The 60s was an era of mournful music. Tragedies like Patsy Cline’s death or Martha Reeves’ passing often came accompanied by poignant ballads that left an imprint upon people’s hearts and minds.
This dark pop anthem, originally intended for labelmates The Marvelettes (who declined), and later Graham Gouldman from 10cc, pulses with hopelessness – such is its beauty that fatalism never sounds so appealing!
1. ‘The Needle and the Damage Done’ by Neil Young
Though pop hits were abundant during this decade, heartbreak music made an equally profound statement. From songs about love lost or addiction recovery, to memorial songs for lost loved ones or death itself – such songs had the power to move and haunt us long after hearing them for the first time.
“Hey Jude”, by The Beatles in 1968, remains one of the quintessential heartbreakers from that decade. It broke sales records, while its haunting lyrics showcase the band’s legendary songwriting talent. Even today, its message of hope and recovery remains pertinent – making this must-listen track essential listening for any fan of theirs.
Nico’s 1970 track “Care of Cell 44” remains an iconic sad 60s song. With its sparse acoustic guitar accompaniment and soulful delivery by Gates, the song leaves its listeners feeling empty inside. Although covered by many artists since, none has managed to replicate its darkly resonant feel.
Neil Young released “The Needle and the Damage Done” as a response to heroin addiction which claimed several of his friends, such as his bandmate Danny Whitten of Crazy Horse. This song explores its destructive potential; and has since been covered by various artists like The Pretenders and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder.
For something with more of an upbeat tone, try The Band’s 1969 folk track “Spirit in the Sky.” Dedicated to loved ones in heaven, this tune promises to lift spirits at any memorial service or celebration of life event.
2. ‘The Ballad of the Sad Young Men’ by Fran Landesman
The 1960s and early ’70s were an era of both exhilarating highs and soul crushing lows, due to recreational heroin use, Vietnam or simply an economy in disarray. Musicians responded with heartrending songs like these; picking only 15 was no simple task!
“Moments of Pleasure” by Kate Bush may be her most heartbreaking song ever; an emotive yet haunting tribute to friends, family members and collaborators who have left us. With its powerful vocals and beautiful orchestral arrangements reminiscent of Bexleyheath pop star Diana Ross – moving yet heart-wrenching arrangements build to a bittersweet but ultimately devastating conclusion.
Few glam bands understand the art of emotional music like New Order do. Their wonderful Violator album offers ample proof – this stunning instrumental from it serves as an exquisite example, its tinny synths and introverted vocals from teenaged singers evoking every sense of loss you can imagine.
Ian Dury’s butter-rich voice rises octave after octave as his lyrics express observations on time passing – leaving you in an emotional puddle on your knees. While not particularly profound in nature, these lyrics don’t diminish its impact one bit.
Townes Van Zandt was responsible for many powerful country ballads, from the outlaw tragedy ‘Pancho and Lefty’ to the folksy melodrama of ‘Tecumseh Valley.’ But none are more impactful than his early composition – an elegant piano motif coupled with the narrator’s poignant observations about time marching on. This song remains timeless yet melancholy; its beauty has inspired numerous covers over time: most notable is probably Roberta Flack’s version, though Rickie Lee Jones, Petula Clark and Boz Scaggs have all delivered beautiful versions as well.
3. ‘Puppy Love’ by Paul Anka
Paul Anka rose to prominence during an era that saw disco and bubblegum pop giants such as ABBA produce hits like ‘I Will Love You Forever’; Paul Anka stood out with heartrending ballads like Puppy Love that resonated with listeners mourning lost innocence or divorces.
Country music has long been known for its emotive ballads, with Townes Van Zandt writing some of its greatest heartache-inducing ballads during the 1960s. Townes penned numerous heartbreaking country ballads such as ‘Pancho and Lefty’ by Outlaw Tragedy to Folky Melodrama such as Tecumseh Valley; but ‘Puppy Love’ may stand out among them all as its lyrics memorialize pet loss (another frequent cause for heartbreak).
This 1964 hit song depicts an individual struggling with loneliness and depression while managing to keep it together. Many 70s macho men likely struggled to control their tears as this song played over the radio; its success could easily explain its success on chart lists worldwide.
Sinead O’Connor’s version of Prince’s mid-1980s breakup anthem ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ from 1968 was deeply emotive and compelling – she brought the song’s heartfelt lyrics, poignant vocals, and heartbreaking synth strings together into an unforgettable performance that took this heartbreak tune to its zenith of sad music.
Personalized music can be a touching way to pay your respects at the funeral, memorial service or celebration of life for loved ones who have passed. These beautiful 60s gems would serve as an emotional backdrop for their memorial or tribute service.
4. ‘I Can’t Stop Thinking About You’ by Wendy Rene
While the 1960s may be best known for bubblegum pop and disco music, tearjerker soul was no less common during that era. Be it due to war in Vietnam, recreational heroin use or an economy in crisis – whatever caused these heartbreaking tunes we don’t know but they certainly created some classic songs!
Wendy Rene was a true teen-pop tragedy, writing and singing heartbreak songs with a plaintive voice that fit seamlessly with the genre. While often compared to Carla Thomas, Wendy Rene went beyond imitating her sound-alike by infusing each line with passion forged in church services and raw emotion that allowed her to evoke pain with ease. Perhaps best known for her cover of Otis Redding’s ‘Stand by Me’ by Otis Redding (an extraordinary song itself), which beautifully combined sorrow with existential crisis in one song.
Young’s mournful folky ballad, sung softly, serves as an effective and poignant reminder of just how transient happiness can be. It echoes the existential despair reflected in movies like Ghosts of Manhattan and has been covered by artists ranging from Psychic TV to Natalie Imbruglia.
Jump ahead 26 years to 1993: Wu-Tang Clan sampled Rene’s song and looped its synthesizer melody as part of their track ‘Tearz.’ While Rene’s original was about lost love, RZA and Ghostface Killah used verses that focused more directly on personal tragedies to create more of a modern message for this version, which still stands up today; one Ariana Grande song even uses an instrumental version.
5. ‘Stand by Me’ by Otis Redding
The 1960s and ’70s were years of intense highs and devastating lows, from Vietnam, recreational heroin use, or just an economy gone bad – these times produced much sadness put to song that has endured through time – some songs from this era remain as heart-wrenching today as when first written or performed!
While other sad 60s music, such as Eleanor Rigby and Paul McCartney’s hit ‘A Rose for Emily,’ may leave you feeling similar, few songs come close to touching our hearts like Otis Redding’s timeless classic. This emotive ode addresses grief over lost loved ones as well as our hopelessness at living a better life despite best intentions – making this an excellent selection for memorial services or celebrations of life; plus it works especially well as background music for slideshows of photos.
Redding died tragically three months after this song hit number one on the charts; yet its posthumous popularity remains undiminished. Recognized for its depth and poignancy, its deep lyrics depict introspection, isolation, and resilience all at once. Although numerous covers of this timeless classic have been recorded since Redding’s passing away three months prior, none can match Michael Bolton’s powerful rendition. His smooth voice captures Redding’s original emotional depth while simultaneously conveying its essence – as demonstrated by this timeless classic’s popularity since Redding himself passed away just three months before peaking at number one on charts!
If you need music for a funeral or memorial, these beautiful songs from the 1960s and ’70s could make a great choice. Sure to leave an unforgettable impression and keep their memory alive forever. Carena Liptak works at Taste of Country as staff writer and is passionate about country music news, interviews and lists; she especially enjoys sad country songs!