Sad songs are the kind to listen to when you are feeling low or you have mixed emotions. They have depth and an uncanny way of changing, controlling, or even fixing your emotions.
These songs come across different genres and may have been the expression of what a singer felt and put a melody to. Yet, they have proven to be just what you need on days when things do not seem to be going well or life just proves tough for reasons beyond our control.
While such difficult moments happen to most of us, listening to sad songs may be a way of acknowledging such feelings or just another way of dealing with them. That said, here are the best sad songs to listen to when things are not going smoothly.
30 Best Sad Songs Ever
1. R.E.M-Everybody Hurts
- Artist: R.E.M
- Album: Automatic for the People
- Released: 1992
- Genres: Alternative Rock
- Songwriter(s): Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Stipe, Mike Mills
Best For:
Days that you need the boost to keep living despite all the pains you may have experienced.
Lyrics
When your day is long
And the night, the night is yours alone
When you’re sure you’ve had enough
Of this life, well hang on
Don’t let yourself go
‘Cause everybody cries
Everybody hurts sometimes
2. Eric Clapperton-Tears in Heaven
- Artist: Eric Clapton
- Album: Rush
- Released: 1992
- Genre: Soft Rock
- Songwriter(s): Eric Clapton, Will Jennings
Best For:
When you have lost someone and dealing with grief, this song will keep you company while you process the pain.
Lyrics
Would you know my name?
If I saw you in heaven
Would it be the same?
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong
And carry on
‘Cause I know I don’t belong
Here in heaven
3. Sinead O’Connor-Nothin Compares 2 U
- Artist: Sinead O’Connor
- Album: I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got
- Released: 1990
- Genres: Pop
- Songwriter(s): Prince
Best For:
As the title of the song suggests, nothing can compare to grief. Just like O’Connor who was grieving the loss of her mother, this song aligns with the loss of some kind that you have suffered.
Lyrics
It’s been seven hours and fifteen days
Since you took your love away
I go out every night and sleep all day
Since you took your love away
Since you been gone, I can do whatever I want
I can see whomever I choose
I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant
But nothing
I said nothing can take away these blues
4. Charlie Puth-When You’re Sad I’m Sad
- Artist: Charlie Puth
- Album: Charlie
- Released: 2022
- Genre: Pop, R&B
- Songwriters: Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Charlie Puth
Best For:
For those who are being manipulated by the one they love. This song is a reminder even in your sadness, you can be the support that another person needs.
Lyrics
It’s the last, it’s the last time
Oh, that’s what I keep sayin’ about us
In the past, put you back there
I tried movin’ on, but you never budge
5. Dua Lipa-Homesick
- Artist: Dua Lipa
- Album: Justice
- Released: 2017
- Genre: Pop
- Songwriters: Dua Lipa, Chris Martin
Best For:
Those days when you can’t have your loved ones close to you. Just put on a headphone and play this song till the sadness caused by absence leaves or you feel better.
Lyrics
Here, where the sky’s falling
I’m covered in blue
I’m running and I’m crawling
Fighting for you
When the rain stops, then, darling
What will I do?
And I know I go all in
But why do I?
You give me a reason, something to believe in
I know, I know, I know
You give me a meaning, something I can breathe in
I know, I know, I know
It’s a bittersweet feeling
Longing, and I’m leaving
I go, I go, I go
But I wish I was there with you
Oh, I wish I was there with you
6. Whitney Houston-I Have Nothing
- Artist: Whitney Houston
- Album: The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album
- Released: 1993
- Genre: R&B, Pop, Soul
- Songwriters: David Foster, Linda Thompson
Best For:
Times that being away from the one you love makes you miss them. In such times, nothing will make sense till you have them with you. So, why not turn up your music player and get lost in the soothing words that describe exactly how you feel?
Lyrics
But don’t make me close one more door
I don’t wanna hurt anymore
Stay in my arms if you dare
Or must I imagine you there
Don’t walk away from me
I have nothing, nothing, nothing
If I don’t have you, you, you, you, you
7. Alicia Keys-Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart
- Artist: Alicia Keys
- Album: The Element of Freedom
- Released: 2009
- Genre: R&B, Pop
- Songwriters: Jeff Bhasker, Alicia Keys, Patrik Reynolds
Best For:
Moments when you are sad and trying to move on from failed relationships.
Lyrics
Let’s do it, baby
Let’s do it, baby
Let’s do it, do it
Even if you were a million miles away
I can still feel you in my bed
Near me, touch me, feel me
And even at the bottom of the sea
I could still hear inside my head
Telling me, touch me, feel me
And all the time, you were telling me lies, ay
8. Justin Bieber and Benny Blanco-Lonely
- Artist: Justin Bieber
- Album: Justice
- Released: 2020
- Genre: Pop
- Songwriters: Justin Bieber, Benjamin Levin, Finneas O’Connell
Best For:
Bringing back memories of troubled times in the past when you felt lonely. The song allows you to feel the emotion of loneliness which every human feels at one point or the other.
Lyrics
Everybody knows my name now
But somethin’ ’bout it still feels strange
Like lookin’ in a mirror, tryna steady yourself
And seein’ somebody else
And everything is not the same now
It feels like all our lives have changed
Maybe when I’m older, it’ll all calm down
But it’s killin’ me now
9. Meghan Trainor-Like I’m Gonna Lose You
- Artist: Meghan Trainor
- Album: Title
- Released: 2015
- Genre: Soul
- Songwriters: Justin Weaver, Caitlin Smith, Meghan Trainor
Best For:
Times when you can’t explain why you feel sad or lonely. Meghan puts emotions into the feeling you can’t explain due to the thought of one day losing someone. While death is inevitable, why wait till then when you can start loving your loved ones with everything you got?
Lyrics
I found myself dreaming
In silver and gold
Like a scene from a movie
That every broken heart knows
We were walking on moonlight
And you pulled me close
Split second and you disappeared
And then I was all alone
I woke up in tears
With you by my side
A breath of relief
And I realized
No, we’re not promised tomorrow
10. The Beatles- Let It Be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LMSOfs10mA
- Artist: The Beatles
- Album: Let It Be
- Released: 1970
- Genre: Rock, Blues
- Songwriters: Paul McCartney, Lennon–McCartney
Best For:
Probably one of the best sad songs by the Beatles, it is a great song on days when you need encouragement to keep going on. While many have given religious meaning to the song, it is the expression of a mother’s love for her child whom she appeared to in a dream.
Lyrics
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
11. Elton John- Sacrifice
- Artist: Elton John
- Album: Sleeping with the Past
- Released: 1989
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Songwriter(s): Bernie Taupin, Elton John
Best For:
A reminder that marriage is difficult despite the sacrifices. While there are expectations that a love relationship will last long, when it crashes, it leaves a vacuum of sadness.
Lyrics
It’s a human sign
When things go wrong
When the scent of her lingers
And temptation’s strong
Into the boundary
Of each married man
Sweet deceit comes calling
And negativity lands
12. Phil Collins-Against All Odds(Take a Look at Me)
- Artist: Elton John
- Album: Against All Odds
- Released: 1984
- Genre: Pop, Soft Rock
- Songwriter(s): Phil Collins
Best For:
Moments when one is thinking about the choices one has made that cost one much. The Grammy-winning song was inspired by Phil Collin’s first divorce and the loss of his family. When caught up with the strong feeling of just being there, just play this song on repeat and know that this too will pass.
Lyrics
How can I just let you walk away?
Just let you leave without a trace
When I stand here taking every breath, with you, ooh
You’re the only one who really knew me at all
How can you just walk away from me?
When all I can do is watch you leave
‘Cos we’ve shared the laughter and the pain and even shared the tears
You’re the only one who really knew me at all
13. Alicia Keys-Why Do I Feel So Sad
- Artist: Alicia Keys
- Album: Songs in a Minor
- Released: 2001
- Genres: R&B
- Songwriter(s): Augello-Cook Alicia J. and Warryn S. Campbell
Best For:
Those Difficult times when you let go of people or things you loved dearly. While the decision may be to protect yourself, the vacuum they leave makes you question why the sadness can’t go away.
Lyrics
Friends we’ve been for so long
Now true colors are showing
Makes me wanna cry, oh yes it does
‘Cause I have to say goodbye
By now I should know that in time
Things must change
So it shouldn’t be so bad
So why do I feel so sad?
How can I adjust to the way that things are going?
It’s killing me slowly
Oh, I just want it to be how it used to be, yeah
And I wish that I could stay
But in time, things must change
14. Eminem-Stan
- Artist: Eminem
- Album: The Marshall Mathers Lp
- Released: 2000
- Genres: Horrorcore
- Songwriter(s): Marshall Mathers, Dido, Paul Herman
Best For:
Those moments when those you admire do not notice you. While this can trigger sadness due to lack of attention, it does not mean you should allow what others do about your admiration to ruin your emotions. That being said, this song like most of Eminem’s songs, tells a story about his experiences.
Lyrics
My tea’s gone cold, I’m wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can’t see at all
And even if I could it’ll all be gray
But your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it’s not so bad
It’s not so bad
My tea’s gone cold, I’m wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window (window)
And I can’t see at all
And even if I could it’ll all be gray
But your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it’s not so bad
It’s not so bad
15. Adele-Someone Like You
- Artist: Adele
- Album: 21
- Released: 2011
- Genres: Pop
- Songwriter(s): Adele, Dan Wilson
Best For:
Moments when you are trying to get over a past relationship and getting someone that you will recreate past memories with.
Lyrics
I heard that you’re settled down
That you found a girl and you’re married now
I heard that your dreams came true
Guess she gave you things, I didn’t give to you
Old friend, why are you so shy?
Ain’t like you to hold back or hide from the light
I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited
But I couldn’t stay away, I couldn’t fight it
I had hoped you’d see my face
And that you’d be reminded that for me, it isn’t over
16. Mary J. Blige-Be Without You
- Artist: Mary J. Blige
- Album: The Breakthrough
- Released: 2005
- Genres: R&B
- Songwriter(s): Mary J. Blige, Johnta Austin, Bryan-Michael ox, Jason Perry
Best For:
Those times that you want to reassure yourself about how much your lover wants to be with you. This love song has a sad tone but it is meant to give hope.
Lyrics
I wanna be with you, gotta be with you, need to be with you
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)
I wanna be with you, gotta be with you, need to be with you
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)
Ooo, oh, oh, oh, oh, ooo
Chemistry was crazy from the get-go
Neither one of us knew why
We didn’t build nothing overnight
‘Cause a love like this takes some time
People swore it off as a phase
Said we can’t see that
Now from top to bottom
They see that we did that (yes)
It’s so true that (yes)
We’ve been through it (yes)
We got real shit (yes)
See, baby, we been
17. Billie Eilish-When the Party is Over
- Artist: Billie Eilish
- Album: When We All fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
- Released: 2018
- Genres: Pop
- Songwriter(s): Finneas O’Connell, Billie Eilish
Best For:
This song is for moments when you are concerned about a relationship that has turned toxic
Lyrics
Don’t you know I’m no good for you?
I’ve learned to lose you, can’t afford to
Tore my shirt to stop you bleedin’
But nothin’ ever stops you leavin’
Quiet when I’m comin’ home and I’m on my own
I could lie, say I like it like that, like it like that
I could lie, say I like it like that, like it like that
18. Kendrick Lamar-Swimming Pool(Drank)
- Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Album: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City
- Released: 2012
- Genres: Hip Hop
- Songwriter(s): Kendrick Lamar, Tyler Williams
Best For:
Those days when you are reminiscing about the choices you made and how they affected you.
Lyrics
Pour up (drank), head shot (drank)
Sit down (drank), stand up (drank)
Pass out (drank), wake up (drank)
Faded (drank), faded (drank)
Now I done grew up ’round some people livin’ their life in bottles
Granddaddy had the golden flask
Backstroke every day in Chicago
Some people like the way it feels
Some people wanna kill their sorrows
Some people wanna fit in with the popular, that was my problem
19. Drake-Doing It Wrong
- Artist: Drake
- Album: Take Care
- Released: 2011
- Genres: Hip Hop/Rap
- Songwriter(s): Aubrey Graham, Noah Shebib, Don McLean
Best For:
Those moments when things don’t work out the way you planned them. While it could be a result of a failed relationship that leaves you hung, just know that it is not the end of the world. Play this song till all the hurt becomes bearable.
Lyrics
When a good thing goes bad it’s not the end of the world
It’s just the end of a world, that you had with one girl
And she’s the reason it happened, but she’s overreacting
And it’s all because she don’t want things to change
So cry if you need to, but I can’t stay to watch you
That’s the wrong thing to do
Touch if you need to, but I can’t stay to hold you
That’s the wrong thing to do
Talk if you need to, but I can’t stay to hear you
That’s the wrong thing to do
‘Cause you’ll say you love me, and I’ll end up lying
And say I love you too
20. Elton John-Candle in the Wind
- Artist: Elton John
- Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
- Released: 1974
- Genres: Pop Rock
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Best For:
Those days you wake up with the thoughts of how vulnerable you are. This song is a reminder that even celebrities may be faced with troubled lives despite all their fame.
Lyrics
Goodbye, Norma Jeane
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
They crawled out of the woodwork
And they whispered into your brain
They set you on the treadmill
And they made you change your name
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’ve liked to know you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did
21. Juice WRLD-Righteous
- Artist: Juice WRLD
- Album: Legends Never Die
- Released: 2020
- Genres: Alternative Rock
- Songwriter(s): Jarad Higgins, Nick Mira, Ryan Vojtesak
Best For:
Days when the thought of the afterlife keeps coming up. The singer, Juice WRLD may have seen the end coming when he described how death would feel like.
Lyrics
I will
I will
I will
Oh, uh
All white Gucci suit, I’m feeling righteous, yeah
I know that the truth is hard to digest, yeah
Five or six pills in my right hand, yeah
Codeine runneth over on my nightstand
Taking medicine to fix all of the damage
My anxiety the size of a planet (yeah), oh
Holes in my skull, over time
My heart’s over ice (whoa)
22. Linkin Park-One More Light
- Artist: Linkin Park
- Album: One More Light
- Released: 2017
- Genres: Electronic Rock
- Songwriter(s): Mike Shinoda, Eg White
Best For:
The loss of a loved one can lead to indescribable sadness and the feeling of hopelessness. It is from such a feeling that Linkin Park sang One More Light, a song about the death of a friend, Chester Bennington.
Lyrics:
Should’ve stayed, were there signs, I ignored?
Can I help you, not to hurt, anymore?
We saw brilliance, when the world, was asleep
There are things that we can have, but can’t keep
If they say
Who cares if one more light goes out?
In the sky of a million stars
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone’s time runs out?
If a moment is all we are
Or quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well I do
23. Nirvana-Something in the Way
- Artist: Nirvana
- Album: Nevermind
- Released: 1991
- Genres: Alternative Rock
- Songwriter(s): Kurt Cobain
Best For:
When thinking about moving on from obstacles that are preventing progress.
Lyrics
Underneath the bridge
Tarp has sprung a leak
And the animals I’ve trapped
Have all become my pets
And I’m living off of grass
And the drippings from my ceiling
It’s okay to eat fish
Cause they don’t have any feelings
24. Beyonce-Broken Hearted Girl
- Artist: Beyonce
- Album: I Am…Sasha Fierce
- Released: 20o8
- Genres: R&B
- Songwriter(s): Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S Eriksen, Beyonce
Best For
Addressing the emotional pains caused by a loved one. It reminds you to be strong despite the experience of pain and hurt.
Lyrics:
You’re everything I thought you never were
And nothing like I thought you could have been
But still, you live inside of me,
So tell me how is that?
You’re the only one I wish I could forget
The only one I love to not forgive
And though you break my heart,
You’re the only one
25. Adele-Easy On Me
- Artist: Adele
- Album: 30
- Released: 2021
- Genres: Pop
- Songwriter(s): Adele, Greg Kurstin
Best For:
When your love relationship is no longer stable due to separation or divorce.
Lyrics
There ain’t no gold in this river
That I’ve been washin’ my hands in forever
I know there is hope in these waters
But I can’t bring myself to swim
When I am drowning in this silence
Baby, let me in
Go easy on me, baby
I was still a child
Didn’t get the chance to
Feel the world around me
I had no time to choose
What I chose to do
So go easy on me
26. Taylor Swift-Right Where You Are
- Artist: Taylor Swift
- Album: Evermore
- Released: 2020
- Genres: Country Pop
- Songwriter(s): Taylor Swift, Aaron Dessner
Best For:
This song is best for days when you wake up and realize that nothing has changed due to heartbreak.
Lyrics
Friends break up, friends get married
Strangers get born, strangers get buried
Trends change, rumors fly through new skies
But I’m right where you left me
Matches burn after the other
Pages turn and stick to each other
Wages earned and lessons learned
But I, I’m right where you left me
See Also: 30 Best Angry Song For Moments When You Are Enraged
27. Ne-Yo-So Sick
- Artist: Ne-yo
- Album: In My Own Words
- Released: 2005
- Genres: R&B
- Songwriter(s): Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Shaffer Chimere Smith
If there is one thing about this 2006 hit song that stands out, it is the moodiness. It is ideal for days when one can’t get over losing a love interest and you don’t know what to do with yourself.
Lyrics
Mmmh, mmmh, Yeah (doo, doo, dooo, doo)
Gotta change my answering machine
Now that I’m alone
‘Cause right now, it says that we
Can’t come to the phone
And I know it makes no sense
‘Cause you walked out the door
But it’s the only way I hear your voice anymore
It’s ridiculous
It’s been months
And for some reason I just
Can’t get over us
And I’m stronger than this, yeah
Enough is enough
No more walkin’ round
With my head down
I’m so over being blue
Cryin’ over you
28. Boyz II Men-It’s So sad to Say Goodbye
- Artist: Boyz II Men
- Album: Cooley High: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
- Released: 1975
- Genres: Soul
- Songwriter(s): Freddie Perren, Christine Yarian
Best For:
Times that you have to say goodbye to loved ones.
Lyrics
… How do I say goodbye to what we had?
The good times that made us laugh
Outweigh the bad
… I thought we’d get to see forever
But forever’s gone away
It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday
29. Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth-See You Again
- Artist: Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth
- Album: Furious 7: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
- Released: 2015
- Genres: Hip Hop/Pop Rap
- Songwriters: Cameron Thomaz, Justin Franks, Andrew Cedar, Charlie Puth, Dann Hume, Josh Hardy, Phoebe Cockburn
Best For
Moments when you are dealing with the loss of loved ones. While their death will take away their presence in your life, there is the hope of seeing them again.
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
Damn, who knew?
All the planes we flew, good things we been through
That I’d be standing right here talking to you
‘Bout another path, I know we loved to hit the road and laugh
But something told me that it wouldn’t last
Had to switch up, look at things different, see the bigger picture
Those were the days, hard work forever pays
Now I see you in a better place (see you in a better place)
Uh
30. Johnny Cash-Hurt
- Artist: Boyz II Men
- Album: American IV: The Man Comes Around
- Released: 2002
- Genres: Alternative Rock
- Songwriter(s): Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails
Best For:
Days when life sulks due to the problems caused by addiction and you feel like giving up. Despite the sad mood of the song, it ends in a hopeful way.
Lyrics
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way
