Ranking of Tear-Jerking Western Songs [2025]

FireworkKaty Perry36rank/position

Katy Perry – Firework (Official Music Video)

Released in August 2010, this work by Katy Perry features a powerful melody infused with dance-pop elements and a message that draws out one’s inner strength.

Issued as the third single from the album Teenage Dream, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts.

The song celebrates the importance of boosting self-esteem and spreading positivity to those around you.

It’s a track that offers courage and hope to people facing graduation or new challenges.

Standing at a crossroads in life, you’ll feel it gently yet powerfully pushing you forward.

Stay With MeSam Smith37rank/position

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

A beautiful ballad that gives voice to aching emotions became a signature song for the U.

K.

-born Sam Smith.

Featuring gospel-tinged choruses and lyrics that resonate deeply, it portrays the loneliness that follows a one-night encounter.

Released in the U.

S.

in April 2014, it reached No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

At the 57th Grammy Awards, it won two categories, catapulting Sam Smith to global fame.

It’s a song that comforts anyone who has experienced heartbreak or longs for someone’s warmth.

In August 2024, a collaborative version with Hikaru Utada was also released, showcasing a fresh appeal.

Cry Me A RiverJustin Timberlake38rank/position

Justin Timberlake – Cry Me A River (Official Video)

I want to have a good cry.

At times like that, why not sing “Cry Me a River” stylishly at karaoke? It’s also recommended for middle school boys who want to master a slightly more mature song.

I suggest practicing hitting slightly higher notes before giving it a try.

fifteenTaylor Swift39rank/position

Taylor Swift – Fifteen

Taylor Swift is a singer-songwriter who debuted with an album at the young age of 16 in 2006, grew from a young country star into a global pop icon, and continues to lead the scene even now in the 2020s.

While she’s often associated with being a master of love songs, the track introduced here, “Fifteen,” is included on her second album, Fearless, released in 2008.

It’s a classic she wrote as a message to a dear friend, reflecting on herself at 15.

With a fresh feel that sits between country and pop, it’s in simple songs like this that her true talent as a songwriter really shines through.

It’s a moving song that resonates with kids turning 15 and with adults who were 15 long ago.

By the way, the woman who appears in the music video is Abigail herself—Taylor’s best friend, who also appears in the song.

Count on meBruno Mars40rank/position

Bruno Mars – Count on Me (Official Lyric Video)

A gentle song by Bruno Mars that conveys the importance of friendship.

With warm melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it expresses a strong determination to support friends no matter what.

The track was included on his 2010 debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, and was released as a radio single in Australia.

It was also featured in the film A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures and the TV show Suburgatory, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s a recommended song for those who want to reaffirm bonds with friends during graduation season or express gratitude to someone special.

I’ll be there for youThe Rembrandts41rank/position

The Rembrandts- I’ll be there for you (official video)

A masterpiece packed with classic power pop and plenty of ’60s-flavored elements, polished into a breezy slice of American power pop! I bet many listeners can’t help but squint with nostalgia when they hear this one.

The Rembrandts, a Los Angeles duo from California, released “I’ll Be There for You” in 1995.

It’s their signature track and a worldwide hit, best known as the theme song for the popular NBC TV series Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004.

If you looked forward to that show back then, just hearing the intro is probably enough to send a pang through your heart.

It’s a straightforward love song—life may not be going well, but if you’re by my side, I’ll be okay, so I’ll be there for you too—and because it’s about wanting that special person to stay close, it can also be read as a friendship anthem.

Fix YouColdplay42rank/position

Coldplay – Fix You (Official Video)

Delivering a healing message that resonates deep within the heart, this gem of a ballad by the British rock band Coldplay is truly special.

Woven from profound sorrow over what has been lost and a poignant wish to support a loved one, the song begins with a quiet piano and builds to a grand climax, stirring the listener’s emotions.

Released as a single from the album X&Y in September 2005, it carries the deep affection rooted in Chris Martin’s personal experience, and its performance at the 2005 Live 8 concert moved many.

It is a masterpiece recommended for anyone facing difficult moments in life or wishing to encourage someone dear to them.