Top 40 Sad Songs That Will Make You Cry

Did you know?

There have been many interpretations for this song, but Nalick makes it easy for the listener to fill in their own tragedy. It's ambiguous enough for you to make it your own story, and bleak enough to bring you down.

Moment you'll tear up:

'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl
So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe...just breathe

Did you know?

Ben Folds:

When I was in high school, me and my girlfriend had to get an abortion, and it was a very sad thing. And, I didn't really want to write this song from any kind of political standpoint, or make a statement. I just wanted to reflect what it feels like. So, anyone who's gone through that before, then you'll know what the song's about.

Moment you'll tear up:

And we drive
Now that I have found someone
I'm feeling more alone
Than I ever have before

Did you know?

Ray Heffernan, co-writer of Angels, says he wrote the song about his baby son who died. Williams has also said that he was partly inspired by the angel resting on top of Stoke-On-Trent town hall (his home city) that could be seen from his bedroom every night as a child. 

Moment you'll tear up:

When I’m feeling weak
And my pain walks down a one way street
I look above
And I know ill always be blessed with love

Keep reading for more sad songs. 

Did you know?

Songwriter Hy Zaret chose to focus his lyrics on someone who pines for a lover he hasn't seen in a "long, lonely time." Unchained, the 1955 film that commissioned the song, focused on a man who contemplates either escaping from prison, living life on the run, or completing his sentence and returning to his wife and family. 

Moment you'll tear up:

And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?

Did you know?

Lauper has indicated that much of the lyrics were written about occurrences in the studio and her life at the time. The line, "the second hand unwinds," refers to producer Rick Chertoff's watch, which was winding backwards.

Moment you'll tear up:

After my picture fades and darkness has 
Turned to gray 
Watching through windows, you're wondering 
If I'm OK 
Secrets stolen from deep inside 
The drum beats out of time