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 latest hits—(111–120)
Lead Me OnFLETCHER
Fletcher’s song, which portrays love and inner conflict, expresses the ache of unrequited feelings and a journey of self-discovery.
Hailing from the United States, she released the track on January 25, 2024.
It garnered attention as the lead single from the album “In Search of the Antidote.” The Paris-set music video also became a hot topic, captivating viewers with its innovative visual aesthetic that incorporates the art of shibari.
The work skillfully depicts the turmoil of a heart wavering within an unfulfilling relationship.
Fletcher’s powerful yet delicate vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling with love or in the midst of finding themselves.
Heavy In Your ArmsFlorence & The Machine
A dark, moody track featured on the soundtrack of the 2010 film The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Performed by the indie rock band Florence and the Machine, it sings about the weight of love and how, at times, it can become a burden between two people.
Where’d You GoFort Minor feat. Holly Brook & Jonah Matranga
Fort Minor is a side project of Mike Shinoda, the rapper from Linkin Park.
This song is written from the perspective of someone left behind in a long-distance relationship and carries a message about placing a career ahead of family.
The music video features real people, including a girl with divorced parents and the parents of a soldier who was killed in Iraq during the Gulf War.
Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon
American R&B singer Giveon captivates many listeners with his distinctive baritone voice and heartfelt lyrics.
This work is one of his signature songs, expressing the pain of heartbreak over a beautiful melody.
Released in March 2020, the track received high acclaim, including a nomination for Best R&B Performance at the following year’s Grammy Awards.
Giveon’s rich, resonant voice and lyrics that quietly lament lost love deeply resonate with anyone who knows the pain of a broken heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a quiet night alone or when you’re trying to sort out your feelings.
Hold OnGood Charlotte
This is a song that was popular when I was in junior high school, and its direct message—that no matter how tough things are, time will make them easier—really resonates with me.
I think Good Charlotte, along with Simple Plan, appeals strongly to teenagers because they capture those uniquely adolescent feelings so well.
This I LoveGuns N’ Roses
The very memorable piano intro draws you in with a full-on ballad vibe.
Axl Rose’s powerful, slightly shouted vocals, along with the gradually added rock elements as the song progresses, make it a cool, compelling ballad.
Take Me To ChurchHozier
When I first listened to this song, I was absolutely blown away.
At first I didn’t really understand what it meant, but I was drawn to the fact that it deliberately doesn’t use a trendy melody line.
It’s a song pushing back against LGBT criticism, and the music video focuses on the persecution of gay people in Russia.
However, from what I’ve looked up, Hozier himself apparently isn’t gay.