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 — (41–50)
Tears In HeavenEric Clapton
Eric Clapton is a legendary singer-songwriter and guitarist whose name is etched in music history, continually creating timeless songs loved across generations.
“Tears in Heaven,” distinguished by its warm fingerpicked acoustic guitar and the mellow tone of a fretless acoustic bass, was released in 1992.
It became a hit as the theme song for the film Rush and is one of Clapton’s signature tracks, even earning a Grammy nomination.
The story behind the song is deeply sorrowful: Clapton wrote it in 1991 as a tribute to his young son, who tragically passed away in an accident.
With that in mind, reading the lyrics while listening to the song evokes the image of Clapton striving to overcome tragedy and move forward—something that is sure to bring listeners to tears.
Tearjerkers! Heart-wrenching Western songs — from timeless classics to the latest hits — (51–60)
Eyes ClosedEd Sheeran
The lead single from Ed Sheeran’s 2023 album “-” is “Eyes Closed,” which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is dedicated to DJ Jamal Edwards, a close friend of Ed’s who passed away in 2022.
Its lyrics about “losing someone close to you” really hit home.
The blue monster that appears in the music video is said to symbolize Ed’s grief.
Lost In Your EyesDebbie Gibson
It seems that the artist singing this song, Debbie Gibson, was also active as an actress.
Her clear soprano voice matches the bright piano melody very well.
Apparently, she also plays the piano herself.
Pale Blue EyesVelvet Underground
A song included on the self-titled album released in 1969.
It was written by Lou Reed.
In contrast to their previously violent lyrics, it is a quiet, relaxed, lullaby-like sweet love song.
It has been covered by many artists, including Patti Smith and R.E.M.
When I Was Your ManBruno Mars
Bruno Mars continues to achieve overwhelming commercial success with his outstanding singer-songwriter talent.
Some people may still associate him only with upbeat party tunes because of the glamorous disco-funk image of his blockbuster third album, 24K Magic.
But listening to the song we’re featuring today, When I Was Your Man, will surely change that perception.
It’s a piano ballad from his second album, Unorthodox Jukebox, released in 2012, which was given the Japanese title “Kimi ga Ita Ano Koro ni” (Back to When You Were Here).
Bruno’s emotional vocals, expressing a complex mix of regret and lingering feelings for an ex, along with enduring love, will resonate deeply.
Why not entrust your tangled emotions to this song as you sit alone in a dark room?
Just Want You to KnowBackstreet Boys
This song by the American group Backstreet Boys pours unspoken feelings for a former lover into a powerful sound.
Released in July 2005, it’s included on the acclaimed album “Never Gone” and reached the top 10 on the charts in the UK and Spain.
Stepping beyond their traditional pop image, the track shifts to a rock-tinged sound marked by memorable guitar riffs, revealing a new side of the group.
It portrays a bittersweet yet straightforward male perspective, wishing to tell someone they’ll never meet again, “There’s just this one thing I want you to know.” If you have lingering feelings about a past relationship, listening to this song might help you face your emotions.
All You Need Is LoveThe Beatles
This is a song by The Beatles that was very popular around the world.
The gentle tones of the instruments give you a sense of calm.
Since it’s a ballad like a love song, I think it’s a piece whose expression changes depending on the listener.