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Lovely Western music

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!

Playlist

Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
show_chartTitlePlaylistReview
1All of MeJohn Legend
All of MeJohn Legendplay_arrow
John Legend’s masterpiece “All of Me”
2See you againWiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
See you againWiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puthplay_arrow
Theme song of the film, a masterpiece about friendship and mourning
3HappierEd Sheeran
HappierEd Sheeranplay_arrow
Ed Sheeran’s masterpiece “Happier” resonates with the heart.
4Young and BeautifulLana Del Rey
Young and BeautifulLana Del Reyplay_arrow
Lana Del Rey’s wistful vocals and aesthetics
5Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi
Someone You LovedLewis Capaldiplay_arrow
A singer from Scotland with a moving voice
6MemoriesMaroon 5
MemoriesMaroon 5play_arrow
It’s a nostalgic masterpiece music video by Maroon 5.
7Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis
Don't Look Back In AngerOasisplay_arrow
The greatest rock act born in the UK in the ’90s...
8I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith
I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmithplay_arrow
Aerosmith's hit song from the movie 'Armageddon'
9Good DaysSZA
Good DaysSZAplay_arrow
Music that overcomes pain and believes in hope
10So SickNe-Yo
So SickNe-Yoplay_arrow
Ne-Yo’s early classic “So Sick” is a heartrending song.
11Be AlrightDean Lewis
Be AlrightDean Lewisplay_arrow
A talented singer-songwriter from Sydney
12You asked for thisHalsey
You asked for thisHalseyplay_arrow
A song of wavering hearts and self-exploration within society
13I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys
I Want It That WayBackstreet Boysplay_arrow
A classic hit sung by a representative boy band of the 90s
14Lose You to Love MeSelena Gomez
Lose You to Love MeSelena Gomezplay_arrow
Selena’s ballad tops the U.S. charts at No. 1
15Fix YouColdplay
Fix YouColdplayplay_arrow
Coldplay’s soothing song that comforts the heart
16FlowersMiley Cyrus
FlowersMiley Cyrusplay_arrow
A powerful classic that sings of self-love and independence
17Your SongElton John
Your SongElton Johnplay_arrow
Elton John's classic song with bittersweet lyrics
18someone like youAdele
someone like youAdeleplay_arrow
Adele’s signature song that expresses the heartbreak of a painful breakup
19Stay With MeSam Smith
Stay With MeSam Smithplay_arrow
Sam Smith's hit song 'Stay With Me'
20Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran
Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeranplay_arrow
A sweet ballad that expresses romantic feelings
21PompeiiBastille
PompeiiBastilleplay_arrow
A sad song that feels the emptiness of life
22Happier Than EverBillie Eilish
Happier Than EverBillie Eilishplay_arrow
A moving work that sings of growth and independence after heartbreak.
23Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi
Someone You LovedLewis Capaldiplay_arrow
The heartbeat of Capaldi from Scotland
24Easy On MeAdele
Easy On MeAdeleplay_arrow
A soul’s cry singing Adele’s feelings after her divorce
25Consequences (Orchestra)Camila Cabello
Consequences (Orchestra)Camila Cabelloplay_arrow
An emotive ballad by Camila Cabello
26If I die youngThe Band Perry
If I die youngThe Band Perryplay_arrow
Moving music that sings of life and of birth and death
27drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo
drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigoplay_arrow
A heartbreak song about a driver's license, a moving masterpiece that resonates with the heart
28Big girls don’t cryFergie
Big girls don't cryFergieplay_arrow
Singing of the strength of a woman who overcomes heartbreak
29Say You Won’t Let GoJames Arthur
Say You Won't Let GoJames Arthurplay_arrow
An inspiring comeback song by a tattooed singer
30Say SomethingA Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera
Say SomethingA Great Big World ft. Christina Aguileraplay_arrow
A heartrending masterpiece, a moving movie insert song
31you were good to meJeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler
you were good to meJeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutlerplay_arrow
Expressing the sorrow of parting in beautiful harmony
32The One That Got AwayKaty Perry
The One That Got AwayKaty Perryplay_arrow
A poignant love song that resonates in Katy's heart
33HurtChristina Aguilera
HurtChristina Aguileraplay_arrow
A masterpiece that makes you deeply feel the importance of what was lost
34Let her goPassenger
Let her goPassengerplay_arrow
Lessons from Heartbreak: Gratitude and Awareness for Happiness
35Wrong DirectionHailee Steinfeld
Wrong DirectionHailee Steinfeldplay_arrow
Hailee Steinfeld makes her debut as a singer
36I Eat DinnerRufus Wainwright feat. Dido
I Eat DinnerRufus Wainwright feat. Didoplay_arrow
Rufus Wainwright’s sorrowful singing voice and lyrics
37BreakevenThe Script
BreakevenThe Scriptplay_arrow
The Script’s hit song tops the chart at number one.
38No OneAlicia Keys
No OneAlicia Keysplay_arrow
Alicia Keys’s singing voice and worldview are captivating.
39Rolling in the DeepAdele
Rolling in the DeepAdeleplay_arrow
Adele’s revenge song against an unfaithful man
40You & IOne Direction
You & IOne Directionplay_arrow
Their pop-style mellow ballad
41Because of youKelly Clarkson
Because of youKelly Clarksonplay_arrow
Sing the pain of divorce and express anxiety about love
42Whatcha sayJason Derulo
Whatcha sayJason Deruloplay_arrow
An adultery song imagined with Tiger Woods in mind
43Angels CryMariah Carey
Angels CryMariah Careyplay_arrow
An earnest desire to repair a relationship on the verge of breaking
44When your goneAvril Lavigne
When your goneAvril Lavigneplay_arrow
A song of sorrow and resolve for a cherished person
45Anywhere I Lay My HeadTom Waits
Anywhere I Lay My HeadTom Waitsplay_arrow
A song that expresses the feelings of a man who envies other people's happiness.
46Without YouMariah Carey
Without YouMariah Careyplay_arrow
A famous song sung by Mariah, a moving ballad
47Pale Blue EyesVelvet Underground
Pale Blue EyesVelvet Undergroundplay_arrow
A gentle love classic from a debut album
48Adore YouHarry Styles
Adore YouHarry Stylesplay_arrow
Harry Styles' music filled with kindness and love
49When I Was Your ManBruno Mars
When I Was Your ManBruno Marsplay_arrow
Bruno Mars’s poignant love classic
50MapsMaroon 5
MapsMaroon 5play_arrow
A sad song about extreme PVs, cheating, and accidental death
51In Your FeelingsMariah Carey
In Your FeelingsMariah Careyplay_arrow
An R&B song that portrays emotional fluctuations
52I Don’t Like YouGrace VanderWaal
I Don't Like YouGrace VanderWaalplay_arrow
A heartfelt cry singing about the stress of love
53Tears In HeavenEric Clapton
Tears In HeavenEric Claptonplay_arrow
Eric Clapton’s sad masterpiece
54Eyes ClosedEd Sheeran
Eyes ClosedEd Sheeranplay_arrow
Ed Sheeran’s new song, a tribute to a friend
55EverytimeBritney Spears
EverytimeBritney Spearsplay_arrow
A poignant ballad that showcases Britney’s vocal prowess.
56Lost In Your EyesDebbie Gibson
Lost In Your EyesDebbie Gibsonplay_arrow
Debbie Gibson’s singing and piano are captivating.
57I’m not the only oneSam Smith
I'm not the only oneSam Smithplay_arrow
A poignant masterpiece that sings of the pain of infidelity
58All You Need Is LoveThe Beatles
All You Need Is LoveThe Beatlesplay_arrow
A gentle, heartwarming masterpiece by The Beatles
59We Are the WorldUSA For Africa
We Are the WorldUSA For Africaplay_arrow
An inspiring classic song for African hunger relief
60SmileMorgan Wallen
SmileMorgan Wallenplay_arrow
Morgan Wallen's new song, a heartbreak ballad
61Die For You (Remix)The Weeknd & Ariana Grande
Die For You (Remix)The Weeknd & Ariana Grandeplay_arrow
The popular remix song on TikTok, The Depth of Love
62I Don’t Think That I Like HerCharlie Puth
I Don't Think That I Like HerCharlie Puthplay_arrow
A masterpiece that sings of the pain and anxiety of love
63Love HurtsNazareth
Love HurtsNazarethplay_arrow
A classic song that has been covered many times by various artists.
64When She Loved MeSarah McLachlan
When She Loved MeSarah McLachlanplay_arrow
Impressive background music from Toy Story 2
65ImaginationShawn Mendes
ImaginationShawn Mendesplay_arrow
Shawn Mendes’s bittersweet unrequited love song
66I’m YoursJason Mraz
I’m YoursJason Mrazplay_arrow
A song with a bright, uplifting melody
67Forget MeLewis Capaldi
Forget MeLewis Capaldiplay_arrow
Capaldi’s heartfelt song about the pain of heartbreak
68The LovedPaul Weller
The LovedPaul Wellerplay_arrow
A powerful song about overcoming the pain of heartbreak
69Dancing On My OwnRobyn
Dancing On My OwnRobynplay_arrow
The heartache of seeing a loved one dance with someone else
70Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi
Wish You The BestLewis Capaldiplay_arrow
A poignant classic by a Scottish singer is popular.
71Out of LoveAlessia Cara
Out of LoveAlessia Caraplay_arrow
Alessia Cara, a singer who expresses her emotions straightforwardly
72How can you mend a broken heartBee Gees
How can you mend a broken heartBee Geesplay_arrow
The first No. 1 hit song in America
73I Can’t Make You Love MeBonnie Raitt
I Can't Make You Love MeBonnie Raittplay_arrow
A poignant song that tells a story about the pain of heartbreak
74Slide AwayMiley Cyrus
Slide AwayMiley Cyrusplay_arrow
Miley’s heartbreak song, a melody that resonates with the heart
75Love Is A BattlefieldPat Benatar
Love Is A BattlefieldPat Benatarplay_arrow
A love song that became a global hit
76CryingRoy Orbison
CryingRoy Orbisonplay_arrow
Song of a Belated Reunion and Sensitivity
77Cut You OffSelena Gomez
Cut You OffSelena Gomezplay_arrow
Selena’s realistic heartbreak song
78SonnetThe Verve
SonnetThe Verveplay_arrow
Transition from psychedelic to pop
79ou’re The Best ThingThe Style Council
ou’re The Best ThingThe Style Councilplay_arrow
A pop song with a classic feel and a mature, sweet singing voice
80Stuck with UAriana Grande & Justin Bieber
Stuck with UAriana Grande & Justin Bieberplay_arrow
An inspiring masterpiece as a charity single
81I Still…Backstreet Boys
I Still...Backstreet Boysplay_arrow
Shifting the helm toward a rock sound, and becoming more mature…
82Just Want You to KnowBackstreet Boys
Just Want You to KnowBackstreet Boysplay_arrow
Feelings I couldn’t fully convey to the person I broke up with…
83Missing YouBackstreet Boys
Missing YouBackstreet Boysplay_arrow
The American ... that dominated the music scene of the ’90s
84Bleeding LoveLeona Lewis
Bleeding LoveLeona Lewisplay_arrow
A poignant song expressing the joy of love
85Through the RainMariah Carey
Through the RainMariah Careyplay_arrow
A ballad singer’s heartrending, clear, translucent voice
86California King BedRihanna
California King BedRihannaplay_arrow
Rihanna’s R&B ballad, touching the heart
87Eternal FlameThe Bangles
Eternal FlameThe Banglesplay_arrow
A classic love song performed by an all-female band
88Depression (feat. Coconut Records)Ben Kweller
Depression (feat. Coconut Records)Ben Kwellerplay_arrow
A father's deep love and despair as he mourns his son's death
89It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to YesterdayBoyz II Men
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to YesterdayBoyz II Menplay_arrow
Parting with a loved one and the pain in the heart
90The Wind Cries MaryThe Jimi Hendrix Experience
The Wind Cries MaryThe Jimi Hendrix Experienceplay_arrow
A song of feelings Jimmy wrote after an argument
91Don’t Cry, Put Your Head On My ShoulderTom Odell
Don't Cry, Put Your Head On My ShoulderTom Odellplay_arrow
Tom Odell’s heart-wrenching ballad
92Love Is a Losing GameAmy Winehouse
Love Is a Losing GameAmy Winehouseplay_arrow
A poignant classic that sings of the sorrow of love.
93You Break Me FirstTate McRae
You Break Me FirstTate McRaeplay_arrow
Tate McRae’s breakup song: strength and fragility
94I’m Not Gonna Miss YouGlen Campbell
I'm Not Gonna Miss YouGlen Campbellplay_arrow
A song of love for family amid the battle with Alzheimer’s
95Wake Me Up When September EndsGreen Day
Wake Me Up When September EndsGreen Dayplay_arrow
An anti-war song protesting the 9/11 attacks
96Crying My Eyes OutStephen Puth
Crying My Eyes OutStephen Puthplay_arrow
A song with sad lyrics and an upbeat melody
97Show Me The Meaning Of Being LonelyBackstreet Boys
Show Me The Meaning Of Being LonelyBackstreet Boysplay_arrow
A heartbreaking ballad about lost love, a timeless song that resonates with the heart
98Tears can be so softChristine&the Queens
Tears can be so softChristine&the Queensplay_arrow
A song depicting the loneliness of a French singer
99Apologize ft. OneRepublicTimbaland
Apologize ft. OneRepublicTimbalandplay_arrow
A heartrending love song, a timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart
100the way things gobeabadoobee
the way things gobeabadoobeeplay_arrow
Beabadoobee’s heartbreak ballad
101Where’d You GoFort Minor feat. Holly Brook & Jonah Matranga
Where'd You GoFort Minor feat. Holly Brook & Jonah Matrangaplay_arrow
A musical work filled with feelings for family far away
102Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon
Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveonplay_arrow
Givion’s heartbreak song—its deep vocals and lyrics seep into the heart.
103Hold OnGood Charlotte
Hold OnGood Charlotteplay_arrow
The appeal of iconic songs that encourage the anguish of adolescence
104Take Me To ChurchHozier
Take Me To ChurchHozierplay_arrow
A protest song against discrimination toward LGBT people
105Car’s OutsideJames Arthur
Car's OutsideJames Arthurplay_arrow
A moving song that sings of the heartache of a long-distance relationship.
106Free FallingJames Arthur
Free FallingJames Arthurplay_arrow
An emotional ballad by James
107Happiest YearJaymes Young
Happiest YearJaymes Youngplay_arrow
A heartwarming song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and gratitude
108Queen Of DenmarkJohn Grant
Queen Of DenmarkJohn Grantplay_arrow
A quiet, heartwarming ballad
109Breaking PointLogan Michael
Breaking PointLogan Michaelplay_arrow
A moving song that captures the intense emotions of a breakup
110I’ll Be Over YouTOTO
I’ll Be Over YouTOTOplay_arrow
A slow-tempo, moving ballad with a sunset backdrop
111feel like shitTate McRae
feel like shitTate McRaeplay_arrow
Tate's ballad expresses the pain of parting.
112Now Is The HourThe 1975
Now Is The HourThe 1975play_arrow
A moving long-distance love ballad that resonates with the heart
113Leave Herd4vd
Leave Herd4vdplay_arrow
An emotional song depicting heartbreak and self-discovery
114Not A Day Goes ByLonestar
Not A Day Goes ByLonestarplay_arrow
A classic song that sings of deep loss and longing for love
115Empty BenchDavid Kushner
Empty BenchDavid Kushnerplay_arrow
The grief of loss woven into a Christmas song
116Last NightMorgan Wallen
Last NightMorgan Wallenplay_arrow
Morgan Wallen’s bittersweet love song
117Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters
Yesterday Once MoreCarpentersplay_arrow
A song of love and nostalgia for old-time music
118Hate MeBlue October
Hate MeBlue Octoberplay_arrow
A song about recovery from drug addiction and apologizing to people
119GeneradeBruno Mars
GeneradeBruno Marsplay_arrow
A bittersweet song filled with one-sided feelings
120Waiting For YouCharly Bliss
Waiting For YouCharly Blissplay_arrow
Charlie Bliss’s new song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and the hope that follows
121I don’t want you backEamon
I don't want you backEamonplay_arrow
A song expressing anger and emotions toward an ex-girlfriend
122Please Don’t Fall In Love With MeKhalid
Please Don't Fall In Love With MeKhalidplay_arrow
A masterpiece with wistful lyrics and a melody that touches the heart
123How Am I Supposed To Live Without YouMichael Bolton
How Am I Supposed To Live Without YouMichael Boltonplay_arrow
Soul music that sings the sorrow of heartbreak
124CirclesPost Malone
CirclesPost Maloneplay_arrow
Foreign song lyrics are difficult, but they have unexpected depth too.
125What Hurts The MostRascal Flatts
What Hurts The MostRascal Flattsplay_arrow
A song that sings about the importance of expressing your feelings.
126How Do You Sleep?Sam Smith
How Do You Sleep?Sam Smithplay_arrow
A sad song lamenting a lover's betrayal
127PerfectSimple Plan
PerfectSimple Planplay_arrow
Singing about the struggles of adolescence and feelings toward one’s parents
128This Is The Sound OfSnow Patrol
This Is The Sound OfSnow Patrolplay_arrow
Snow Patrol's first new song in seven years
129LostSoccer Mommy
LostSoccer Mommyplay_arrow
Soccer Mommy’s fleeting and heartrending new song
130Casimir Pulaski DaySufjan Stevens
Casimir Pulaski DaySufjan Stevensplay_arrow
A song that sings about a memorial day in Illinois
131If I Were To DieWinona Oak
If I Were To DieWinona Oakplay_arrow
A poignant love song that sings of the fragility and beauty of love
132Damn You For Breaking My HeartCaitlyn Smith
Damn You For Breaking My HeartCaitlyn Smithplay_arrow
An epic song with a chorus full of speed and drive.
133Wish You Were HereAvril Lavigne
Wish You Were HereAvril Lavigneplay_arrow
A song by Avril Lavigne that resonates with the heart
134I SurrenderCéline Dion
I SurrenderCéline Dionplay_arrow
Celine Dion’s love songs, heart-stirring ballads
135When I Get ThereP!nk
When I Get ThereP!nkplay_arrow
A famous song filled with Pink's feelings for her father.
136Nice Knowing YouSadie Jean
Nice Knowing YouSadie Jeanplay_arrow
Sadie Jean’s heart-wrenching breakup song
137What it takesAerosmith
What it takesAerosmithplay_arrow
A classic song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the yearning to get back together
138I’m SorryAli Gatie
I'm SorryAli Gatieplay_arrow
New song by Ali from Canada is making waves
139Have You EverBrandy
Have You EverBrandyplay_arrow
The classic song that earned its first Billboard No. 1
140The Voice WithinChristina Aguilera
The Voice WithinChristina Aguileraplay_arrow
A translucent, clear singing voice stirs the heart.
141Lead Me OnFLETCHER
Lead Me OnFLETCHERplay_arrow
Fletcher’s poignant love song that portrays love and conflict
142Heavy In Your ArmsFlorence & The Machine
Heavy In Your ArmsFlorence & The Machineplay_arrow
A dark song that sings about the weight of love
143This I LoveGuns N’ Roses
This I LoveGuns N' Rosesplay_arrow
Inspiring piano and passionate vocals
144Fingers CrossedLauren Spencer Smith
Fingers CrossedLauren Spencer Smithplay_arrow
A breakup song that became a huge hit on TikTok
145Don’t Forget MeMaggie Rogers
Don't Forget MeMaggie Rogersplay_arrow
Maggie Rogers’s new song is emotionally rich.
146In The Living RoomMaggie Rogers
In The Living RoomMaggie Rogersplay_arrow
A poignant new song that captures the pain of heartbreak—moving.
147D-I-V-O-R-C-ETammy Wynette
D-I-V-O-R-C-ETammy Wynetteplay_arrow
A masterpiece that sings about divorce from a woman’s perspective
148Run To YouWhitney Houston
Run To YouWhitney Houstonplay_arrow
The moving theme song from a film starring Whitney
149Cry Me A RiverJustin Timberlake
Cry Me A RiverJustin Timberlakeplay_arrow
Justin's song about his feelings for Britney
150You should be sadHalsey
You should be sadHalseyplay_arrow
A tear-jerking song that stirs the emotions, with a melody that resonates in the heart.
151CryinAerosmith
CryinAerosmithplay_arrow
A bittersweet song about parting with someone dear
152This Ain’t A Love SongBon Jovi
This Ain’t A Love SongBon Joviplay_arrow
A captivating song with an emotional chorus and bittersweet lyrics.
153OutsideCalvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding
OutsideCalvin Harris ft. Ellie Gouldingplay_arrow
A club song about struggling with the distance between lovers
154The FlameCheap Trick
The FlameCheap Trickplay_arrow
A pop ballad, a song by Cheap Trick
155The Power Of LoveCéline Dion
The Power Of LoveCéline Dionplay_arrow
Power of Love is a famous song and a masterpiece.
156Heartbreak HotelElvis Presley
Heartbreak HotelElvis Presleyplay_arrow
Elvis Presley’s first No. 1 hit song
157No AirJordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown
No AirJordin Sparks ft. Chris Brownplay_arrow
A duet song by two people singing about a dying relationship
158RainMadonna
RainMadonnaplay_arrow
A famous song featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto with a distinctive melody
159TornNatalie Imbruglia
TornNatalie Imbrugliaplay_arrow
A song from Denmark, covered by Natalie
160Don’t need you toSamantha Mumba
Don't need you toSamantha Mumbaplay_arrow
A song about a woman who’s positive and strong, yet has her vulnerabilities
161Heaven’s Only Days Down The RoadShelby Lynne
Heaven's Only Days Down The RoadShelby Lynneplay_arrow
Sing about the tragedy of my mother being shot by my father.
162White HorseTaylor Swift
White HorseTaylor Swiftplay_arrow
A hopeful song for a woman recovering from heartbreak
163Little BonnieDrive-By Truckers
Little BonnieDrive-By Truckersplay_arrow
Tribute to Bonnie: Family Bonds and Memories
164WILDFLOWERBillie Eilish
WILDFLOWERBillie Eilishplay_arrow
Billie Eilish’s heart-wrenching breakup song
165You Are Not AloneMichael Jackson
You Are Not AloneMichael Jacksonplay_arrow
Michael Jackson's masterpiece
166Fall On MeA Great Big World, Christina Aguilera
Fall On MeA Great Big World, Christina Aguileraplay_arrow
An emotional R&B collaboration track