Top 10 Saddest Songs of All Time | Vocal Coach Reacts

[@BethRoars]

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[@metalhos]

if you adore sad songs, may give Emma Ruth Rundle a chance - Heaven (live @Audiotree). so intense.

[@Maximus01776]

Hehehe sad songs are not existent in English, Italian, French and Spanish are the powerhouse of tears

[@osmariobrito7776]

Olá Beth, boa tarde. Você poderia incluir nesta lista: _This woman's work (Kate bush) _No more i love you's (Annie lennox) _Sacrifice (Elton john) _Stay (Shakespears sister) _Canções tristes/sad de peças teatrais, como Cats, Les Misérables e Phanton of the Ópera

[@chrisb9238]

Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" (In the arms of an angel) belong high on this list. I would also add "Nutshell" by Alice in Chains, "All Apologies" by Nirvana, "Colorblind" by the Counting Crows.

[@Mr_Dopey]

Jamey Johnson's cover of Two Out of Three Ain't Bad.

[@andrewhotchkiss2286]

Monsters by James Blunt will absolutely make you cry, right up there with Cash’s Hurt

[@michaelknies4333]

Have you heard Randy Newman’s Old Man?

[@Matt92Machine]

I never heard Monsters before, but I see everyone mentioning it, so I looked it up. I definitely agree, a tear jerker. Another sad song is So Far Away by Avenged Sevenfold. I think Chat GPT is only looking at super popular songs that everyone would know. I can think of a ton of songs that are super sad for me for different reasons, but they aren't popular, or I just find them sad because they make me think about something sad in my past.

[@TheVeenmeister]

First one I thought about. Let's give it an honarable mention.

[@Wrathlon]

Just the reminder of this songs existence is making me cry. Its such a heavy song.

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

You could also include Blunt's The Girl That Never Was. In fact I consider it sadder than Monsters, though the tune is more upbeat

[@normlee6566]

The cash video is also heartbreaking because of his wife June Carter being in the video. She died 3 months after filming the video. Her husband would pass four months after. it's a rough video to watch.

[@ualaw77]

Mike and the Mechanics' "The Living Years" slays me. Also check out Jim Reeves singing "The Blizzard."

[@wildcowgirl77]

YEASSSSSX JIM REEVES

[@johnnieangel99]

Johnny gave us all one last smash. That piano closing never fails to draw up the tears. Even if you don't get it during the song itself. Which was perfectly done. That lid closing is him saying good bye to everyone

[@michaelrichardson5841]

Strange Fruit - Billie Holiday Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton Wish you were here - Pink Floyd Shine on you crazy diamond - Pink Floyd Go rest high on that Mountain - Vince GIll

[@kevinalbertina136]

Wish You Were Here definitely. You have several great choices there.

[@colinwalters5281]

Without you Nilson saddest of all time

[@SocratesCurse]

Strange Fruit when Billie was old & broken just kills you!!

[@cherryhollowdesign9999]

Home Free's version of Brothers in Arms got me even more than Dire Straits.

[@YouAreAllWeird0s]

Oh God, Fix You played in my head on a loop in the 3 weeks between finding out my dog was sick and when I had to put him to sleep. It'll be 12 years in March and I still can't get through that song without tears.

[@JeffHay]

The first song that popped in my mind when I saw this video title, and one I can’t believe wasn’t on the list, is George Jones “He stopped loving her today”.

[@johndogwater]

Oh god yes.

[@mikegallien]

I would argue that it is sadder than number 2 through 10. Close race between it and hurt.

[@guitaleleoeuvre]

It belongs right next to Johnny's version of "Hurt"!

[@kaden9327]

It’s a crime that whisky lullaby, private Malone, travelling soldier, or concrete angel aren’t on here. Like what

[@JeffHay]

@ Oh, I have t thought about Private Malone for ever! Yeah, definitely.

[@Orliepoo]

Not including musical theatre because that would be another long list on it's own. Here are some very sad songs: "Family Portrait" by P!nk "Hello" by Evanescence "Save Him" by Justin Nozuka "Long, Long Time" by Linda Ronstadt "The Freshman" by The Verve Pipe "Monsters" by James Blunt "If I Die Young" sung by Naya Rivera "All I Ask" by Adele "Skin (Sarabeth)" by Rascal Flatts "He's My Son" by Mark Schultz "How to Save a Life" by The Fray "Same Mistake" by James Blunt "What Was I Made For" by Billie Eilish "Anyone" by Demi Lovato "Father" by Demi Lovato "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi "Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran "When I Get There" by P!nk "When She Loved Me" by Sarah McLachlan "Piece by Piece (Idol Version)" by Kelly Clarkson "Happy Home" by Lukas Graham "Car Radio" by Twenty One Pilots "One More Light" by Linkin Park

[@alexcharles9692]

Don't Speak - No Doubt, Simple Kind of Life - No Doubt The Drugs Don't Work - The Verve* Luka - Suzanne Vega Samson - Regina Spektor Rust - Echo & the Bunnymen, Nothing Lasts Forever - Echo & the Bunnymen Superstar - The Carpenters, Superstar - Sonic Youth Gravity - Sara Bareilles One More Try - George Michael, A Different Corner - George Michael Why - Annie Lennox Don't Cry Out Loud - Melissa Manchester If the World were Ending - JP Saxe & Julia Michaels Jealous - Labrinth Used to Love You - Gwen Stefani Dancing on my Own - Robyn, Dancing on my Own - Calum Scott Landslide - Fleetwood Mac Killing me Softly - Roberta Flack Drive - The Cars * Edited to add "The Drugs Don't Work" by The Verve to the list.

[@jamiemacdonald436]

In my opinion somewhere in the top 10 would be Nutshell - Alice In Chains

[@LeSpocky]

The whole grunge era is missing from the list.

[@TheColdrush22]

Abso.

[@aaronlevitz4984]

Nutshell, especially the Unplugged Version is definitely on my list.

[@pyroman6000]

Yup, I'd add that to Concrete Angel- Martina McBride, and Jacob's Vision, as sung by Allison Krause.

[@pablojimenezquiroz9362]

James blunt . monsters it's one of the saddest song i've ever heard... great job beth!! keep it going beauty =)

[@johnwicks5539]

I think Leonard cohen who originally sang hallelujah s version is the saddest his low voice really brings it out

[@ballantynemoyes8019]

I agree. I'm afraid I've never liked Jeff Buckley sing this song as he murders it. That's just my personal view and, naturally, each to their own. I think k. d. Lang's rendition would be my next favourite version of the song.

[@johnsonpaul1914]

@@ballantynemoyes8019 I do K D Langs version in karaoke. It is surprising how many dont realize it is about a divorce and is not a praise song.

[@benengle9621]

Cohen sang it much, much better

[@huigwoudwijk6579]

I don't feel it's very sad. At least not looking at Leonard's way of looking at things. To me it sounds more like 'Yes, life is harsh, unholy, messy and difficult, but still, we should cling / I have clung to love all the way through. Thank God for that!' Buckley's version has a lot more sad, yearning tones to it in my opinion.

[@chrisgilbert9076]

Sometimes a song is beautiful and haunting, then when you learn it’s meaning and/or inspiration it moves it to the level of heartbreaking. One of my favourites is “ Fiddler’s Green” by 🇨🇦 The Tragically Hip. It’s a beautiful elegy for lead singer and songwriter Gord Downie’s nephew who died in his infancy. The song was so emotional that the band couldn’t perform it live for many years without Downie losing his composure.

[@MiguelRamirez-u1b]

Nutshell fron Alice in Chains

[@ChristopherJackson1]

I was fully expecting nutshell, but it's not there.

[@LetoMaia]

Nutshell is the most heavy shit that i've ever heard, can feel the deep emotion..

[@AlexanderStrachan-e7g]

Agreed. And many others from Alice In Chains, especially the live stuff...

[@R.Rumian]

Black gives way to blue

[@bhahaddur7278]

Acoustic version.

[@deantodd8103]

The Beatles "Yesterday." No Doubt "Don't Speak." Christina Perri "Jar of Hearts." Metallica "One.' Aaron Tippin "My Blue Angel." From your video, I love Johnny Cash and Adele. And several people in the comments have mentioned George Jones "He Stopped Loving Her Today." Also poignant is his song "The Grand Tour." That latter one was covered by soul great Aaron Neville. It's amazing how well country and soul can blend with each other.

[@denisealexander5441]

At Seventeen- Janis Ian My Immortal- Evanescence Alone Again- Gilbert O'Sullivan All By Myself- Eric Carmen Me and Little Andy- Dolly Pardon Operator- Jim Croce If You Could Read My Mind- Gordon Lightfoot Saltwater- Julian Lennon That's The Way I Always Heard It Should Be- Carly Simon How Can I Help You Say Goodbye- Patti Loveless

[@kcgunzz3416]

I can't live - Eric Carmen

[@denisealexander5441]

@kcgunzz3416 Except that was Harry Neilson... but definitely a good song.

[@drewpall2598]

@@denisealexander5441 Nice list of sad songs "Teen Angel," by Mark Dinning 1959 "Last Kiss," by J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers 1964 "Patches," by Dickey Lee 1962 "Tell Laura I Love Her," by Ray Peterson 1960 "Ebony Eyes," by Everly Brothers 1961 "Honey" Bobby Goldsboro 1968 "The Soldier Has Come Home" SSgt Barry Sadler 1966 "Girls in Love" The Outsiders 1966 "Don't Take Your Guns to Town" Johnny Cash 1958 "Leader of the Pack" Shangri-Las 1964 "Delilah" Tom Jones 1967 "Sad Little Girl" The Beau Brummels 1965

[@denisealexander5441]

@@drewpall2598 I don't know about leader of the pack... The story is sad, but the song doesn't really give you that emotional reaction. I kind of feel like the song needs more than sad lyrics. I like a lot of the songs on your list though. I almost put Time In A Bottle- Jim Croce ...but I feel like it was a sad song for me personally, because it's really more of a sentimental love song for Jim's son. It's not really meant to be sad. We all have our opinions based on our lives and emotions.

[@drewpall2598]

@@denisealexander5441 Thanks Denise for the reply. I get where you are coming from, there a lot of emotional songs out there one that pop into me head now is "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" Gordon Lightfoot 1976

[@shanemyersmyers1379]

My immortal- Evanescence Just One More Try - George Michael I honestly Love You - Olivia Newton John He stopped loving her today - George Jones Because of you - Kelly Clarkson We are all alone - Rita Coolidge

[@Red.Christopher]

I can't make you love me - Bonnie Raitt.

[@guitaleleoeuvre]

Absolutely! (A cover by myself and Andrea: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmKZe6aiqM9naa8si=5T7JMwwyw-oeqU9a )

[@jase77.]

George Michael does a great cover of this song.

[@annemorgan2064]

Best love song ever

[@puhpaul]

Teddy Swims also performs a beautiful version of this song.

[@Absintheskiss]

Also, 'Love has no Pride' gets me every time. Bonnie has such a wonderful expressive voice.

[@Silent_Spaces]

Some that come to mind: Crying - Roy Orbison Landslide - Fleetwood Mac Suic*de - Ren Goodbye My Lover - James Blunt I hung my Head - Johnny Cash Graffiti on the Train - Stereophonics Love is a Losing game - Amy Winehouse It Makes no Difference - The Band

[@Kindneccessity]

This is a great list, especially Ren and Johnny Cash!

[@rhfogel]

It might be a guy thing, but "Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin hits hard. Also, Morgan James's cover of "Mad World" is astonishing and full of blues.

[@SolaMelodica]

Yea Cats is tough for many guys. Plus the hair metal take by Faster Pussycat House of Pain.

[@joeterp5615]

My friend sang that at his Dad’s funeral… then only a year later he himself tragically passed (almost 2 years ago now). So now there will be layers of emotion for me the next time I hear that song.

[@ozzy7109]

Love both of those!

[@lightningcat82]

I don't think it really hits until you're an adult. And maybe not until you are a father (which I am not), but it hits a lot harder now than when I learned it in school.

[@SocratesCurse]

Not a guy thing!

[@badwolf687]

Samson - Regina Spector Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division Bright Horses - Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds Brick - Ben Folds Five Calgary Girls - The Smith Street Band I was Only 19 - Redgum/The Herd

[@kengaroo67]

When I realized what Brick was about... Man! That song breaks me.

[@DraftingandCrafting]

I'd add Ana's song to the Australiana selection.

[@DeadBeatSage]

The last part where Johnny closes the piano and wipes it clean with his hands is exactly the soul of a true musician. I think he passed away knowing he really connected with people, the awards and pictures are nice but in the end he knew he connected- that's the thing

[@johnpsmith19]

I did not notice anyone mentioning, 'I'm not gonna miss you' by Glenn Campbell or Charles Bradley's cover of 'Changes' originally by Black Sabbath. Bradley's cover is on par with Cash's cover of 'Hurt' Both of these really get me, especially when you know the backstory of each song and what the song means to them.

[@fabiopizzavys]

The way Beth's eyes water up makes me melt, and I feel like giving her a big hug.

[@ParduzTube]

There's two english songs that always moves me to tears: Phil Collins - Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) Ilse deLange - I still cry (studio versions) I've a couple of italian songs also, but i see you're doing only english music :)

[@rrss7212]

woah, i personnally know Ilse from her great trance collabs like The Great Escape. nice!

[@erwinerwinson5941]

Zombie from the Cranberries (Dolores O'Riordan) is one of the sadest, imho

[@Ubiquitous0100]

Good call! Makes me cry every time. Real tragedy - far beyond the sadness of a breakup song.

[@zimmy4868]

The Icicle Melts by the cranberries is by far the saddest. Written about a true story about James Bulger. Look it up.

[@cartridgemusic]

sorry, it is annoying. It makes my angry.

[@victoriagill1588]

No Need to Argue also 😢

[@adnreasrost9135]

David Bowie - Lazarus AURORA - Murder Song (5,4,3,2,1)

[@hansgerhard7364]

Yeahhh Blackstar is an incredible album but man it’s soo hard to listen to it given the backstory. In every song you can hear Bowie dying

[@JeffKokernak]

The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

[@brnlrn187]

Does anyone know where the love of God goes When the waves turn the minutes to hours?

[@CygnusKC]

I have some to add to the list: "Black" (especially Live: Unplugged version) by Pearl Jam, and also some older 1970s songs: "Alone Again, Naturally" by Gilbert O'Sullivan, "Wildfire" by Michael Martin Murphey, and "Shannon" by Henry Gross.

[@bellaimages]

Oh I was also thinking of those you mention .. especially the 70's songs

[@tammygreen4275]

The Living Years - Mike & the Mechanics Vincent - Don McLean This Woman's Work - Kate Bush

[@thomasschuler6140]

Vincent 🥰😢

[@mattc3581]

Had to scan down shockingly far to see someone saying Vincent! Makes me cry every time.

[@TheGotoGeek]

And ChatGPT wouldn’t come up with Vincent unless you asked for something like “saddest song by Don McLean,” or “Saddest songs of 1972.”

[@Keith9698]

I literally have never heard This Woman’s Work without tearing up.

[@DraftingandCrafting]

Fantastic choices.

[@cathyhudnall6742]

The first one that popped into my head was, "Goodbye to Love" by Carpenters. Although "Hurt" and "Nothing compares to U" are definite tearjerkers. "These are the days of our life" one of Queen's last songs with Freddie Mercury never fails to make me tear up. When he looked straight into the camera and said, "I still love you" Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it

[@erikprater3595]

One little kicker with Hurt is when Johnny closes the piano lid that is the last time he ever he does that. He died about seven months later.

[@craigmartin3827]

No Aphrodisiac- The Whitlams The Drugs Don’t Work - The Verve Lady - John Denver Morningside - Neil Diamond Moments of Pleasure / The Kick Inside / This Woman’s Work - Kate Bush Seasons in the Sun - Terry Jacks Bright Eyes - Art Garfunkel

[@SomeVagrant]

Some personal "favourites": *Pearl Jam - Black* _(That "why can't it be mine" remains soul-shattering to this day)_ *Manchester Orchestra - The Silence* _(There's an element of redemption here, but that somehow only further emphasises the darkness beneath)_ *Thrice - Digging My Own Grave* _(Sad, in the sense of being aware of, but unable to control self-destructive behaviour)_ *Staind - Something To Remind You* _(Don't listen to this if you're depressed, that might actually prove dangerous)_ *Johnny Cash - Hurt* _(Yes, it made the ChatGPT list, but it simply cannot be glossed over)_ *Slipknot - Snuff* _(The tortured mix of sadness and anger hits hard. The Corey Taylor solo live version is quite something)_ *Evanescence - My Immortal* *Damien Rice - 9 Crimes* *Audra Mae - The Fable* *John Moreland - You Don't Care For Me Enough To Cry*

[@NickKolythas]

Also, linkin park crawling live from their last tour always gets me kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZuxXoF9qLeab8ksi=z954CtXTYAX03SxG

[@gjrcollection]

Black. ❤

[@chrisgilbert9076]

“Black” has some of the most poignant and brilliant lyrics of the Nineties (at the least). The MTV Unplugged alive version, where he extended the song with the improvised lyrics “We belong… We belong together…together…” Soul shattering!

[@timgendron4211]

Dr. Hook " Silvia's Mother "

[@volshan]

and "Carry Me Carrie"

[@CgGoil]

Sarah Mclaghlan -Angel. Such a beautiful song, and such a sad song if you know what its about.

[@ChrisPage68]

I cannot listen to it since my niece's funeral.

[@CgGoil]

@ , i get that. I’m sorry.

[@yaboyblacklist2431]

Isn't that the song that was in the ASPCA ads back in the day?

[@evrencagin]

Sarah's "Gloomy Sunday" is known as the most suicidal song of all time 😢

[@CgGoil]

@@evrencagin , i heard that too. But she didnt wrote that song, though. A lot of people have made covers of it, like she has. I like it. Its a good song.

[@studio5176]

"Hurt" is worth a tear! Listen to this song is like J.C. sittin´ near beside you. Thanx a lot for this video!

[@LuisVargas-or6pc]

Who wants to live forever by Queen

[@tammygreen4275]

The Show Must Go On is also a contender.

[@YouAreAllWeird0s]

​@@tammygreen4275the backstory puts The Show Must Go On squarely in the top 5, imo

[@aaronlevitz4984]

These Are the Days of Our Lives, especially with the music video, which was recorded a few months before Freddie died. The very last line kills me everytime.

[@cf80s]

Who wants to live forever was the only song that really made me cry, even when I was a child in the 80s.

[@krieshake]

Yes, although I think Love of my life hits me harder...

[@CosmicPhilosopher]

Fast Car - Tracy Chapman No Stars - Rebekah Del Rio Into the West - Annie Lennox The Host of Seraphim - Dead Can Dance Exit Music (For a Film) - Radiohead Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits Streets of Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen The Kids Are Ready to Die - Airborne Toxic Event Medley/Left in the Dark - Jim Steinman When the Crowds Are Gone - Savatage Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd

[@zeekutartheimmortal]

"someone like you" hits different when you realize her confidence in moving on and getting stronger is a farce. with each new chorus shows adele's voice and attitude changing. it goes from hopeful to sad to defiant to desperate. halfway through her courage to confront him is almost gone so she lashes out, left to sing the last lines in anguish, alone.

[@dudeofrude]

Lost without you - Freya Ridings (original version) gets me every single time i hear it Say Something - A great big world feat. Christina Aguilera..... Another heart wrenching song

[@fredwds5178]

Routine-Steven Wilson Heart Attack in a Lay-by-Porcupine Tree The Raven who Refused to Sing-Steven Wilson How to be Me-Ren & Chinchilla Suicide-Ren <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="65">1:5</a>-Chinchilla Chalk Outlines-Ren & Chinchilla Lonesome Suzie-Blood Sweat and Tears

[@jonathonrose5141]

Routine hands down.

[@travelcontinuum3118]

Great to see Ren (and Chinchilla) mentioned. So glad he's becoming more widely recognised!

Routine and Raven guarantee you a venue full of frown prog fans crying their eyes out.

[@DanielR-hp5yb]

"These are the days of our lives" for QUEEN.

[@kathleenhudson8429]

Especially if you are also seeing the video.

[@williamclose6978]

The issue with this list is that there are different tones of sadness. This list mostly falls under what I would call "cathartic sadness", that allows you to cry, and release (which monster by James Blunt would definitely fall under). There are also signs that didn't allow this, but are a "hopeless sadness"; like "mad world", "nutshell", and

[@gedovanderzee1224]

Old and Wise - Alan Parsons Tomorrows eyes - Michael Prins/Remy van Kesteren Je suis malade - Lara Fabian Song to the Siren - Rose Betts Lie alone - Blanco White Iron sky - Paolo Nutini Untouchables part 2 - Anathema Caruso - Lucio Dala Oblivion - Astor Piazzolla

[@stevegibson1147]

Also. Suzanne Vega - Luca and Pat Benatar - Hell Is For Children

[@mikejohnson2127]

Lots of fine choices here. I would add: Emma by Hot Chocolate. His wail near the end breaks my heart every time

[@dereks4131]

Some choices, in no particular order: "Puff, the Magic Dragon", Peter, Paul an Mary - unlike what some US lawmakers and others think, it's not about marijuana, it's about the loss of innonce as a child grows up. "Over The Raincow", Eva Cassidy - Her version is much more poignant than Judy Garland's; doubly so when we know she was dying at the time of recording. "Both Sides Now", Joni Mitchell (the 2000 version) - the 2000 version is like a memoir of a life and its experiences. "Concrete Angel", Martina McBride - simultaneously sorrowful and enraging. "Cat's In A Cradle", Cat Stevens - another one about a child growing up, from a different perspective. I could go on-these are just the ones off the top of my head-but that's enough for now.

[@Uller1967]

Isn't Cat's In A Cradle a song by Harry Chapin or did Stevens do a cover of it?

[@Upemm]

@@Uller1967Cat Steven’s did a cover version, it’s how I found about the song .

[@Uller1967]

@@Upemm I'll have to check that one out. Thanks

[@DraftingandCrafting]

@@Upemm Did he though? I can find no source to suggest he did other than poorly labelled versions of Chapin's rendition.

[@DraftingandCrafting]

@@Uller1967 It was so widely misattributed to him in the file sharing era that it became mainstream misinformation.

[@jaymazza69]

There are several "sad' songs that come to mind for me that I haven't seen people mention and that I think often get overlooked or forgotten about. If you've never heard these, I strongly encourage you to check them out. "To Where You Are" - Josh Groban, "I'll Remember You" - No Secrets, "Goodbye" - Lionel Richie and "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" - Glen Campbell

[@gingergardner4374]

I'm old so I'm gonna say this1 of the most heart wrenching songs1968 Bobby Goldsboro recorded "Honey" The song written by bobby Russell It became the largest selling record in the world For 1968 about the death of a man's young wife.😟 js

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

This and George Jones’ He Stopped Loving Her Today are the two saddest songs ever made.

[@kens.4198]

Definitely!

[@RedDawnRocker]

Definitely near the top of the list IMHO. Right up there with Ricky Valance's Tell Laura I Love Her.

[@markh.7650]

I was going to mention "Honey" because if you read between the lines, you realize she was a suicide. Also Edmund FItzgerald has some of the most haunting lyrics ever written. Even more so when you realize it's a true story. Clapton's was also a true story about the death of his son.

[@darthv1001]

James Blunt has two songs that are incredibly sad. Monsters and the girl who never was. The first one is about his talk to his dying father and the second is about the daughter he and his wife lost (I think, but not sure) in childbirth.

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

The song He Stopped Loving Her Today, by George Jones and the song Honey, by Bobby Goldsboro are the saddest songs ever!!

[@wildcowgirl77]

Omg HONEY 😢

[@PamelaJT]

I love bobby goldsboro

[@scragger]

I think some are very on point, others not so. But that's AI for you. Can I suggest Pariah - Steven Wilson Routine - Steven Wilson Wish You Were Here - Floyd Song of the Seahorse - Miriam Stockley All About Eve - The Pearl Fishermen Cowboys and Angels - George Michael Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits You Have Been Loved - George Michael Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot Belfast to Boston - James Taylor 😉

[@scragger]

James Taylor version with Julie Fowlis

[@realityawayfromreality3494]

George Jones," He stopped loving her today" is absolutely heartbreaking to me. George initially didn't want to record it because it was so sad and he didn't think anyone would ever want to listen to it. Turned out to be a pretty big hit for him.

[@hojojitsu]

I was going to suggest the same thing.

[@MrJobob1981]

I forgot about that one, but yeah absolutely! Fun fact…did you know that the talking parts in that song are because he was so drunk he couldn’t actually sing it for the recording? He was plastered in the recording of that song. He was at a low point in his career.

[@byeckfella]

Or The Grand Tour by George…

[@thedeltonian3841]

The sadness factor is always subjective. What makes one person cry will make another shrug their shoulders. Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah does little for me while Leonard Cohen's speaks to me. The baggage you bring (your life history) also has a great impact on what makes a song poignant for you, as well as timing. A popular song playing at a time of great emotion in your life will recall that to you when you hear it again. Some of mine: Stan Rogers: The Last Watch -- achingly beautiful and sad, especially if you have a feeling for ships . The Rolling Stones: Paint It Black Lennie Gallant: The Gift (A Nurse Song)

[@davidr1424]

Seasons in the Sun, Terry Jaks

[@davidperkins6752]

first song i can remember that made me cry! i must have been very young at the time, maybe 4 or 5 years old and i don't think i really understood what i was hearing, at least not fully. even now more than 50 years later it still chokes me up.

[@joeterp5615]

Yes! I just posted the same thing, you only beat me to it by 5 days lol! It makes me cry every time… and as I get older, whew, there is more personal meaning with all those I’ve lost who brought light and love into my life. 🥲

[@mitchgriffin2150]

It was only popular because everyone was told he was dying and was his farewell song a lie he is still alive today

[@WoefulMinion]

A bit overwrought to me. The original "Le Moribond" by Jacques Brel is better, with a healthy dose of sardonic French humor.

[@Michael_Gendron]

The live version of NIN’s “Hurt” from Closure is crushing. “Monsters” from James Blunt, even the version by Iam Tongi, Brick, “Magic,” “Annie Waits,” or “Paddleboat Break Up” by Ben Folds, or even “Sylvia’s Mother” from Doctor Hook.

[@kyledaugherty1609]

"and so, he forgot he forgot maybe not? maybe he's been seriously hurt? ...would that be worse?" Love that album. Another seriously sad song on that one is "Fred Jones, Pt. 2"

[@Michael_Gendron]

@ honestly, I can’t believe I didn’t bring up Fred Jones Pt 2. That one is so sad. Ben writes some really sad music.

[@z0d603]

Dead Can Dance - The Host of Seraphim. With the footage from the film Baraka where the song is used helps

[@politikilter6446]

If we're going down the film soundtrack route... I’ve Seen It All Song by Björk & Thom Yorke ... from Dancer in the Dark (2000)

[@z0d603]

@@politikilter6446 Dancer in the Dark kinda broke me

[@NeitherRimeNorRaisin]

Actually, Dead Can Dance is one of those bands that should REALLY get some attention/reaction from a vocal coach on a channel like this. Probably not well known enough, which is a crime.

[@politikilter6446]

@NeitherRimeNorRaisin I've pretty much recommended Dead Can Dance to all of them. As a fellow Australian, this group is rather close to my heart, and their entire discography is quite varied.

[@celine4evauk]

Yes to Tears In Heaven - written about Eric's son who died so young. Others for me would be All By Myself, Vole/Fly by Celine Dion - written for her niece Karine who died aged 16. The Living Years by Mike And The Mechanics, Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross - so hard to listen to after my Dad died. I Can't Make You Love Me - George Michael.

[@thomasatwood5934]

AI has underwhelming taste in tearjerkers…should be some 70s malaise in there like: All by Myself- Eric Carmen Seventeen- Janis Ian Rainy Days and Mondays - The Carpenters The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot Rainy Night in Georgia - Brook Benton Also classic country is a must: I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry - Hank Williams I Fall to Pieces - Patsy Cline If We Make It Through December - Merle Haggard He Stopped Loving Her Today - George Jones And add these gut wrenching bangers: I Know It’s Over - The Smiths Nutshell and Down in a Hole - Alice In Chains Don’t Leave Me Now - Supertramp Downbound Train - Bruce Springsteen Strange Fruit - Billie Holiday In the Ghetto - Elvis Emma - Sisters of Mercy Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles 🖤 your channel and your charming, informative analysis, Beth!

[@Laura-mi3nv]

Yes, this stuff was all fairly modern. I thought All by Myself would be on this list. Its like the most depressing song ever written. Then in the 80's, we knew he'd be ok. And Patsy Cline seems to have been lost in the annals of time. Which is sad. Gen Alpha will probably have no idea who she is and she'll end up lost forever.

[@joeterp5615]

Great job! And I’d add Terry Jack’s Seasons In the Sun to your excellent list! That song hits me every time I hear it… and it affects me even more as I’ve gotten older and have lost those who did add light and love to my life.

[@Laura-mi3nv]

@@joeterp5615 - and there was no country music or classical blues. They need a generational consensus for something like this list.

[@TheGotoGeek]

For Bruce I’d nominate The River, or pretty much anything off Nebraska.

[@WoefulMinion]

For the 70s, I would add "Alone Again" by Gilbert O'Sullivan, "Operator" by Jim Croce, and "Ben" by Michael Jackson.

[@sretePtraB]

Beth Hart's 'Leave a light on' gets me every single time. Can't believe it's not on the list.

[@JonClements]

Forever Autumn, sung by Justin Hayward from the War of the Worlds soundtrack. What could be sadder than losing your loved one to a Martian invasion?

[@davidperkins6752]

don't think it rates a top 10 placement but it's absolutely a really sad song by, in my opinion at least, a criminally underrated artist.

[@RedDawnRocker]

100% spot-on! I love all his Moody Blues songs but this will always be my favorite and never fails to bring a tear to my eye.

[@andrewg3238]

I had that given to me as a child and then as an adult I was fortunate enough to see the musical. Justin was phenomenal in it, I still had nightmares though with 'Ul-la' playing in my head on repeat.

[@mrcrooke9672]

Sitting at the computer here wiating for the second version of this! With you on James Blunt though! Definately up there. Hurt was always going to be numer one!

[@arleenm7367]

How about Taxi (Harry Chapin), Eleanor Rigby (Beatles), The Boxer (Simon & Garfunkel), Long Long Time (Linda Ronstadt).

[@papawheelie1645]

Not sure if I can come up with 10 but the ones that hit me the hardest are: 1. Do What You Have To Do - Sarah McLachlan 2. Monsters - James Blunt 3. Already Gone - Kelly Clarkson 4. Good Bye My friend - Linda Ronstadt 5. Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss 6. Someone Like You - Adele 7. Before You go - Lewis Capaldi 8. Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time 9. Metallica - Fade To Black 10. Evanescence - My Immortal

[@sharonstonts]

"Streets of London" always makes me cry.

[@NiersFloater]

It used to for me also, but nowadays I think it´s kind of naive. It suggests that you should not feel low just because other people might got it worse. Especially for people suffering from depression this advice is just not working.

[@fejesmusic]

The saddest song of all time is a Hungarian song, 'Szomorú vasárnap' ( Gloomy Sunday ). It worths to check it, and its story

[@dougel4709]

I know we're supposed to be all emotional and touchy feely... but your 'cry meter' is killin' me!!! 😂 I was making this list I think Mike And The Mechanics "In The Living Year" would be a MUST!!

[@irisschotanus4397]

Yes, Monsters is missing indeed. It gets me every time. Thanks for doing this, really great to watch!

[@greglancaster9053]

The song that gets me every time is Bette Midler’s, The Rose. Would love to see you react to that, Beth. Merry Christmas!

[@joeterp5615]

Yes, nice pick… It is truly a sad one. I always feel a depressed hearing it.

[@Vanzetje]

My dying bride - for my fallen angel Trees of eternity - requiem (RIP Aleah) Clouds - you went so silent Ne obliviscaris - equus Opeth - hope leaves Anneke van Giersbergen - Saturnine

[@joachimwallenstein4214]

„Der Weg“ by Herbert Grönemeyer. There’s a great video of a live performance with great English subtitles on YT. Dedicated to the live and death due to cancer of his late wife , he reputedly plays this song at every one of his concerts since. Reduces audiences of all ages to tears, every time.

[@mattesrocket]

yes, for me also in the top 5

[@mattesrocket]

Also Roter Mond from Grönemeyer which is about African refugees who have been drowning in the Mediterranean Sea by the thousands, for years, or dying in the desert before

[@mattesrocket]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGe6m4Cca614jbs I was there where this video was recorded

[@mspicer3262]

Mostly, lists like this are highly subjective. But "Everybody Hurts" is a song that has saved my life, I don't consider it sad, despite shedding tears when I hear it. It's more cathartic. "Hurt" by Johnny Cash is a devastating one, the most devastating of any on this list. For me, one of the saddest songs, and one that can turn me into a puddle within the first few bars, is "Misguided Angel" by the Cowboy Junkies. The first woman I truly loved called me her "misguided angel", she chose it as our song, and it was the last song we danced to before she left. She died on March 18, 1995, from a burst aneurysm in her brain, two days after returning to school from March Break.

[@chri2453]

Creep is not a sad song. It is a different type of feeling.

[@mrnice81]

Yeah i think some songs here fit more to 'depressing' than sad, though some ppl might say thats the same .. which i can't agree.

[@j_muller]

And it is based on 'The Air That I Breathe' which is one of the most optimistic songs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZqxaZljf6trfdk

[@po1arz352]

I think it’s because for different ppl it has different meanings. It can mean to someone that they can’t fit in

[@meowchowpanda]

One that always manages to make me cry no matter what is Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gil. That, or Long As I Can See The Light by Creedence

[@robertvirnig638]

I agree with "Hurt" and "Tears in Heaven," but I wouldn't list any of the others near the top. "Fade to Black" by Metallica, "Concrete Angel" by Martina McBride, and "Gloomy Sunday" by Billie Holiday should be considered but ChatGPT seems to strongly favor pop songs.

[@aaronvoss38]

"I drive your truck" gets me good.

[@janebaudelaire]

Blink Behind the Leaves - Tyson Motsenbocker Terrible Things - Mayday Parade Just Like That - Bonnie Raitt Once Upon Another Time - Sara Bareilles That Year - Brandi Carlile

[@KoaWilson]

In my opinion, any list of top ten saddest songs should include these three: 1) "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Hank Williams 2) "He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones 3) "Concrete Angel" by Martina McBride

[@jasondilworth2767]

Agree with the first two

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

Honey by Bobby Goldsboro. It’s like George Jones’ song, only more sad.

[@justinjohnson7250]

Concrete Angel is so powerful. I have only been able to watch it all the way through once.

[@LukeMaynard]

Before I see ChatGPT's list, my own quirky Top 10 sad songs, not in order. I'm curious to see if any of them make the list, but I feel they won't. 1. Randy Newman - "Ghosts" 2. Michael Peter Smith - "The Dutchman" 3. John Prine - "Hello In There" 4. Trent Reznor - "Hurt" (though it's Johnny Cash's cover that sells it) 5. Mac Davis "In The Ghetto" (The Elvis Presley version is of course far more famous, but hearing Mac sing it hits harder). 6. Paul Simon - "American Tune" 7. Jim Croce - "Time In A Bottle" 8. Jerry Jeff Walker - "Mister Bojangles" (though it's Sammy Davis Junior who famously sold this one) 9. Paul McCartney - "Here Today" 10. Tom Waits - "Kentucky Avenue" (the lyrics sound like nonsense until you have the context: it's a child in the 1950s, reporting the neighbourhood news to his best friend who can't go out anymore because he's dying of polio) EDIT: I had to come back just to add James Blunt's Monsters to this list.

[@azizmooshoolov2308]

Mad World makes me think of Donnie Darko every time I hear it. Same with Killing Moon from Echo & The Bunnyman. BtW I know it's from the Way Back, but You Were Always on My Mind...pretty darn sad

[@Husper]

we cannot all encapsulate, thank you for showing the diamonds through the mud

[@derekfnord]

For a lot of these, it's the story of the artist, or the story behind the song, that are sad, rather than the song itself. It's tough to pick, though, because it's so individual. The songs I find the saddest are sad to me because of what they mean to me, specifically. For example, the Chicago song, "If You Leave Me Now." Sure, it's a breakup song, so it's a sad song by design, but there's nothing exceptionally sad about it. But for me, that was literally the very first song I heard (on the radio) after my first love told me it was over. That makes it *_incredibly_* sad *_to me_* ...

[@davidperkins6752]

nailed it! context is massively relevant when trying to rate the "sadness" of a song or any piece of art really. i know it seems pretty obvious but art is subjective ergo the "sadness" of a song requires context.🙂

[@jordanparker5949]

Also, one of the most beautiful songs of all time. Top 50.

[@unkownUtopia27]

OMG - the female singer songwriters are where all the sad is at: A Little Green, Joni Mitchell Between the lines, Janis Ian (the song, but also the whole album..) Song in red and gray, Suzanne Vega (also widows walk) Path of thorns (terms), Sarah mclachlan Special shout out to Tea in the Sahara, the police

[@egregious55]

Cry to Me - Solomon Burke Whiskey Lullaby - Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley Snuff - Slipknot Vincent - Don McLean Daddy - Korn (sad but disturbing, definitely not a song to sit around and enjoy while you're sad). Just on this list for the raw emotion. Just a few off the top of my head. Nothing like sad mopey music when you're in a certain mood.

[@JVSfit23]

yes whiskey lullaby

[@SeminoleRail]

Honey - Bobby Goldsboro Shannon - Henry Gross Seasons in the Sun - Terry Jacks Patches - Clarence Carter Wildfire - Michael Martin Murphey Hell is for Children - Pat Benatar Concrete Angel - Martina McBride I'm surprised none of these made the list.

[@craigchapman916]

Hi Beth - must watch is REN’s song Suicide

[@peterbrown2027]

Most of these selections i find Joyous! each to their own

[@santiagocalderon3261]

Steven wilson- routine

[@manfredmar]

Especially the Ninet version Was looking for this comment

[@nicolem.simonsen]

Drive home and The Raven that Refused to Sing by Steven Wilson are even more sad. And Stop Swimming by Porcupine Tree😢

[@SteveFromOhio]

Where Have You Been - Kathy Matea The Walk - Sawyer Brown That's My Job - Conway Twitty Travelin' Soldier - The (Dixie) Chicks Sissy's Song - Alan Jackson Concrete Angel - Martina McBride

[@Greybeard70]

A saddest songs list that doesn't contain "Elephant" by Jason Isbell or "Sam Stone" by John Prine? Never trust AI

[@tjay5141]

Hello in there!

[@eskey3108]

One that makes ME cry is the song of Herbert Grönemeyer "Der Weg", where he sings about his passed-away wife due cancer. Lyrics, melody and voice does it.

[@Satix77]

Well ChatGPT got a few good ones. It did it's best 😅 Here are a few that are guaranteed to make me emotional: 1. Last Kiss - Pearl Jam 2. She Don't Want the World - 3 Doors Down 3. Hero of War - Rise Against These next 2 are both about Kurt Cobain and his influence on the respective bands 4. Tearjerker - Red Hot Chili Peppers 5. Friend of a Friend - Foo Fighters

[@gabrielacocosh]

Uh, Last Kiss.. it's so, so sad, and Eddie Vedder's voice is just so full of emotion

[@Satix77]

@@gabrielacocosh I totally agree! I almost picked a few of Eddie's songs but settled on just this one to diversity my list a bit 😅

[@johnfornetti7813]

A conspicuously absent song is Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car." It's about struggling to rise above desperate poverty and a fractured family life, and *almost* making it. Whereas several of the songs in the video move from darkness to hope, "Fast Car" moves from hope to disappointed resignation. I'd also include Warren Zevon's "Keep Me in Your Heart." However, "Monsters" was the first song I thought of as well.

[@laurajesso88]

“It makes no difference” by the Band is one of my favorite sad songs!

[@phe0385]

"Creep" by Radiohead is an obvious one. Same with "Hurt." Either by NIN or Johnny Cash. "Fade to Black" by Metallica. "Love Hurts" by Nan Vernon. "Laura Palmer's Theme" from Twin Peaks. No words are necessary to send you spiraling into depression. "Constance" by Spiritbox. "Runaway Train" by Soul Asylum. "White Noise" by PVRIS. "Hard to Say" or "Kissing You Goodbye" by The Used. "Cure My Tragedy" by Cold. "Brick" by Ben Folds Five. "Cancer" by My Chemical Romance. "Emotionless" by Good Charlotte. "Adam's Song" by blink-182. "I Won't See You Tonight Part 1" by Avenged Sevenfold. "Who Wants to Live Forever" by Queen. "Shadow" by Chromatics. "Pig" by Weezer. "Coma White" or "Disassociative" by Marilyn Manson. "Emotion Sickness" by Silverchair. "Come Undone" by Duran Duran. Just off the top of my head, and in no particular order. They might not all be sad, so to speak, but they hit me in the feels for one reason or another.

[@DraftingandCrafting]

Runaway train is so obvious now you say it. Nazareth's version of Love Hurts is great too, Ana's song by Silverchair is fairly bleak also. I appreciate your Alt-rock selection though definitely my era and taste.

[@inlandracing269]

James Blunt, The girl who never was.

[@henryonline49]

The saddest song ever is "Alone Again (Naturally)," but your list has some serious angst on it.

[@jovialevil3456]

Keep me in your heart. Warren Zevon

[@dominicpardo4783]

Absolutely heartbreaking. Wrote it while he was dying. A whole bunch of musicians came together to help him finish that record.

[@TimGibson-qp8tn]

Hurt - Johnny Cash I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Hank Williams 1913 Massacre - Woody Guthrie Andante, Sixth Symphony - Gustav Mahler