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! Heart-wrenching Western Songs — From Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits — (101–110)
The FlameCheap Trick
A soft ballad included on the 1988 album Lap of Luxury.
Written by the songwriting team of Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham, the song was originally penned for the British singer Elkie Brooks.
It became Cheap Trick’s only No.
1 hit on the charts.
When I Get ThereP!nk
P!nk is one of America’s leading female R&B singers.
Her deep vocals with a husky edge always move people’s hearts.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is When I Get There.
As you can tell from the music video, it’s a song about her feelings for her late father, and it’s been crafted into an emotional track, reminiscent of the intensity we heard in Anywhere Away From Here with Rag’n’Bone Man.
D-I-V-O-R-C-ETammy Wynette
This poignant country song, which became a No.
1 chart hit by Tammy Wynette, was written by the songwriting duo Robert Valentine “Bobby” Braddock and Claude “Curly” Putman Jr.
It is sung from a woman’s perspective about divorce.
Heaven’s Only Days Down The RoadShelby Lynne
Shelby Lynne went through a tragic experience in 1986 when her father shot and killed her mother.
She and her sister, singer Allison Moorer, were left orphaned and lived with relatives.
Twenty-five years later, she wrote the song “Heaven’s Only Days Down the Road” from her father’s perspective after the fact.
Tears can be so softChristine&the Queens
Héloïse Letissier, a singer who represents France.
Under her solo project name, Christine and the Queens, she released Tears can be so soft.
It explores themes of loneliness and sorrow, with lyrics that portray a yearning to see one’s family.
As you listen, pay attention to the eerie yet wistful sound built on string instruments.
By the way, the stylish music video was filmed in Los Angeles.
Tearjerkers! Heart-wrenching Western songs—from timeless classics to the latest hits—(111–120)
the way things gobeabadoobee
Beabadoobee is a British singer-songwriter.
While she excels at ’90s alternative rock and dream pop, “the way things go” is a ballad that portrays a heartbroken woman looking back on the past and letting her unresolved feelings build up.
Her high, airy vocals convey that bittersweet state of mind without holding anything back.
It’s also a song about long-distance love, so those who’ve experienced it may find it especially relatable.
I’m SorryAli Gatie
Ari Gatie, the Canadian artist known for his sweet voice, released a new song in January 2024 that’s been generating buzz.
Lyrically weaving themes of regret and reflection in love, the track is a beautiful three-and-a-half-minute piece that masterfully blends pop and R&B.
Born in 1997, Ari’s lyrics flow as if written in a single stroke, gently embracing listeners who’ve experienced heartbreak.
His signature style—renowned for vividly portraying emotion—shines in this work as well.
When you want your post-breakup feelings to be stirred, lend an ear to the melody and lyrics that will resonate deep within your heart.