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 — (121–130)
In The Living RoomMaggie Rogers
This is a recommended song for anyone who wants to sink into the memories of a bittersweet love.
The new track released in October 2024 by American singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers is a sentimental piece themed around heartbreak.
As she recounts memories from the living room and the pain of parting, the way she reflects on a past relationship leaves a strong impression.
It’s her first new song since her third album, “Don’t Forget Me,” released in April of the same year.
Co-produced with her longtime collaborator Ian Fitchuk, it features a sound rooted in rock and alternative folk.
With an emotional guitar riff, it’s a nostalgic yet uplifting ballad—one I highly recommend to anyone trying to move past the pain of a breakup.
feel like shitTate McRae
Released in November 2021, the song by Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae is a poignant ballad that lays bare the pain of a breakup.
The protagonist’s struggle, still trapped in a past love, is vividly conveyed through Tate’s candid lyrics and moving vocals.
Issued as the lead single from her 2022 album “I Used to Think I Could Fly,” the track resonates deeply with listeners.
It’s highly relatable for those carrying similar emotional scars and is a perfect song for anyone seeking to heal from the pain of parting.
Now Is The HourThe 1975
A timeless, heart-stirring ballad has arrived from the UK’s The 1975.
Matthew Healy’s expressive vocals depict a profound longing for a lover far away.
Released in February 2024, the track also drew attention as part of the Apple TV+ series The New Look soundtrack.
Produced by Jack Antonoff, it rediscovers the allure of live instrumentation and delivers a fresh sound to listeners.
Resonating with anyone who has experienced long-distance love or a close parting, the song sings of hope for reunion.
With the warmth and depth of a piece that feels like a classic across eras, it reaffirms The 1975’s multifaceted talent.
Run To YouWhitney Houston
It’s a song used in part of the movie The Bodyguard, in which Whitney Houston herself appeared.
The film’s theme song is I Will Always Love You, and both songs are quite poignant.
Tearjerkers! Heartbreaking Songs in Western Music — From Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits — (131–140)
Leave Herd4vd
A song released in February 2024 by up-and-coming Texas singer-songwriter DeForVD.
It’s included on the album Withering.
The sound is marked by reverb-drenched guitar tones and a rock-inspired drum beat.
The lyrics explore the difficulty of clinging to past relationships and the need to discover a new self, expressing complex feelings toward an ex who reaches out in the middle of the night.
It’s a track that resonates with anyone facing heartbreak and a journey of self-discovery.
CryinAerosmith
When we met, I was crying, and when we parted, I cried too.
This song expresses the helpless feeling of having to part with someone you truly love from the bottom of your heart.
I especially love Steven Tyler’s harmonica in this track—it’s beautiful.
There’s about a 40-second harmonica solo in the middle of the song, and it really resonates with the heart.
Hate MeBlue October
A song by Justin Furstenfeld, the frontman of Blue October, about taking back his life and making amends to those he hurt through his drug addiction.
The track is notable for Justin’s very straightforward vocals, and the music video features his mother.