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)
When your goneAvril Lavigne
It’s said to be one of Avril’s breakup songs, but depending on how you interpret it, it can also be taken as a song about losing someone important to you.
Even after that precious person is no longer right in front of you, the song powerfully expresses the enduring feelings you have for them, and Avril’s strong vocals resonate deeply in the chest.
Anywhere I Lay My HeadTom Waits
A song depicting a man who longs for the joyful days he sees others enjoying.
It is sung by Tom Waits, an American singer-songwriter and actor.
The song is also known for being recorded by actress Scarlett Johansson as the title track of her 2008 album.
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.
Let her goPassenger
It’s a breakup song about her.
It makes you think that you mustn’t take the happiness right in front of you for granted.
You might feel you don’t need the sun when it’s hot, but when it’s cold you realize you do.
I think it’s a song that makes you reflect not only on love, but on life as well.
Rolling in the DeepAdele
This is the lead single from 21, the second album by Grammy-winning British R&B singer-songwriter Adele.
It was written by Adele and producer Paul Epworth.
The song is about taking revenge on an unfaithful man.