Musical theatre depicts the joys and sorrows of the human experience. Relationships are no exception, but when a relationship goes downhill onstage, the song about it can help us express our own feelings and cope with our own experiences.

Here are twelve times that musicals helped us through a breakup with a song.

1. “And I Am Telling You” (Dreamgirls)

This song captures the feeling of being unexpectedly dumped and the surrounding denial. It's the urge to keep insisting, “You’re gonna love me,” as your ex-lover’s heading for the door.

2. “Build a Wall” (Shrek The Musical)

“What a fool to think she might love me / I opened my heart and let her walk through.” Often, the post-rejection impulse is to lock yourself away from the world and not try again, out of the fear of being hurt again.

3. “Winner Takes It All” (Mamma Mia!)

Sometimes it feels like you’ve lost something wonderful, while the other person’s walking tall and unhurt. “The winner takes it all / the loser’s standing small...”

4. “On My Own” (Les Misérables)

It’s hard to cope with the idea that you can’t be with someone, especially if that someone doesn’t miss you. “Without me / His world will go on turning / A world that's full of happiness / That I have never known.”

5. “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” (Evita)

This song depicts the uncertainty that follows the end of a major relationship. “So what happens now? / Where am I going to?”

6. “Without You” (My Fair Lady)

Sometimes you realize that you can live without someone who you thought was the world—so you choose to end things. “I shall not feel alone without you, / I can stand on my own without you!”

7. “There's a Fine, Fine Line” (Avenue Q)

“For my own sanity, I've gotta close the door / And walk away…” Sometimes you realize that you need to end a relationship for your own well-being, no matter how good things once were.

8. “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” (South Pacific)

This song is a lighter take on the moment when you realize that you can’t change someone’s problems and that you need to get out. “If a man don't understand you, / If you fly on separate beams, / Waste no time, make a change, / Ride that man right off your range!”

9. “So Long, Dearie” (Hello, Dolly!)

You know what? You’re a great person and they’re the one who’ll be sorry when you’re gone. “'Cause I'll be all dolled up / And singin' that song / That says you dog, I told you so!”

10. “Forget About the Boy” (Thoroughly Modern Millie)

It isn’t always easy to talk yourself up and dismiss someone when you’re missing them, as this song illustrates. It’s hard to “forget about the boy.”

11. “Hard To Say Goodbye, My Love” (Dreamgirls)

Sometimes, relationships end because you both agree that it’s what’s best for you, but that doesn’t make it easy. “It’s hard to open up that door / When you're not sure what you're going for.”

12. “What I Did For Love” (A Chorus Line)

No matter how a relationship ended, the effort that you put into it was worth it for the good that it gave you while it lasted. “Won’t forget, can’t regret / What I did for love.”