Ranking of Tear-Jerking Western Songs [2025]

Hard To Say I’m SorryCHICAGO50rank/position

Chicago – Hard To Say I’m Sorry (Official Music Video)

This is a signature work by the American brass-rock band Chicago, depicting the pain of heartbreak alongside an elegant piano melody.

Released in September 1982 and produced by David Foster, the song elevates the rich musicality of the brass section into a pop arrangement.

It topped the U.

S.

singles chart for two consecutive weeks.

Chosen as the ending theme for the film “Blue Lovers,” it also became familiar in Japan as a commercial song for Osaka Gas and Toyota.

The lyrics portray a man who, after being told goodbye by his lover, regrets his past behavior—feelings that many listeners can surely empathize with.

Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)Green Day51rank/position

Green Day – Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) [Official Music Video] [4K UPGRADE]

As a leading figure in melodic punk, Green Day has long remained at the top of the scene, and even in the 2020s they continue to enjoy immense popularity worldwide, including in Japan.

This powerhouse trio, known for their broad musical range beyond punk and for producing numerous big hits, also has a beloved classic that’s widely cherished as a graduation song—did you know? The song introduced in this article, “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life),” is included on Green Day’s fifth studio album, Nimrod, released in 1997.

It’s a simple, classic ballad built around frontman and primary songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong’s acoustic guitar and strings.

The title, which literally means “good riddance,” is apparently Billie’s bit of irony toward the fact that it’s essentially a breakup song, but the way it bids farewell to a departed lover with “I hope you had the time of your life” is achingly poignant and tear-jerking.

There’s also an amusing anecdote that the band was surprised to find how often the song was used at American proms and how it became popular as a graduation anthem.

Graduationbenny blanco, Juice WRLD52rank/position

benny blanco, Juice WRLD – Graduation (Official Music Video)

A moving graduation song that poignantly portrays memories of high school life and personal growth.

This collaboration by benny blanco and Juice WRLD was released in August 2019 and dominated charts around the world.

The music video features many celebrities and depicts the futures of graduating students.

Set to a melody that samples Vitamin C’s classic hit, Juice WRLD’s delicate vocals sing about past friendships, inner struggles, and hope for the future.

Its honest portrayal of adolescent emotions will surely resonate with junior high school students as well.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

Consequences (Orchestra)Camila Cabello53rank/position

Camila Cabello – Consequences (orchestra)

After rising to fame as a member of Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello transitioned to a solo career and gained international support.

With Latin roots, she has released many tracks in the Latin music vein.

Of course, her work in other genres is also excellent, and in Consequences she delivers a classic ballad.

The lyrics explore the “happiness” and “pain” that come with loving someone, depicting the aftermath of a breakup.

Stay GoldStevie Wonder54rank/position

Stay Gold – Stevie Wonder

This Stevie Wonder number, used as the theme song for the film “The Outsiders” and in a Toyota Camry commercial, was composed by Francis Ford Coppola’s father, Carmine Coppola, with Stevie Wonder writing the lyrics and performing the vocals.

It was never released as a single and isn’t included on any of Stevie Wonder’s original albums, making it a rare track available only on best-of compilations.

Its grand, sweeping feel really hits you emotionally.

Counting StarsOneRepublic55rank/position

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

OneRepublic is a five-member rock band that enjoys strong support in the English-speaking world.

If you like alternative rock or pop rock, they’re a very famous band.

One of their hit songs, Counting Stars, is well known as a graduation song and gained popularity for lyrics that depict the struggles of teenagers.

You’re young, but not that much of a kid; you’re older, but not over the hill.

Pay attention to the uniquely teenage dilemmas and the lyrics that frame them in a positive light!

Just The Way You AreBruno Mars56rank/position

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (Official Music Video)

A song by Bruno Mars, a petite, playful romantic from Hawaii.

The lyrics themselves are classic to the point of being cheesy, but when carried by Bruno Mars’s voice, they overflow with a different kind of charm.

His husky, clear, soaring vocals make it sound like a straightforward, sincere love for his partner.