Tear-jerking coming-of-age songs in Western music

Lover, You Should’ve Come OverJeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley – Lover, You Should’ve Come Over (Official Video)

This is an achingly beautiful soul ballad left behind by the legendary American singer Jeff Buckley, who died far too young at 30.

It sings of the helpless regret and burning longing after a breakup.

If you’ve ever let go of someone precious because of youthful mistakes, you’ll likely find this song deeply relatable.

Wishing “I wanted you to come see me,” only to realize it’s too late—those feelings with nowhere to go are truly painful.

The track appears on the classic album Grace and was also featured in the drama FlashForward.

Even decades after its August 1994 release, it continues to move hearts.

On a quiet night when you want to be alone with your thoughts, you might let yourself sink into this heavenly voice.

I Still…Backstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Still… (Official HD Video)

Pivoting toward a rock sound and captivating fans with a more mature allure, the Backstreet Boys reached a new chapter in their music.

Featured on their 2005 album Never Gone, this song symbolizes that fresh direction.

Even though the relationship is over, the other person still feels vivid and present—that painfully bittersweet lingering attachment is sung through the group’s beautiful five-part harmonies.

It’s also a memorable track for fans, as Kevin temporarily left the group after this song.

When you’re carrying the ache of an unforgettable love, this is a song that quietly stays by your side.

Just Want You to KnowBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – Just Want You To Know (Official Video)

This song by the American group Backstreet Boys pours unspoken feelings for a former lover into a powerful sound.

Released in July 2005, it’s included on the acclaimed album “Never Gone” and reached the top 10 on the charts in the UK and Spain.

Stepping beyond their traditional pop image, the track shifts to a rock-tinged sound marked by memorable guitar riffs, revealing a new side of the group.

It portrays a bittersweet yet straightforward male perspective, wishing to tell someone they’ll never meet again, “There’s just this one thing I want you to know.” If you have lingering feelings about a past relationship, listening to this song might help you face your emotions.

Missing YouBackstreet Boys

“Missing You” – Backstreet Boys

The Backstreet Boys are a U.

S.

-born vocal group that dominated the music scene in the ’90s, and they’re also known for their 1999 album Millennium, which sold over 24 million copies worldwide.

This song is a hidden gem of a ballad quietly included on their classic 1997 release Backstreet’s Back, during the height of their fame.

The earnest longing to see a cherished person who has gone away is sung straight from the heart over a wistful melody.

The structure, with members taking turns as lead vocalists, and the beautiful harmonies woven by all five members are truly moving—simply mesmerizing.

It’s the kind of song that will gently comfort your heart when you want to bask in a bit of sentimentality at night or when an old love suddenly comes to mind.

FadedAlan Walker

Alan Walker – Faded

It’s a song that feels happy in a way, yet leaves you with a bittersweet ache.

It’s about continuing to search for something that’s been lost.

One of its hallmarks is that people interpret the lyrics differently.

It’s a mysterious track you’ll want to listen to when you’ve lost sight of yourself.

Summertime SadnessLana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey – Summertime Sadness (Official Music Video)

“Summertime Sadness,” a signature song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey.

It’s an achingly beautiful track that sings of the radiant days of summer and the sense of loss brought on by a friend’s tragic end.

Lana Del Rey’s languid, dreamlike vocals match the song’s melancholic atmosphere perfectly.

The chorus, pleading “Kiss me hard before you go,” feels like the climax of a tragic film.

As you listen, happy memories resurface even as you’re confronted with the reality that there’s no going back—you may find yourself unable to hold back tears.

It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to YesterdayBoyz II Men

Boyz II Men – It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday

After parting with someone dear, have you ever felt your chest tighten with the thought that you can never return to the joyful “yesterday”? The song “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by the American R&B group Boyz II Men is a classic that sings of longing for the past and the pain of farewell.

Precisely because it’s performed a cappella, without any instruments, the warmth and poignancy of their voices seep directly into the heart.

It’s as if the beautiful harmonies gently embrace the sorrow that overflows no matter how hard you try to hold it back.

This song feels like a warm presence that quietly stays close to a heart that has experienced a painful parting, allowing the tears to flow.