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! Heart-wrenching Western songs—from timeless classics to the latest hits—(21–30)
Happier Than EverBillie Eilish
A song by American artist Billie Eilish that candidly chronicles her past romantic experiences.
It begins as a quiet ballad and shifts into a guitar-driven rock style, a structure that brilliantly mirrors the emotional changes after a breakup.
Released in July 2021, it is the title track of the album Happier Than Ever and centers on themes of her growth and independence.
Reflecting on her relationship with an ex, the lyrics trace how she learned the importance of valuing herself.
This work conveys the joy of overcoming painful experiences and discovering a new self, making it recommended for those looking to recover from the pain of heartbreak.
Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi
A poignant, heart-stirring ballad by Scottish artist Lewis Capaldi is capturing widespread attention.
Centered on themes of heartbreak and loss, the song is marked by deeply emotional lyrics and a powerful vocal performance.
Released in November 2018, it spent seven consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the UK Singles Chart and also reached No.
1 on the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100.
The music video, produced in collaboration with an organ donation charity, tells a moving story.
It’s a song that stays close to your heart on solitary nights or whenever you’re remembering someone special.
Easy On MeAdele
The exquisite ballad woven by Adele, hailing from the UK, is a cry from the soul born out of the life-changing experience of divorce.
Carried by a gentle piano melody, her powerful voice resonates deeply.
Released in October 2021, the song garnered major attention as the lead single from the album “30.” Adele writes candidly from her own experience, imbued with love and apology to her son.
It’s a track I highly recommend to anyone standing at a crossroads in life or looking to sort out their feelings.
Why not savor it slowly in a bedroom or a quiet café?
Consequences (Orchestra)Camila Cabello
We no longer need to introduce her as a member of Fifth Harmony—Camila Cabello has firmly established herself as a solo artist.
While many may associate her with a passionate sound rooted in her Cuban, Latin heritage, the song we’re featuring today, “Consequences,” is a beautiful ballad imbued with a melancholic atmosphere.
It not only reveals a different side of her but also showcases her outstanding vocal ability, and it’s said to be a song that holds special meaning for Camila herself.
As she tenderly sings about reminiscing on the wonderful days of being in love—along with what was lost, the wounds left behind, and the price paid—her voice is achingly sorrowful.
Anyone who has had a similar experience may find themselves moved to tears.
If I die youngThe Band Perry
It begins with the opening line, “If I were to die young…” When I first heard it, I was surprised that a song like this existed.
It has a relaxed, upbeat country feel, but the lyrics—the heart of the song—reflect on life and on life and death.
drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo
This poignant love song by American artist Olivia Rodrigo uses getting a driver’s license for the first time as its theme to depict the pain of heartbreak.
Released in January 2021, her debut single captivated many listeners with its piano-centered, beautiful melody and relatable lyrics.
Evoking the feeling of lonely nighttime drives after a breakup, this track is especially recommended for young people experiencing the end of a relationship and personal growth.
It spent eight consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy, making it one of her signature works—be sure to give it a listen.
Big girls don’t cryFergie
This is a solo song by Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas.
It might be her first breakup song since she started her solo career.
Fergie herself aims to be a strong woman and is quite disciplined, so I feel this song reflects the strength of not crying even after a heartbreak.