Ranking of Tear-Jerking Western Songs [2025]

Foolish GamesJewel43rank/position

Jewel – Foolish Games (Official HD Music Video)

A beautifully sorrowful song where memories of a bittersweet love and the pain of parting intersect.

Jewel’s delicate vocals vividly portray the anguish of one-sided affection.

Released in February 1995, the track was included on Jewel’s debut album, Pieces of You.

It was also featured on the soundtrack of the 1997 film Batman & Robin, capturing the hearts of many.

The piano arpeggios enhance the depth of sadness, making it a song that soothes the soul on quiet, long nights.

If you’re nursing a broken heart or in the mood to reflect on a past romance, be sure to give it a listen.

What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye44rank/position

Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On

Marvin Gaye is one of the singers who epitomized soul and R&B in the 1960s and 1970s.

In this song, he asks listeners, “What’s going on?” and “What’s happening?”, reflecting the social climate in America amid the quagmire of the Vietnam War and the domestic anti-war movement.

Released in 1971, the song became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the U.

S.

charts.

DesperadoThe Eagles45rank/position

Eagles – Desperado (Live from Melbourne) (Official Video) [4K]

When I turn inward and struggle with my feelings, I suddenly find myself wanting to listen to this song.

In society, to avoid getting hurt, we sometimes put up barriers around our hearts and end up losing sight of what we truly want and of our own senses.

For people like that, this masterpiece gently nudges you, asking: Why not return to your own senses once more?

Sing For The MomentEminem46rank/position

Eminem – Sing For The Moment (Official Music Video)

Eminem, who performs the song, is ranked 83rd on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists.

The song was released in 2003.

His rap—filled with irony and sorrow, characteristic of someone from a white working-class background—strikes a chord.

the way things gobeabadoobee47rank/position

beabadoobee – the way things go

Beabadoobee is a British singer-songwriter.

While she excels at ’90s alternative rock and dream pop, “the way things go” is a ballad that portrays a heartbroken woman looking back on the past and letting her unresolved feelings build up.

Her high, airy vocals convey that bittersweet state of mind without holding anything back.

It’s also a song about long-distance love, so those who’ve experienced it may find it especially relatable.

Don’t Stop Believin’Journey48rank/position

Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Escape Tour 1981: Live In Houston)

Journey, a band that was hugely successful in the 1980s.

Known as a leading group in American progressive hard rock, they have influenced many artists and bands.

One of their most iconic works, Don’t Stop Believin’, was released in 1981 and gained popularity for its moving melody and lyrics depicting a young woman leaving her hometown.

In the United States, this song was at one time commonly used as a graduation anthem.

F**kin’ PerfectP!nk49rank/position

P!nk – F**kin’ Perfect (Official Video – Explicit)

Speaking of Pink, she’s a singer-songwriter beloved not only for her electrifying performances and outspoken candor, but also for her tough, big-sister persona.

The track introduced here was released as a single from her 2010 greatest hits album, “Greatest Hits… So Far!!!,” and climbed to No.

2 on the charts in her home country, the United States.

Despite a characteristically provocative title that’s very Pink, the lyrics are deeply serious.

It’s a message to everyone who feels life is hard, and it carries special weight precisely because she has stayed true to herself and kept fighting.

If someone you care about is feeling stuck and struggling, please tell them about this song—one that will powerfully reassure them that they are perfect just as they are.