Tear-jerking Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks

Chasing CarsSnow Patrol

Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars (Official Video)

A signature song by Snow Patrol that weaves a universally resonant story of love.

Released in 2006 by the Scottish band, this piece captivated many with its simple melody and candid lyrics.

Included on the album Eyes Open, it gained worldwide attention after being featured in the U.S.

TV drama Grey’s Anatomy.

It remained on the UK Singles Chart for 111 weeks and surpassed one million sales in the UK in 2013.

Long cherished as a song that accompanies life’s significant moments—such as weddings and memorial services—it continues to be beloved.

I’ll Be Over YouTOTO

TOTO – I’ll be over you　【HQ】

It’s a song about a protagonist heartbroken after a breakup, telling themselves that they will surely overcome it someday.

It was recorded by the studio-musician collective band TOTO on their 1986 album “Fahrenheit,” and was also released as a single.

Hello, It’s MeTodd Rundgren

Todd Rundgren – Hello It’s Me (1972)

Although not widely known in Japan, this is a classic tear-jerking love ballad.

Todd Rundgren is a musician so versed in music that he could be called a true craftsman; not only does he perform his own work, but he has also produced countless artists.

Released in 1972, this love ballad possesses a mysterious allure, exuding an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Easy On MeAdele

Adele – Easy On Me (Official Video)

A deeply resonant, emotionally rich piano ballad portrays the struggles of a woman standing at a crossroads in life.

Adele’s overwhelming vocal prowess vividly captures the journey of facing oneself through the painful decision of divorce.

Released in October 2021 as her first new work in six years, the song drew global attention as the lead single from the album “30.” It offers solace to those who have experienced heartbreak or separation, prompting self-reflection.

A gem of a masterpiece for anyone wrestling with parting from a loved one or preparing to take a new step forward.

Make You Feel My LoveAdele

Adele – Make You Feel My Love (Official Video)

Even while lost and troubled, singing that they have trusted their intuition from the very moment they met, the straightforward lyrics that evoke a sense of destiny are genuinely moving.

Adele’s beautiful female vocals send shivers through the heart.

Her powerful voice has surely encouraged many people.

How Do I Say GoodbyeDean Lewis

Dean Lewis – How Do I Say Goodbye (Official Video)

A moving song that portrays the pain of parting with a loved one.

Written by Dean Lewis for his father, it was released in August 2022 and is included on the album The Hardest Love.

The lyrics capture the confusion of facing a sudden farewell and the memories shared with someone precious.

Many listeners will relate to the words that convey love for family and the anxiety of possibly losing them.

It’s a perfect song for those who have experienced saying goodbye to someone they love, or who want to cherish the time they have with the important people in their lives.

It’s a song that, while evoking the fragility of life, teaches the importance of living in the present.

Cry Me A RiverElla Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald – Cry me a river

“Cry Me A River,” a classic of jazz and blues.

In Japanese, its meaning is rendered as “tears become a river.” As you might imagine from that, it tells the story of someone whose breakup has turned into a big mess.

The weighty melody adds depth.