No matter your heartbreak or desire for comfort, sometimes it helps to let yourself be emotional. Listening to sad songs is one great way of doing just that.
Sad songs do not fall under one specific genre, yet can be found across many genres of music. Here are some popular examples:
Art Garfunkel – Bright Eyes
Bright Eyes by Art Garfunkel is an old folk song and should definitely be included as part of your listening list if you want a sad song. Its poignant lyrics speak about loss and despair while its sound can sometimes feel sad yet still has an uplifting beat that keeps it going strong.
This song from Inside Llewyn Davis is a timeless classic, both lyrically and musically. The music itself is stunning, while its sad but beautiful lyrics add another level to this timeless tune. Though slow-tempo, its beat makes you feel warm inside.
This song tells a powerful tale about an emotionally distant lover and what his options may be if she doesn’t return. With plenty of heartbreaking lyrics and melodic melodies, this track stands out among break up songs as an incredible musical performance.
This song’s tempo is faster than some sad songs, yet still maintains the same mood. Acoustic guitar and vocals work well together to evoke this mood; additionally, its rock sound adds further interest. Lyrically speaking, its lyrics describe being unable to live without your partner; eventually the song concludes by asking her back into his arms.
This song starts off with an emotive piano intro that sets the scene for its lyrics which talk about feeling broken-hearted after experiencing a breakup and their subsequent departure from your life. The instrumentals provide soothing music which adds depth and emotion to this sad track by The Weeknd; his emotive vocals help convey this emotion-inducing song perfectly.
The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby
The Beatles could make you smile with their catchy tunes, yet can also bring tears when the mood strikes – as shown by this particular track which speaks of grieving for lost loved ones and expected to move forward without them.
If this song hasn’t crossed your path in awhile, give it another listen; its powerful message may ring true for those experiencing loss in their own lives or watching others experience it.
It is an emotional song with beautiful piano and string arrangements; Paul McCartney sings an exquisite solo that haunts with slow tempo and haunting strings, serving as a poignant reminder that life is fleeting.
On August 8th 1966 as part of their Revolver album release, “She Said Yes” marked an unexpected departure from their previous work; its mournful yet upbeat tone suggested more mature group than youthful mop tops from earlier years.
McCartney’s lyrics focus on Eleanor Rigby, a lonely individual who died alone in Woolton churchyard near Liverpool. By juxtaposing her name with that of Father McKenzie (an adjacent gravestone), questions about loneliness in our society and religion’s influence can be raised; similarly the two names may have registered subliminally with him as they are both similar in sound and spelling – something he may have done subconsciously when writing it down.
McCartney found inspiration for this song from various sources, including Samuel Beckett’s plays. According to author Howard Sounes, the song’s description of Rigby and McKenzie raises their status from isolated broken figures to compassionate figures that draw out immense sympathy.
McCartney wrote the song at Jane Asher’s home in Wimpole Street, London in a music room in her basement, playing chords on piano before improvising lyrics and melodies over them. After an initial recording session lasting only one day with full band participation during mixing sessions, this version was completed quickly – one which many have praised for its musicality.
Adele – What Kind of Fool Am I
Adele, Brit singer Adele is a master at writing moving sad songs. With hauntingly beautiful vocals and writing lyrics that will have you sobbing your eyes out in no time, her songs about broken hearts often leave listeners emotionally distraught; one especially poignant number deals with her struggle to come to terms with the end of relationships and its effects; its message can often resonate with most audiences.
If you have ever been in a long-term relationship, then you know the difficulty and pain associated with breaking up. It can be even harder when there are children involved as you fear for their welfare and feel like leaving them behind. This song speaks directly to that struggle and pain of breaking up with a family member; its powerful message reminds us how fragile life truly is and why it’s essential that we cherish the relationships that we do have.
Big Time Rush’s song Moving Away explores the difficulties associated with having someone move away, whether due to career advancement or other considerations. Its vocals and instrumental work perfectly together as a poignant tribute to those we’ve lost.
Basildon’s own band are known for creating sensuous synthpop tunes with an edge of sadness; their Violator album shows this off beautifully in this track called “Words Can Hurt Us But They Can Also Inspire Us,” from their collection ‘La Bella Dona”. A gentle yet striking song, it explores how words can both hurt us as well as provide us with the necessary expression of ourselves.
This song presents an emotionally relatable tale about feeling betrayed and used. A melancholy yet moving meditation on infidelity’s perils. With haunting melodies and emotive lyrics that capture its core message, this track provides a meaningful journey.
Elvis Presley – Old Shep
From emotive ballads to rock anthems, music has the power to evoke any feeling you might be experiencing, from heartbreak anthems of Taylor Swift to Nick Jonas’ breakup ballad – these sad songs span genres and will touch upon different aspects of human experience in different ways.
Music brings emotion alive, but lyrics can amplify it as well. This iconic musician’s song tells of an ex-relationship gone bad with one party still feeling pain while the other refused to. This track’s poignant voice from singer as well as guitar and piano work make this an ever-popular sad tune.
For an emotional listen, nothing tops this classic rocker’s track of sadness and rejection as his lead singer struggles with alcoholism and regrets the choices he’s made in life. Lyrically powerful yet extremely moving; no surprise it was written following his passing at age 40!
Many might associate Taylor Swift with sad songs, but Otis Redding reigns supreme when it comes to mournful ballads. This 1966 track by Otis Redding captures feelings of loss and isolation with its soft piano accompaniment and rising intensity as each verse goes by.
This song’s lyrics serve as a gentle reminder that it’s okay to feel sad from time to time, and that we must learn to let go of negative experiences in favor of celebrating more joyful times in life.
While many popular sad songs focus on heartbreaks, this song from Scottish rock band La Roux takes a more existentialist approach. Its menacing lyrics speak of a world where all isn’t as it seems and leave listeners questioning how they can find peace with this reality. With its dark production and soulful vocals, this tune makes an excellent way to relieve emotional strain during times when one needs comforting listening material.