Classic Western songs to listen to when you want to cry: the world’s tearjerker songs and popular tracks for shedding tears

Don’t Cry, Put Your Head On My ShoulderTom Odell

Tom Odell – Don’t Cry, Put Your Head On My Shoulder (Official Music Video)

The new song released in May 2025 by British singer-songwriter Tom Odell is a truly exquisite ballad that resonates deep within the heart.

Its delicate, piano-centered arrangement is layered with his warm vocals, and the lyrics—centering on gentle comfort for those in sorrow—are profoundly moving.

Carefully crafted over a nine-month production period, the piece is positioned as the second single from the album “A Wonderful Life.” The music video, featuring his wife Georgie, has also drawn attention.

It’s the kind of track you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night—a masterpiece especially recommended for those facing life’s hardships or seeking emotional support.

Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters

Yesterday Once More

This classic song, which sings of love and nostalgia for music, is one of the Carpenters’ signature works, released in May 1973.

Created by the American brother-and-sister duo, it is imbued with deep affection and longing for pop songs of the 1950s and ’60s, beautifully balancing Karen Carpenter’s warm, tender vocals with Richard Carpenter’s delicate arrangements.

It reached No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a worldwide hit.

It’s a must-listen for everyone who loves music—and for those moments when you want to look back on your youth.

Not A Day Goes ByLonestar

Lonestar – Not A Day Goes By

The American country music band Lonestar released a single from I’m Already There in January 2002, a gem of a ballad that portrays profound sorrow and a sense of loss after losing a loved one.

Its gentle, resonant melody, rich harmonies, and deeply expressive vocals blend beautifully to convey both the pain of grief and the enduring love for someone dear.

The song touched many listeners, reaching No.

3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, and was nominated for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards in 2003.

With its quietly consoling character, it has often been chosen to comfort those who have lost someone and for use in memorial settings—a heartwarming piece that offers solace.

Cryin’Aerosmith

Aerosmith – Cryin’

This song is about a couple who chooses to break up, crying out their final feelings for each other.

It’s a grand rock ballad, and just listening to Tyler’s high, soaring vocals is moving.

The repeated “Cryin’” in the lyrics is incredibly emotional.

I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)

Whitney Houston, who captivated the world with her overwhelming vocal prowess.

This work, sung by the American-born artist, is a grand ballad that vows eternal love.

It portrays a self-sacrificial love that chooses separation for the other person’s happiness—a universal theme that resonates with many.

Released in November 1992, the song was used as the theme for the film The Bodyguard and became a massive hit.

It won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 chart.

If you want to feel profound love and the bittersweetness of parting, give it a listen.