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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Tear-Jerking! Heartbreaking Songs in Western Music — From Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits — (91–100)
Apologize ft. OneRepublicTimbaland
Starting with a romantic piano melody and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic’s poignantly resonant vocals that tug at the heartstrings, this is a bittersweet love song.
Included on Timbaland’s 2007 September release Shock Value, the track is a gem of a ballad that portrays the fate of a broken romance.
The superb production by the American producer Timbaland breathed new life into the original song, propelling it to No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and keeping it in the Top 10 for 25 weeks, sparking worldwide acclaim.
Also featured in the TV drama Cold Case, this song gently stays by your side when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or linger in memories of someone special.
the way things gobeabadoobee
Beabadoobee is a British singer-songwriter.
While she excels at ’90s alternative rock and dream pop, “the way things go” is a ballad that portrays a heartbroken woman looking back on the past and letting her unresolved feelings build up.
Her high, airy vocals convey that bittersweet state of mind without holding anything back.
It’s also a song about long-distance love, so those who’ve experienced it may find it especially relatable.
Tearjerkers! Heart-wrenching Western Songs — From Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits — (101–110)
Where’d You GoFort Minor feat. Holly Brook & Jonah Matranga
Fort Minor is a side project of Mike Shinoda, the rapper from Linkin Park.
This song is written from the perspective of someone left behind in a long-distance relationship and carries a message about placing a career ahead of family.
The music video features real people, including a girl with divorced parents and the parents of a soldier who was killed in Iraq during the Gulf War.
Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon
American R&B singer Giveon captivates many listeners with his distinctive baritone voice and heartfelt lyrics.
This work is one of his signature songs, expressing the pain of heartbreak over a beautiful melody.
Released in March 2020, the track received high acclaim, including a nomination for Best R&B Performance at the following year’s Grammy Awards.
Giveon’s rich, resonant voice and lyrics that quietly lament lost love deeply resonate with anyone who knows the pain of a broken heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a quiet night alone or when you’re trying to sort out your feelings.
Hold OnGood Charlotte
This is a song that was popular when I was in junior high school, and its direct message—that no matter how tough things are, time will make them easier—really resonates with me.
I think Good Charlotte, along with Simple Plan, appeals strongly to teenagers because they capture those uniquely adolescent feelings so well.
Take Me To ChurchHozier
When I first listened to this song, I was absolutely blown away.
At first I didn’t really understand what it meant, but I was drawn to the fact that it deliberately doesn’t use a trendy melody line.
It’s a song pushing back against LGBT criticism, and the music video focuses on the persecution of gay people in Russia.
However, from what I’ve looked up, Hozier himself apparently isn’t gay.
Car’s OutsideJames Arthur
A ballad that stays close to the hearts of those carrying bittersweet feelings—that’s James Arthur’s music.
Released in October 2019, this song explores the difficulties of a long-distance relationship, poignantly expressing the loneliness of living apart from the one you love.
Arthur, a UK native, delivers a vocal performance that is both powerful and delicate, resonating deeply with listeners.
Through the lyrics, the protagonist’s inner struggle—forced into frequent travel—and their earnest wish to be with their loved one come vividly to life.
It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone who has experienced a breakup or is pained by the distance separating them from someone important.