Sometimes, you just need to let it all out. Life gets overwhelming, and there’s no better way to tap into those deep emotions than with a truly heart-wrenching Sad Song In Lyrics. Music has a unique power to resonate with our feelings, and the right melancholic melody paired with poignant words can be incredibly cathartic. When words fail, a sad song in lyrics can speak volumes, offering solace and understanding in moments of sorrow.
Bottling up emotions isn’t healthy. Experts agree that crying is a natural and beneficial process, a way to release pent-up feelings and restore emotional balance. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, allow yourself to feel. And what better way to facilitate that release than by immersing yourself in a collection of the saddest songs ever written?
Below, we’ve curated a list of 100 of the most profoundly sad songs, focusing on their lyrics that are guaranteed to evoke tears. Whether you’re dealing with heartbreak, loss, or just a general sense of melancholy, these sad song in lyrics will provide the soundtrack to your emotional release. Get ready to delve into the depths of sadness and find comfort in the shared human experience of sorrow expressed through music.
100 Saddest Songs Of All Time With Painfully Sad Song Lyrics
1. “If I Die Young” sung by Naya Rivera on “Glee”
This song carries an extra layer of sorrow due to its association with Naya Rivera, the “Glee” star who tragically passed away. Sung by her character on the show, the sad song in lyrics become even more poignant in light of real-life events, making it an undeniably heartbreaking piece.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
If I die young bury me in satin / Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn / Send me away with the words of a love song
2. “Angie” by The Rolling Stones
“Angie” stands out in The Rolling Stones’ discography as one of their rare ballads, but it’s a sad song in lyrics that delves into the grim reality of addiction. The raw emotion and weary resignation in the lyrics paint a picture of love entangled with hardship and loss.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
With no lovin’ in our souls / And no money in our coats / You can’t say we’re satisfied
But Angie, Angie / You can’t say we never tried
Angie, you’re beautiful / But ain’t it time we say goodbye
3. “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails
“Hurt” is a powerfully sad song in lyrics that explores themes of self-harm, depression, and addiction. The raw vulnerability and stark imagery in the lyrics resonate deeply with anyone who has struggled with inner demons. Johnny Cash’s later rendition further solidified its status as a profoundly moving and melancholic anthem.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I hurt myself today / To see if I still feel / I focus on the pain / The only thing that’s real
The needle tears a hole / The old familiar sting / Try to kill it all away / But I remember everything
What have I become? / My sweetest friend / Everyone I know goes away / In the end
4. “Tear In Your Hand” by Tori Amos
Tori Amos masterfully captures the bittersweet pang of nostalgia in “Tear In Your Hand.” This sad song in lyrics evokes the longing for the past and the pain of letting go, wrapped in Amos’s unique and ethereal musical style. The lyrics, at times surreal, convey the disorienting feeling of heartbreak.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
All the world just stopped now / So you say you don’t want to stay together anymore
Let me take a deep breath babe / If you need me, me and Neil’ll be hangin’ out with the dream king
Neil says hi by the way / I don’t believe you’re leaving cause me and Charles Manson like the same ice cream
I think it’s that girl and I think there’re pieces of me you’ve never seen / Maybe she’s just pieces of me you’ve never seen well
5. “Canvas” by Shane Smith & The Saints
“Canvas” is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and relationships. This sad song in lyrics touches upon themes of distance and the hope for reconnection. The lyrics about life being a canvas painted daily are both beautiful and tinged with sadness, acknowledging the inevitable separations life brings.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
He said, “Your life is a canvas, you paint some everyday / And when you think you’ve got it all figured out in your head you know the Man’s got your final say
And look back on all your memories, if we go our separate ways / Don’t forget your life’s a canvas, we might get painted back someday”
6. “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt
The rawness of heartbreak is palpable in “Don’t Speak,” famously written about Gwen Stefani’s painful breakup with bandmate Tony Kanal. This sad song in lyrics expresses the agonizing experience of losing not only a lover but also a best friend, making the sense of loss doubly profound.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
You and me, we used to be together / Every day together, always
I really feel that I’m losin’ my best friend / I can’t believe this could be the end
It looks as though you’re lettin’ go / And if it’s real, well, I don’t want to know
7. “Re: Stacks” by Bon Iver
Bon Iver’s “Re: Stacks” is a hauntingly beautiful sad song in lyrics that uses gambling as a metaphor for the risks and losses of love. The lyrics evoke a sense of despair and resignation, painting a picture of emotional and financial ruin after a failed relationship gamble.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I keep throwing it down two-hundred at a time / It’s hard to find it when you knew it
When your money’s gone / And you’re drunk as hell
On your back with your racks as the stacks are your load / In the back and the racks and the stacks of your load / In the back with your racks and you’re un-stacking your load
8. “Heaven” by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s “Heaven” is a deeply personal and intensely sad song in lyrics about the pain of miscarriage and the loss of a child. The lyrics express a mother’s grief and the bittersweet acceptance that her child is now in heaven, too pure for this world. It’s a heartbreaking ballad about unimaginable loss.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I fought for you / The hardest, it made me the strongest
So tell me your secrets / I just can’t stand to see you leaving
But Heaven couldn’t wait for you
9. “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper from “A Star Is Born”
From the movie “A Star Is Born,” “Shallow” captures the intense connection and underlying tragedy of the central relationship. This sad song in lyrics speaks to a yearning for something deeper and the fear of vulnerability. The powerful duet and emotive lyrics resonate with the complexities of love and loss.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Tell me something, boy / Aren’t you tired tryin’ to fill that void?
Or do you need more? / Ain’t it hard keeping it so hardcore?
I’m falling / In all the good times I find myself / Longing for a change / And in the bad times I fear myself
10. “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure
While musically upbeat, “Just Like Heaven” carries a subtle undercurrent of sadness in its lyrics. This sad song in lyrics hints at unrequited love and longing for a connection that may not be fully realized. The lyrics about distance and unacknowledged love create a poignant contrast with the song’s lively tempo.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Spinning on that dizzy edge / Kissed her face and kissed her head
Dreamed of all the different ways, I had to make her glow
Why are you so far away she said / Why won’t you ever know that I’m in love with you? / That I’m in love with you?
11. “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak
Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” is a haunting and sensual sad song in lyrics about the pain of obsessive love. The lyrics describe the torment of knowing that love can be destructive and heart-breaking, yet being unable to resist its allure. The song’s melancholic melody and Isaak’s vocals amplify the sense of longing and despair.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
What a wicked game you play, to make me feel this way / What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way / What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you
And I don’t wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart) / No, I don’t wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart) / With you
12. “What About Us” by Pink
Pink’s “What About Us” is a powerful anthem of disillusionment and heartbreak that extends beyond romantic relationships. This sad song in lyrics is both a lament for lost love and a broader plea for accountability, questioning broken promises and shattered dreams in various contexts. The lyrics resonate with feelings of betrayal and abandonment.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
What about us? What about all the times you said you had the answers? / What about us? What about all the broken happy ever afters?
What about us? What about all the plans that ended in disaster? / What about love? What about trust? What about us?
13. “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” is a universally relatable sad song in lyrics crafted to offer comfort to those struggling with depression and loneliness. The lyrics serve as a gentle reminder that everyone experiences pain and sadness, and that these feelings are a shared part of the human condition. It’s an anthem of empathy and hope in dark times.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
If you’re on your own / In this life
The days and nights are long / When you think you’ve had too much
Of this life / To hang on
Well, everybody hurts sometimes / Everybody cries / And everybody hurts sometimes
14. “Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart” by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ “Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart” is a soulful ballad about the struggle of moving on after a painful breakup. This sad song in lyrics captures the internal conflict between holding onto a lost love and the necessity of letting go for self-preservation. The lyrics express resilience and the determination to heal despite heartbreak.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Anybody could’ve told you right from the start it’s ’bout to fall apart / So rather than hold on to a broken dream I’ll just hold on to love
And I could find a way to make it, don’t hold on too tight / I’ll make it without you tonight
So tonight, I’m gonna find a way to make it without you / Tonight, I’m gonna find a way to make it without you (oh, hold on)
15. “Stick Around” by Lukas Graham
“Stick Around” is a bittersweet and profoundly moving sad song in lyrics about mortality and the promise of enduring love amidst life’s inevitable end. The lyrics acknowledge the pain of loss while offering comfort in the present moment, promising to be there for loved ones for as long as possible. It’s a tender reflection on life and love’s fragility.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I’m sorry to say that the smiles that I give you / One day will be tears in your eyes
I’m sorry to give you these memories / ‘Cause memories like this will one day make you cry
But I’ma stick around / I promise you that I will stick around for now
16. “Into The Ocean” by Blue October
Blue October’s “Into The Ocean” is a raw and emotionally charged sad song in lyrics that uses the metaphor of drowning to depict feelings of being overwhelmed and lost. Written from a personal experience of feeling adrift, the lyrics express a desire for escape and release from inner turmoil.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I want to swim away but don’t know how / Sometimes it feels just like I’m falling in the ocean
Let the waves up and take me down / Let the hurricane set in motion
Let the rain of what I feel right now come down / Let the rain come down
17. “Stay” by Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko
Rihanna’s “Stay” featuring Mikky Ekko is a powerful and vulnerable sad song in lyrics about the complexities of toxic relationships. The lyrics depict the push and pull of wanting to leave a damaging situation while simultaneously clinging to the person who causes the pain because of a deep-seated need for their presence.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Ooh, the reason I hold on / Ooh, ’cause I need this hole gone
Well, funny you’re the broken one / But I’m the only one who needed saving
‘Cause when you never see the light / It’s hard to know which one of us is caving
18. “Lucid Dreams” by Juice WRLD
Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams” is a poignant and contemporary sad song in lyrics about heartbreak and betrayal in a relationship. The lyrics explore the pain of seeing a former lover move on and the struggle to cope with the emotional aftermath. The song’s raw honesty and melodic emo-rap style resonate with a generation grappling with love and loss in the modern age.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I still see your shadows in my room / Can’t take back the love that I gave you
It’s to the point where I love and I hate you / And I cannot change you so I must replace you (oh)
Easier said than done / I thought you were the one
Listening to my heart instead of my head / You found another one, but
I am the better one / I won’t let you forget me
19. “Cats In The Cradle” by Harry Chapin
Harry Chapin’s “Cats In The Cradle” is a narrative sad song in lyrics about the tragic consequences of neglecting family for work. The lyrics tell the story of a father and son whose relationship suffers from lack of time and attention, culminating in a poignant reflection on missed opportunities and the cyclical nature of parental absence.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon / Little boy blue and the man in the moon
“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when / But we’ll get together then, son
You know we’ll have a good time then”
20. “Love Lies” by Khalid and Normani
“Love Lies” by Khalid and Normani explores the cautious approach to new relationships stemming from past hurts. This sad song in lyrics delves into the hesitancy and vulnerability of opening up to love again, questioning the sincerity and depth of a potential partner’s feelings. The lyrics capture the delicate balance between desire and fear in new romance.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
So baby, tell me where your love lies / Waste the day and spend the night
Underneath the sunrise / Show me where your love lies
21. “Sad!” by XXXTentacion
XXXTentacion’s “Sad!” is a raw and emotionally charged sad song in lyrics that encapsulates the depths of depression and heartbreak after a relationship breakdown. The lyrics are a direct expression of pain, loneliness, and the struggle to cope with overwhelming sadness. The song’s stark honesty resonated deeply with listeners, making it a defining piece of emo-rap.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I gave her everything / She took my heart and left me lonely
I’ve been broken, heart’s contentious / I won’t fix, I’d rather weep
I’m lost and I’m found, but / It’s torture being in love
22. “Ghost” by Halsey
Halsey’s “Ghost” is a powerfully evocative sad song in lyrics about being in a relationship with someone emotionally unavailable. The lyrics describe the frustration and pain of loving someone who is present physically but absent emotionally, leaving the narrator feeling unseen and alone. It’s a poignant exploration of emotional disconnection in a relationship.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
You say that you’re no good for me / ‘Cause I’m always tugging at your sleeve
And I swear I hate you when you leave / I like it anyway
My ghost / Where’d you go? / I can’t find you in the body sleeping next to me
My ghost / Where’d you go? / What happened to the soul you used to be?
23. “Chandelier” by Sia
Sia’s “Chandelier” is a raw and intensely sad song in lyrics that delves into the escapism and self-destruction associated with addiction. The lyrics depict the fleeting highs of partying and substance use as a way to mask deep pain and vulnerability. The song’s powerful vocals and confessional lyrics create a portrait of someone desperately trying to hold it together while teetering on the edge.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
And I’m holding on for dear life / Won’t look down won’t open my eyes
Keep my glass full until morning light / ‘Cause I’m just holding on for tonight
Help me, I’m holding on for dear life / Won’t look down won’t open my eyes
Keep my glass full until morning light / ‘Cause I’m just holding on for tonight
24. “Neon Gravestones” by 21 Pilots
21 Pilots’ “Neon Gravestones” is a thought-provoking and somber sad song in lyrics that confronts society’s glorification of suicide. The lyrics challenge the romanticization of tragic deaths and urge listeners to focus on valuing life and seeking help instead of celebrating loss. It’s a powerful commentary on mental health and cultural perceptions of suicide.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
What’s my problem? / Well, I want you to follow me down to the bottom
Underneath the insane asylum / Keep your wits about you while you got ’em
‘Cause your wits are first to go while you’re problem-solving / And my problem?
We glorify those, even more, when they / My opinion
Our culture can treat a loss / Like it’s a win and right before we turn on them
We give them the highest of praise, and hang their banner from a ceiling / Communicating, further engraving
An earlier grave is an optional way / No
25. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is an iconic and powerfully sad song in lyrics about selfless love and letting go. Originally by Dolly Parton, Houston’s version elevates the song to an anthem of enduring affection, even in separation. The lyrics express a bittersweet farewell, acknowledging that sometimes love means allowing someone to move on for their own good.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Bittersweet memories / That is all I’m taking with me
So, goodbye / Please, don’t cry
We both know I’m not what you, you need
And I will always love you
26. “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
Lord Huron’s “The Night We Met” is a hauntingly beautiful sad song in lyrics about longing for the past and the pain of lost love. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and regret, yearning to return to the beginning of a relationship before things went wrong. The melancholic melody and wistful lyrics create a powerful atmosphere of longing and loss.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I had all and then most of you / Some and now none of you
Take me back to the night we met
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do / Haunted by the ghost of you
Oh, take me back to the night we met
27. “Out Here On My Own” by Irene Cara (from “Fame”)
From the movie “Fame,” Irene Cara’s “Out Here On My Own” is a poignant and sad song in lyrics about feeling lost and alone in the world. The lyrics express a yearning for connection and belonging, resonating with anyone who has experienced isolation or the search for their place in life. It’s a ballad of vulnerability and the desire for love and support.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
When I’m down and feelin’ blue / I close my eyes so I can be with you
Oh, baby be strong for me / Baby belong to me
Help me through / Help me need you
28. “Fix You” by Coldplay
Coldplay’s “Fix You” is an emotionally resonant and uplifting sad song in lyrics about offering support and love to someone going through a difficult time. Written by Chris Martin for his then-wife Gwyneth Paltrow after a loss, the lyrics speak to the power of love and connection to heal and comfort in moments of grief and despair.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
When you try your best but you don’t succeed / When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can’t sleep / Stuck in reverse
When the tears come streaming down your face / ‘Cause you lose something you can’t replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste / Could it be worse?
29. “When The Party’s Over” by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s “When The Party’s Over” is a minimalist and intensely sad song in lyrics about the quiet aftermath of a relationship’s drama and carelessness. The lyrics depict the exhaustion and emotional toll of a tumultuous connection, ultimately choosing to walk away from the chaos. The song’s subdued delivery and poignant lyrics amplify the sense of quiet heartbreak.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Don’t you know too much already? / I’ll only hurt you if you let me
Call me friend but keep me closer (call me back) / And I’ll call you when the party’s over
Quiet when I’m comin’ home and I’m on my own
And I could lie, say I like it like that, like it like that
Yeah, I could lie, say I like it like that, like it like that
30. “So Sick” by Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” is an R&B breakup anthem with sad song in lyrics that express the frustration and emotional exhaustion of being surrounded by reminders of a lost love. The lyrics convey the desire to escape the constant presence of love songs and memories that amplify the pain of heartbreak, yet being unable to fully disconnect.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I’m so sick of love songs, so tired of tears / So done with wishin’, you were still here
Said I’m so sick of love songs, so sad and slow / So why can’t I turn off the radio?
31. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” is a narrative sad song in lyrics that transcends its title to become a powerful story about poverty, dreams, and the struggle for a better life. The lyrics depict the cycle of hardship and the yearning for escape and opportunity, making it a poignant commentary on social and economic struggles.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
You got a fast car / And I got a job that pays all our bills
You stay out drinking late at the bar / See more of your friends than you do of your kids
I’d always hoped for better / Thought maybe together you and me’d find it
I got no plans I ain’t going nowhere / So take your fast car and keep on driving
32. “Someone Like You” by Adele
Adele’s “Someone Like You” is a quintessential sad song in lyrics about heartbreak and the bittersweet acceptance of a former lover moving on. The lyrics express a complex mix of pain, longing, and genuine well-wishes for an ex-partner’s happiness. The song’s raw emotion and Adele’s powerful vocals make it an iconic ballad of lost love.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Never mind, I’ll find someone like you / I wish nothing but the best for you, too
Don’t forget me, I beg / I remember you said
Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead
33. “Let Her Go” by Passenger
Passenger’s “Let Her Go” is a folk-pop ballad with sad song in lyrics centered around the theme of appreciating what you have before it’s gone. The lyrics explore the common human tendency to take things for granted, especially in relationships, and the painful realization of loss that comes with letting go.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Well you only need the light when it’s burning low / Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go
Only know you’ve been high when you’re feeling low / Only hate the road when you’re missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go / And you let her go
34. “Die For Me” by Post Malone ft. Future and Halsey
Post Malone’s “Die For Me” featuring Future and Halsey is a darker, more cynical take on heartbreak with sad song in lyrics that delve into betrayal and toxic relationships. The lyrics express anger and disillusionment with a partner’s deceit, highlighting the pain of unfulfilled promises and the realization of being lied to.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Ooh, I surrender (ayy), time to forget ya (ayy) / I’m too tired to forgive ya (ayy), it’s too hard on my liver (ayy)
And you know (ayy) it’s all (ayy) over now / All your friends (ayy), you know (ayy) they sold you out
Said you’d take a bullet, told me you would die for me (die for me) / I had a really bad feeling you’ve been lying to me (lying to me)
We were on the low, but you were getting high with me (high with me) / When it’s past 11, that’s a different side I see (side I see)
Said you’d die for me, you’d die for me, you’d die for me (die, die, die) / But you lied to me, you lied to me, you lied to me (lie, lie, lie)
35. “1-800-273-8255” by Logic ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid
Logic’s “1-800-273-8255” featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid is a profoundly impactful sad song in lyrics with a message of hope and suicide prevention. The title itself is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the lyrics trace a journey from despair to finding reasons to live. It’s a powerful anthem for mental health awareness and seeking help.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I been taking my time / I feel like I’m out of my mind
It feels like my life ain’t mine / Who can relate?
I’ve been on the low / I been taking my time
I feel like I’m out of my mind / It feel like my life ain’t mine
36. “Stay Or Leave” by Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band’s “Stay Or Leave” is a reflective and melancholic sad song in lyrics about the lingering questions and uncertainties after a relationship ends. The lyrics capture the internal debate of wanting someone to stay but recognizing the reasons why they shouldn’t, and the wistful acceptance of their departure.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Stay or leave / I want you not to go / But you should
It was good as good goes
Stay or leave / I want you not to go / But you did
37. “My Immortal” by Evanescence
Evanescence’s “My Immortal” is a gothic rock ballad and profoundly sad song in lyrics about the lingering presence of a lost loved one. The lyrics evoke a sense of being haunted by memories and pain that time cannot erase. The haunting melody and Amy Lee’s powerful vocals amplify the song’s themes of grief and enduring sorrow.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
These wounds won’t seem to heal, this pain is just too real / There’s just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried, I’d wipe away all of your tears / When you’d scream, I’d fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years / But you still have all of me
38. “Atmosphere” by Bebe Rexha
Bebe Rexha’s “Atmosphere” is a powerful and emotionally driven sad song in lyrics about the realization that even intense love might not be enough to sustain a relationship. The lyrics express the heartbreaking understanding that sometimes, despite deep affection, circumstances or internal issues can lead to separation.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
There isn’t enough love in the atmosphere / To keep you here, ah
There isn’t enough love in the atmosphere / Don’t leave me here / All alone
I ride for my baby / I died for my baby / I’d die for my baby no lie
There isn’t enough love in the atmosphere / In the atmosphere
39. “Alone” by Armin van Buuren ft. Lauren Evans
Armin van Buuren’s “Alone” featuring Lauren Evans is a trance track with surprisingly poignant and sad song in lyrics about modern isolation despite hyper-connectivity. The lyrics lament the paradox of being surrounded by people yet feeling profoundly alone, questioning the quality of human connection in the digital age.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Everyone is broken, only day in your life / Like the ghosts that are shattered, barely alive
Even time’s in a rush / But it’s going nowhere
Everyone’s connected but no one is connecting / The human in me is long and missing
Tell me, have you seen it? / Have you seen it?
40. “On My Own” by 3LAU ft. Nerve
3LAU’s “On My Own” featuring Nerve is an EDM track with emotionally resonant and sad song in lyrics about clinging to the illusion of love and connection after loss. The lyrics describe escaping into fantasy and altered states to avoid facing the pain of being alone and wanting to hold onto fading feelings.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Dancing through a hurricane / Soaked in technicolor rain
Time is melting in my brain / Paint the roses black as night
Swimming with the satellites / Never wanna know, never wanna let go
No, don’t wake me yet, don’t give it away / Hold my breath, I just wanna stay
41. “On My Mind” by Anis Don Demina
Anis Don Demina’s “On My Mind” is a pop song with a melancholic undertone and sad song in lyrics about recognizing the fading of love in a relationship. The lyrics express the pain of seeing a once vibrant connection dimming and the struggle to accept that things are changing for the worse, despite wanting to hold on.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I’ve been addicted to your glow / But shadows been growing deeper
I can’t see that smile I used to know / But you’re still a keeper
42. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” is a timeless and iconic sad song in lyrics originally written for Marilyn Monroe and later adapted for Princess Diana. The lyrics reflect on the fleeting nature of fame and life, and the tragic loss of someone who burned brightly but briefly. It’s a poignant tribute to lives cut short and the fragility of stardom.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
And it seems to me you lived your life / Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to / When the rain set in
And I would have liked to have known you / But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before / Your legend ever did
43. “Her Favorite Song” by Mayer Hawthorne
Mayer Hawthorne’s “Her Favorite Song” is a soulful and subtly sad song in lyrics about using music as an escape from daily struggles and sadness. The lyrics depict someone finding solace and temporary relief in listening to their favorite song, highlighting music’s power to provide comfort and a brief respite from pain.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
But when she gets home, she puts her headphones on / She plays her favorite song and fades away
And when the musics on she can do no wrong / And she feels safe and calm and it’s okay
And she says, ba ba dum ba dee ah dum ba / Ba ba dum ba dee ah dum ba
The world keeps turning, life goes on
44. “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” is a soulful and regretful sad song in lyrics about realizing the value of a relationship only after it’s over. The lyrics express remorse for past mistakes and taking a loved one for granted, longing for a second chance that will never come. It’s a classic ballad of lost love and regret.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
My pride, my ego, my needs, and my selfish ways / Caused a good strong woman like you to walk out my life
Now I never, never get to clean up the mess I made, oh / And it haunts me every time I close my eyes
45. “Your House” by Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette’s “Your House” is a raw and intensely personal sad song in lyrics about unrequited love and emotional vulnerability. The lyrics are a direct and confessional expression of deep, unspoken feelings for someone, revealing a hidden world of longing and suppressed emotions. It’s a stark and intimate portrayal of unreturned affection.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
So forgive me, love / If I cry in your shower
So forgive me, love / For the salt in your bed
So forgive me, love / If I cry all afternoon
46. “Lightning Crashes” by Live
Live’s “Lightning Crashes” is a metaphorical and evocative sad song in lyrics about the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. While not explicitly sad in a romantic sense, the lyrics contemplate the simultaneous occurrence of loss and new beginnings, creating a somber and reflective mood. The song explores the poignant interconnectedness of life’s major events.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Lightning crashes a new mother cries / Her placenta falls to the floor
The angel opens her eyes
The confusion sets in / Before the doctor can even close the door
47. “Dear God” by XTC
XTC’s “Dear God” is a controversial and introspective sad song in lyrics that questions faith and the existence of God in the face of suffering and injustice in the world. The lyrics express doubt and disillusionment, grappling with the problem of pain and questioning traditional religious beliefs. It’s a philosophical and emotionally charged exploration of faith and doubt.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Dear God, sorry to disturb you but / I feel that I should be heard loud and clear
We all need a big reduction in amount of tears
And all the people that you made in your image / See them fighting in the street
‘Cause they can’t make opinions meet about God / I can’t believe in you
48. “Love’s Recovery” by The Indigo Girls
The Indigo Girls’ “Love’s Recovery” is a folk-acoustic sad song in lyrics that reflects on the disillusionment of youthful ideals of love and relationships. The lyrics contrast naive expectations with the realities of life and love’s imperfections, acknowledging the challenges and fragility of romantic connections. It’s a mature and introspective look at love’s journey.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
There I am in younger days, star gazing / Painting picture perfect maps of how my life and love would be
Not counting the unmarked paths of misdirection / My compass, faith in love’s perfection
I missed ten million miles of road I should have seen
Meanwhile our friends we thought were so together / Left each other one by one along the road of fairer weather
And we sit here in our storm and drink a toast / To the slim chance of love’s recovery
49. “Sullen Girl” by Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple’s “Sullen Girl” is a deeply personal and haunting sad song in lyrics inspired by her experience as a rape survivor. The lyrics use metaphorical imagery to depict the trauma and its lasting effects, expressing a sense of lost innocence and emotional damage. It’s a powerful and vulnerable expression of pain and resilience.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Is that why they call me a sullen girl, sullen girl? / They don’t know I used to sail the deep and tranquil seas
But he washed me ashore / And he took my pearl
And left an empty / Shell of me
50. “Say Something” by A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera
A Great Big World’s “Say Something” featuring Christina Aguilera is a poignant and emotionally charged sad song in lyrics about the pain of giving up on a relationship. The lyrics express the desperate plea for reciprocation and the heartbreaking decision to let go when love is not enough to save the connection. It’s a ballad of surrender and unrequited effort.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Say something, I’m giving up on you / I’ll be the one, if you want me to
Anywhere, I would’ve followed you / Say something, I’m giving up on you
51. “Back To Black” by Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse’s “Back To Black” is a soul-infused and intensely sad song in lyrics about heartbreak and despair after a lover returns to a former partner. The lyrics are stark and direct, expressing a sense of devastation and resignation to loneliness. Winehouse’s raw vocals and the song’s retro-soul sound amplify the feeling of profound loss.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
We only said goodbye with words / I died a hundred times
You go back to her / And I go back to black
52. “Nothing Compares 2U” by Sinéad O’Connor
Sinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2U” is an iconic and overwhelmingly sad song in lyrics about the irreplaceable nature of lost love. Originally written by Prince, O’Connor’s rendition is a powerful expression of grief and the feeling that no future love can ever measure up to the one that’s gone. The lyrics convey a sense of profound and lasting emptiness.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I could put my arms around every boy I see / But they’d only remind me of you
I went to the doctor and guess what he told me? / Guess what he told me?
He said girl you better try to have fun / No matter what you do, but he’s a fool
‘Cause nothing compares / Nothing compares to you
53. “Goodbye My Lover” by James Blunt
James Blunt’s “Goodbye My Lover” is a piano-driven and deeply sad song in lyrics about the finality of loss and saying farewell to a former love. The lyrics are simple yet emotionally resonant, expressing the pain of goodbye and the recognition that a relationship has truly ended. Blunt’s vocals and the song’s melancholic melody amplify the sense of farewell and closure.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Goodbye my lover / Goodbye my friend
You have been the one / You have been the one for me
54. “Say Goodbye” by Cheat Codes
Cheat Codes’ “Say Goodbye” is an electronic-pop track with surprisingly poignant and sad song in lyrics about the difficulty of letting go of a relationship. The lyrics explore the struggle to move on and the pain of saying goodbye, even when it’s necessary. The song’s upbeat tempo contrasts with the melancholic lyrics, creating a bittersweet atmosphere.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
And it’s hard to pretend that I’m alright / Hard to forgive, I can’t empathize
And it’s hard to relax, I don’t know why / But you make it hard to say goodbye
55. “Stay” by Zedd and Alessia Cara
Zedd and Alessia Cara’s “Stay” is an electropop ballad with sad song in lyrics about the fading hope of rekindling a relationship that is drifting apart. The lyrics express the desire to hold onto the past and the painful realization that change is inevitable and that sometimes, people must move on, even if it hurts.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Waiting for the time to pass you by / Hope the winds of change will change your mind
I could give a thousand reasons why / And I know you, and you’ve got to
Make it on your own, but we don’t have to grow up / We can stay forever young
Living on my sofa, drinking rum and cola / Underneath the rising sun
I could give a thousand reasons why / But you’re going, and you know that
56. “Apologize” by Timbaland ft. OneRepublic
Timbaland’s “Apologize” featuring OneRepublic is a pop-rock ballad with sad song in lyrics about the realization that apologies come too late to repair broken trust and damaged relationships. The lyrics express the frustration of unheeded warnings and the finality of reaching a point where forgiveness is no longer possible.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I’m holding on your rope / Got me ten feet off the ground
And I’m hearing what you say, but I just can’t make a sound
You tell me that you need me / Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you’re sorry / Didn’t think I’d turn around, and say
That it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late / I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
57. “All We Know” by The Chainsmokers ft. Phoebe Ryan
The Chainsmokers’ “All We Know” featuring Phoebe Ryan is an electronic dance track with sad song in lyrics about clinging to a relationship that is falling apart, driven by familiarity and the fear of the unknown. The lyrics express the bittersweet comfort of staying together despite knowing the end is inevitable, simply because it’s all they’ve ever known.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
We’re falling apart, still we hold together / We’ve passed the end, so we chase forever
‘Cause this is all we know / This feeling’s all we know
58. “Heartbreak Warfare” by John Mayer
John Mayer’s “Heartbreak Warfare” is a blues-rock influenced sad song in lyrics that uses war metaphors to describe the destructive and painful dynamics of a failing relationship. The lyrics portray love as a battleground where emotional pain is inflicted and received, highlighting the conflict and suffering inherent in dysfunctional connections.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Lightning strike / Inside, my chest to keep me up at night
Dream of ways / To make you understand my pain
Clouds of sulfur in the air / Bombs are falling everywhere
It’s heartbreak warfare / Once you want it to begin
No one really ever wins / In heartbreak warfare
59. “Blasphemous Rumors” by Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode’s “Blasphemous Rumors” is a darkwave track with provocative and sad song in lyrics that question faith and divine justice in the face of suffering. The lyrics tell a bleak story of tragedy and irony, suggesting a cynical view of God and religious beliefs. It’s a controversial and thought-provoking exploration of faith and despair.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I don’t want to start / Any blasphemous rumors
But I think that God’s / Got a sick sense of humor
And when I die / I expect to find Him laughing
60. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” featuring Charlie Puth is a globally recognized and deeply moving sad song in lyrics written as a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker. The lyrics express grief, remembrance, and the hope of reunion in the afterlife, resonating with anyone who has experienced loss. It’s a heartfelt farewell and a celebration of enduring friendship.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
It’s been a long day without you, my friend / And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
We’ve come a long way from where we began / Oh I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
61. “Blue” by Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” is a folk-pop classic and intensely personal sad song in lyrics that explores a range of deep emotions, including sadness, vulnerability, and longing. Inspired by her own life experiences, including relationships and giving up a child for adoption, the lyrics are raw and confessional, delving into the complexities of the human heart.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Hey Blue / And there is a song for you
Ink on a pin / Underneath the skin / An empty space to fill in
Well there’re so many sinking / Now you’ve got to keep thinking / You can make it thru these waves
62. “Dancing With Myself” by The Knocks
The Knocks’ “Dancing With Myself” is an indie-pop track with a deceptive upbeat rhythm masking sad song in lyrics about loneliness and social isolation. The lyrics express the feeling of being disconnected from others and resorting to solitary activities as a coping mechanism. The contrast between the music and lyrics creates a poignant sense of hidden sadness.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
People come and go yeah / Feels like you are so untied
And it feels like I keep falling / You are the wrong I can’t get right
63. “i hate u, i love u” by Gnash ft. Olivia O’Brien
Gnash’s “i hate u, i love u” featuring Olivia O’Brien is an emo-rap ballad with sad song in lyrics about the painful contradiction of loving someone who is unavailable or doesn’t reciprocate those feelings. The lyrics express the internal conflict of wanting to move on but being unable to overcome deep-seated affection, creating a cycle of heartbreak.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I hate you I love you / I hate that I love you
Don’t want to, but I can’t put / Nobody else above you
I hate you I love you / I hate that I want you
You want her, you need her / And I’ll never be her
64. “Dancing With A Stranger” by Sam Smith and Normani
Sam Smith and Normani’s “Dancing With A Stranger” is a pop ballad with sad song in lyrics about using casual encounters as a distraction from the pain of loneliness and heartbreak. The lyrics depict seeking temporary connection to avoid facing the emptiness left by a lost relationship, highlighting the bittersweet nature of rebound experiences.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I don’t wanna be alone tonight (alone tonight) / It’s pretty clear that I’m not over you (over you, over you)
I’m still thinking ’bout the things you do (things you do) / So I don’t wanna be alone tonight, alone tonight, alone tonight
Can you light the fire? (light the fire, light the fire) / I need somebody who can take control (take control)
I know exactly what I need to do / ‘Cause I don’t wanna be alone tonight, alone tonight, alone tonight
65. “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye ft. Kimbre
Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” featuring Kimbra is a globally successful and emotionally complex sad song in lyrics about the aftermath of a breakup and the realization that you may never have truly known your partner. The lyrics explore the fading memories and the sense of distance that grows after separation, creating a haunting portrait of lost intimacy.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Now and then I think of when we were together / Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
Told myself that you were right for me / But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it’s an ache I still remember
66. “Heavy” by Linkin Park ft. Kiiara
Linkin Park’s “Heavy” featuring Kiiara is a pop-rock track with deeply personal and sad song in lyrics about the burden of mental health struggles and feeling overwhelmed by inner weight. Tragically, lead singer Chester Bennington passed away months after its release, adding another layer of poignancy to the song’s themes of internal struggle and seeking release.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I’m holding on / Why is everything so heavy?
Holding on / So much more than I can carry
I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down / If I just let go, I’d be set free
Holding on / Why is everything so heavy?
67. “Used To Love You” by Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani’s “Used To Love You” is a pop ballad with raw and confessional sad song in lyrics inspired by her divorce from Gavin Rossdale. The lyrics express the pain of heartbreak, confusion, and the questioning of past love after a relationship ends. Stefani’s emotional delivery and direct lyrics make it a poignant breakup anthem.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Suitcase, band-aids / Pulling back out the driveway
You go, I’ll stay / You can keep all the memories
I thought I was the best thing that ever happened to you / I thought you loved me the most
I don’t know why I cry / But I think it’s ’cause I remembered for the first time
Since I hated you / That I used to love you
68. “June” by Florence + The Machine
Florence + The Machine’s “June” is an atmospheric and emotionally charged sad song in lyrics that references historical events of Pride Month, including the Pulse nightclub shooting and Stonewall Riots. The lyrics evoke a sense of collective sorrow and resilience, highlighting love as an act of defiance in the face of tragedy and adversity.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I hear your heart beating in your chest / The world slows ’till there’s nothing left
Skyscrapers look on like great, unblinking giants (oh) / In those heavy days in June
When love became an act of defiance / Hold onto each other
69. “Dark Paradise” by Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey’s “Dark Paradise” is a dream-pop ballad with melancholic and sad song in lyrics about being unable to move on from a lost love, leading to dark and escapist thoughts. The lyrics express a longing for a deceased lover and a sense of being trapped in grief, creating a romanticized vision of sadness and eternal longing.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Every time I close my eyes / It’s like a dark paradise
No one compares to you / I’m scared that you won’t be waiting on the other side
Every time I close my eyes / It’s like a dark paradise
No one compares to you / I’m scared that you won’t be waiting on the other side
70. “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script
The Script’s “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” is a pop-rock ballad with sad song in lyrics about unwavering hope and waiting for a lost love to return. The lyrics depict someone remaining in a significant location, steadfastly believing their former partner will come back. It’s a poignant expression of hope against the odds and enduring longing.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
‘Cause if one day you wake up and find that you’re missing me / And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I could be
Thinkin’ maybe you’ll come back here to the place that we’d meet / And you’ll see me waiting for you on our corner of the street
So I’m not moving, I’m not moving
71. “Imagine” by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s “Imagine” is a pop ballad with a deceptively upbeat tempo masking sad song in lyrics about the painful gap between fantasy and reality in a relationship. The lyrics contrast idealized visions of love with the harsh truth of a less-than-perfect connection, highlighting the disappointment of unmet expectations.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Imagine a world like that / Imagine a world like that
We go like up ’til I’m ‘sleep on your chest / Love how my face fits so good in your neck
Why can’t you imagine a world like that? Imagine a world
72. “Happier” by Marshmello ft. Bastille
Marshmello’s “Happier” featuring Bastille is an electronic-pop track with bittersweet and sad song in lyrics about choosing to end a relationship for the other person’s happiness. The lyrics express the selfless sacrifice of letting go of someone you love so they can find greater fulfillment elsewhere, even if it causes personal pain.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Then only for a minute / I want to change my mind
‘Cause this just don’t feel right to me / I wanna raise your spirits
I want to see you smile but / Know that means I’ll have to leave
73. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” is a folk-rock classic and introspective sad song in lyrics about facing change and personal growth, particularly within the context of relationships. Written by Stevie Nicks about considering leaving Fleetwood Mac and her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham, the lyrics reflect on fear of change and the passage of time.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Well, I’ve been ‘fraid of changin’ / ‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder / Even children get older
And I’m gettin’ older, too
74. “What About Love” by Heart
Heart’s “What About Love” is a power ballad with sad song in lyrics that questions the absence of love and emotional connection in someone’s life, despite external success. The lyrics suggest that material achievements are meaningless without love and genuine human connection, highlighting the emptiness of a life devoid of emotional depth.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
You’ve been hiding, never letting it show / Always trying to keep it under control
You got it down and you’re well / On the way to the top
But there’s something that you forgot
What about love / Don’t you want someone to care about you
What about love / Don’t let it slip away
What about love / I only want to share it with you
You might need it someday
75. “Anyone” by Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato’s “Anyone” is a raw and deeply vulnerable sad song in lyrics about feeling isolated and unheard in moments of deep personal struggle. The lyrics express a desperate plea for someone to listen and understand, revealing a sense of profound loneliness and desperation. The song’s emotional intensity and confessional nature are incredibly moving.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
A hundred million stories / And a hundred million songs
I feel stupid when I sing / Nobody’s listening to me
Nobody’s listening
I talk to shooting stars / But they always get it wrong
I feel stupid when I pray / So, why am I praying anyway?
If nobody’s listening
76. “Million Reasons” by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s “Million Reasons” is a country-tinged pop ballad with sad song in lyrics about the struggle to find reasons to stay in a failing relationship. The lyrics depict the internal conflict of wanting to leave but desperately searching for just one good reason to hold on, highlighting the emotional tug-of-war in love.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I bow down to pray / I try to make the worst seem better
Lord, show me the way / To cut through all his worn out leather
I’ve got a hundred million reasons to walk away / But baby, I just need one good one to stay
77. “Bleeding Love” by ASTR
ASTR’s “Bleeding Love” is an electronic-pop cover of the Leona Lewis hit, reimagined with a darker, more ethereal sound. The sad song in lyrics maintain their original power, depicting a love so intense it blinds you to its destructive nature. The lyrics emphasize the pain and sacrifice inherent in a love that “bleeds.”
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Heartbeats full of fire / Now we’re caught up in emotion
Cut me with your lies / Now we’re never gonna slow down
We keep bleeding love / ‘Til we come down
We keep bleeding love / ‘Til we come down
78. “Always” by The Him
The Him’s “Always” is an electronic dance track with surprisingly melancholic and sad song in lyrics about the broken promises of youth and the disillusionment of growing up. The lyrics reflect on lost innocence and the realization that “always” doesn’t truly exist, highlighting the sadness of fading dreams and relationships.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Remember we were running wild / Never ever felt like we were broke
Using friends as alibis / No one ever knew just where we going
Broken down in bathrooms / Listening to bad news
Thought you’d never let me go / And are we just too late?
79. “Foolish Games” by Jewel
Jewel’s “Foolish Games” is a 90s folk-pop ballad and intensely sad song in lyrics about unrequited love and the agony of pursuing someone who doesn’t return your feelings. The lyrics express the pain and frustration of being trapped in a cycle of unreturned affection, highlighting the emotional toll of “foolish games” in love.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Well in case you failed to notice / In case you failed to see
This is my heart bleeding before you / This is me down on my knees, and
These foolish games are tearing me apart
And your thoughtless words are breaking my heart / You’re breaking my heart
80. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is a country classic and iconic sad song in lyrics about the fear of losing a partner to another woman’s allure. The lyrics express vulnerability and desperation, pleading with the captivating Jolene not to steal her man. It’s a powerful portrayal of insecurity and the threat of romantic rivalry.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
He talks about you in his sleep / And there’s nothing I can do to keep
From crying when he calls your name / Jolene
And I can easily understand / How you could easily take my man
But you don’t know what he means to me / Jolene
81. “Fake Love” by Drake
Drake’s “Fake Love” is a hip-hop track with introspective and sad song in lyrics about recognizing insincerity and distrust in relationships. The lyrics express disillusionment with superficial connections and the pain of realizing that love may not be genuine. It’s a commentary on authenticity and the challenges of trust in modern relationships.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I can tell that love is fake / I don’t trust a word you say
How you wanna click up after your mistakes?
Look you in the face and it’s just not the same
82. “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” is a folk protest song and profoundly sad song in lyrics that paints a bleak and apocalyptic vision of the world. Dylan himself described it as a “funeral song,” and the lyrics are filled with images of suffering, injustice, and environmental destruction, reflecting deep social and political anxieties.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Oh, what did you see, my blue-eyed son? / Oh, what did you see, my darling young one?
I saw a newborn baby with wild wolves all around it / I saw a highway of diamonds with nobody on it
I saw a black branch with blood that kept drippin’ / I saw a room full of men with their hammers a-bleedin’
I saw a white ladder all covered with water / I saw ten thousand talkers whose tongues were all broken
I saw guns and sharp swords in the hands of young children / And it’s a hard, and it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard
And it’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall
83. “Just A Dream” by Nelly
Nelly’s “Just A Dream” is a hip-hop ballad with sad song in lyrics about the painful realization that a cherished relationship was only a fantasy. Rumored to be about his breakup with Ashanti, the lyrics express the longing to return to happier times and the sorrow of accepting that the dream is over. It’s a wistful reflection on lost love.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I was thinking bout her, thinkin’ bout me / Thinkin’ bout us, what we gon’ be
Open my eyes yeah, it was only just a dream / So I traveled back, down that road
Will she come back, no one knows / I realize yeah, it was only just a dream
84. “Secrets” by OneRepublic
OneRepublic’s “Secrets” is a pop-rock track with introspective and sad song in lyrics about the burden of hidden truths and the desire for honesty and vulnerability. The lyrics express the weariness of keeping secrets and the longing for authentic connection and confession. It’s a song about the weight of unspoken words and the need for release.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I need another story / Something to get off my chest
My life gets kinda boring / Need something that I can confess
‘Til all my sleeves are stained red / From all the truth that I’ve said
Come by it honestly I swear / Thought you saw me wink, no
I’ve been on the brink, so
85. “Stay (I Missed You)” by Lisa Loeb
Lisa Loeb’s “Stay (I Missed You)” is a 90s alternative rock ballad with sad song in lyrics about the bittersweet realization that leaving a relationship was a mistake. The lyrics express the unexpected pain of separation and the admission of missing someone you thought you were strong enough to leave behind. It’s a song of regret and longing for what was lost.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
And you said that I was naive / And I thought that I was strong
I thought, “hey, I can leave, I can leave” / Oh but now I know that I was wrong
‘Cause I missed you / Yeah, I missed you
86. “The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away” is a pop ballad with nostalgic and sad song in lyrics about regretting the end of a past relationship and realizing, in hindsight, that it could have been “the one.” The lyrics express the wistful longing for a lost love and the pain of knowing you missed an opportunity for lasting happiness.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
In another life, I would be your girl / We keep all our promises, be us against the world
In another life, I would make you stay / So I don’t have to say you were the one that got away
The one that got away
87. “Beloved Wife” by Natalie Merchant
Natalie Merchant’s “Beloved Wife” is a folk ballad and deeply personal sad song in lyrics about grief and longing for a deceased spouse. The lyrics express the profound sense of loss and the enduring love for a “beloved wife,” whether lost through death or divorce. It’s a tender and mournful reflection on enduring love and absence.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
You were the love / For certain of my life
You were simply my beloved wife
I don’t know for certain / How I’ll live my life
Now alone without my beloved wife / My beloved wife
88. “Just A Dream” by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood’s “Just A Dream” is a country ballad and heart-wrenching sad song in lyrics about a young woman’s devastation upon losing her soldier fiancé. The lyrics depict a wedding day turned into a funeral, expressing the shock, grief, and disbelief of sudden loss. It’s a powerful and tearful portrayal of wartime heartbreak.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Baby, why’d you leave me, why’d you have to go / I was counting on forever, now I’ll never know
I can’t even breathe
It’s like I’m looking from a distance / Standing in the background
Everybody’s saying, he’s not coming home now / This can’t be happening to me
This is just a dream
89. “OVRBRD” by HARIZ
HARIZ’s “OVRBRD” is an electronic-pop track with melancholic and sad song in lyrics about feeling overwhelmed and desperate in a failing relationship. The lyrics use the metaphor of a sinking ship to express the desire to end a painful situation, even if it means mutual destruction. It’s a dramatic portrayal of relationship despair.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I wanna sink this ship / And throw us overboard
A numb awakening / Can’t hold on anymore
‘Cause it hurts / And it’s getting worse
90. “Dear Society” by Madison Beer
Madison Beer’s “Dear Society” is a pop song with introspective and sad song in lyrics that critique societal pressures and expectations, particularly in relationships. The lyrics express a sense of being misunderstood and judged, highlighting the pain of conforming to external standards and the feeling of being inherently flawed.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I’m a natural disaster / But even after all that I do
It’s you who’s gonna be the death of me / And none of this matters
Baby, it’s you, it’s you
91. “Paranoid” by Lauv
Lauv’s “Paranoid” is an electropop track with confessional and sad song in lyrics about the anxieties and insecurities that arise in new relationships, especially after past hurts. The lyrics express the fear of vulnerability and the struggle to trust, driven by paranoia and the anticipation of potential heartbreak.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Maybe it’s a case of paranoia / Nervous that I’ll never really know ya
What do I feel? Who do I trust? / Maybe it’s real, or maybe I’m just
Paranoid, paranoid / Maybe I’m just
Paranoid, paranoid / Maybe I’m just
92. “Where Do We Go” by Xuitcasecity
Xuitcasecity’s “Where Do We Go” is an R&B-infused track with sad song in lyrics about the breaking point in a relationship caused by constant criticism and blame. The lyrics express weariness with negativity and the decision to leave a toxic environment, emphasizing self-preservation and the need to escape constant judgment.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Swear you’ve seen a holy ghost / ‘Cause your skin is pale as snow
You’re always critical / And I don’t need that, I don’t need it
I was fine on my own / Yeah, I was fine all along
Different ways girl, yeah, we’ve known / And I’ve been thinking, I’m so sick of you
93. “U Remind Me” by NEØN
NEØN’s “U Remind Me” is an electronic cover of Usher’s R&B hit, reimagined with a more melancholic and atmospheric sound. The sad song in lyrics retain their original meaning, depicting the painful experience of meeting someone new who evokes painful memories of a past relationship, leading to avoidance.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
You remind me of a girl that I once knew / See her face whenever I, I look at you
You won’t believe all of the things she put me through / This is why I just can’t get with you
94. “Cross My Mind, Pt. 2” by A R I Z O N A ft. Kiiara
A R I Z O N A’s “Cross My Mind, Pt. 2” featuring Kiiara is an indie-electronic track with sad song in lyrics about the desperate attempt to save a failing relationship, even while acknowledging its imperfections. The lyrics express the constant presence of a loved one in one’s thoughts and the longing to make things work, despite difficulties.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I know I haven’t been perfect, but give it some time / ‘Cause not a single day goes by where you don’t cross my mind
And we spend our lives looking for things we can’t find, oh / Oh, but not a single day goes by where you don’t cross my mind
All the days you spend on my mind / All the times that I’d say that we’ll be together, we’ll be together, oh
All the ways you see through my heart / I know the good intentions, they won’t last forever, won’t last forever, oh
95. “Sad Sad Girl” by Terror Jr
Terror Jr’s “Sad Sad Girl” is an electropop track with self-aware and sad song in lyrics that embrace melancholy and unconventionality. The lyrics depict self-identification as a “sad girl” who thrives in darkness and is perceived as heartless, suggesting a complex relationship with sadness and societal expectations.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I’m a sad, sad girl / I’m a strange one
But I thrive in the darkness / And they love when I’m heartless
I’m a sad, sad girl / Not a sane one
Yeah, I thrive in the darkness, thrive in the darkness
96. “Make Me (Cry)” by Noah Cyrus ft. Labrinth
Noah Cyrus’ “Make Me (Cry)” featuring Labrinth is a pop ballad with raw and emotionally charged sad song in lyrics about the addictive nature of toxic love. The lyrics express the paradoxical need for someone who consistently causes pain and tears, highlighting the confusing and damaging dynamics of unhealthy relationships.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
I never needed you like I do right now / I never needed you like I do right now
I never hated you like I do right now / ‘Cause all you ever do is make me
97. “Cry” by Alexx Calise
Alexx Calise’s “Cry” is a rock ballad with powerful and sad song in lyrics about the overwhelming impact of heartbreak, leading to emotional numbness and a loss of hope. The lyrics express the profound sadness and emptiness that follow a painful breakup, leaving the narrator feeling lost and unable to find joy.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Well I guess it’s been a while / Since I’ve seen the sunshine
Since I have smiled / And me, who’s so well versed
Is feeling so damn empty / Is at a loss for words
98. “Cry Baby” by Melanie Martinez
Melanie Martinez’s “Cry Baby” is an electropop track with whimsical yet poignant sad song in lyrics about embracing emotional sensitivity and vulnerability. The lyrics address the stereotype of being a “cry baby” and reclaim crying as a valid expression of deep feeling, rather than a weakness. It’s an empowering anthem for sensitive souls.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
You seem to replace / Your brain with your heart
You take things so hard / And then you fall apart
You try to explain / But before you can start
Those cry baby tears / Come out of the dark
99. “Wait” by M83
M83’s “Wait” is an ambient electronic track with ethereal and sad song in lyrics about the passage of time and the loss of youthful dreams and innocence. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing for the past and the bittersweet acceptance of change and growing older. It’s a wistful and reflective piece on time’s relentless march.
Saddest Song Lyrics:
Send your dreams / Where nobody hides
Give your tears / To the tide
100. “Walk Away” by LVNDSCAPE ft. Kaptan
LVNDSCAPE’s “Walk Away” featuring Kaptan is a tropical house track with surprisingly melancholic and sad song in lyrics about the painful memory of watching a loved one leave. The lyrics evoke a sense of lingering sadness and the replay of a heartbreaking farewell moment, emphasizing the lasting impact of seeing someone “walk away.”
Saddest Song Lyrics:
A cold and lonely when you went to this day / Around me only rain surrounded by the silence
Can’t find my way back, back to where I came from / To that summer day when you just walked away
Find more emotional release with these related articles from YourTango:
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50 Sad Quotes You Can Relate To When Life & Love Get You Down
15 Breakup Songs To Turn To When You’ve Had Your Heart Broken
