Many songs today tend to be more upbeat than sad, but sometimes it’s nice to listen to something that makes you cry. When dealing with a breakup or feeling low, having some sad songs on your playlist is essential for keeping things perspective.
These songs will help you get through difficult times. From somber vocals to powerful expressions of emotion, here are some uplifting sad songs you’ll want to listen to.
What if? by Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman’s timeless love song about longing and leaving is one of her iconic signature hits from her debut album She’s So Unusual, released in 1986. Charting at number one in both the United States and UK, it remains a top 10 hit to this day.
Initially written with an upbeat ska beat on piano, Lauper and Hyman slowed the track down to a more heartfelt tone. This song is an ideal example of what pop ballads should be: beautiful and moving pieces of music that also makes you want to dance and sing along.
In June 1984, Lauper’s song was released in the US and reached number three in the UK – becoming his first number one single. Additionally, it earned nominations for Best Lyrics at both 1985 Grammy Awards as well as awards at Billboard Awards and American Video Awards.
It’s a Wonderful Life by Judy Garland
Frank Capra’s classic film about the impact of one person on many lives is timeless and provides a warm-hearted introduction to the holiday season. Enjoy this heartwarming tale as you begin your holiday celebrations!
It’s an ideal movie to watch with the family, and I especially enjoy it on Christmas Eve.
The title song of the movie, “Love Never Fails,” is an inspirational ballad about love and relationships that has been performed by numerous musicians including Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac.
The singer enjoyed a successful career as a recording artist, cutting more than 90 tracks for Decca and more than a dozen albums for Capitol. Her recordings showcase her sensitive and insightful interpretations of popular songs.
You’re the One That I Want by Fleetwood Mac
There are so many sad songs out there, it seems like there’s something for everyone. But some songs stand out more intensely than others – such as Fleetwood Mac’s You’re the One That I Want.
The lyrics of this song are so poignant, and they truly do make you reflect on how much you miss the person you love. The chorus in particular is one of music’s most famous lines – truly one of its most captivating lines ever composed.
Stevie Nicks wrote this song back in 1977, and it has remained one of their iconic hits ever since. Although she only took 10 minutes to craft the tune, it continues to resonate today with those who miss their former flame. Additionally, it carries a powerful message about remaining strong through all heartache.
You’re Not Alone by The Beatles
When feeling low and out, music can be a great distraction. From somber ballads to old classics that stick in your head, there is music out there that can lift your spirits.
The Beatles’ song ‘You’re Not Alone’ is an ideal illustration of this concept. With its minimalist baroque sound and poignant melody, the song showcases the band’s impressive musical abilities.
The song is notable for its use of a clavichord, an instrument not often seen in pop songs. At that time, this new instrument allowed them to create minimal baroque arrangements without relying solely on classical instruments – something difficult when trying to achieve such an effect.
When you’re grieving the loss of someone special, it’s essential to remember that you are not alone. These 15 songs will remind you that there are still people out there who love you and that there is always cause for joy.
I’m Not Alone by The Eagles
Everyone experiences hard times at some point in their life, but the good news is that there are plenty of songs to help you get through them. These tunes can provide comfort and relief from feelings such as depression or sadness.
When facing difficult times, it can be hard to believe in anything – including yourself. But this song will give you hope that all will be well.
This timeless Eagles track, featuring Old West imagery and gambling references, pays homage to their debut hit from Desperado. Don Henley delivers an intense performance on this powerful track that captures all of the band’s emotions.
It’s one of the band’s most empathetic ballads, showing they had an understanding of relationships beyond the cliches and formulaic language often used in breakup songs. Additionally, Henley and Frey demonstrated excellent storytelling abilities through song.
I’m Not Alone by Bob Dylan
At a difficult juncture in his career, Dylan took an unconventional approach to music. Instead of honing his vocal and instrumental abilities, he put all his effort into crafting meaningful lyrics that people would connect to.
The result was a collection of powerful and memorable songs that not only make people feel sad but also help them process those emotions associated with sorrow.
This song is an excellent example of how lyrics can serve not only to express your emotions, but also provide solutions. The line “These dark thoughts, gonna put ’em in a box” reminds us that it’s okay to think bad things about ourselves but it’s equally essential to put those thoughts away so as to move forward from them.
Bob Dylan’s lyrics may be straightforward, but when written well they can be powerfully effective. This song serves as an excellent example of how to craft meaningful language that resonates with your listeners.
I’m Not Alone by Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin, one of rock music’s greatest acts, has produced many poignant songs. Their most well-known track is “Stairway to Heaven,” but there are other beautiful yet sad songs in their repertoire as well.
They even have a song dedicated to those who have lost someone they care about, entitled “Someone You Loved”. This poignant tune tells the story of how one singer’s grandmother passed away.
This song was composed for the band’s 1970 album Houses of the Holy and showcases their ability to blend acoustic and hard rock elements.
This song has some intriguing lyrics. They refer to going to “the darkest place in the world,” which could be an allusion to Mordor from The Lord of the Rings. Plant also stated this was one of his favorite Zep tracks due to its upbeat tone and positive message.
I’m Not Alone by Bob Marley
Bob Marley, the legendary reggae legend, battled against all odds to spread his Rastafari lifestyle and love of music to an international audience. Despite homelessness, poverty, taunts for being mixed race, and repeated exploitations by unscrupulous record producers; Bob never wavered from his commitment to his message or musical excellence.
His work is best remembered for this stirring, prophetic call for Pan-African unity. Written during an Ethiopian pilgrimage in 1978, it served as a rallying cry to those fighting to free Rhodesia from white British rule.
I’m Not Alone by The Beatles
The Beatles know how to craft sad songs, and this one certainly knows how to make you feel lonely. This song serves as a prime example of how music can help combat feelings of isolation and is one of the finest odes to sorrow you will ever hear.
It’s a song that helps you realize there are others out there who share your sentiments. It also makes you feel less alone in your situation – which can only be good!
You can’t help but think about this song when you’re feeling low. Listening to it when in a bad mood serves as a wonderful reminder that there are others out there who understand how you’re feeling.
It’s also a song that shows the Beatles have evolved beyond their early pop love songs. Here, they write about loneliness and depression — an abrupt shift from their earlier music.