Top Sad Western Songs [2025]

Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)Roy Orbison92rank/position

Roy Orbison “Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)”

A song created by Roy Orbison and lyricist Joe Melson.

It was originally intended to be offered to Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers, but after the Everly Brothers persuaded him, Orbison recorded it himself.

With its sharp lyrics about loneliness and his soulful voice, it became his biggest hit.

The Rain – 10 Years OnOh Wonder93rank/position

Oh Wonder – The Rain – 10 Years On (Official Audio)

The London-born duo Oh Wonder craft songs filled with fragile, aching beauty—like looking back on a past love while standing in the rain.

Re-recorded in January 2025 to mark their 10th anniversary, this version preserves the warm, original sound of their debut while adding a more mature emotional depth.

It’s a work that reflects the band’s growth and gently accompanies anyone carrying the pain of heartbreak or loss.

Try listening on a rainy day—it’s sure to resonate with your heart.

SorryTyler Royale94rank/position

Sorry

This is a song by Tyler Royale, a singer-songwriter from Atlanta who has been immersed in music since the age of nine.

Released in June 2020, the track is an R&B number that expresses apology and regret toward a former lover.

Even while knowing she can no longer convey her feelings, the painful emotions she still holds for that person are rendered through her deep, soulful vocals, tightening the listener’s chest.

As you listen to the wistful melody, you can almost see the protagonist regretting her mistakes.

Hearing this poignant track might inspire you to be honest with your feelings and express them to someone you cherish, so you won’t have any regrets again.

Tea for OneLed Zeppelin95rank/position

Tea For One/Jimmy Page & Robert Plant_13.Feb.1996@Tokyo Budokan

A blues ballad by Led Zeppelin included on the album Presence, released in March 1976.

The lyrics, reflecting a longing for someone far away and a yearning for a lost love, really resonate.

Centered on universal emotions like loneliness, heartache, and despair, Robert Plant’s poignant vocals are striking.

The slow tempo and bluesy guitar tones heighten the sense of sorrow.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when memories of someone make your chest tighten a little.

You might enjoy letting yourself sink into thoughts of someone special as you listen to this track.

Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles96rank/position

Eagles – Hotel California (Official Audio)

The wistful loneliness of the ’70s is irresistible.

It fills me with nostalgia and makes me feel like heartbreak doesn’t matter anymore.

The vocalist’s voice really touches my heart and puts me in an emotional mood.

It leaves me with a curious, almost surreal feeling—and somehow, it soothes my broken heart.

No More Lonely NightsPaul McCartney97rank/position

Paul McCartney – No More Lonely Nights (Official Music Video)

The Japanese title “Hitoribocchi no Lonely Night” is a single by Paul McCartney released in 1984.

The song was also included on the album “Give My Regards to Broad Street.

” It’s a gentle love ballad with a slightly melancholic mood that’s very characteristic of Paul.

When Paul says, “I don’t want another lonely night!” his straightforward words convey the loneliness so clearly.

YesterdayThe Beatles98rank/position

Yesterday (With Spoken Word Intro / Live From Studio 50, New York City / 1965)

Thinking about yesterday makes today hard.

It’s a Beatles classic that simply sings of a broken heart.

Even women in their thirties who don’t know many British bands will surely find comfort in a melody they’ve heard somewhere at least once.