Lovely Western music

Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

Tearjerkers! Bittersweet Western Songs — From Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits — (151–160)

How Do You Sleep?Sam Smith

Sam Smith – How Do You Sleep? (Official Music Video)

How Do You Sleep?Sam Smith

“How Do You Sleep?” is striking for its explosive, emotion-laden melody.

The song portrays the fragile feelings of a man being lied to by his lover.

Its serious melody accentuates the rawness of the lyrics.

It may bring you down, but it’s a real tearjerker.

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Don’t need you toSamantha Mumba

Samantha Mumba | Don’t Need You To (Tell Me I’m Pretty)

Don't need you toSamantha Mumba

This is a song featured in the film Legally Blonde 1.

The protagonist, Elle, is relentlessly positive, cheerful, and fiercely competitive.

I think this song portrays a strong woman who also shows glimpses of vulnerability, much like Elle.

It also conveys a woman’s desire for love to be shown through actions, not just words.

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Heaven’s Only Days Down The RoadShelby Lynne

Shelby Lynne – Heaven’s Only Days Down The Road

Heaven's Only Days Down The RoadShelby Lynne

Shelby Lynne went through a tragic experience in 1986 when her father shot and killed her mother.

She and her sister, singer Allison Moorer, were left orphaned and lived with relatives.

Twenty-five years later, she wrote the song “Heaven’s Only Days Down the Road” from her father’s perspective after the fact.

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This Is The Sound OfSnow Patrol

Snow Patrol – This Is The Sound Of Your Voice (Official Lyric Video)

This Is The Sound OfSnow Patrol

A rock band that Scotland is proud of, Snow Patrol have released their first single in seven years.

Interweaving poetic, emotional lyrics with their signature melodic sound, the track is said to center on a long-distance relationship and truly resonates with listeners.

Speaking of the band, “Chasing Cars” from their 2005 album Eyes Open is known as the most-played song on UK radio in the 21st century.

With its romantic atmosphere, this new song is perfect for moments when you want to reminisce about a lover or think of someone special.

Why not give it a listen on a calm, quiet night?

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LostSoccer Mommy

Soccer Mommy – Lost (Official Lyric Video)

LostSoccer Mommy

Released in June 2024, the song with a hauntingly poignant melody comes from American singer-songwriter Soccer Mommy, who performs indie rock influenced by pop music.

Blending emotionally rich lyrics with delicate acoustic guitar, orchestral strings, and natural birdsong, the track showcases her signature musicality to the fullest.

The lyrics revolve around regret and longing for lost relationships and missed opportunities.

They delve deeply into the protagonist’s inner world—lamenting not fully appreciating a past relationship and yearning for another chance amid feelings of alienation and an incomprehensible situation.

Following the album “Sometimes, Forever,” this song opens up a new frontier for her, making it a perfect choice for quiet nights alone or moments of introspection.

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