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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Tear-Jerking! Heartbreaking Songs in Western Music — From Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits — (91–100)
Dancing On My OwnRobyn
This electro-pop ballad is the first single from Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn’s fifth studio album, Body Talk Pt.
It sings about the heartache of watching the one you love dance with someone else on the dance floor.
Eternal FlameThe Bangles
It seems it was released in Japan under the title “A Full Heart of Love.” The Bangles are a four-woman girls’ band, and their gentle, feminine melodies are really wonderful.
Pay attention to the cute singing voice of the vocalist, Susanna Hoffs.
Wish You Were HereAvril Lavigne
This moving song comes from Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne.
It expresses the bittersweet feelings that follow the loss of a loved one, conveyed through her uniquely powerful vocals.
Included on the album Goodbye Lullaby, it was released as a single in September 2011 and reached No.
65 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It’s recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or farewells, or who want to reflect on time spent with someone special.
You’re sure to relate to Avril’s delicate emotional expression.
In November 2011, she also delivered a live performance on Good Morning America that resonated deeply with many viewers.
Show Me The Meaning Of Being LonelyBackstreet Boys
The poignant ballad by the American group Backstreet Boys is a moving song themed around heartbreak and loneliness.
Featuring beautiful strings and a wistful melody, the members’ emotive vocals strike a chord.
Included on the May 1999 album “Millennium,” it was released as a single in December of the same year.
It became a global hit, reaching as high as No.
6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
As a song that offers solace to those grappling with a sense of loss, it continues to be beloved by many listeners today.
I SurrenderCéline Dion
This is a ballad sung by Canadian diva Celine Dion that expresses a resolve to give everything for love.
With its grand melody and powerful vocals, it deeply moves listeners.
It’s included on the album “A New Day Has Come,” released in March 2002, and has been showcased as one of the highlights of her Las Vegas performances.
It’s the perfect song for those who believe in the power of love—something anyone with experience in romance can relate to.
Empty BenchDavid Kushner
A Christmas song filled with a profound sense of loss and aching longing has arrived from American singer-songwriter David Kushner.
After his breakout smash hit “Miserable Man,” his new track conveys the deep sorrow of losing a loved one through the symbolic image of an empty bench.
Teaming up with producer Rick Nowels, the song blends a bittersweet, melancholic atmosphere with Kushner’s deeply emotive vocals.
The music video, released in December 2024, racked up hundreds of thousands of views within days, capturing the hearts of many.
It’s a work that gently stands by those who find themselves alone during a season made for thinking of someone special.
What it takesAerosmith
This song conveys an overwhelming feeling of having let go of the woman he loves.
The breakup wasn’t what he wanted, and he’s willing to do anything to win her back.
That’s why he’s asking to be told what he needs to do.
Steven’s husky voice really resonates, and the melody in the chorus is absolutely irresistible.