Saddest Western Songs Ranking [2026]

Used To Be YoungMiley Cyrus50rank/position

Miley Cyrus – Used To Be Young (Official Video)

A bittersweet pop ballad that looks back on youth and younger days.

The lyrics, filled with nostalgia for one’s former self and the strength to accept who one is now, are deeply moving.

As she retraces memories from ten years ago, Miley Cyrus’s powerful vocals stand out as she sings of love for the person she’s become.

Released in August 2023, this track is included on the special edition of her eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation.

When you need courage to look back while moving forward, this song will make you feel as if it’s giving you a gentle push.

ImagineJohn Lennon51rank/position

John Lennon – Imagine HD

This is a song released after John Lennon went solo.

It’s also the title of the album.

As a song that extols love for humanity and the preciousness of peace, it continues to be widely sung today.

In a 2002 poll by Guinness asking “What is the greatest song in British history?”, it ranked second.

Forget MeLewis Capaldi52rank/position

Lewis Capaldi – Forget Me (Official Video)

A masterful, heartrending breakup song.

Written from his own experience by Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, this piece conveys the protagonist’s desperate inability to let go of the past, resonating deeply through his baritone voice.

Released in September 2022, the track was the lead single from his second album, “Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent.” It charted in the UK and many other countries, and is a highly relatable song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of heartbreak.

Street Spirit (Fade Out)Radiohead53rank/position

Radiohead – Street Spirit (Fade Out)

A song by Thom Yorke with a strange, dark message.

It was inspired by Ben Okri’s 1991 novel The Famished Road.

It became Radiohead’s first UK Top 5 single and one of the most anticipated and requested songs at their concerts.

Car’s OutsideJames Arthur54rank/position

James Arthur – Car’s Outside (Official Lyric Video)

This is a song that weaves a heartrending love story that grips the heart and never lets go.

The anguish of a long-distance relationship and the pain of being separated from a loved one are expressed through delicate lyrics and melody.

James Arthur’s emotionally rich vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in 2019, this track holds an important place in his musical career.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced a breakup or struggles with the distance from someone dear—you’re sure to find moments you can relate to.

Hunger of the PineAlt-J55rank/position

alt-J – Hunger Of The Pine (Official Video)

A track from the British three-piece rock band alt-J’s second album, This Is All Yours, released in 2014.

Often labeled as art rock, their sound isn’t straightforward rock, nor is it overtly catchy pop, yet they enjoy enough popularity to have topped the UK Albums Chart.

This song samples Miley Cyrus’s track “4×4.” Its lyrics aren’t easy to parse, but be sure to experience it together with the thought-provoking music video.

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Seasons In The SunTerry Jacks56rank/position

Terry Jacks – Seasons In The Sun (Official Audio)

Originally written and performed in French in 1961 by the Belgian poet and composer Jacques Brel.

It was translated into English by the American poet Rod McKuen.

The song is about a man who says goodbye to the loved ones with whom he has shared his life as he dies.