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 — (51–60)
I’m not the only oneSam Smith
“I’m not the only one” means “I’m not the only one,” but when I first heard the song, I thought it was about a man being cheated on by a woman.
After watching the music video, though, I realized it’s a story about a woman being cheated on by a man.
Sam Smith’s warm yet heartrending voice brings me to tears.
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.
We Are the WorldUSA For Africa
Rather than a tearjerker, it’s a song that genuinely moves you.
It’s the globally renowned classic born in 1985 from “USA for Africa,” a project proposed by Harry Belafonte inspired by the UK’s Band Aid to relieve famine in Africa.
As a charity single created to help alleviate the worsening famine in Africa, it brought together 45 of the era’s top American superstars, leaving its mark on history as a landmark undertaking.
There’s no need to rehash the significance or brilliance of the song itself, but collaborations of this caliber among such extraordinary vocalists are exceedingly rare, and as a music fan, the mere fact that this track came to be is deeply moving.
Be sure to check out the documentary footage of the recording sessions as well!
SmileMorgan Wallen
American singer-songwriter Morgan Wallen’s new song is making waves.
Surprise-released in December 2024, the track is a poignant ballad that looks back on a past relationship.
Sparked by a smiling face in a photograph, the lyrics stir nostalgia for a love that’s been lost.
Wallen’s emotive vocals and a sound that blends country and pop are especially compelling.
Fans are also looking forward to its debut at his first-ever festival slated for 2025.
It’s a perfect song for when you’re in the mood to sink into old memories.
Tearjerkers! Heartbreaking Western Songs — From Timeless Classics to the Latest Hits — (61–70)
Die For You (Remix)The Weeknd & Ariana Grande
Die For You (Remix) is also known for going viral on TikTok.
It’s a track The Weeknd created together with Ariana Grande—a remix of The Weeknd’s 2016 release Die For You.
The lyrics portray a deep love, expressing a willingness to do anything for the other person.
While there are a few slightly explicit expressions, they also convey the depth of that affection.
I Don’t Think That I Like HerCharlie Puth
When it comes to songs that capture the bittersweetness of love, you can’t leave out the work of American artist Charlie Puth.
Released in September 2022, this piece brilliantly conveys the pain of heartbreak and the anxiety of new love.
Puth’s clear, pure vocals and a melody that sinks into the heart resonate deeply with listeners.
The song portrays the complex emotions of a man worn out by dating games, taking a step back—and it’s something anyone who’s experienced heartbreak can relate to.
How about listening to it slowly in your bedroom and taking some time to face your feelings?
Love HurtsNazareth
Originally recorded in 1960 by the Everly Brothers, the song became a worldwide hit with the 1975 version by the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth.
It has since been covered by many artists, including Cher and Rod Stewart.