Relationship Revenge Songs

Eminem -- 'Kim'

Mr. Mathers' on-off partner Kimberley Scott came in for more abuse while married to him than most people reserve for their exes. This eponymous tirade, written and released during their first marriage, was particularly vile. He portrays himself screaming abuse at her, before eventually slitting her throat. Kim is said to have attempted suicide after seeing him perform the song on stage in 2000. They remarried in 2006. What on earth was she thinking?

Justin Timberlake -- 'Cry Me A River'

The boy band star turned r'n'b crotch-thruster documented his relationship with Britney Spears telling her, "You don't have to say what you did/I already know, I found out from him." The video featured Timberlake breaking into her house and filming himself snogging another woman. Well, full marks for imagination at any rate...

Taylor Swift -- 'Dear John'

Taylor Swift always seemed like such a nice girl. But it"s best not to cross her, if the song Dear John from the 20-year-old Country sensation"s latest album is anything to go by.

"Don't you think nineteen's too young To be played by your dark, twisted games when I loved you so?" she asks, and in so doing she adds her name to the long list of artists who have used the medium of song to hit back at a significant other. Such as these...

Carly Simon -- 'You're So Vain'

The original break-up revenge song. Or at least, we think it is. The singer-songwriter still refuses to reveal the subject of her 1972 smash hit, thus enhancing the song's legend. Warren Beattie and Mick Jagger are among the prime suspects, while earlier this year it was revealed that she had whispered the name of label boss David Geffen in a backward message on a recent re-recording of the song. However, she says the song wasn't about him, as she hadn't even met Geffen when the song was written. This one will run and run...

Alanis Morissette -- 'You Oughta Know Jagged Little Pill'

This 1995 hit was a raging, foul-mouthed diatribe at an ex by 'the mess you left when you went away', and all the indications are that it was written about her former lover, comedian Dave Coulier. Alanis herself refuses to say for certain, however. Or reveal if she really did 'go down on you in a theatre'.

The Police -- 'Every Breath You Take'

This deceptively dark number is said to have been Sting's stalker-ish warning to first wife Frances Tomelty, written at the time they were going through a bitter divorce. It vows to watch "every vow you break, every smile you fake." If that's what tantric sex does for you, we want no part of it.

Lily Allen -- 'It's Not Fair'

Never someone you'd imagine to be an easygoing, forgiving ex, Ms Allen took particularly stinging revenge on an unnamed former lover by questioning his abilities in the bedroom. "When we go up to bed, you're just no good," she taunted. Whereas we presume you're simply world class in the sack yourself, right.