When you’re hurting and feel like you want to disappear… timeless Western songs to listen to at times like these

Nessun DormaPlacido Domingo

Nessun Dorma – Placido Domingo

Nessun Dorma, known as the signature aria from the opera Turandot, is one of the most famous pieces in opera and is beloved by listeners around the world.

As an operatic aria, its lyrics are highly complex, but on a surface level it can be taken as a song about having courage.

More than the lyrics, the melody is truly outstanding, so listening to it when you’re feeling down can lift your spirits.

Be sure to give it a listen.

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Ryo

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Lonely AvenueRay Charles

Ray Charles – Lonely Avenue

A song written by Doc Pomus.

It was released as a single in 1956.

It is said to have been one of the first songs The Beatles rehearsed when they started as a group.

The song has been covered by many artists, including the Everly Brothers and Los Lobos.

To ZionLauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill – To Zion

Ms.

Lauryn Hill, known as a leading artist in neo-soul.

In Japan, she’s famous for her starring role in the film Sister Act 2.

Her renowned song To Zion was written when she became pregnant and portrays her resolve to live strongly as a mother.

The melody leans toward soul music, so fans of Black music will likely enjoy it.

It’s also a song I’d especially recommend to parents and to anyone feeling down or struggling with their mood.

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Ryo

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Alone I BreakKorn

Korn – Alone I Break (Official HD Video)

An achingly lyrical ballad woven by the American nu-metal band Korn.

It stands apart from their usual aggressive sound, highlighting vocalist Jonathan Davis’s delicate, clean voice as it quietly portrays the loneliness and anguish sinking to the depths of the heart.

The anguished cry of “falling apart alone” seems to reflect a soul collapsing from within, burdened by despair that no one can understand.

When you feel crushed by inescapable loneliness and listen to this song, you may sense it simply staying beside your pain.

It’s a tear-inducing track that gently loosens a taut heart.

Lucid DreamsJuice WRLD

Juice WRLD – Lucid Dreams (Official Music Video)

Rapper Juice WRLD, known as a standard-bearer of emo rap.

Though he passed away at the young age of 21, his music continues to captivate many hearts.

This piece is one of his signature tracks—a heartbreak song so raw it almost hurts.

The lyrics, which portray the torment of being haunted by an ex and a heart torn between love and hate, cut deep.

Released as a single in May 2018, it’s also included on the landmark album Goodbye & Good Riddance.

The melancholy guitar, sampled from Sting’s classic, vividly amplifies the overwhelming sense of despair.

If you’re in the mood to fully indulge in your emotions, be sure to check it out.

Rebel HeartMadonna

Madonna – Rebel Heart

This is a work by Madonna that looks back on her life with painful honesty.

It’s included on her album Rebel Heart, released in March 2015.

At first glance, it’s a song with a light, acoustic sound, but its lyrics are remarkably introspective.

The way she confronts the loneliness behind her glory and the past in which she hurt herself by pretending to be someone else is deeply piercing.

This track is one you’ll want to listen to on nights when your heart feels like it might break, when you want to face your own weaknesses—it carries a warmth that seems to affirm your true self.

If you tend to spend time alone lost in thought, be sure to check it out.

Blue MoonBeck

Beck – Blue Moon (Audio)

Beck, described by Rolling Stone as embodying the “California sound.” This song is the first track released from the album Morning Phase.

It showcases the lyrical ambiguity that is characteristic of his music.