Top Sad Western Songs [2025]

Miss MiseryEliott Smith71rank/position

Elliott Smith “Miss Misery”

This song, contributed to the soundtrack of the 1997 film Good Will Hunting, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song the following year and quickly rose to prominence.

The whisper-like vocals and melancholic guitar sound combine to evoke an inescapable loneliness.

Don’t force yourself—when you feel lonely, allow yourself to fully sink into that loneliness.

Right Where You Want MeJesse McCartney72rank/position

Jesse McCartney – Right Where You Want Me (Closed-Captioned)

A poppy, catchy long-distance love song sung by Jesse McCartney, who’s also active as an American actor! Its theme is a steadfast devotion that says, even with physical distance between us, “My heart is always right where you want me.” The sprightly sound is delightful, turning even the anxiety of time apart into a kind of romantic spice.

The track is the title song of the album “Right Where You Want Me,” released in September 2006, and it peaked at No.

33 on the U.

S.

Billboard chart.

It was also used as a theme song for a Disney Channel movie.

On those lonely nights when you miss your partner, listening to this song might make you a bit stronger.

The love that grows precisely because you’re apart may just transform into a positive force.

WE’RE ALL ALONEBoz Scaggs73rank/position

We’re All Alone (with lyrics) Boz Scaggs

This is a quintessential heart-wrenching ballad.

The silky high-tone vocals are aching.

The piano intro is aching.

The strings that come in partway through are aching.

It’s not background music—it’s a masterpiece you want to immerse yourself in and fully feel the sadness.

I think it’s okay to cry.

Day DreamingAretha Franklin74rank/position

Aretha Franklin – Day Dreaming

A classic by American soul singer Aretha Franklin.

With her powerful yet gentle voice, the Queen of Soul’s charm can be enjoyed to the fullest in this track.

True to its title, it makes you feel as though you’re drifting through a daydream.

When you’re feeling lonely, let its airy comfort soothe your heart.

ChandelierSia75rank/position

Sia - Chandelier - Japanese Translation

A lead single from the 2014 album “1000 Forms of Fear.” It’s a heartrending song that captures a fleeting, live-for-the-moment mindset that assumes there may be no tomorrow.

Her voice, erupting with emotion, is absolutely overwhelming! Channel your loneliness into this track and let it all out in a cathartic release!

Alone Again (Naturally)Gilbert O’Sullivan76rank/position

Gilbert O'Sullivan - Alone Again

This is a hit song by Irish singer Gilbert O’Sullivan that sings of loneliness and the pain of heartbreak.

Its beautiful melody and delicate lyrics really touch the heart.

Many listeners may relate to the protagonist, who feels such despair that he even considers suicide.

Released in 1972, it spent six consecutive weeks at number one on the U.

S.

Billboard chart.

The song was also used in the anime adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi’s manga Maison Ikkoku.

Listening to it when you’re feeling heartbroken or lonely can be encouraging—it reminds you that you’re not alone.

Your SongElton John77rank/position

Elton John – Your Song (with translated lyrics)

A famous Elton John classic that needs no introduction.

It’s a song that still resonates across eras and generations.

If you don’t know it yet, go listen to it right now! And if you’re worn out by loneliness, why not let his embracing voice gently wrap around you? It will surely warm your heart.