Tear-jerking Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks

Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved MeThe Smiths

The Smiths – Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me

When it comes to the headliners of the UK’s ’80s new wave scene, The Smiths inevitably come to mind.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Morrissey’s dark, brooding lyrical world and Johnny Marr’s guitar defined the band.

For Smiths fans, the most tear-jerking song is the one on their fourth album, “Strangeways, Here We Come.” I strongly feel it’s filled with a sadness that foreshadows their later breakup—what do you think?

Wild HorsesThe Sundays

The Sundays – Wild Horses

“Wild Horses” is a song by The Rolling Stones, a country-tinged number that evokes a ruinous love.

Sung like a confession of heartache, it has been cherished by rock fans for many years.

The song was covered by The Sundays, who were active in the UK in the early 1990s.

Harriet Wheeler’s sole-female, crystalline vocals render it even more melancholic and beautiful, enhancing the appeal of the original and bringing listeners to tears.

The Good LifeWeezer

Weezer – The Good Life

It’s pop and powerful, yet somehow off-kilter and loose.

Weezer’s signature track that distills that twisted charm is “The Good Life.” It’s been called crybaby rock, music that sounds like it’s smiling while it’s actually crying.

You could say it perfectly embodies the awkward modern person who’s always worrying about how they look to others.

As Tears Go By (1987)Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull – As Tears Go By (Official Music Video)

This track is a self-cover, a fresh recording of a hit number from her days as a British idol in the 1960s.

Back then Marianne Faithfull was known for her delicate, “angelic” voice, but after struggles with drugs and alcohol, by the time of this re-recording her voice had transformed into a gritty, powerful rasp.

Her current performances, which convey the depth of a life fully lived, have been highly acclaimed.

Exogenesis Symphony Part3Muse

Muse: Exogenesis Symphony Part III – HD – Redemption (video oficial)

It’s a masterpiece whose grand scale is truly moving.

From a quiet intro, the sound expands dramatically, sparking listeners’ imaginations and weaving countless stories.

The piece also became widely known through an animated work by Tekken, a comedian who is also active as an illustrator.

It suggests that stories touching on the joys and sorrows of life—those that strike a chord in the heart—resonate universally, transcending East and West.

Someone Like YouAdele

Adele – Someone Like You (Official Music Video)

It feels like a heartbreak song.

Be warned: the moment you hear Adele’s voice at the start, the tears will start to flow.

The painfully bittersweet melody and the lyrics really sink in.

When the chorus hits, the tears are sure to fall.

I Dont’t Want To Miss A ThingAerosmith

Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Official HD Video)

It’s a timeless classic, and I think many people can relate to it.

You can feel the feelings directed toward a loved one.

Wanting to see everything about the other person, not wanting to take your eyes off them even for a moment—there’s nothing happier than being loved that much.

It’s a wonderful masterpiece, like a story.