Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
There are times when, instead of listening to music to get pumped up or fired up, you deliberately want to listen to poignant or slightly sad songs and have a good cry alone, right?
Upbeat tracks that give you a push are great, but in this article we’ve researched and selected timeless, heart-wrenching English-language songs that empathize with listeners’ feelings, both old and new.
From classic standards to recent hits and the latest buzzworthy tracks, we’re bringing you a genre-crossing selection.
Try listening in whatever setting makes you feel most at ease—whether that’s in your bedroom or on a drive!
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Tearjerkers! Heartbreaking Western Songs — From Timeless Classics to the Latest Hits — (61–70)
When She Loved MeSarah McLachlan
A song used in a flashback sequence that explains Sarah McLachlan’s history.
It was written by Randy Newman, featured in the film Toy Story 2, and was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2000 Academy Awards.
It was covered by Michael Crawford on his 2012 album Light Up the World.
ImaginationShawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer-songwriter who’s won popularity with his sweet looks and catchy musical style.
This is a hidden gem included on the deluxe edition of his debut album, Handwritten, which drew attention when he was 16.
The song revolves around an achingly sad unrequited love: being unable to confess your feelings to the person you like and becoming their lover only in your imagination.
His crystalline vocals and the gentle tones of the acoustic guitar portray the protagonist’s pure, single-minded feelings, tightening your chest.
Released in April 2015, this emotional track is one you’ll want to hear if you’re holding onto a love you know will never come true.
I’m YoursJason Mraz
It sounds like a bright and upbeat melody.
With its brisk tempo, it feels like a song that could lift your spirits.
The relatively high male vocals match beautifully with the clean guitar melody.
It’s a song I’d love people who are feeling down to listen to.
Forget MeLewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi’s songs, which give voice to aching emotions, resonate with those carrying the pain of heartbreak.
Hailing from Scotland, he has continued to captivate listeners worldwide since his 2017 debut.
Released in September 2022, this work is a song born from personal experience.
Capaldi conveys the struggle between an unforgettable past and an uncertain future with his signature rich baritone voice.
Certified 2× Platinum in the UK, this track is perfect for quiet moments alone—whether in your bedroom or on a drive.
The LovedPaul Weller
The performance is a solo singing with a deep, husky voice, and it sounds really cool.
As the title suggests, it’s a heartbreak ballad.
The tempo gradually picks up, and as you listen, it even feels like a song that somehow lifts your spirits.
Dancing On My OwnRobyn
This electro-pop ballad is the first single from Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn’s fifth studio album, Body Talk Pt.
It sings about the heartache of watching the one you love dance with someone else on the dance floor.
Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi is a singer-songwriter from Scotland.
His 2018 single “Someone You Loved” drew attention for reaching No.
1 on the U.S.
singles chart—a rare achievement for a Scottish artist.
And his 2023 release “Wish You The Best” is a love song with a strikingly poignant chorus that says, “I don’t want to be away from you.” It’s an incredibly moving track that might just bring you to tears.
