Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
There are times when, instead of listening to music to get pumped up or fired up, you deliberately want to listen to poignant or slightly sad songs and have a good cry alone, right?
Upbeat tracks that give you a push are great, but in this article we’ve researched and selected timeless, heart-wrenching English-language songs that empathize with listeners’ feelings, both old and new.
From classic standards to recent hits and the latest buzzworthy tracks, we’re bringing you a genre-crossing selection.
Try listening in whatever setting makes you feel most at ease—whether that’s in your bedroom or on a drive!
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Tearjerkers! Heartbreaking Western Songs — From Timeless Classics to the Latest Hits — (61–70)
Lost In Your EyesDebbie Gibson
It seems that the artist singing this song, Debbie Gibson, was also active as an actress.
Her clear soprano voice matches the bright piano melody very well.
Apparently, she also plays the piano herself.
Apologize ft. OneRepublicTimbaland
Starting with a romantic piano melody and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic’s poignantly resonant vocals that tug at the heartstrings, this is a bittersweet love song.
Included on Timbaland’s 2007 September release Shock Value, the track is a gem of a ballad that portrays the fate of a broken romance.
The superb production by the American producer Timbaland breathed new life into the original song, propelling it to No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and keeping it in the Top 10 for 25 weeks, sparking worldwide acclaim.
Also featured in the TV drama Cold Case, this song gently stays by your side when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or linger in memories of someone special.
Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters
This classic song, which sings of love and nostalgia for music, is one of the Carpenters’ signature works, released in May 1973.
Created by the American brother-and-sister duo, it is imbued with deep affection and longing for pop songs of the 1950s and ’60s, beautifully balancing Karen Carpenter’s warm, tender vocals with Richard Carpenter’s delicate arrangements.
It reached No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a worldwide hit.
It’s a must-listen for everyone who loves music—and for those moments when you want to look back on your youth.
Love HurtsNazareth
Originally recorded in 1960 by the Everly Brothers, the song became a worldwide hit with the 1975 version by the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth.
It has since been covered by many artists, including Cher and Rod Stewart.
All You Need Is LoveThe Beatles
This is a song by The Beatles that was very popular around the world.
The gentle tones of the instruments give you a sense of calm.
Since it’s a ballad like a love song, I think it’s a piece whose expression changes depending on the listener.
Die For You (Remix)The Weeknd & Ariana Grande
Die For You (Remix) is also known for going viral on TikTok.
It’s a track The Weeknd created together with Ariana Grande—a remix of The Weeknd’s 2016 release Die For You.
The lyrics portray a deep love, expressing a willingness to do anything for the other person.
While there are a few slightly explicit expressions, they also convey the depth of that affection.
I Don’t Think That I Like HerCharlie Puth
When it comes to songs that capture the bittersweetness of love, you can’t leave out the work of American artist Charlie Puth.
Released in September 2022, this piece brilliantly conveys the pain of heartbreak and the anxiety of new love.
Puth’s clear, pure vocals and a melody that sinks into the heart resonate deeply with listeners.
The song portrays the complex emotions of a man worn out by dating games, taking a step back—and it’s something anyone who’s experienced heartbreak can relate to.
How about listening to it slowly in your bedroom and taking some time to face your feelings?