Heart-wrenching Western songs recommended for middle schoolers: world-class masterpieces and popular hits

I Swear This Time I Mean ItMayday Parade

I Swear This Time I Mean It – Mayday Parade (with lyrics)

A track by the American rock band Mayday Parade, formed in Florida in 2005.

It is included on their second album, Anywhere but Here, released in 2009.

The album reached No.

8 on the U.

S.

charts.

Over YouMiranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert – Over You (Official Video)

A track released in 2012 by American country music artist Miranda Lambert.

Her husband, Blake Shelton, was involved in the production, and it was inspired by Blake’s brother, who died in a car accident in 1990.

Pale HorsesMoby

Moby – Pale Horses

A track released in 2009 by Moby, an electronica musician from New York.

It features vocals by his friend, cabaret singer Amelia Zirin-Brown.

The track was a hit in countries such as the United States and Belgium.

Never Gonna Be AloneNickelback

Nickelback – Never Gonna Be Alone [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

An acoustic power ballad that pledges devotion to a loved one.

It was released in 2009 by the Canadian rock band Nickelback.

The song became a hit worldwide and was used in the Brazilian soap opera Caminho das Índias.

My UnderstandingsOf Mice & Men

Of Mice & Men – My Understandings

A track included on The Flood, the album released in 2011 by the American metalcore band Of Mice & Men.

It features clean vocals by bassist Shayley Bourget.

The album reached No.

28 on the U.

S.

charts.

SleepyheadPassion Pit

Passion Pit – “Sleepyhead” (Official Music Video)

The debut single released in 2008 by the American electronic music band Passion Pit.

It samples Mary O’Hara’s 1952 track “Oro Mo Bhaidin.” A beautiful track that became a hit in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere, its instrumental version was used in the video game LittleBigPlanet 2.

Swing Life AwayRise Against

Rise Against – Swing Life Away

A track that conveys the message that a passionate relationship is far more important than money.

It was released in 2005 by the American rock band Rise Against.

This acoustic ballad has been certified Platinum in the United States.