With Vietnam, recreational heroin use and tragedies involving beloved musicians taking place during this era, the late 1960s to early 1970s were filled with misery put to melody. Here are a few of the period’s most heartbreaking songs.
As this song played on the radio in the 70s, many men tried hard not to let themselves shed tears. Yet their efforts were futile.
1. A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
A Change Is Gonna Come is one of the enduring and impactful songs from the 60s. Written by Sam Cooke to raise awareness of racism, and spur people to fight for equal treatment, A Change Is Gonna Come is still relevant today and still inspiring those to fight for change.
Cooke’s lyrics for this song were inspired by various events in his life, including being turned away from a whites-only motel in Louisiana and experiencing firsthand racism’s injustices. After writing it out he dedicated it to the civil rights movement.
Cooke’s decision to record this song as an expression of political protest during the civil rights movement was both risky and unexpected; it marked an abrupt change from his typical musical style and left some managers and producers pressured him not to record anything “protest-related”.
Cooke’s A Change Is Gonna Come is an introspective protest song which expresses both optimism and sorrow about black history and oppression. It serves as an affirmation of Black life while simultaneously being an acknowledgement.
This song stands as an incredible testament to music’s transformative potential, drawing on elements from gospel music, soul music, and blues to create an incredible musical masterpiece. Its lyrics reflect events in the Civil Rights movement as well as references spirituals and Old Testament passages; its powerful orchestral arrangement adds further impact.
This haunting and prophetic song became an anthem of civil rights movement shortly after Cooke’s untimely death shortly after its release, becoming one of his most celebrated works and lasting compositions.
This song has been recorded and performed by many artists, such as Bettye LaVette and Jon Bon Jovi. Additionally, it has been played at many important events – such as President Obama’s inaugural concert – where it continues to make an impressionful statement about equality in America.
2. The Way You Make Me Feel by Reba McEntire
Classic country tearjerker, this song tells the tale of a woman left devastated when her husband leaves her for someone much younger. Reba made history when it became her breakthrough hit and quickly shot to stardom; eventually leading to her own six-season television show on ABC. The video for this emotional song featured Reba sitting alone at a diner waiting for someone to join her; both lyrics and visual elements came together nicely in its video version.
Kate Bush is known for delivering tearjerker vocal performances, with piano ballads like this piano ballad being one of her signature numbers. Soaring and mournful lyrics lament the passing of loved ones while instrumental backing is both moving and upliftign – particularly its strings building up to an emotional crescendo that’ll leave a lump in your throat.
No song better encapsulates loneliness than this classic teen tragedy tune from the 70s, featuring an unforgettable vocal performance and melancholy guitar riffs that will have many male listeners wiping tears from their cheeks.
Prince originally recorded this tune back in the ’80s as a fairly tame break-up song, but Sinead O’Connor took it to new heights during her stunning rendition following her mother’s passing away. Sinead’s raw and powerful vocals provide the perfect complement to its wailing strings and piano accompaniment – and its iconic music video became one of the most watched tear-streaked videos in music history.
Though some may consider this song exploitative, it remains one of the greatest teen tragedy songs ever written. Marchan never goes overboard with drama – his piano and drumming work just as effectively to bring home the story – making this an absolutely classic composition and likely one of only few on this list which made you want to stab yourself with something sharp!
3. I Can’t Help Myself by Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts, although still fairly new, has already earned themselves ten number one country songs since they first joined. Their sound blends elements from pop, country and gospel genres to produce music that offers comfort while also covering serious subjects such as heartache and death.
This song addresses the difficulty of grieving a loss and moving on after experiencing it, making this an emotional piece. The video for it is equally moving, while its powerful lyrics remind us to focus on what matters in life. A great choice for anyone experiencing difficulties.
The song became even more renowned when it was featured in the television show Nashville, making it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. The band has fans all around the globe and continues touring regularly; their members have contributed songs to other artists’ albums too.
This song explores loneliness as opposed to tragedy; its beautiful piano accompaniment adds even further. No wonder so many versions have been covered!
There are few songs that elicit raw emotion like this one, which describes the end of a relationship and leaves the narrator feeling alone and abandoned. With lyrics so touching and unforgettable, no wonder this classic remains so beloved by country music fans everywhere – country bars play this song often and it can make anyone want to sing along or even dance while listening; one listen is sure to stick in your memory forever! Additionally, The Band has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as America’s Got Talent Finale plus radio programs as well as music festivals around the globe!
4. I Will Always Love You by Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline’s classic 60s song that truly brings tears is “Don’t Stop Believin”. A story song, it perfectly showcases her powerful vocals as it explores whether delicate roses from rich men are worth more than gold – Cline sings that they are. A must-listen for country music fans!
The Beatles’ version of ‘Never Get Me to Promise You Anything’ is another compelling tear-jerker, telling a heartbreaking tale of unrequited love and its consequent rejection – particularly with regard to Beatlemania having come to an end at that point in time.
Willie Nelson first played Cline the demo of “Crazy” at a honky-tonk where she frequented. Despite her initial shyness, Cline agreed to record it, becoming one of her biggest hits and an integral part of a film about her life released in 1961. This version features piano and Patsy vocals for an added dramatic edge.
Sinead O’Connor demonstrates this rare talent perfectly by turning an ordinary pop hit into an emotive orchestra of heartbreak. Her exquisite rendition of Jimmy Webb’s classic is truly heart-wrenching, as strings and horns ebb around her vocals to create one of the definitive performances from one of the greatest sad 60s songs ever.
“Crazy” may or may not be about the death of a loved one, a break-up or high school graduation – whatever its source, this music will leave an impactful mark. A true masterpiece and testament to how music connects us all regardless of our personal situations.