, Sunday, May 19, 2013
Pop artist Katy Perry got people talking in May with the release of her new song, "Wide Awake," which is about her divorce from actor Russell Brand. On Monday, the music video of the song was released and it immediately went viral on Youtube with nearly 2.5 million hits to date.
In the spirit of breakups, WTOP put together a list of some of the top angst-ridden breakup songs.

AUTOPLAY 
Here's Perry's new video for "Wide Awake"
In this 1995 hit, Alanis Morissette sings, "And every time you speak her name, does she know how you told me you'd hold me until you die, 'til you die, but you're still alive. And I'm here, to remind you, of the mess you left when you went away." The song is rumored to be about Morissette's breakup with "Full House" actor Dave Coulier, who played the character Joey.
In 1996, Gwen Stefani released "Don't Speak," purported to be about the end of her seven-year relationship with bassist Tony Kanal.
It's pretty clear what the song is about from its opening lines, "You and me, we used to be together, every day together, always. I really feel that I'm losing my best friend. I can't believe this could be the end."
Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" was named Single of the Year by the Country Music Association when it came out in 2007. The song was nominated for three Grammys and won two in 2008
All American Rejects' "Gives You Hell" was released in 2008 on the album "When the World Comes Down." It peaked No. 1 on the Pop charts on Billboard and on iTunes. It was the fifth most downloaded song in 2009.
Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" has achieved international success after its 2011 release in Australia and New Zealand, where the singer was born. Gotye wrote it at his parent's house in Australia about his past relationships.
Cee Lo Green says his 2010 hit "F*** You" is actually aimed at the music industry itself. It was released in various versions because of its profanity, and many radio versions play the song with the lyrics "Forget You."
Eminem's "Love The Way You Lie" is the second single from the rap artist's album "Recovery." He and singer Rihanna recorded the song together and she sings the chorus.
The Dixie Chicks' "Goodbye Earl" is about a woman named Wanda who gets married to Earl, who abuses her. After a restraining order and a divorce, Earl still won't leave Wanda alone. So Wanda and her best friend get together to figure out what to do, "And it didn't take long to decide that Earl had to die. Goodbye Earl."
According to Paul Simon, it's not that hard to get out of a relationship. There are "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover." That's the name of Simon's 1975 hit, which he wrote after his divorce from his first wife Peggy Harper. In the song, a mistress offers practical advice about how to breakup. "You Just slip out the back, Jack. Make a new plan, Stan. You don't need to be coy, Roy. Just get yourself free."
Pink's "So What" was released in 2008 to much applause. It was Pink's best-selling debut and peaked at No.1 on the Pop charts one month after its release. It's not clear if the song has anything to do with the singer's personal life. She and husband Carey Hart, a motocross racer, have had an on-again, off-again relationship but are currently together.
Holocaust Museum at 20
The Holocaust Museum marks 20 years in Washington.
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A 2013 position-by-position look at the Washington Nationals.
Sinkholes in Florida
The state is especially prone to sinkholes.
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'Underwater Dogs' leap, splash, swim into your heart.Click on the image above to see it at its original size.
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Submit your cicada photos.
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The 66th annual event opened May 15.
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Photos from the day at Pimlico.
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A sponsor provided photo gallery
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Top 25 Most Memorable Movie Moms.
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Scenes from the 2013 Kentucky Derby.
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Photos from the 2013 White House Correspondents' Dinner.
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Photos from the 2013 NFL Draft in New York.
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WTOP Film Critic Jason Fraley ranks the best movie weddings.
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What you shouldn't buy your kids.
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Scenes from the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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WTOP staffers bring their kids into the Glass-Enclosed Nerve Center.
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The Holocaust Museum marks 20 years in Washington.
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A look at the explosions that rocked the Boston Marathon.
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Eerie photos shared via Twitter of Boston as residents to shelter in place.
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A fertilizer plant in Texas blows up.
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The Night of the Robot
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Photos from the red carpet to the show at Sony Pictures Studios.
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Scenes from the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
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Take a look at 2013 cherry blossom photos and submit your own.
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Scenes from the 2013 NCAA championship game.
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Consumer Reports rated the best and worst cars for your money.
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Upload your 2013 snow photos.
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The images remain fresh even as the memories fade.
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The iconic race: A competition of human versus wild.
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Pete stopped by WTOP ahead of the annual Travel and Adventure Show.
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Some of the best photos in the news.
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Fans reveled in Redskins' success.
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WTOP staff love their furry friends.
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A Conn. town comes together and mourns a mass school shooting.
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As part of the Washington Animal Rescue League's Adopt-a-Thon.
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'Underwater Dogs' leap, splash, swim into your heart.









































