 10 Songs that Make Me CryBy
Douglas Newman Share:
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I admit it. I’m kind of a sap when it comes to music and its ability to conjure a well of emotions…even tears. That’s right, I’m a grown man who’s sometimes moved to tears when I hear certain songs. Mind you, the stars have to be aligned and all the pieces in place for me to actually well up. It usually happens on airplanes or buses when I’m wholly immersed in a tune, staring out a window, contemplating life — my regrets, my hopes and my memories, both good and bad. Usually it’s the combination of the lyrics and a melancholy melody, oftentimes featuring a delicately finger-picked acoustic guitar, that coaxes my sensitive side to surface. And although it can be a little embarrassing to have to wipe a tear from my cheek while sitting next to some stranger in coach, I truly cherish these moments that I’m lost in the music, at one with my deepest emotions. Here’s a list of 10 tear-inducing songs, listed chronologically. What songs make you cry? Share your list here.
“Boots of Spanish Leather” by Bob Dylan (1963) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. As Oliver Trager writes, this song of fading love is “a restless, forlorn ballad for the ages and sages – a classic Dylan tale of two lovers, a crossroads, and the open sea…” In the second to last verse, Dylan realizes that despite his pleading, his lover will not be returning to him: “Well, if you, my love, must think that-a-way/I’m sure your mind is roamin’/I’m sure your heart is not with me/But with the country to where you’re goin’.” This song encapsulates that gut-wrenching moment when you come to understand that the person you love has drifted away, leaving you longing and heartbroken.
“Needle of Death” by Bert Jansch (1965) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. A touching elegy to the victims of heroin masterfully rendered by Bert Jansch, arguably one of the most accomplished and innovative acoustic guitarists of all time. Indeed, it was Jansch who inspired Jimmy Page to pick the acoustic guitar and Neil Young to proclaim, “As much of a great guitar player as Jimi [Hendrix] was, Bert Jansch is the same thing for acoustic guitar…and my favourite.” This song touches me because it so poignantly addresses the tragedy of wasted potential.
“Kathy’s Song” by Simon & Garfunkel (1966) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Take one look at the lyrics of this Paul Simon-penned tune and you’ll know why it’s tear inducing. Stunningly simple, but as powerful as a freight train. One of the great love songs and vastly underrated, “Kathy’s Song” really hits home when miles or oceans separate you from the one you love. “And so you see I have come to doubt/All that I once held as true/I stand alone without beliefs/The only truth I know is you.”
“Farewell, Farewell” by Fairport Convention (1969) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. The back story of this song is enough to make you weep. On 12 May 1969, Fairport’s van crashed on the way home from a gig in Birmingham. Martin Lamble – just 19 years old – and Jeannie Franklyn, guitarist Richard Thompson’s girlfriend, were killed. “Farewell, Farewell” is a tribute to the band’s fallen friends: “Farewell, farewell to you who would hear/You lonely travellers all/The cold north wind will blow again/The winding road does call.”
“Road” by Nick Drake (1970) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Nick Drake, in my opinion, is one of the most tragic figures in rock music history. A supremely talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist who was plagued by severe depression, Drake committed suicide in 1974 after releasing three perfect albums of pastoral folk rock. It was hard to choose which track to include here since all of his music has a profound effect on me. Melancholy, but never maudlin or exploitative, Drake’s music, especially on his swansong, Pink Moon, is chilling and beautiful at the same time. Only the coldest of hearts wouldn’t be moved by this stuff.
“Hello in There” by John Prine (1971) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. A study on aging and loneliness, John Prine’s “Hello in There” was groundbreaking in its treatment of a subject matter rarely ever addressed in music. The fact that Prine was only 25 when he wrote it only speaks to his maturity and talent. A heartbreaking ballad that, unlike its protagonists, never gets old. “Ya’ know that old trees just grow stronger/And old rivers grow wilder ev’ry day/Old people just grow lonesome/Waiting for someone to say, ‘Hello in there, hello.’”
“The Last Time I Saw Richard” by Joni Mitchell (1971) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. With strong allusions to the breakdown of Mitchell’s own marriage, this song of a failed relationship and the wreckage left behind always depresses me. Especially the following line: “Richard got married to a figure skater/And he bought her a dishwasher and a Coffee percolator/And he drinks at home now most nights with the TV on/And all the house lights left up bright.”
“4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” by Bruce Springsteen (1973) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. One of Springsteen’s best ruminations on fading love, dreams, and desires, “4th of July” vividly captures the depressing atmosphere of a Jersey shore boardwalk. With references to “stoned-out faces” and “switchblade lovers,” Springsteen yearns to leave the scene behind and implores Sandy to take that ride with him. Although I can’t relate to the dead end nature of a life “hangin’ in them dusty arcades bangin’ them pleasure machines,” this song never fails to put a lump in my throat.
“Anchorage” by Michelle Shocked (1987) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. It’s hard to put in words why this songs is so powerful to me. Taking the form of a letter received by the singer from an “old friend,” (“I mailed my letter off to Dallas, but the reply came from Anchorage”) the song is from the POV of the friend who settled down to raise a family. The resignation in her voice as she catches the singer up on her life is palpable (“Leroy got a better job so we moved/Kevin lost a tooth, he’s started school/I’ve got a brand new eight month old baby girl/I sound like a housewife/Hey Chel, I think I’m a housewife.”). Stuck in Alaska living the quiet family life, you can sense her longing for “the days of the foreign telegrams and the all night rock and rolling.” She goes on to hint at the loneliness she’s feeling as she writes, “Hey Chel you know it’s kinda funny, Texas always seems so big, but you know you’re in the largest state in the Union when you’re anchored down in Anchorage.” “Svefn-g-englar” by Sigur Ros (1999) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. I don’t understand a word of this Icelandic song, but the glacial music has come to signify a very memorable and meaningful time in my life: the courtship of my wife and the post-9/11 recovery, during which time I was living in NYC. To be honest, I’m at risk of losing it every time I put on any of Sigur Ros’s albums.
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COMMENTS (175)
Daniel Dyer said:
Definitely agree re: Svefn-g-englar, and Sigur Ros in general for that matter. You’re missing some of the great contemporary songs, though: I’d put Oh Comely by Neutral Milk Hotel and Videotape by Radiohead on that list, but perhaps that’s just me. Dan K said:
Very nice mix! I personally swapped in Nanci Griffith’s version of “Boots” and went with Eva Cassidy’s version of “Kathy’s Song” (much more haunting imho especially given her tragic death at such a young age.) Douglas Newman said:
Nancy’s version of “Boots” is amazing. Never heard Eva Cassidy’s version of “Kathy’s Song.” I’ll have to check that out. Thanks for the heads up! Dyrran said:
John Mayer’s “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” messes me up. Erik Sellberg said:
Nice selection. I’d like to add the song “phantasmagoria in two” by Tim Buckley. probably one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs of all time Cry Baby said:
That one song “15 there’s still time for you” makes me wanna cry. It’s really gay but if you listen to the lyrics and really think about em it can be bad. Jackson said:
I agree with Sigur Ros, but not Svefn-g-Englar. Actually when I read the headline on Digg, the first song that came to mind was Sigur Ros – Untitled #8. El Scifo said:
Broken Heart – Spiritualized NL1138 said:
“What Sarah Said” by Death Cab For Cutie. Perfectly captures those last moments spent with someone about to die. Spizawn said:
Johnny Cash’s cover of Hurt anyone John said:
Other great songs to make one cry: “Choose Something Like a Star”- Randall Thompson and Robert Frost Norma said:
All of these are good picks. Especially “The Last Time I Saw Richard.” That one’s way up there for me. Bill from TX said:
I have never heard some of these thanks for posting them. josh said:
What about every Jeff Buckley song ever? Especially Last Goodbye? JakeWilder said:
That is absolutely the most craziest thing I haveever heard! Anton said:
Thanks for the great music. Now I’m depressed! ;) Alan said:
Sadness and Sorrow from the Naruto soundtrack. An instrumental, but the song makes me bawl if I’m low. Adri said:
“Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles always makes me tear up. Will said:
Gary Jules cover of Tears for Fears’s “Mad World” heard in Donnie Darko and the Gears of War commerical is better than the original. It will rip your heart out! Angydad said:
Sweet god and sonny jesus I hate to admit it, but “You fill up my Senses” by John Denver is like some kind of faucet for me. I cannot listen to that with any other person around out of fear of utter and total humiliation. Like a punch in the nose, really. Also, “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. Really sad. Anton said:
I literally thought I was going to die, late one night, when on my iPod, I listened for the first time to “Tecumseh Valley” by Townes Van Zandt. I swear – that song should come with a warning label: DO NOT PLAY IF EXPERIENCING INSOMNIA OR IN ANY WAY COURTING EXISTENTIAL DESPAIR. Chris said:
If you haven’t watched Heima by Sigur Ros already then i really recommend it. It shouldn’t bring you to tears but its so beautiful so it does. Joshua said:
God Damn the Sun by the Swans. Calling All Angels by Jane Siberry. D.O.A. by Bloodrock if you want to feel suicidal. muze said:
Brilliant stuff. I have 2-3 more that get to me every time. Mostly from music soundtracks though. The Into the Wild Soundtrack – Eddie Vedder is amazing. Chris H said:
I would like to add “Apparitions” by The Matthew Good Band. The video’s emotional story is tear worthy as well. Sven said:
What about the Partridge Family? They had some pretty powerful stuff eh? I cry everytime I here one o there toonz. Tyler said:
You forgot Martha by Tom Waits … that song kills me anytime I hear it … someone said:
One that gets me is James Taylor “Fire & Rain” ~M said:
Billy Joel: And so it goes. Smack of Ham said:
Totally agree with Cash’s version of Hurt and Ben Fold’s The Luckiest. No matter how many times I hear them….I cry every time. One other song that comes to mind for me, anyway, is “Winter” by Tori Amos. someone said:
Also Eric Clapton “Tears in Heaven” Mark said:
Right on, Spizawn. NIN’s original version of “Hurt” hurts bad enough, but Johnny Cash’s cover absolutely destroys me, every time. If it comes on while I’m driving, I have to pull over. When I was in junior high, the Moody Blues “Nights in White Satin” could get me choked up enough that I’d have to start punching myself on the arm to man back up. Ditto ELP’s “Lucky Man.” Emotions, feh. Who needs ‘em? tilly said:
youve left out the master ( and many others :) )… the river, downbound train, bobby jean, stolen car, tougher than the rest – bruce springsteen BaronVonHog said:
No Red House Painters? Come on now… tyler said:
Do you Realize? By the Flaming Lips brings me to near tears every single time I hear it Anton said:
Three links to Tecumseh Valley. 1) Townes Van Zandt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I0Oh7zccuQ 2) Nanci Griffith: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_sawzoQXe0&feature=related 3) Steve Earle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si6tLuSwYag&feature=related All beautiful. Enjoy! Patrick said:
“Wondrous Stories” by Yes kj.moran said:
“Carrying Cathy” and “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds and “Vincent” Angst said:
Natalie Merchant “My Beloved Wife” Victor... said:
Try Fljotavik from Sigur Ros also… Eric said:
“Seventeen” – Janis Ian kj.moran said:
oh, yeah…”Please Call Me Baby” by Tom Waits Eric said:
Links: Seventeen – Janis Ian Killing of Georgie – Rod Stewart I definitely second Fast Car from Tracy Chapman. Ken said:
I always liked Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam but after reading about it in Wikipedia it made me tear up when I read it agian. Weird, considering my brother made it back. Josh said:
Damien Rice – The Blowers Daughter I pretty much agree with anything Sigur Ros makes you want to cry. Starlafur, Hoppipolla. Hoppipolla is what Obama becoming President sounds like. Serious. kj.moran said:
sorry for the multiples, but iris dement’s “my town” (the closing song to the last episode of “northern exposure”, whose music director was genius) and…and if you wanna turn OFF the bucket: Joe said:
I’m surprised Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt” wasn’t listed. A worthy addition to this list is “Kilkelly”, written by Peter Jones from an actual set of letters from a father to his immigrant son. (If you like that one, try June Tabor’s & Maddy Prior’s “Somewhere Along the Road” or Tim Hart’s & Maddy Prior’s “Dancing at Whitsun” – both not so much sad as hauntingly wistful.) Rick C. said:
RE: Michelle Shocked, “Anchorage,” I think I recall that Foreign Telegram was the name of a band she was in in years before. I can’t find any cites with a quickish google though — anyone back me up on this or tell me I’m going senile? dru said:
A Warm Room – Envy rich said:
speaking of ben folds: 2 of his songs that make me weep like an infant are “evaporated” and “boxing”. “boxing” is spoken from the point of view of muhammed ali confessing to howard cosell that he is becoming too old to fight anymore. that may sound a bit unorthodox, but it is the saddest thing you will ever hear. check it out: jax said:
i can’t believe nobody mentioned elliott smith. anything off of ‘elliott smith’ is more or less a guarantee that i will go curl up in a corner and sob for at least an hour. Kevin said:
I’ve never heard of ANY of those songs. sean said:
what about tears in heaven by eric clapton? the background behind that song is enough to bring any human being with feelings to their knees… kj.moran said:
sorry bout that… André said:
A French exchange student shared this beautiful love serenade by Pascal Obispo with me. I just need to hear the first keystrokes are enough to make me shiver. Later I found out what he was singing and it was heart-breaking. Mel said:
The siren song – This mortal coil. André said:
Sorry, its called “Lucie” by Pascal Obispo ;) Richard said:
“Heartattack in a Lay By” by Porcupine Tree is amazing (the whole album “In Absentia” is killer). It is such a simple song and yet so beautiful and emotionally heavy – very sobering. John said:
seasons in the sun Kevin said:
Everyone has their own tastes and certain songs may be associated with events that cause a reaction. Personally I had high hopes but none of this music makes me sad nor do I really like it. All of it seems folky, hippie music. I’m just a heathen like that I suppose. =( Some of the comments suggested good songs though! Ari said:
Try Jimmy Eat World’s Work, Mogwai’s Stop Coming To My House, Nine Inch Nails’s Ripe [With Decay], System of a Down’s ATWA and Aerials, Jose Gonzalez’s Heartbeats and Teardrop, and Nirvana’s Pennyroyal Tea. Melanie L said:
Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) & Last Goodbye ed said:
I really liked this list, very good and informative. I especially like the inclusion of Nick Drake, I used to listen to it on the way to high school and it was so haunty on those cold winter mornings. Two songs that should be on there are Twilight and Between the Bars(especially this one) by Elliott Smith. Once again a tragic figure, addict amongst other things. The difference is his hollow, haunting voice, his amazing songwriting which is almost mockingly beatle-esque and the harrowing subject matter Straus said:
Neutral Milk Hotel. I promise, try it. Its a bit abstract, and the illusions to many topics abound, from the diary of Anne Frank I’ve been told, to first experiences with drugs, to youth and of course love. Which album? Aeroplane Over The Sea, song, almost any, but “The King of Carrot Flowers” hits it pretty well if you had shitty parents, “Two Headed Boy Part 1″ is great for love, and Part 2 for that song about relationships that fail and fatherhood and such. “Oh how strange it is to be anything, at all.” Adam said:
Songs that affect me that way often have little or nothing to do with the situation, but more to the irony of hearing the song during the time of the situation: “Vincent” (Starry Starry Night”) by Don McLean – (I heard a Seattle talk radio host play this around the time a good friend of mine took his life; I love the song, but it’s now hard to listen to.) “Photograph” – Nickelback – This song was *constantly* on tight rotation on radio stations even before Hurricane Katrina happened, but for some reason this song sticks in my mind when news stations began to show the human & property devastation in New Orleans. patrick said:
“lover, you should’ve come over” by Jeff Buckley is the saddest song ever written, anyone that’s been left by another can relate to this song’s lyrics- it’s R&B, but “charlene” by Anthony Hamilton is pretty hard hitting too.. Mike said:
“The Highwayman” sung by Lorenna McKennit. I can’t listen to it because I cry every time. cv said:
all i can say is: Forever by Ben Harper. Rich MacD said:
Glad to add something to an excellent list: Dave Clark said:
Harry Chapin’s “Cats in the Cradle” does it for me. magneticstain said:
for me its boots and also like johnny cash’s version of hurt and mad world, gary jules version Matt Duczeminski said:
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley–EVERYTIME I hear it! Jonathan Heaven said:
“Hoppipolla is what Obama becoming President sounds like. Serious.” blahhhh said:
WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Kellie said:
Satellite – BT / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tQ5r1LfKnY anything by BT can bring a tear to the eye .. he’s a genius. :) tim said:
Funny how time slips away, by Willie Nelson herojuana said:
What a crock of shit. Fucking crybaby. Those songs are all bullshit. Jason said:
“Svefn-g-englar” by Sigur Ros English Translation I’m here once more (anew) I float around in liquid hybernation tjú, tjú, tjú But the wait makes me (uneasy) tjú, tjú, tjú tjú, tjú, tjú, tjú I explode out and the peace is gone (Bathed in new light tjú, tjú, tjú Monte said:
“Tomorrow, Wendy” by Concrete Blonde gets me every time….especially if you have seen the video and know the meaning behind the song. Brent said:
No Micheal Bublé? Jon said:
RU OLD AND DORKY? GAY? Jon said:
NL1138 is dead on about “What Sarah Said”. Absolutely amazing song with some of the most haunting lyrics. Greg said:
I could go on with a gigantic list here of songs that make me cry because of sadness and songs that make me cry because of happy lyrics and melodies. I have to say though, the band neva dinova is some of the saddest music that constantly makes me want to tear. It’s sad but very good, you could should check them out Matt Alexander said:
“Boots of Spanish Leather” by Bob Dylan Coincidentally, these tracks were all on a mix I made last week called “No second thought guily pleasure no time to fix typos mix” (yes, I never stopped making mix tapes). Anyway, the following track always get me really choked up also: “Mother” by John Lennon Matt Alexander said:
@Jon: Welcome Digg users! Ghostie said:
New Dawn Fades- Joy Division. Or, Love Will Tear us Apart Trent said:
I cannot believe nobody has mentioned the saddest song ever created…”One Tin Soldier” by Coven The internets said:
Put it all on one page, please. Niko J. Paranza said:
Gústaf said:
icelandic music is great. i know that very well, mainly because im icelandic myself:D come to my land, it has many beautiful things to look at…like…the Sigur Rós studio. or whatever… clayton said:
vince gill – go rest high on that mountain Tom said:
Either of the two new unnamed songs by Joanna Newsom make me cry, they’re so beautiful. Tony said:
Jeff Buckley`s “Forget her” does it for me every time John said:
Good calls on “One Tin Soldier” and “Freakish” (Saves the Day) Jim said:
Irene Wilde – Ian Hunter Google The Oct8pus said:
Many people keep suggesting Johnny Cash’s version of “Hurt”, but much more heartbeaking is his rendition of the Beatle’s “In My Life”, which is already a sad song in and of itself. Susan said:
If you think Springsteen’s “Sandy” make’s you cry, try watching the itunes Magic Tour Highlights download of Danny Federici’s last performance of that song on Stage with Bruce and the band in Indianapolis on March 20, 2008 shortly before Danny died. Just bring a box of tissues! Bruno said:
Also missed Red House Painters, but then again, they have a lot of tearjerkers, so it’d be kinda hard to pick just one. Dan said:
“One Last Goodbye” by Anathema is a song that makes me cry jbev said:
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones. Prepare to bury the rag deep in your face, to quote Dylan, after you hear that one. Lyrics said:
Wow, fantastic list. Hardly ever agree with these kinds of things but I have to say that most of these songs have – at some point – made me weep. So refreshing to see Bert Jansch! Jansch is one of the most incredible guitarists to walk this earth. Hieronymus Murphy said:
“Luka” by Suzanne Vega turns on the waterworks for me — every damned time. Martin said:
You can’t have a list of depressing songs without a substantial country-music element. Myself? Not a big country fan…but these draw a tear pretty consistently: “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss - “Skin” by Rascal Flatts - “I’ll Wait for You” by Joe Nichols Only had a few songs pull on my heart strings only to start the water works – seem to be all country songs though, the whole my wife left me, my dog died can be heart wrenching. Pandora said:
I dare anyone to listen to Midfield General “Teddy Bear” and tell me they felt nothing. soundsgirl said:
These are some of my current tear-jerking lyrics…..i dunno, hits a chord in the current state of things now. So far away this is a link to Sigur Ros: Ringtones said:
I always cry when I listen to Everclear – Wonderful. It’s one of the few songs that continually make me weep. Nac Dasty said:
“Old Records Never Die” by Ian Hunter Anne said:
tom traubert’s blues – tom waits. the first time i heard it i cried like a baby. maybe it has something to do with the fact it has elements of “waltzing matilda” in it— and i am an aussie after all… TooOldToKnow said:
“Honey” – Bobby Goldsboro. “See the tree, how big it’s grown…” Oh my god. :( Rated as worst song ever by CNN but lose your spouse prematurely and see if you can stand even one LINE of this song without losing it. Not sad enough for you? How about: “All By Myself” – Eric Carmen And if not those, than at least you can dance to this one while wiping your tears away: “The Winner Takes It All” – ABBA And if not that, then, while leaping off a tall building, why not listen to this song on your iPod on the way down? This is my pick for most depressing song ever. “Alone Again (Naturally)” – Gilbert O’Sullivan A song first about being left at the altar and wanting to commit suicide, then reflecting on the death of his parents, all of which leaves him, ‘Alone again, naturally.’ Six weeks at #1 either proves a lot of Americans identified with this song, or we all need more Prozac. “I promised myself, to treat myself, Where’s my meds?! :O nicky said:
“3 libras” by a perfect circle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OoMHArmGWY to name a few… Tas said:
In The Morning Before Work by Owen, It Hurts by Angels and Airwaves, El Manana by The Gorillaz, and Hurt – but The Johnny Cash Version. The Archivist said:
‘Cut Here’ or ‘There Is No If …’ by The Cure, ‘Follow You, Follow Me’ by Genesis, and ‘Selected Ambient Works Volume 2, CD 1, Track 3′ by Aphex Twin. [...] my recent post of 10 Songs That Make Me Cry , a reader suggested I make a list of songs for saying goodbye. Never one to turn down a request, I [...] cdarbs said:
“I’m Still Here” by Tom Waits- it’s about a minute-thirty of cuts to the core (“You haven’t looked at me that way in years/But I’m still here”). I don’t know what she’s singing about, but anything by Edith Piaf is so hauntingly depressing and can move me to tears. (“Tu Es Partout” featured in the film Saving Private Ryan, anyone?) The Eagles are always good for moving me to tears- “Sad Cafe”, “Desperado” and “I Can’t Tell You Why” spring to mind. Lot’s of suggestions here for me to hunt down, thanks. [...] 10 Songs That Make Me Cry | JamsBio Magazine I admit it. I’m kind of a sap when it comes to music and its ability to conjure a well of emotions…even tears. Here’s a list of 10 tear-inducing songs [...] Max said:
I second “Hallelujah”, but I’d go with the John Cale version that was on the Basquiat soundtrack. I would also add: John said:
good list. I would personally add Sarah mclauchan’s- in the arms of an angel bil said:
i guess you haven’t cried for awhile those songs are ancient Fera said:
I see Siguros but why would you neglect to mention “How to disappear completely” by Radiohead Dee said:
“Angel,” Sinead O’Connor. There is one line — “I only want a golden chain to hang my love upon” — that makes me bawl no matter how many times I’ve heard it. johnnie said:
Hard to find but ‘Julie’ by brit folk band the Levelers always brings a lump to my throat. Paul said:
“John Wayne Gacy” by Sufjan Stevens Barb said:
What If – Josh Radin Tom said:
the grateful dead- brokedown palace blur- tender nat king cole- stardust csn- wasted on the way the beach boys- wouldn’t it be nice and don’t worry baby tom waits- johnsburg illinois pink floyd- mother the eagles- the sad cafe ‘we thought we could change this world with words like love and freedom’ if i ruminate enough about joe strummer’s death while listening, almost any song by the clash can just about bring me to tears. jon nolan said:
i shared a room with my older brother he’s 10 years older than me.in 1964 iwas 6 he was 16 . listened to dylan all the time .still listen to him almost every day. anyway, the first time i cried to a song was to THE lonesome death of hattie carrol. when zanzinger was sentenced to 6 months for murder it made me cry. pretty heavy for a 6 or 7 year old huh? kurt said:
Townes Van Zandt’s The Tower Song…and also To Live’s To Fly Ice X said:
You have two of my “saddest” artists, but I have other songs for each of them that bring me to tears. From the ultimate “break-up” album Blood on the Tracks, Dylan’s “Simple Twist of Fate” strikes me as one of the saddest songs ever written (and of course, his performance nails it). But the song that really makes me cry everytime is “You’re Missing” about one family’s personal aftermath from September 11, 2001. Those violins and Bruce’s piano combined crack my heart apart. Oh, and I tear up everytime I heard John Lennon’s “Watching the Wheels”, because that was the first song I heard after I got the tragic news. michael said:
Elton: Talking Old Soldiers dev said:
It Makes No Difference by The Band “And the dawn don’t rescue me no more …” tracer said:
Boots of Spanish Leather for sure tracer said:
Black Hair and People Aint No Good by Nick Cave tracer said:
Who Are You This Time by Tom Waits rockshark said:
“I Don’t Know Where I Stand” Fairport Covention (BBC Album)- for those in turbulant relationships. Claudio said:
several people have mentioned it already but “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen … seems to be one of those songs that just exist and are not written; that song is just channeled through Leonard Cohen. no offense to anyone but it’s as close to a religious experience as i’ll get!! also “Not Dark Yet” by Dylan and others by him, just some lyrics from the song that spring to mind; Well my sense of humanity nept said:
Hi there, mountain man said:
Hey thats no way to say goodbye by Leonard Cohen and Night comes on also by LC. Stephanie said:
the songs that make a person cry themselves to sleep, or make them just want to wither away is BYE BYE AND THE CALL. One is of a lost soemone and one is to try to convinc yourself that someone is going to come back but their not- you dont want to say goodbye because that will just make you feel worse even though when you dont say goodbye after a while you feel even more like your heart has been stepped on by fate and remorse. I guess you have to have a special person in your heart to feel any emotion to either of these songs, it would be my moyher for me, the truest person I know. I recomend these songs. Sean said:
Neil Young’s “Like A Hurricane”…he has far more depressing music but I think this is the pinnacle of his guitarwork and some of it is just overwhelming. For Nick Drake I would have used Northern Sky or Time Has Told Me. Also, any Elliott Smith song Lesley said:
Songbird – Fleetwood Mac Solid Vodka said:
I highly recommend “Too Many Memories” by stellar Austin-based songwriter and longtime Kris Kristofferson and Bonnie Raitt guitarist Steven Bruton. Raitt, in fact, offers back-up vocals on the version on Bruton’s five-star “What it Is” album. Too Many Memories” has also been covered by Patty Loveless and Hal Ketchum, two of country music’s most distinct stylists. If this song doesn’t make you well up on occasion, you’ve got a heart of stone. Solid Vodka said:
My bad… It’s Stephen Bruton (not Steven), of course. He’s a world-class songwriter/guitarist! Sam said:
Oddly enough, I was just talking to my roommate last night about a song that always makes me tear it. It’s “Cassie” by Flyleaf. I’m not a huge fan of the band, but it’s about Cassie Bernall, the girl from Columbine who was asked, “Do you believe in God?” right before they shot her. Even if you don’t have to share her belief, the real life tragedy combined with the Flyleaf singer’s very emotional voice gets me every time. In fact, I even teared up a bit telling my roommate about it. I’m such a girl sometimes. Several of my favorite sad songs are already listed in the comments. “Cathedrals,” “Apparitions,” and “Fake Plastic Trees” are especially killer. I’m surprised only one other person mentioned Counting Crows though. They were my “emo” in high school and early college. The song that always got to me most was, “I’m Not Sleeping.” Good stuff. Meryl said:
some of mine are pretty old **sigh** but so am I… “Shannon” Henry Gross “Daniel” Elton John “Little Willow” Paul McCartney “In the Arms of the Angels” Sarah McLaughlin “Saltwater” Julian Lennon “My Dad” performed by Paul Peterson “The Three Ravens” performed by John Harle with Sarah Leonard “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” performed by Israel Kamakawiwi’ole “Atlantis” Donovan “Toyland (Please take Me Back)” Nat King Cole franCOOLco said:
love you more than live – neutral milk hotel oh comely – neutral milk hotel Hayley said:
JUST A DREAM BY CARRIE UNDERWOOD! Susan said:
Trust me: – “Now we are free” by Enya or Lisa Gerard. If that does not make you cry – then nothing will. It was the last song in the soundtrack on Gladiator. I used it at my dad’s funeral during the committal. It was quite perfect and damningly sad. Frederic said:
Not in english but truly really sad melodies Sigur Ros – Von Paulino said:
C’mon what about Joni Mitchell’s “Both sides now”, the version on the “Love Actually” Soundtrack is better and sadder David Griffiths said:
Downriver by David Ackles Mark - Westport, CT said:
Good call on “Anchorage” despite Sarah Palin. Bawls said:
Drake didn’t commit suicide… Jay said:
Holy CRAP!!! “Starry Satrry Night” by Don McLean…I could barely get the video loaded on YouTube before I started leaking like a friggin faucet!!! Jay said:
Did anyone add “This Year’s Love” by David Gray? Joanna said:
I would add “Song to the Siren” by This Mortal Coil. Amazing cover. Paul said:
Beautiful collection! Eric said:
One of my girlfriend’s favorite songs was “Warning Sign” by Coldplay. It was so nice to have her curl up next to me on the couch at night while listening to the song. She died a few years ago, and the ending always tears my heart out. Another one that gets me every time is “Tonight the Sky” by Sun Kil Moon. It reminds me of her, though I don’t think she ever heard it. Yeah yeah said:
The Final Countdown. Europe. Bruce said:
I really can’t say any of these songs tear me up… not like Tom Rush’s version of These Days… “Don’t remind me of my failures, I’ve not forgotten them”. jennifer said:
ok so ive got some songs that will always make me cry no matter what: elleb said:
Let It Be – The Beatles Bryan said:
I’ll admit i’m more of a movie song person. The songs and the movie together can break me down just thinking about them. Some off the top of my head are: Brian said:
Genesis – Please Don’t Ask Dontae Monday said:
If your reading this Ash said:
Jackson Browne – Song for Adam. wintertj said:
God – John Lennon Miss_rema said:
“my Bff = Manu” :) …. Caro said:
An ending (ascent) by Brian Eno makes me cry every time I hear it. ErikSechlyu said:
All good! Off the top of my head, I can think of these (some pretty sappy): Jackson Browne-Sky Blue Sky (#1 all time sad emotional song) Batesymillwall said:
The Needle & the Damage Done – Neil Young Batesymillwall said:
Oh yeah, and Maxwells unplugged version of Kate Bushs “This Womans Work”. Class. Glen Beliakoff said:
“Apron Strings” by Everything But The Girl always gets me because it reminds me of a woman that has tried and tried to conceive . Also “Angie ” by The Stones , just that emptiness and lost hope and no money in our coats . Marcus said:
Neil Young – “Borrowed Tune” Chloe said:
Sorry by Maria Mena. I just listened to it and now I’m depressed T_T Also, the lullaby from Pan’s Labyrinth. If you haven’t seen that movie, watch it! So sad, but great :) Josh said:
The Band Of Brothers Theme tune should be in that list, it honestly makes me want to cry but i can’t. That tune makes you think of the horrors in world war 2 and Thank the WW2 Veterans (forgive me if i spelt that wrong) |
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