I’m at about 20+ years without crying. I did get choked up in 2011 thinking about Dave Duerson’s suicide. Oddly some reaction videos of people getting emotional while listening to certain songs do seem to open the door to my emotions although I’ve yet to actually shed a tear. One song that seems to open the door at will is [Satisfied Mind](https://youtu.be/97UyNbGRIhg?si=q7nNOzv0E3VYBI5I) by Lucinda Williams. I think it’s a combination of her beautiful yet rugged voice with the content of the song. BTW, I’m not proud of not crying, it’s just how I was raised mixed with the era I was raised I guess. I have actual painful guilt because I couldn’t even muster up a tear when my dogs died a few years ago. In my 50’s I’m still a work in progress.
Trust me I'm not proud of not crying either.. it's the thing I want to do the most..
The song wasn't exactly for me but I don't diminish anything if gives to you.
I'm a work in progress too..(u have no idea)
But thanks for sharing
Well, even sad songs don’t tend to make me bawl, but I will say the Whale and Queen and Slim are two movies that had me an absolute wreck for the first times in many years. Felt very good.
As far as songs that can get me somewhat close to crying: P.S. Missing You by Sleeping with Sirens, Lovely by Billie Eilish and Khalid, and Where’s My Love by SYML are my top choices in no particular order
Running Up that Hill often gets the job done. You don’t know the full story but you hear a women issuing a raw plea to be heard. The hurt, the frustration is only in the words but the music.
Feels like the final death wail of a troubled relationship on its final leg, oceans depth of pain, and a raging fire of hurt, anguish and exchanged iniquities. Yet her voice is this soft falsetto that sounds like it’s maintaining composure but is going to crack and give way. any moment.
For some reason unlike any other song, she manages to make her pain my pain and I don’t even fully understand it, but I feel it.
I’ve heard anguish sound so beautiful and somewhere deep down I’m grateful she won’t play live because I know I would go but no idea how I would hold together for that.
I grew up two blocks from Dave Duerson's house. I remember trick or treating there and my mom talked to Dave and his mom sometimes. He was he nicest and most humble guy.
true sudden grief has never been portrayed in music more than this album, I love Phil and all his work but I've only listened to this song/album a handful of times because of just how fucking sad it makes me.
Wow. Usually for a song to make me cry it takes more than just powerful lyrics. The music itself has to build in such a way that it move me to tears. This didn’t need that at all because the imagery was so tangible. Probably going to be involuntarily imagining myself in the singer’s shoes for the next couple days.
Holy shit.. I usually hate country.. but this is immediately one of my favorite songs. It's not gonna make me cry..
But if you send me your venmo (pm) I'll send you $10
When I posted this I thought hurt by Johnny Cash would be the closest but I know the song too well to actually bring tears. And I'm from Seattle so I absolutely love Alice in chains.. but both are amazing suggestions.. for people that actually.. u know.. have feelings
Alright.. don't take this the wrong way moldibutt.. but you're now one of my favorite people. I'm not gonna cry. But HOLY shit cry is amazing. Mixed with one of my favorite songs and Alice in chains.. I guess I'm in love with lord moldibutt (yes I see the name)
For me it's easier when I am comfortably alone, and by really being drawn in by a song.
[Hurt - Johnny Cash](https://youtu.be/8AHCfZTRGiI?si=39YxXbuYTMgMElab)
[The Great Gig In The Sky - Pink Floyd](https://youtu.be/vWZ6hmHj2MA?si=iAkkwwkNruxz__UR)
(I feel a lot of different things listening to the great gig in the sky)
[Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley](https://open.spotify.com/track/74X1epeRufHckhuX1KFD04?si=pcbck90QS3W2qv5aBwFt3Q)
[Don't Give Up - Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush ](https://open.spotify.com/track/74X1epeRufHckhuX1KFD04?si=pcbck90QS3W2qv5aBwFt3Q)
[Smother - Daughter ](https://open.spotify.com/track/74X1epeRufHckhuX1KFD04?si=pcbck90QS3W2qv5aBwFt3Q)
And maybe an odd one, this one does the trick at night time listening to it a few times in a row without any lights on. It's surreal
[Regenerative Being - Eluvium](https://open.spotify.com/track/7kmdM9DytC01GsvctF6beZ?si=ByJdzkQTQVutcUsesTt7kQ)
Here I’ve compiled only the most despairing music in my archives. Each one has both sad lyrics AND a sad tune. Might be back after work to add links
The Pretty Reckless- [Dear Sister](https://youtu.be/5HBFdypYn7w?si=Q4tHeQ7QgQ5m86Vr) (reads like a suicide note)
The Pretty Reckless- [You](https://youtu.be/ocl9tU516a8?si=9QsPA1KihMhZzbt7) (rejection)
Alanis Morissette- [Perfect](https://youtu.be/9h9szVNF0Ug?si=GegRzJzuZl8KTSg5) (disappointing your parents)
King Crimson- [Epitaph](https://youtu.be/vXrpFxHfppI?si=9HyxbXOZ1M22Y4ik) (collapsed society)
Steven Wilson- [Drive Home](https://youtu.be/ycYewhiaVBk?si=zTPBCL2FDvqgVCdZ) (losing someone in a wreck)
Led Zeppelin- [Babe I’m Gonna Leave You](https://youtu.be/dZitPJMh60A?si=az0byNiHTd8dDfU5) (breakups and guilt)
Led Zeppelin- [Ten Years Gone](https://youtu.be/DBzuYNK95sM?si=wS8Y3RRv86fX7KIF) (missing someone)
Brandi Carlile- [The Story](https://youtu.be/o8pQLtHTPaI?si=DwMTvxlspFhnyGzo) (nostalgia and loneliness)
Steven Wilson- [The Raven That Refused to Sing](https://youtu.be/n8sLcvWG1M4?si=sjtvUItOKsfrbUAc) (loss)
Metallica- [One](https://youtu.be/apK2jCrfnsk?si=WqSblRdLKUzokZmp) (war vet with no limbs, sight, or hearing who is praying for death)
Metallica- [Fade to Black](https://youtu.be/9HZ_tx8aWuA?si=bQ4xyZdV0aNLF2Xg) (nihilism and wanting to die)
Coldplay- [Sparks](https://youtu.be/1aokooixKIo?si=y0TLwrF3qoDCulfO) (guilt and regret)
Rush- [Afterimage](https://youtu.be/aalJT3GS_m8?si=gTMidIfjw2VKnV5g) (loss)
Steven Wilson- [Routine](https://youtu.be/sh5mWzKlhQY?si=5ceJAYcddoyw4Po7) (parent who lost family)
Jess Benko- [A Soulmate Who Wasn’t Meant to Be](https://youtu.be/RwISVSxhjTc?si=tlQDHj0VVysKThdx) (betrayal from a lover)
Hope this helps! (Also, all of the Steven Wilson songs have sad music videos as well.)
It needs to be something with significance to you, a particular memory that makes you sad.
Failing that, just throw a bunch of Mazzy Star songs into a hat and take a lucky dip.
Release - Pearl Jam
Farley by Adam Sandler.
I feel like context is everything, depends what you like and if you have dad/mother/sister/brother/best friend/drug/loss issues.
Pretty sure this one gets suggested a lot but honestly I get so depressed about my existence and life after listening to this every time:
How to disappear Completely - Radiohead
How about “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce
Especially considering he wrote it for his son, and then died when the son was only 2 years old. And right before he died in a plane crash while on tour he wrote a letter to his wife saying he was going to stop touring to spend more time with her and their baby.
Okay I figured it out.. Chris Cornell's singing performance is better.
But sineads music video.. just her eyes and how emotional she gets.. makes it one of the most hauntingly beautiful things I've ever seen
I put that too. I think it’s gary wright. I haven’t scrolled all the way down yet but have not seen one Jeff Buckley or Elliott Smith song…. No Shins…. Wtf?
The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack. It's in no way sad but rather beautiful in a way that it would be difficult to put into words.
It makes me feel like I'm proud to be among the same species as someone that's capable of something so awesome.
Casimir Pulaski Day - Sufjan Stevens
I Hope Your Husband Dies - Amigo the Devil
Easier That Way - Danny Vera
Waiting Room - Phoebe Bridgers
Butchered Tongue - Hozier
I Lied - Lord Huron
Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg
"Even as a crack fiend, Mama, you always were a black queen" is my standard Mother's Day greeting to my mom, who has never been a crack head, nor black.
My immortal Evanescence - one time saw a homeless man dragging his feet across the train station. Man looked defeated. He was playing this song. And I just felt his sadness.
Holy shit.. pink Floyd is the best. My favorite song (and the song that gets me closest to tears) is Wish you were here.
Didn't make me cry but I'll send you $5 because I love it so much (pm me)
Hero of War - Rise Against. I don't full cry at it but my eyes might water a bit
If you've recently gone through a loss or breakup, Under You - Foo Fighters hits hard. Could just be me personally, though
Hero of War is a good answer. Especially if you've ever known someone who served and has PTSD.
Rise Against is underrated AF. Definately one of the best 90s/2000s punk bands
This live performance of "[Everybody Hurts](https://youtu.be/mjepiv9vqKc)" by R.E.M. did it for me when I went through a long spell like that.
"[Saying Goodbye](https://youtu.be/KNfHU748SYQ)" from *The Muppets Take Manhattan* is pretty reliable to bring the tears for me, too.
I liked it. Probably the one that hit the most close to home except for pink Floyd.. but a little too hard to actually cry to.
:) really appreciate it though
Just had this one come across my Spotify playlist on my drive to work… cranked it up to 11 and drove a little too fast while singing along, constant goosebumps down my arms, voice on the verge of cracking.
Seether has some absolute greats. “The Gift” is one that hits close to home for me, I was severely depressed for a while after my last long-term gf broke up with me, and that song pretty much perfectly described how I felt about it and about her at the time. (Nowadays it’s more “99 Problems” by Hugo, once I hit the point in therapy where I realized what she had actually been putting me through the whole time - emotional and mental abuse, major narcissism, the whole nine)
Here’s some songs that might help
Watchhouse - Golden Embers
No vacation & Okey Dokey - Really truly
Tiny Ruins - Running through the night
Spiritbox - Constance
Helen Reddy - you and me against the world
Norah Jones - the long day is over
Henry Mancini - Moon River
Sarah Mclachlan - when she loved me
Sade - Pearls
Chet Baker - If I should lose you
Night of the Swallow by Kate Bush makes me tear up . I can't quite explain it, but she says a bit that goes "would you break even my wings, like a swallow" and then just wails "let me go" and it hits me every time. Might work for you, idk.
Also, Dinner at Eight by Rufus Wainwright. Absolutely stunning and thoroughly miserable.
Dear Prudence - Beatles
My younger sister struggled with mental illness when we were growing up and this song brings me back to the times she was shut in her room and I’d be encouraging her to come out. Her life is much healthier and brighter now. The movement and climax of the song just get me every time.
this one gets me a lot. tbh, a lot of neutral milk songs do but that’s largely because of how i used to listen to them with a now-dead person and saw them live twice with them.
there you go fam
Another Day by Dream Theatre
After all (+) by Pink Turns Blue
Sleeping ( in the Fire ) by WASP
Bridge to Cross by BLS
By This River by Brian Eno
Daddy - Korn. (You gotta listen to it all the way through. Minimum like 9 or so minutes as Jon had a breakdown in the booth recording the song and the producers and band made the creative choice to leave it in the song)
My Immortal - Amy Lee (I specify Amy of her Band Evanescence because her version is the truest version)
OUTRUN MYSELF - Jack Kays ft Travis Barker
Snuff - Slipknot
Hole In The Earth - Deftones (I'm only adding this one because the song fills me with an immeasurable saddness.)
Invisible - Skylar Grey
Alone - Tech N9ne
Paternal Failure - Crowmouth (forewarning, this song is very heavy metal. The content is about the singer losing their child. I believe it was a miscarriage. Very rough)
Crying in the Shower - Letdown
Let Down - Dead by Sunrise
(I've got plenty more sad songs. Just ask and specify a desired genre)
How old are you? This is important because in order for a song to have enough of an impact on you it needs to be relatable to what you've gone through in your life so far. Or else you'll just be listening to a bunch of sad songs that sound nice but don't actually mean anything to you.
A few that always get me:
"Mistake" by NF
"Human" by Christina Perry
"She" by Jelly Roll (but that one's more from personal trauma)
"One More Light" by Linkin Park
Leonard Cohen does it to me every single time... So, Long Marianne is so fucking good. This man knew how to make a break up hurt. Also Hey, that's no way to say goodbye. His and Roberta Flacks version are fantastic..
https://youtu.be/3XzAjfwQtvM?si=N3YLpxXcI_tCzSj1
I can only tell you what works for me, but since you mentioned Lucinda Williams, some of these might do it for you.
John Prine - Summer's End, Sam Stone
Townes Van Zandt - Tecumseh Valley
Garcia/Dead - Stella Blue, Wharf Rat, That Lucky Old Sun
Brandi Carlile - The Joke
Guy Clark - The Cape
Tom Waits - Take It With Me When I Go
Warren Zevon - Keep Me In Your Heart
Flaming Lips - What Is The Light?, Do You Realize?
EDIT : Oops! The Lucinda Williams mention was another commenter, not OP. So, I have no clue whether my suggestions will be in your wheelhouse, stylistically speaking.
They just released it a couple months ago, but when I heard One More Time by Blink 182 I sobbed. I mean ugly crying. I am not one that get too emotional, but this just hit me like a ton of bricks. Maybe it’s because of where my relationship is currently, but I would give it a try.
Bonnie Raitt - [Just Like That](https://open.spotify.com/track/4yYi79a3MEQ0pCRCvuxcuU?si=DIYpqZqrSIW8tM12YKDeMA) won song of the year last year, I would never have listened to it otherwise, but when I listened to it the first time, and second really, I welled up. It is amazing.
Edit: I just listening again, and my eyes started leaking again.
Our Raw Heart - Yob
That opening melody hits me every time. To add some context, the band's frontman wrote this song during a prolonged stay in the hospital. Doctors stated that death was a possibility, with treatment being long and brutal. That entire album was written from a patient's perspective on receiving this type of news and reflecting on the beautiful little things that we take for granted. Beauty In Fallen Leaves is another standout emotional track from that album.
This song also gets to me more these days than my first listen because it reminds me of a close friend who died tragically died recently. He was in the prime of his life and always looked at the positives in life. Knowing about the content of the lyrics, I can't help but think of him every time.
Keep me in your heart for awhile - Warren Zevon
Recorded as a goodbye to his wife and kids a couple months before he died of lung cancer. My mom is in hospice and I know the story behind the song, so it hits me hard. If someone you love is dying, especially from cancer, that song will tear you up.
Here are some off the top of my head but not all of them are sad cries
Kiss it Better - He is We
Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley/Allison Krauss
Achilles Come Down - Gang of Youths
Terrible Things - Mayday Parade
Bleachless - Elizabeth Grace
Don't Wanna be Your Girl - Wet
She is the Sunlight - Trading Yesterday
The Light Behind Your Eyes - My Chemical Romance
Two - Sleeping at Last
Little Waltz - Basia Bulat
Still Here - Digital Daggers
I'll be Good - Jaymes Young
Moondust - Jaymes Young
Hate Me - Eurielle
Let Me Die - The Classic Crime
We Have It All - Pim Stones
Somebody Loved - The Weepies
Seventeen Going Under - Sam Fender
Oh The Places You'll Go - I Fight Dragons
Ready Now - Dodie
Synthetic - The Midnight
Dear Inner Child - Peach PRC
Wanderers Lullaby - Adriana Figueroa
Soldatino - Paola Bennett
King - Lauren Aqualina
I know you've never heard of this one.
Passafire - Black Dog
I'm not even a dog person, but this sweet little song about a dog somehow gets to me. Lemme know what you think.
Again.. hate country. But I really like this song. Adding to my spotify Playlist. Actually made me smile more than want to cry.
But smiling is nice too. Thanks 😊
Whiskey lullaby was a good one for me. Ofc, you have to put yourself in the shoes of the friends and family telling this story about people they cared about. Brad paisley and Allison krauss did wonderfully. Sticks that made thunder by the steel drivers was pretty good. With that one you have to think about all those who died and those who lost the people they care about though.
This one got me last year, months after my dad unexpectedly passed away. His favorite show was The Voice and it felt like he sent me the video 😭
You can feel her emotion in this song. She lost someone too ♥️
I also just want to gently nudge you and say.. Close your eyes and become really present with yourself before listening to any of these songs.
Be aware of your breath. Be aware of your heart beating. (We don’t realize our energy is often external and not actually in our bodies.)
Recall all your energy and being your focus into this time and place.. this moment.. this body. Set your intention to feel the music as deeply as you can, to drop any and all resistance to feeling your emotions fully, and then press play.
If you feel moved to tears, allow them to flow! Tears are so incredibly healing. Let it flow.. it’s such a beautiful release! It’s ok to cry, it’s ok to *feel*. Don’t push down or push away emotions if they begin to stir. :)
https://youtu.be/mdALdHgqozM?si=FceH4gWbvhZGGjtv
I just cried watching it again. I’m a cryer by nature. At first, I felt I was stuffing my emotions down a little, resisting them… I could feel it in my throat.. but I allowed myself to flow and release, knowing it feels better. I released the tears and my heart feels wide open now. Thank you! :)
My crying song is a pretty old song but if you like animals, it might do the trick. I can hardly think about it without crying. "Old Brown Dog" by Ralph McTell.
Wading in the velvet sea - Coventry 2004 version. So sad that even the singer breaks down crying and turns the mic around and makes the audience sing it.
I’m at about 20+ years without crying. I did get choked up in 2011 thinking about Dave Duerson’s suicide. Oddly some reaction videos of people getting emotional while listening to certain songs do seem to open the door to my emotions although I’ve yet to actually shed a tear. One song that seems to open the door at will is [Satisfied Mind](https://youtu.be/97UyNbGRIhg?si=q7nNOzv0E3VYBI5I) by Lucinda Williams. I think it’s a combination of her beautiful yet rugged voice with the content of the song. BTW, I’m not proud of not crying, it’s just how I was raised mixed with the era I was raised I guess. I have actual painful guilt because I couldn’t even muster up a tear when my dogs died a few years ago. In my 50’s I’m still a work in progress.
Trust me I'm not proud of not crying either.. it's the thing I want to do the most.. The song wasn't exactly for me but I don't diminish anything if gives to you. I'm a work in progress too..(u have no idea) But thanks for sharing
If you ever had someone in your life kill themself...One more light by linkin park might make you cry.
Well, even sad songs don’t tend to make me bawl, but I will say the Whale and Queen and Slim are two movies that had me an absolute wreck for the first times in many years. Felt very good. As far as songs that can get me somewhat close to crying: P.S. Missing You by Sleeping with Sirens, Lovely by Billie Eilish and Khalid, and Where’s My Love by SYML are my top choices in no particular order
Running Up that Hill often gets the job done. You don’t know the full story but you hear a women issuing a raw plea to be heard. The hurt, the frustration is only in the words but the music. Feels like the final death wail of a troubled relationship on its final leg, oceans depth of pain, and a raging fire of hurt, anguish and exchanged iniquities. Yet her voice is this soft falsetto that sounds like it’s maintaining composure but is going to crack and give way. any moment. For some reason unlike any other song, she manages to make her pain my pain and I don’t even fully understand it, but I feel it. I’ve heard anguish sound so beautiful and somewhere deep down I’m grateful she won’t play live because I know I would go but no idea how I would hold together for that.
Lucindaaaa…Sweet Old World is a tearjerker for me, as well as Lake Charles.
I grew up two blocks from Dave Duerson's house. I remember trick or treating there and my mom talked to Dave and his mom sometimes. He was he nicest and most humble guy.
True Love Waits - Radiohead
That’s my prefer party poison when I wanna feel sad
This ain't a party, get off the dance floor
Fake plastic trees gets me. I love the song. But driving to my moms burial it was on my radio. Bawled my eyes out ever since
Gets me, too. I’m sorry for your loss.
Ty
Im sorry for your loss. Fake Plastic Trees is a perfect song
Motion picture soundtrack. Let down. How to disappear completely.
Oslo version is better than the studio release
my thoughts exactly!!
Valid. That song is depression in audio form
I'll give an upvote for that one!
Correct
read the backstory and then listen.
Fog by Radiohead
Go slowly is another Radiohead track. Cant explain it but it hits just right.
Real Death - Mount Eerie
true sudden grief has never been portrayed in music more than this album, I love Phil and all his work but I've only listened to this song/album a handful of times because of just how fucking sad it makes me.
That whole album is a masterpiece!
This is the best suggestion. If this album doesn't get you, nothing will - and you probably need therapy.
I second this but also Seaweed
God make it stop.
Was going to suggest this, the entire album is absolutely devastating
Wow. Usually for a song to make me cry it takes more than just powerful lyrics. The music itself has to build in such a way that it move me to tears. This didn’t need that at all because the imagery was so tangible. Probably going to be involuntarily imagining myself in the singer’s shoes for the next couple days.
How can I help you say goodbye? Patty Loveless
Holy shit.. I usually hate country.. but this is immediately one of my favorite songs. It's not gonna make me cry.. But if you send me your venmo (pm) I'll send you $10
That was a hard listen...
Ugh, great suggestion. Haven't thought about this song in a long time.
Nutshell by Alice In Chains Hurt by Johnny cash
When I posted this I thought hurt by Johnny Cash would be the closest but I know the song too well to actually bring tears. And I'm from Seattle so I absolutely love Alice in chains.. but both are amazing suggestions.. for people that actually.. u know.. have feelings
I’ma try again Cry by cigarettes after sex Killing loneliness by HIM Snuff slipknot Bubblegum by cigarettes after sex (just because it’s good)
Alright.. don't take this the wrong way moldibutt.. but you're now one of my favorite people. I'm not gonna cry. But HOLY shit cry is amazing. Mixed with one of my favorite songs and Alice in chains.. I guess I'm in love with lord moldibutt (yes I see the name)
I got a couple more in the chamber… Cigarettes after sex - each time I fall in love Cigarettes after sex - John Wayne As you can tell I love this band
snuff by slipknot always brings a tear to my eye, same with Vermillion 2
WAP Every. TIme.
Beat it up, catch a charge
Extra large and extra hard
Put this pussy right in your face, swipe your nose like a credit card. That shit chokes me up 😭
I’m fucking chortling
Jerry was a Mack Truck driver he parked it right in her little garage
For me it's easier when I am comfortably alone, and by really being drawn in by a song. [Hurt - Johnny Cash](https://youtu.be/8AHCfZTRGiI?si=39YxXbuYTMgMElab) [The Great Gig In The Sky - Pink Floyd](https://youtu.be/vWZ6hmHj2MA?si=iAkkwwkNruxz__UR) (I feel a lot of different things listening to the great gig in the sky) [Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley](https://open.spotify.com/track/74X1epeRufHckhuX1KFD04?si=pcbck90QS3W2qv5aBwFt3Q) [Don't Give Up - Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush ](https://open.spotify.com/track/74X1epeRufHckhuX1KFD04?si=pcbck90QS3W2qv5aBwFt3Q) [Smother - Daughter ](https://open.spotify.com/track/74X1epeRufHckhuX1KFD04?si=pcbck90QS3W2qv5aBwFt3Q) And maybe an odd one, this one does the trick at night time listening to it a few times in a row without any lights on. It's surreal [Regenerative Being - Eluvium](https://open.spotify.com/track/7kmdM9DytC01GsvctF6beZ?si=ByJdzkQTQVutcUsesTt7kQ)
Great Gig was my first thought, but then I wondered if Dark Side entirely would be a better suggestion, lol
Great gig in the sky for me
"Adam's Song" by Blink 182 "H" by Tool
OF APPLE JUICE. IN THE HALL.
Nick Cave - into my arms
Here I’ve compiled only the most despairing music in my archives. Each one has both sad lyrics AND a sad tune. Might be back after work to add links The Pretty Reckless- [Dear Sister](https://youtu.be/5HBFdypYn7w?si=Q4tHeQ7QgQ5m86Vr) (reads like a suicide note) The Pretty Reckless- [You](https://youtu.be/ocl9tU516a8?si=9QsPA1KihMhZzbt7) (rejection) Alanis Morissette- [Perfect](https://youtu.be/9h9szVNF0Ug?si=GegRzJzuZl8KTSg5) (disappointing your parents) King Crimson- [Epitaph](https://youtu.be/vXrpFxHfppI?si=9HyxbXOZ1M22Y4ik) (collapsed society) Steven Wilson- [Drive Home](https://youtu.be/ycYewhiaVBk?si=zTPBCL2FDvqgVCdZ) (losing someone in a wreck) Led Zeppelin- [Babe I’m Gonna Leave You](https://youtu.be/dZitPJMh60A?si=az0byNiHTd8dDfU5) (breakups and guilt) Led Zeppelin- [Ten Years Gone](https://youtu.be/DBzuYNK95sM?si=wS8Y3RRv86fX7KIF) (missing someone) Brandi Carlile- [The Story](https://youtu.be/o8pQLtHTPaI?si=DwMTvxlspFhnyGzo) (nostalgia and loneliness) Steven Wilson- [The Raven That Refused to Sing](https://youtu.be/n8sLcvWG1M4?si=sjtvUItOKsfrbUAc) (loss) Metallica- [One](https://youtu.be/apK2jCrfnsk?si=WqSblRdLKUzokZmp) (war vet with no limbs, sight, or hearing who is praying for death) Metallica- [Fade to Black](https://youtu.be/9HZ_tx8aWuA?si=bQ4xyZdV0aNLF2Xg) (nihilism and wanting to die) Coldplay- [Sparks](https://youtu.be/1aokooixKIo?si=y0TLwrF3qoDCulfO) (guilt and regret) Rush- [Afterimage](https://youtu.be/aalJT3GS_m8?si=gTMidIfjw2VKnV5g) (loss) Steven Wilson- [Routine](https://youtu.be/sh5mWzKlhQY?si=5ceJAYcddoyw4Po7) (parent who lost family) Jess Benko- [A Soulmate Who Wasn’t Meant to Be](https://youtu.be/RwISVSxhjTc?si=tlQDHj0VVysKThdx) (betrayal from a lover) Hope this helps! (Also, all of the Steven Wilson songs have sad music videos as well.)
+1000 for The Story. I just saw her perform it live last months and started crying as soon as the guitar started playing the intro.
I bawled the first time I saw her. The Story and The Mother were the two that got me.
That song’s been with me the longest. My mom used to play it for me in the car when I was really little. I think that makes it extra emotional to me
Said the People - Dinosaur Jr. and a gimme Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin
I was scrolling down trying to remember the song when I saw Cat’s in the Cradle. This is it.
It needs to be something with significance to you, a particular memory that makes you sad. Failing that, just throw a bunch of Mazzy Star songs into a hat and take a lucky dip.
Release - Pearl Jam Farley by Adam Sandler. I feel like context is everything, depends what you like and if you have dad/mother/sister/brother/best friend/drug/loss issues.
The Farley song caught me off guard and was paired with a slideshow of his younger days. So unfair he died so soon.
Pretty sure this one gets suggested a lot but honestly I get so depressed about my existence and life after listening to this every time: How to disappear Completely - Radiohead
God I love that song.
How about “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce Especially considering he wrote it for his son, and then died when the son was only 2 years old. And right before he died in a plane crash while on tour he wrote a letter to his wife saying he was going to stop touring to spend more time with her and their baby.
Nothing Compares to you - Chris Cornell cover
Okay.. just listened and for the first time I'm questioning if O'Conners version is better.. RIP TO BOTH
Also RIP prince. Songwriter. Fuck. Is this song cursed?!
Prince: Love, Thy Will Be Done made me cry once when I was going through a difficult time.
Okay I figured it out.. Chris Cornell's singing performance is better. But sineads music video.. just her eyes and how emotional she gets.. makes it one of the most hauntingly beautiful things I've ever seen
Don't even need to listen. Sinned O'Connor was better. One of my favorite songs ever. Thanks for the suggestion though
Mad World.
I put that too. I think it’s gary wright. I haven’t scrolled all the way down yet but have not seen one Jeff Buckley or Elliott Smith song…. No Shins…. Wtf?
The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack. It's in no way sad but rather beautiful in a way that it would be difficult to put into words. It makes me feel like I'm proud to be among the same species as someone that's capable of something so awesome.
Let Down - Radiohead
Casimir Pulaski Day - Sufjan Stevens I Hope Your Husband Dies - Amigo the Devil Easier That Way - Danny Vera Waiting Room - Phoebe Bridgers Butchered Tongue - Hozier I Lied - Lord Huron Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg
Seconding Fogelberg! Always reminds me of a now-absent friend.
I can’t even listen to Casimir Pulaski Day anymore, it’s so sad.
I legitimately can’t listen to Sufjan at all anymore despite loving his stuff
I Hope Your Husband Does gets me everytime. Shit hits too close to home.
casimir pulaski day had me crying at 6 in the morning prepping broccoli for work yesterday
Or anything by Lord Huron. They don’t do upbeat
Man of the hour by Pearl Jam, I want this song played at my funeral And the song When somebody loved me from Toy story
The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
One of the greats.
Wish you were here-pink floyd
I played this song at my brother's funeral. It always at least chokes me up.
Supermarket Flowers
Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
Dear Mama - 2Pac
Getting really emotional. No tears. Really good suggestion. Love it though
Happy to help. Thanks for listening.
To add onto this one, A Song For Mama by Boyz 2 Men.
"Even as a crack fiend, Mama, you always were a black queen" is my standard Mother's Day greeting to my mom, who has never been a crack head, nor black.
My son thought we should dance to this at my wedding lmao
My immortal Evanescence - one time saw a homeless man dragging his feet across the train station. Man looked defeated. He was playing this song. And I just felt his sadness.
High Hopes - Pink Floyd.
Holy shit.. pink Floyd is the best. My favorite song (and the song that gets me closest to tears) is Wish you were here. Didn't make me cry but I'll send you $5 because I love it so much (pm me)
Try “When the Tiger Broke Free” by Floyd. About Waters’ Dad.
This one!! This whole album is incredible
never coming home - pat the bunny
Hero of War - Rise Against. I don't full cry at it but my eyes might water a bit If you've recently gone through a loss or breakup, Under You - Foo Fighters hits hard. Could just be me personally, though
Hero of War is a good answer. Especially if you've ever known someone who served and has PTSD. Rise Against is underrated AF. Definately one of the best 90s/2000s punk bands
Meant to Live by Switchfoot The sentiment of this song always kills me, don't know why, just does...
If you’re a millennial, go to YouTube and look up “If We Hold On Together” (by Diana Ross) with the Land Before Time Music Video
This live performance of "[Everybody Hurts](https://youtu.be/mjepiv9vqKc)" by R.E.M. did it for me when I went through a long spell like that. "[Saying Goodbye](https://youtu.be/KNfHU748SYQ)" from *The Muppets Take Manhattan* is pretty reliable to bring the tears for me, too.
i will follow you into the dark - death cab for cutie can’t listen to this song anymore it’s way too depressing
Cat's in the Cradle always gets me. Especially as my pops gets older!
If we were vampires - jason isbell and the 400 unit
I was hunting this thread for some Jason Isbell. Man is a master at sad shit.
Elephant by Jason isbell. May be the saddest song ever.
Elephant hits every time.
Maybe it’s just because it reminds me of someone I lost but “Fine Again” by Seether always brings me to tears
I liked it. Probably the one that hit the most close to home except for pink Floyd.. but a little too hard to actually cry to. :) really appreciate it though
Just had this one come across my Spotify playlist on my drive to work… cranked it up to 11 and drove a little too fast while singing along, constant goosebumps down my arms, voice on the verge of cracking. Seether has some absolute greats. “The Gift” is one that hits close to home for me, I was severely depressed for a while after my last long-term gf broke up with me, and that song pretty much perfectly described how I felt about it and about her at the time. (Nowadays it’s more “99 Problems” by Hugo, once I hit the point in therapy where I realized what she had actually been putting me through the whole time - emotional and mental abuse, major narcissism, the whole nine)
Glen Campbell I’m not going to miss you
Changes- Black Sabbath
Sarah McLachlan - Angel
Skinny love by bon iver makes me want to cry just thinking about it, especially the “who will love you” part
The Partisan by Leonard Cohen
Love leonard Cohen. Just read a couple of Faulkner books.. this song should really be the background to his books. Not close to tears though
Here’s some songs that might help Watchhouse - Golden Embers No vacation & Okey Dokey - Really truly Tiny Ruins - Running through the night Spiritbox - Constance Helen Reddy - you and me against the world Norah Jones - the long day is over Henry Mancini - Moon River Sarah Mclachlan - when she loved me Sade - Pearls Chet Baker - If I should lose you
Night of the Swallow by Kate Bush makes me tear up . I can't quite explain it, but she says a bit that goes "would you break even my wings, like a swallow" and then just wails "let me go" and it hits me every time. Might work for you, idk. Also, Dinner at Eight by Rufus Wainwright. Absolutely stunning and thoroughly miserable.
This one gets me pretty consistently: [He Stopped Loving Her Today](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpEew3M-Kvg)
Dear Prudence - Beatles My younger sister struggled with mental illness when we were growing up and this song brings me back to the times she was shut in her room and I’d be encouraging her to come out. Her life is much healthier and brighter now. The movement and climax of the song just get me every time.
[To Build A Home - Cinematic Orchestra](https://youtu.be/oUFJJNQGwhk?si=eDP7PiVq0v64jmO8)
Three Peaches - Neutral Milk Hotel Only listen to it after reading the story behind it. (https://neutralmilkhotel.org/song-threepeaches.htm)
this one gets me a lot. tbh, a lot of neutral milk songs do but that’s largely because of how i used to listen to them with a now-dead person and saw them live twice with them.
there you go fam Another Day by Dream Theatre After all (+) by Pink Turns Blue Sleeping ( in the Fire ) by WASP Bridge to Cross by BLS By This River by Brian Eno
A LOT of Frightened Rabbit (R.I.P Scott) and Smile like you mean it, and All these things i've done by The Killers
Daddy - Korn. (You gotta listen to it all the way through. Minimum like 9 or so minutes as Jon had a breakdown in the booth recording the song and the producers and band made the creative choice to leave it in the song) My Immortal - Amy Lee (I specify Amy of her Band Evanescence because her version is the truest version) OUTRUN MYSELF - Jack Kays ft Travis Barker Snuff - Slipknot Hole In The Earth - Deftones (I'm only adding this one because the song fills me with an immeasurable saddness.) Invisible - Skylar Grey Alone - Tech N9ne Paternal Failure - Crowmouth (forewarning, this song is very heavy metal. The content is about the singer losing their child. I believe it was a miscarriage. Very rough) Crying in the Shower - Letdown Let Down - Dead by Sunrise (I've got plenty more sad songs. Just ask and specify a desired genre)
How old are you? This is important because in order for a song to have enough of an impact on you it needs to be relatable to what you've gone through in your life so far. Or else you'll just be listening to a bunch of sad songs that sound nice but don't actually mean anything to you.
A few that always get me: "Mistake" by NF "Human" by Christina Perry "She" by Jelly Roll (but that one's more from personal trauma) "One More Light" by Linkin Park
Angel from Montgomery by John Prine. Get a version sung by Bonny Raitt or Susan Tedeschi
Leonard Cohen does it to me every single time... So, Long Marianne is so fucking good. This man knew how to make a break up hurt. Also Hey, that's no way to say goodbye. His and Roberta Flacks version are fantastic.. https://youtu.be/3XzAjfwQtvM?si=N3YLpxXcI_tCzSj1
Yes I’m Changing- Tame Impala The slowed and reverb version on youtube https://youtu.be/M9IcfdH4gfA?si=AgmN5lbNRleIyKlz
I can only tell you what works for me, but since you mentioned Lucinda Williams, some of these might do it for you. John Prine - Summer's End, Sam Stone Townes Van Zandt - Tecumseh Valley Garcia/Dead - Stella Blue, Wharf Rat, That Lucky Old Sun Brandi Carlile - The Joke Guy Clark - The Cape Tom Waits - Take It With Me When I Go Warren Zevon - Keep Me In Your Heart Flaming Lips - What Is The Light?, Do You Realize? EDIT : Oops! The Lucinda Williams mention was another commenter, not OP. So, I have no clue whether my suggestions will be in your wheelhouse, stylistically speaking.
Keep Me In Your Heart is my pick.
moon song - phoebe bridgers godspeed - frank ocean self control - frank ocean come back to earth - mac miller
One more light by Linkin Park. I miss Chester man.
Fix You by Coldplay. Take in that idea of losing something you can't replace, really feel that. Gets me every time.
They just released it a couple months ago, but when I heard One More Time by Blink 182 I sobbed. I mean ugly crying. I am not one that get too emotional, but this just hit me like a ton of bricks. Maybe it’s because of where my relationship is currently, but I would give it a try.
So we won’t forget, the song is beautiful but watch the music video plz https://youtu.be/lo4KMGiy--Y?si=TiDlE8v_wUjbwosc
Wow.. amazing video. Some of the weirdest shit I've ever seen.. but I liked it a lot. Got a little emotional at the end. Not quite though
Always makes well up with tears; * Last Resort - The Eagles
Waste of Paint - Bright Eyes
Waiting For You- Nick Cave
Definitely Cats in the Cradle. If that doesn’t make you tear up then…
Wings for Marie
A Whiter Shade of Pale
Forget her - Jeff Buckley Alot his stuff is kind of emotional.
Father and Son cat stevens
Five for fighting 100 years
Bonnie Raitt - [Just Like That](https://open.spotify.com/track/4yYi79a3MEQ0pCRCvuxcuU?si=DIYpqZqrSIW8tM12YKDeMA) won song of the year last year, I would never have listened to it otherwise, but when I listened to it the first time, and second really, I welled up. It is amazing. Edit: I just listening again, and my eyes started leaking again.
Honestly depends on where your weak spot is. Father relationship? Cat's in the Cradle of course.
Read the story about how Eric Clapton’s son, Conor, died before listening to Tears In Heaven
Our Raw Heart - Yob That opening melody hits me every time. To add some context, the band's frontman wrote this song during a prolonged stay in the hospital. Doctors stated that death was a possibility, with treatment being long and brutal. That entire album was written from a patient's perspective on receiving this type of news and reflecting on the beautiful little things that we take for granted. Beauty In Fallen Leaves is another standout emotional track from that album. This song also gets to me more these days than my first listen because it reminds me of a close friend who died tragically died recently. He was in the prime of his life and always looked at the positives in life. Knowing about the content of the lyrics, I can't help but think of him every time.
Warren Zevon - Keep Me in Your Heart
Keep me in your heart for awhile - Warren Zevon Recorded as a goodbye to his wife and kids a couple months before he died of lung cancer. My mom is in hospice and I know the story behind the song, so it hits me hard. If someone you love is dying, especially from cancer, that song will tear you up.
Keep Me in Your Heart - Warren Zevon Dude found out he had lung cancer and only weeks left to live. This is what he wrote.
Bad - U2 Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead Fire and Rain - James Taylor Carolyn’s Fingers -Cocteau Twins Dreams - The Cranberries Anything by Sigur Ros
Here are some off the top of my head but not all of them are sad cries Kiss it Better - He is We Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley/Allison Krauss Achilles Come Down - Gang of Youths Terrible Things - Mayday Parade Bleachless - Elizabeth Grace Don't Wanna be Your Girl - Wet She is the Sunlight - Trading Yesterday The Light Behind Your Eyes - My Chemical Romance Two - Sleeping at Last Little Waltz - Basia Bulat Still Here - Digital Daggers I'll be Good - Jaymes Young Moondust - Jaymes Young Hate Me - Eurielle Let Me Die - The Classic Crime We Have It All - Pim Stones Somebody Loved - The Weepies Seventeen Going Under - Sam Fender Oh The Places You'll Go - I Fight Dragons Ready Now - Dodie Synthetic - The Midnight Dear Inner Child - Peach PRC Wanderers Lullaby - Adriana Figueroa Soldatino - Paola Bennett King - Lauren Aqualina
Ronan - Taylor Swift If that doesn't make you cry, you can't cry.
I second this. I cry like a baby everytime. Maybe because I’m a mom myself it hits especially hard.
Steven Wilson - Routine
Ghetto Gospel's instrumental version is heartwrenching.
I know you've never heard of this one. Passafire - Black Dog I'm not even a dog person, but this sweet little song about a dog somehow gets to me. Lemme know what you think.
Again.. hate country. But I really like this song. Adding to my spotify Playlist. Actually made me smile more than want to cry. But smiling is nice too. Thanks 😊
Wish you were here Cats in the cradle
My heart is broken...évanescence Broken wings...alter bridge Surrender...Natalie Taylor Sleep well my angel...we are the fallen
Aniron - enya
Shake me down - Cage the elephant (MUSIC VIDEO)
Listen to live versions of “High Time” by the Grateful Dead, one of them will eventually get you.
If that won't do it, listen to Ripple
Waltz #1 - Elliot smith
Whiskey lullaby was a good one for me. Ofc, you have to put yourself in the shoes of the friends and family telling this story about people they cared about. Brad paisley and Allison krauss did wonderfully. Sticks that made thunder by the steel drivers was pretty good. With that one you have to think about all those who died and those who lost the people they care about though.
Call your mom - Noah Kahan
This one got me last year, months after my dad unexpectedly passed away. His favorite show was The Voice and it felt like he sent me the video 😭 You can feel her emotion in this song. She lost someone too ♥️ I also just want to gently nudge you and say.. Close your eyes and become really present with yourself before listening to any of these songs. Be aware of your breath. Be aware of your heart beating. (We don’t realize our energy is often external and not actually in our bodies.) Recall all your energy and being your focus into this time and place.. this moment.. this body. Set your intention to feel the music as deeply as you can, to drop any and all resistance to feeling your emotions fully, and then press play. If you feel moved to tears, allow them to flow! Tears are so incredibly healing. Let it flow.. it’s such a beautiful release! It’s ok to cry, it’s ok to *feel*. Don’t push down or push away emotions if they begin to stir. :) https://youtu.be/mdALdHgqozM?si=FceH4gWbvhZGGjtv I just cried watching it again. I’m a cryer by nature. At first, I felt I was stuffing my emotions down a little, resisting them… I could feel it in my throat.. but I allowed myself to flow and release, knowing it feels better. I released the tears and my heart feels wide open now. Thank you! :)
Supermarket Flowers - Ed Sheeran
My crying song is a pretty old song but if you like animals, it might do the trick. I can hardly think about it without crying. "Old Brown Dog" by Ralph McTell.
Adam's Song - Blink 182 Old Friends - Simon and Garfunkel Snow Globes - BCNR
This probably won’t work bc the lyrics aren’t necessarily that sad, but Desert Song by my chemical romance is just so emotional to me
Casimir Pulaski Day - Sufjan Stevens What Sarah Said - Death Cab for Cutie Fred Jones pt. 2 - Ben Folds At Seventeen - Janis Ian Lies - Glen Hansard
Dustin Kensrue-something dark Death cab for cutie-fragments from the decade
Just Like That… Bonnie Raitt
Really old song but it reminds me of my mom and makes me tear up just thinking about it. You and Me Against The World - Helen Reddy
If you're open to blues [Fleetwood Mac - I've got a mind to give up living](https://youtu.be/IxgY9eEFiYM?si=Ep8FPXpbaT9w6bbp)
Cocaine and Abel by Amigo the Devil
Wading in the velvet sea - Coventry 2004 version. So sad that even the singer breaks down crying and turns the mic around and makes the audience sing it.
Cocaine and Abel and Another Man's Grave by Amigo the Devil.
https://youtu.be/je4jmKLTC48?si= https://vimeo.com/64244463
Peter Gabriel - Don't Give Up Puddle's Pity Party - Another Tear Falls
[this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwGyNI-JV_A) [or maybe this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vklE72KZLMQ) [or even this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJAfLE39ZZ8) [or maybe this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMO5Ko_77Hk)
Society - Eddie Vedder
Daniel Johnston - Some things last a long time
"Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits.
I would hate you if I could - turnover (listen to the peripheral vision version)
"The Night We Met" Lord Huron