plays the role of a serial liar who parades himself as a decent guy to win trust, then becomes devilish when he’s got it. The verses are spoken, giving way to an explosive chorus with Rollins painted like a red devil. The video was a hit on MTV and loved by none other than Beavis and Butthead!
“Liar” by Sex Pistols
This song was aimed at those in the music business who spun lies and deceit, particularly the Pistols’ manager, Malcolm McClaren, who they accused of greed and incompetence. But they were angry at most things!
“Sweetest Lie” by Goo Goo Dolls
Here’s a song about being played by a woman by the American rock band Goo Goo Dolls. It starts so well; then he realizes how deceitful she is and gives her the heave-ho. Good move, sir.
“Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem ft. Rihanna
Eminem and Rihanna collaborated on this hit hip-hop ballad, a song about the complexities of an abusive relationship. The song was inspired by an argument Eminem overheard and features dark, slow-paced beats and impactful lyrics sung alternately by both artists. The song is a powerful portrayal of toxic love and obsession.
“Liar” by Queen
A classic rock song about a man seeking God’s forgiveness for his sins, with speculation suggesting it may be inspired by Freddie Mercury’s personal experiences. The song’s lyrics, which repeatedly label the man as a liar, underscore his desperation for atonement. The song is known for its harsh, accusatory lyrics, which Mercury delivers with intensity.
“Bad Liar” by Selena Gomez
Bad Liar was initially released in 2017 and later featured on her 2020 album, Rare. The song’s lyrics describe the intense feelings and awkwardness associated with having a new crush, and the difficulty of hiding these feelings, making one a “bad liar.”
“Liar” by Three Dog Night
This song encapsulates the heartbreak caused by deceit, particularly from a loved one. The lyrics describe the singer’s reflection on his lover’s false promises of unwavering loyalty and commitment. The singer labels himself a fool for believing in her lies and hanging onto her every word.
“Pretty Liar” by Shania Twain
A song about a woman who knows her partner is lying when he professes his love for her. The lyrics reference the common phrase “liar, liar, pants on fire” and describe the man’s ability to lie convincingly to get what he wants. However, the woman is aware of his deceit and chooses not to entertain his lies.
“Feel him leaning into me, such a pretty liar (pressure) / Whisper, “I love you / With his pants on fire.”
“You Lie” by The Band Perry
A track from The Band Perry’s 2011 debut album that describes a woman’s feelings about her cheating lover. The lyrics are filled with creative comparisons and wordplay, and the woman ultimately ends the relationship by throwing her engagement ring into a river, signifying her refusal to be with a habitual liar. The song is a catchy, up-tempo track that delivers a strong message about dishonesty in relationships.
“Lie” by NF
Here, the singer grapples with the lies his ex-girlfriend spreads about him after their breakup. The lyrics express his confusion and frustration as she portrays him as the villain, despite her own dishonest behavior. The song also explores the theme of deceit within relationships, as the singer recounts his ex’s double life and his longing for truth.
“Liar” by Camila Cabello
This song narrates the story of a woman who, despite vowing never to fall in love again, finds herself irresistibly attracted to a man, thus breaking her own promise. The song is apparently autobiographical, written about an ex-boyfriend who cheated on her.
“Love Lies” by Khalid & Normani
The song expresses a desire for a trustworthy lover and the difficulty of opening up emotionally, while the chorus invites the partner to reveal where their love lies, emphasizing the longing for genuine connection.
“I need a lover to trust, tell me you’re on my side / Are you down for the ride?”
“Fear Is A Liar” by Zach Williams
Zach Williams’ song “Fear is a Liar” from his 2016 album Chain Breaker uses symbolism to depict the impact of a liar. The song personifies fear as a male figure who plants lies in people’s minds, potentially stealing their happiness. Williams advises listeners to disregard their fears and metaphorically throw them into the fire.
“Liar” by Papa Roach
Papa Roach’s song “Liar” from his 2022 album Ego Trip discusses the narrator’s struggle with lying and his desperation to tell the truth. The lyrics are filled with death-related symbolism, including the fear that his metaphorical “skeletons” won’t fit in his tomb.
“Liar” by Lil Peep
From his posthumous 2019 album, Everybody’s Everything, Lil Peep addresses the issue of dealing with dishonest people. The lyrics depict the singer questioning someone about telling lies. The song is a response to accusations from rapper Blackbear, who claimed Lil Peep stole his image and dated his ex-girlfriend.
“Favorite Liar” by The Wrecks
This song explores the complex emotions of looking back on a lost relationship, focusing on both the good and bad times. The lyrics reveal the singer’s desire to spend one more night with his ex-girlfriend, acknowledging her dishonesty but still yearning for her. Towards the end of the song, the singer asserts his independence post-breakup, stating he’s not lonely and has other romantic prospects.
“Better Liar” by Julia Cole
Here’s a song about a woman who refuses to be deceived by her dishonest boyfriend. The song, which is the title track of her 2023 album, portrays the singer’s frustration with her partner’s constant lies about his activities and companions. She suggests that he either improve his lying skills or find someone else who will believe his falsehoods.
“Liar” by Davina Michelle
A powerful anthem for those affected by a loved one’s deceit. The lyrics convey the singer’s feelings of betrayal and pain, questioning what she did to deserve such treatment, despite her unwavering faith in him. However, when he returns seeking forgiveness, she chooses to ignore him and move on from her pain.
“Liar, Liar” by The Castaways
This tune tells the story of a man confronting his girlfriend about her lies and infidelity. The lyrics express his pain and confusion, even to the point of asking her to “come kill me”, and he gives her an ultimatum to stop lying or he will leave her. Despite the comical tone of the lyrics, the song delivers a serious message about giving second chances in love, but also knowing when it’s time to leave.
“Liar Liar” by Cris Cab
This track tells the story of a man who discovers his girlfriend’s true character too late. The man realizes that his girlfriend has been sneaking out at night and cheating on him. Despite his trust in her, she manipulates him and breaks his trust, leaving him to navigate through her web of lies.
“Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley
This brilliant Elvis Presley song captures the feelings of mistrust inside dysfunctional relationships. Once there’s suspicion in a relationship, it’s pretty much done for.
“Lie to Me” by The Pretenders
Here, Chrissie Hynde is tired of all her partner’s lies, but can’t bring herself to leave him.
“This elaborate yarn / You left behind, like a breadcrumb trail / It’s too hard to find the way out.”
“The Heart Won’t Lie” by Reba McEntire and Vince Gill
The tragic song narrates the story of two lovers who, despite being unable to be together, continue to care for each other. It highlights the conflict between the mind and the heart.
“Don’t You Lie to Me” by Chuck Berry
Here, Chuck Berry discusses the themes of deceit and mistreatment. Honesty is crucial, or it will lead to him losing the plot (“‘Cause it makes me mad, and I get evil as a man can be”.)
“Tell Me a Little Lie” by Huey Lewis & the News
One of the crazy things about human nature is that sometimes you’d actually rather someone lie to you! Here, the protagonist asks for small falsehoods so he doesn’t have to face the truth.
“Beyond Belief” by Elvis Costello
There is plenty of foreboding here as the bespectacled one heads into a relationship.
“I’ve got a feeling / I’m going to get a lot of grief / Once, this seemed so appealing / Now I am beyond belief.”
“Love Dont Lie” by Def Leppard
Here, the lyrics emphasize the authenticity and power of love, contrasting it with the falseness of lies. Love is described as a potent, real emotion that surpasses any falsehood.
“Dear Lie” by TLC
In this track, the lie is personified and addressed in the first person. “You made things even worse for me”, the protagonist sings.
“Get outta my mouth / Get outta my head / Get outta my mind / Stop puttin’ words in my head.”
“Don’t Lie” by The Black Eyed Peas
Another song about the negative impact of lying, particularly on a girl who is already in pain. It mentions a guy’s unsuccessful attempts to stop lying.
“Hey, baby my nose is getting big / I noticed it be growing when I been telling them fibs.”
“Lies” by Black Keys
The song explores the themes of deception and heartache. The lyrics express the pain of lies and the futility of trying to win love. The narrator feels a stone where their heart should be (ouch!), yearning to escape the deception and wishing for a painless end.
“Would I Lie to You” by The Eurythmics
Annie Lennox asks her partner if would she lie to him. No, she wouldn’t. And that’s why she’s out of here!
“My friends know what’s in store / I won’t be here anymore / I’ve packed my bags / I’ve cleaned the floor.”
“Honesty” by Billy Joel
The song conveys the message that love is easier to find than honesty. It suggests that while people can readily show love, sympathy, and tenderness, honesty is rare and often elusive. The singer emphasizes the importance of honesty, implying that without it, all other things, including love, become meaningless.
“Said I Loved You But I Lied” by Michael Bolton
Michael Bolton’s music incorporates universal elements like the sun and night, creating a sense that love is as everlasting as these phenomena. His powerful vocals further enhance the meaningfulness of his music.
“I Lied” by Nicki Minaj
The text discusses the common tendency to hide true feelings in a relationship due to past insecurities and fear of heartbreak. Despite expressing some regret, Minaj appreciates her decision to keep her guard up, highlighting the uncertainty of her partner’s potential actions.
“Lie To Me” by 5 Seconds of Summer
This song discusses the pain of heartbreak and the desire to hear comforting lies from a former lover.
“Little White Lies” by One Direction
Little White Lies is a song that subtly touches on the theme of dishonesty. It tells the story of a girl who feigns disinterest in a guy, using harmless white lies. However, these lies consume the guy’s thoughts, leading him to desire honesty about her feelings.
“A Tender Lie” by Restless Heart
In the song, a man pleads with his lover to tell him a “tender lie”, believing it won’t cause any significant harm. The man is so emotionally invested that he feels a lie about love would be comforting.
“No More Lies” by The Moody Blues
Here, the singer asks his lying lover to reveal her true feelings to him. The goal is to create a relationship where there are no more lies between them.
“Liar” by Walker County
‘Liar’ tells the story of a woman lying about her feelings after a breakup. The song’s lyrics depict the woman claiming she doesn’t miss her ex and prefers to be alone. However, it’s clear to everyone that she’s not being truthful about her emotions, even though she tries to convince others with a fake smile.
Final Thoughts on This List of Songs about Liars
We’ve covered a lot of ground here. One thing is safe to say: there are a lot of cheating lovers out there, and a lot of heartbroken people on the wrong end of it. If there’s any wisdom to take from this list of songs, it’s that people lie all the time, so if you’re a victim of it, don’t be too hard on yourself. Some people just can’t help themselves. The best thing you can do is to walk away. There’s plenty of fish in the sea, and this one deserves to be cast back in 🙂
