Top 20 Best Sad Songs

If you’re feeling a little down and things are not going so great, it is sometimes nice to listen to a few sad songs to get all those negative emotions out of your system. The very best sad songs can be real tearjerkers, even at the best of times, which are the kinds of songs I’ve picked for this list.

So, get the tissues ready, and let’s take a look at the first of my sad songs…

Top 20 Best Sad Songs

The Long and Winding Road by The Beatles

The Beatles are the most successful group of all time. Despite their relatively short career and the fact that they have only ever recorded about ten hours of music (nearly 15 hours if you include the previously unreleased songs on Anthology), they still managed to sell 600 million records.

Incredible!

Given their success, it wasn’t hard to find a Beatles song for the list. Furthermore, it was so easy that I included another of their songs. More of that a little later.

I wanted to start with “The Long and Winding Road” because it’s my favorite Beatles song. Unlike a lot of their early upbeat, Pop-style music, this is much more stripped-back and melancholy. It’s essentially a gentle ballad that’s filled with depth and substance.

It was released in 1970 from the album, Let it Be. It was one of the last pieces of music to be recorded before they finally split. 

Not surprisingly…

It sold well, though not as much as their more high-tempo songs like “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” This incidentally became their best-selling single, racking up a staggering 12 million sales.

“The Long and Winding Road” is about the struggles and difficulties that one has to go through in life. The lyrics can be interpreted in several ways. It’s possible that they refer to life in general, or they could be referring to the journey of the band.

In either case… 

It points out that after all the hardship, that particular trip is coming to an end. It could mean it’s the end of your life’s journey, or it might mean an imminent breakup of the band back when the song was written.  

It’s an incredibly sad song that simultaneously offers hope but has an underlying feeling of sadness.

I’d Rather Go Blind by Etta James

I can’t speak too highly of Etta James as a vocalist and performer. I believe she’s the greatest Soul singer of all time. However, I fully acknowledge that this is not a widely shared opinion since Aretha Franklin is usually considered to have a superior voice. 

As well as singing Soul songs, Etta James was equally as comfortable with Jazz, Gospel, Blues, or R&B. The song I’ve chosen from her extensive catalog is a combination of Soul, Blues, and R&B. It is an amazing song that undoubtedly best showcases her undeniable talents.

“I’d Rather Go Blind” was released in 1967 from the album, Tell Mama. It was written following Etta’s visit to a friend, Ellington Jordan, who was in prison at the time. He’d penned an outline to the song that Etta subsequently took on board and completed.

The result was an absolute masterpiece… 

The song is a heart-wrenching account of the effects of bad choices on our lives. It’s a glimpse into how our decisions can shape our lives and how, when things go wrong, they can quickly spiral out of control.

This was a deeply personal song since when it came out, Etta James was dealing with a slew of difficult issues herself. These included a string of bad relationships and an ongoing battle with heroin addiction.

Not many songs are so packed with sadness and emotion… 

These feelings are also mirrored by the incredible musical arrangement that plays to the theme. The slow tempo and subtle use of instrumentation fit the song perfectly.

Etta James was an amazing performer, but her performance of “I’d Rather Go Blind” at Montreux in 1975 was on a whole other level. She stretched out a three-minute song to eight minutes to deliver one of the greatest vocal performances by any artist of any genre.

She poured her heart out and left nothing on stage. Truly stunning.

Life Without You by Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Rock/Blues guitarists in history. There’s plenty of stiff competition here, but Stevie is an absolute standout, in my opinion. His musical ability was frankly quite frightening. He was also a talented songwriter and a highly competent vocalist. 

He’s best known for his heavier Rock/Blue songs like “Texas Flood.” Alternatively, many will also be familiar with his covers of Blues standards or Jimi Hendrix songs like “Voodoo Child” and “Little Wing.” However, I think one of his better songs is “Life Without You.”

The song was never released as a single, which completely baffles me. This could be because it’s a little left field compared to some of his other songs, but it still makes no sense. It did, however, appear as the final track on Soul to Soul, which was released in 1985.

So, what is so special about “Life Without You”?

The main thing is the message it conveys. The song was written as a tribute to his good friend, Charley Wirz. Sadly, he died at a young age, and the effect on Stevie was profound. 

The song not only pays tribute to his friend but also urges the audience to respect the people close to them. Treat them well, help them when times are tough, congratulate them, and be happy for them when things are going well. 

The powerful lyrics are well-matched by what is a musical piece of brilliance. The guitar playing is smooth and much less aggressive than we’d typically expect, though amazing never less. It has a relatively slow beat, and the vocals with the rest of the instruments are noticeably restrained. 

This all works to convey the depth of pain and emotions behind the song…

Finally, although there’s a huge sense of sorrow and loss, the song also displays signs of hope and optimism for the future. It’s a beautiful balance that only adds to its quality. It’s a deeply moving song of sadness.

Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.

The song came out in 1993 and was a track from the album, Automatic for the People. “Everybody Hurts” became one of the band’s biggest songs, and the album became their best-selling. To be precise, it sold more than 14 million copies.

The song is not typical of what you’d expect from R.E.M. One of the most interesting things is that there’s no drum section. Now, this isn’t unknown for Alternative Rock Bands. However, what makes it particularly unusual is that the song was written by their drummer, Bill Berry.

Rather than using real drums, Bill Berry made use of a drum machine, which again seems strange. The inclusion of strings was also not common. But, there was a purpose to all of this, which I’ll now come on to.

The theme of “Everybody Hurts” is centered around the issue of suicide… 

More specifically, it concerns teenage suicide. The song was, therefore, written deliberately differently to appeal to a younger audience to get the message across to a greater number of people.

The words also saw a shift from the norm. They were very to the point and far from the usual complicated and ambiguous lyrics that you’d associate with R.E.M. This, again, was to make the anti-suicide message easier to understand for younger people.

It’s undoubtedly a sad song with an important message. However, it’s also uplifting to think that it could have saved someone’s life.

Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin

“Cat’s in the Cradle” came out in 1974. It made it to #1 in the US and sold over a million copies. However, despite its success, Harry Chapin never had another hit. So, it’s fair to say that this was a one-hit wonder. 

There are very few other songs that lyrically paint such a strong picture. This is undoubtedly the song’s strength because although the tune is pretty good, it’s the words that carry it and, therefore, better explain its enduring popularity.

“Cat’s in the Cradle” cleverly explores the changing relationship dynamics between a son and father. The song begins with the son’s childhood to the point where he becomes an adult and leaves home.

In the beginning… 

It’s clear that the son admires and loves his father. He sees him as a role model and wants to grow up and emulate his father. Unfortunately, despite the boy’s feelings, he gets very little time to spend with his father as he is always too busy.

As the song progresses, the father misses more and more of his child’s life and important milestones. The son is frequently left disappointed and upset at the lack of time he’s able to spend with his dad.

Eventually, the son moves out of home and goes to college. He has now become a man, and ironically, it’s only then that the father seems to have the time to spend with him. However, the son has lost interest at this point.

Throughout the song… 

The son professes that he wants to be just like his dad, and he finally gets his wish. If ever there was a song to highlight the dangers of not spending time with your kids or the important people around you, then this was it. 

Children grow so quickly, as any parent knows, and you need to find the time and cherish those years because they’ll be gone before you know it. 

Hurt by Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash made this song his own. This version is the most popular and the one most people are familiar with. However, the original was written and recorded by Trent Reznor from the Industrial Band Nine Inch Nails. It seems odd that the song transferred so well between two very different genres. That’s undoubtedly a testament to the quality of the song. 

Although Johnny Cash’s cover has since become better known, the 1995 version of “Hurt,” released by Nine Inch Nails, was still very popular and well-received. It has since accumulated two million downloads and was also nominated for a Grammy.

Johnny Cash released his cover of “Hurt” in 2003… 

It came out just a few months before his death and was seen by many, including myself, as his farewell song and message. Knowing this makes the lyrics and meaning of the song all the more poignant. 

The Johnny Cash version is difficult to separate from the video that accompanied it. The emotion of the performance makes much more sense when seen in conjunction with the video. 

The main themes of the song are reflection and regret… 

Johnny Cash looks back on his amazing life and is clearly proud of his career. However, it’s also true that he’s prouder of his family. What ultimately comes through, in the end, are feeling of sadness that he didn’t spend more time with his family rather than chasing fame.

It’s a sad and powerful song that hits hard because of Cash’s poor physical condition when it was recorded. There is a real vulnerability in his performance that can also be heard in his voice.

The music video is unforgettable, and that fact has been recognized as it rightly won a Grammy. It’s an amazing song and a fitting way to close out such an illustrious career.

Funeral for a Friend by Elton John

This song brings back so many memories and evokes so many strong emotions. The song was released in 1973, and it almost perfectly coincided with my cycling trip to a nearby town. I was still a teenager at the time, and I went with a friend. We stayed at a Youth Hostel in an old converted river barge.

This sets the scene…

After dinner and our obligatory chores, the hostel manager walked into the large open room with a copy of the album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road proudly tucked under his arm. Without saying a word, he lifted the turntable lid and put the vinyl record onto the record payer. And in this way, we were introduced to the very first track, “Funeral for a Friend.”

We listened to the entire album in silence and awe. When it was over, we climbed into our bunk beds, and I can still remember lying in the dark, thinking about the first eleven minutes of the opening track.

At the time, I couldn’t make a lot of sense of it…

But, I knew through instinct that the song was something to do with death. If I had known the song’s title, I’d have been a lot surer, though.

With the benefit of now having listened to it a hundred or more times and the power of the internet, I know that the song was written by Elton John for his funeral. That explains its sad and melancholy feel. It also explains the use of synthesizers and haunting instrumental melodies.

It’s an amazing piece of music… 

And it is one of the best sad songs I can think of that is purely instrumental. I sincerely hope that when the time comes for Elton John, he gets his wish, and this is played for him.

I would not mind it for myself, but I’ve already decided on “Celebration” by Kool and The Gang. For some reason, both of my sons don’t seem keen on the idea.

Kids, eh?

If I Should Go Before You by Dallas Green

This is a sad song with a beautiful sentiment. I’m a huge fan of Dallas Green and his music, although I’m aware that many of you may not have heard of him. For those of you who haven’t, I’d describe him as a Folk artist with a similar style to artists like Neil Young and Bob Dylan.

Hopefully, that is a big enough compliment to pique your interest…

“If I Should Go Before You” came out in 2015, but it was never released as a single. It was, however, included on the album also titled, If I Should Go Before You. It’s interesting for a title track not to be released as a single. Hardly a surprise, therefore, that no other tracks were released either.

Dallas Green, or City and Colour as he also goes by, has steadily been growing his fan base but is still working to gain wider international recognition. Regardless, the album went to #29 in the US and #56 in the UK. 

Additionally, it enjoyed reasonably healthy sales and downloads. In Canada, it went to #1, as did his previous two studio albums. No doubt, largely because he’s a Canadian artist.

What’s this song about?

The male in the song is talking to his wife and trying to reassure her that if he dies before her, he will watch over her and still be beside her. He also reassures her that if this happens, she shouldn’t feel bad and should live her best life without him. He reasons that when the time comes, they will be reunited and have an eternity to enjoy with each other.

It’s a moving song that is made all the more so due to the crystal clear and beautiful vocal performance from Dallas Green. It’s just him and his acoustic guitar with the faintest piano accompaniment in certain song segments. Beautiful.

Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton

This is undoubtedly one of the best sad songs I’ve ever heard. But I also think that it’s one of the saddest songs too. It was written by Eric Clapton following the horrific death of his son, Conor, due to a tragic accident. Sadly, he fell from a skyscraper window that had been left open. 

I can’t even begin to know how that must feel, or how, if ever, you could get over it. Not only that, but I also have no idea how you could bring yourself to write about it and then have the capacity to perform the song live. 

That all takes a lot of strength which I’m sure many of us wouldn’t have given the same set of circumstances.

I guess Clapton is made of stiffer stuff than most people think…

“Tears in Heaven” was recorded shortly after Conor’s death in 1991 and subsequently released in 1992. The song was written specifically for the movie “Rush” and to feature on the Rush: Movie Soundtrack. In any event, it’s a tribute to his son and will always be remembered as such.

“Tears in Heaven” went to #1 in the US and several other countries worldwide. It sold almost three million copies in the US alone. Plus, it received several accolades, including three Grammys.

It’s a song that has been covered multiple times, and also it’s been used for several benefit causes. However, Eric Clapton’s stripped back, unplugged acoustic version is the best known. This was first shown extensively on MTV and has become the most popular arrangement.

Let it Be by The Beatles

I found it quite hard to choose just one single from The Beatles for this best sad songs list. So, while no one was paying too much attention, I decided to slip in a second for good measure. In all honestly, I could also have included “Hey Jude,” as that’s a bit of a tearjerker too.

“Let it Be” was released in 1970 and featured as the lead single from the album of the same name. At the time of the single and album release, it was already eight years into The Beatles’ history, and they had built up a huge fan base. 

Consequently, it is no big surprise that both the single and album went to #1 in a host of different countries and sold copies in the millions.

Interestingly, what wasn’t known at the time…

This would be close to the last record they would release. Shortly after Let It Be came out, The Beatles broke up, and after an incredible ride, that was that.

Happily, we were left with this highly touching song that was predominantly written by Paul McCartney. It should be noted, though, that John Lennon is also credited with the songwriting as he did make a vital contribution to the finished product.

“Let it Be” is a deeply personal song…

It recounts a Paul McCartney dream in which his mother appeared. This all happened ten years following her death from cancer. The song deals with the subsequent emotions and fallout from the dream. Essentially, he presents it in the song as having been something that gave him comfort. It was penned as a thing that helped him to come to terms with his grief. 

“Let It Be” is highly relatable to most adults, as we’ve all had to go through this awful process at some point. It’s a song that can help to bring us comfort as we work through our emotions. No doubt this is why it’s so commonly chosen as a farewell piece of music at funerals.

The Scientist by Coldplay

Coldplay is one of my favorite bands, and this is one of my favorite songs. However, I’m the first to acknowledge that they are a kind of “love them or hate them” band. Regardless, there are plenty of people like myself that love them, as the sale of 100 million albums testifies to.

The single was released in 2002, and it went gold in the US and double-platinum in the UK. It was taken from the album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. The album was hugely popular; it got to #5 in the US and #1 in several European countries and sold 15 million copies globally.

The start of “The Scientist” is beautiful… 

It begins with Chris Martin singing and playing the piano with virtually no accompaniment. There are only some additional very subtle and long-held notes on the electronic keyboards. 

It’s not until the song gets to about one and a half minutes that some light drumming comes into play. The introduction to the song lays the foundations for the melancholy feel that beautifully fits the song.

So, what’s it about?

It’s about a scientist, surprise, surprise, who has spent all of his life dedicated to his career at the expense of everything else. This includes the time he could have spent with his girlfriend. The result is that she’s had enough, and not surprisingly, she wasn’t out.

It’s only then that he realizes he’s made a big mistake and wants to reverse the damage that’s already been done. He makes a heartfelt desperate plea to his girlfriend to give him another chance. He is adamant he can change but if he gets that chance is unclear as far as the song is concerned.

Let’s hope she’s the forgiving kind.

Slow Song by Joe Jackson

This is a bit of an outlier as far as the rest of the best sad songs on the list are concerned. That’s because it’s not a popular sad song from an artist who is also not very widely known. However, Joe Jackson is an amazing talent, and I’d highly recommend listening to this beautiful song.

It was released in 1983, but despite the song’s obvious strength, it did little to impress the general selling public. It only got to #195 in the UK and sold very few copies. On the other hand, the album it was taken from, Night and Day, had better chart success and sold a million copies globally. 

Joe Jackson started his career in 1979, and it is still going to this today. Despite this, he’s only sold around two and a half million records. It’s, therefore, safe to say that Night and Day was his commercially most successful piece of work. Just for the record, I bought a copy!

Now, let’s take a look at the music and lyrical content…

Frankly, it could just as easily have been titled “Sad Song.” That is because its structure and melody have a sound that you immediately associate with disappointment and sadness. It has all the makings of other notable slow, sad ballads. However, rather than being about a relationship going astray, which is often the case, this is about something very different.

It’s a song that laments the loss of the slow songs they used to play in Discos at the end of the night. This was before Discos all became Clubs in the 80s. I think we can assume Joe Jackson clearly misses dancing to those slow songs with a new or old love interest. I miss those days too, fella.

Telephone Line by E.L.O.

E.L.O. is from Birmingham, England, and was formed in 1970. They still record and perform live after more than 50 years in the business. 

The band is led by the musical genius of Jeff Lynne, who is a master of using and recording a multitude of instruments. He’s an incredible music producer and is frequently the first choice for major artists like George Harrison and Tom Petty. 

“Telephone Line” was released in 1977 from the album, A New World Record, which had been released a year earlier in 1976. 

Before we move on to the single… 

I have to say that the album is one of the best I’ve heard of any genre. It’s an incredible piece of music, with every song being worthy of release as a single, and yes, I bought this album too.

Now, back to “Telephone Line”…

Like all of the songs from E.L.O., it is full of instruments, including strings, that blend beautifully. It’s a very full and complex sound, typical for the band, but with no instrument or vocal line overpowering any other part.

Jeff Lynne has a fantastic voice, and one of the things he does especially well projecting a level of desperation at various points during the song. This is specifically when he’s on the phone and trying to reconnect with his ex-girlfriend.

This reconnection is the basis of the song… 

It gives the protagonist a sense of remoteness and disconnection from the world around him. Also, it makes the song feel that it’s much more than just about an individual feeling lonely. And it hints at more of a crisis of faith in God and humanity. It’s such a clever and well-put-together song.

Need You Now by Lady Antebellum

Let’s face it, you could pick just about any Country song, and it would be a tearjerker. The strange thing is, though, that even though Country music produces some of the best sad songs ever, the musicians all seem to be having a great time. Good for them, I say!

“Need You Now” was released in 2009 from the album of the same name. The single was huge. It made it to #1 in the US and several European Countries. It went nine times platinum in the US, and it was played on every radio station in the world for 25 hours a day throughout 2009. 

As if all of that wasn’t enough, it also won ten awards, including four Grammys. Blimey!

The melody and music are superb…

But it’s the vocal performances of Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley that are the real standouts. They brilliantly capture the emotions behind the lyrics and the music. 

The lyrics focus on the perspectives of a male and female that are both alone and feeling it. It’s in the early hours, and it’s clear that they’re drunk to some degree and feeling emotionally fragile. In this state, they are trying to resist the temptation of calling an ex-lover. 

But, it is a battle that they ultimately lose…

The result is making that embarrassing call no one wants to make in the middle of the night. Alcohol and emotions rule their thinking. No doubt something they will seriously regret the next day.

It’s a horrible spot to be in and a situation that most of us can probably relate to. No doubt that’s why the song was so hugely popular. 

White Flag by Dido

This is a song from her second studio album, Life For Rent. “White Flag” was a big commercial success going to #1 in seven countries. It also made it to #2 in her native UK, and it got to #18 in the US. 

The album was even more successful and went to #1 in sixteen countries. It also sold over 12 million copies globally, making it her best-selling single. I thought this was her best album, artistically speaking, so I was a little surprised that the 1999 release, No Angel, has been an even bigger seller.

“White Flag” is sad but, at the same time, leaves you feeling that the girl in the song brought it all upon herself. So much so that you can’t help thinking that she deserved her suffering and self-induced pity fest.

So, what did she do that was so bad?

This is a girl that had everything at her feet, including a guy that loved and adored her. For whatever reason, she messed up big time. The reason for that is not clear, but what we do know is that she was the one to bring things to an end.

Now that things are over… 

She already regrets it and wants to get back with him. However, that ship has well and truly sailed. The guy has been hurt and wants nothing more to do with her. She knows she has no right to ask anything from him but still holds out hope that maybe one day they can still get back together. 

It’s very well written, and the music that goes with it is superb. In particular, the chorus is super catchy, and Dido’s voice does a great job of expressing her regret and pain. 

Don’t Speak by No Doubt

This was released in 1996 from their third album, Tragic Kingdom. There is little doubt in my mind that this is their best song. The record-buying public also agreed with me on this one since it went to #1 in a ton of countries and shifted more than five million copies globally. 

So, what makes it so good?

No Doubt is a highly talented band and has a knack for writing great songs. However, musically “Don’t Speak” reached new heights. The song plays beautifully with the dynamics to give us quiet and loud sections that perfectly mirror the lyrical content. The effect is like an emotional roller coaster which is just like the place Gwen Stefani was in.

The song is an autobiographical account of Gwen Stefani’s breakup with Tony Kanal, who was also a band member. They were very heavily invested in each other, and the split, though amicable, was not surprisingly emotionally difficult. 

It’s a sad situation… 

And one that feels all the sadder because both parties are still forced to be around each other and therefore are constantly reminded of what had been. It’s a true testament to their maturity that they could continue to work together at all. They continued to record and perform together right until the band broke up in 2015.

Finally, it’s worth commenting that the vocal performance of Gwen Stefani was amazing. She touchingly conveyed her fragility and vulnerability. It’s undoubtedly a big part of its relatability and why it is such a well known sad song.

You Keep Me Hangin’ On by The Supremes

The Supremes were everything good about Soul and the music coming out to the Motown label in the 60s. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” was released in 1966, and at the time, Diana Ross was the group’s main singer. 

A year later, in 1967, her importance to the success of the group was recognized. Consequently, they became known as “Diana Ross and The Supremes.” However, this was rather short-lived as just three years later, in 1970, she left the group to pursue a solo career.

Happily for us… 

Before she left, she recorded a host of wonderful songs, including “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” which was released from the album, The Supremes Sing Holland–Dozier–Holland.

The album title is a little long. But, with the knowledge that most of the songs for The Supremes were written by Lamont Dozier and the brothers Eddie and Brian Holland, things all make a little more sense. 

Back to the song…

The main theme of the song revolves around a woman who is in love with a man who is just stringing her along. He finished the relationship but still wants to hook up with her and continue as friends, but with benefits. 

She still loves him, and despite the emotional impact it has on her, she finds it hard to keep him away. Ultimately, he’s just playing with her and wants to keep her available for himself. 

She knows this is unhealthy and knows that he doesn’t love her. She wants him to stop his selfish games and let her get on with her life. He sounds like a complete shit to me. But it’s a classic piece of Motown magic that deservedly made it to #1 in the US.

The Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles

This is an absolute classic sad song with a heavy Motown vibe. But before we look a little closer, I should point out that it was released on the Tamla label. Despite this, it still came under the general Motown ownership. Consequently, the label was frequently informally referred to as Tamla Motown. 

You still got that amazing full Motown wall of sound… 

“The Tracks of My Tears” came out in 1965 as a single from Going to a Go-Go. Interestingly, this was the first album that incorporated the name change of the band to include Smokey Robinson’s name before The Miracles. 

Smokey Robinson wrote the song in conjunction with bandmates Marv Tarplin and Pete Moore. During their time at Tamala and Motown, this trio, like Holland-Dozier-Holland, wrote a large number of other songs for fellow artists on both labels.

“Tracks of My Tears” is one of Motown’s best sad songs, and that’s high praise because there were a lot of them. It is a heartbreaking song about a guy who has been dumped by his girlfriend. 

But it’s no cliche song…

As time goes by, he’s not able to come to terms with it and is still hopelessly in love with her. He tries to get on with his life but finds it hard to do so. When he goes out, he pretends to be the life and soul of the party, but the whole thing is a sad act. 

His smile is just a mask to disguise his true feelings. His emotions are so powerful that he feels like he’s constantly crying. The effect is to leave marks, or tracks, running down his face. It’s one of the most powerful pieces of imagery you are ever likely to come across in music.

Smokey Robinson has written and performed some amazing songs, but I think that this is easily his best. 

In The Ghetto by Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was the biggest solo artist of all time, and you only need to listen to one of his songs to understand why. His voice was exceptional, and “In The Ghetto” fully demonstrates this awesome talent and ability.

The song came out in 1969… 

It was a single from the album, From Elvis in Memphis. The single went to #3 in the US and #1 in the UK. Frankly, you’d have thought that would be the other way around, but there you go. 

The album got to #2 in the US and again clinched the top spot in the UK. Not surprisingly, both the single and album sold over a million copies.

“In The Ghetto” is predominantly a mix of Gospel and Country though there is a little bit of Pop in there too. It’s essentially a slow, stripped-back song and the kind that Elvis excelled in. Though frankly, he could sing just about anything in any genre and still sound amazing.

So, what was the song about?

The main topic was growing up in poverty in America. It was about life in the Ghettos, and the terrible price children and their parents had to pay for the lack of money and opportunity. It’s a word Elvis knew only too well as he also grew up in a poor family in a poor neighborhood.

The kind of poverty in the song is something that most of us can’t even begin to imagine. However, we can still identify with the struggles in the song related to the problems within our own lives. This explains why so many are still able to relate to it.

On this final point, full credit has to be given to Mac Davis for some excellent writing. 

How Can You Mend a Broken Heart by The Bee Gees

The Bee Gees wrote some fantastic songs in their long and illustrious career. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that they also wrote songs for other artists. 

Some of the biggest songs written for other musicians include “Woman in Love” by Barbara Streisand and “Grease” by Frankie Valli. Happily, though, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” was a song they kept for themselves. 

It was released in 1971 as a single from Trafalgar. It was an important single for The Bee Gees because it was their first #1 hit in the US. However, it was far from their last, as they went on to notch up another eight number ones in the US.

All the good stuff you expect from a Bee Gees song… 

You get a well-crafted and beautifully mixed piece of music with a catchy melody. What’s more, you also get the incredible harmonies and voices of the three Gibb brothers. Given the song title, the subject of the song is hardly a surprise. The question is almost rhetorical since we know mending a broken heart takes time more than anything. 

Though even then, there’s no guarantee of success. It’s a potential price that anyone playing in the game of love has to accept.

Need More Songs Related to Feeling Sad?

Well, check out our thoughts on the Best Songs About Crying, the Best Songs About Loneliness, the Best Songs About Pain & Suffering, the Best Songs About Depression, and the Best Breakup Songs for more emotional song selections.

Also, take a look at our comprehensive reviews of the Best Headphones for Music, the Best iPhone Earbuds, the Best Headphones For Rock and Metal Music, the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, as well as the Best Noise Isolating Earbuds you can buy in 2023.

Best Sad Songs – Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. I hope you’ve enjoyed my selection of some of the greatest sad songs I could think of. I also hope at least one or two of your favorites were among them. If not, then apologies, but there are so many sad songs that it was difficult to choose such a small number.

Until next time, happy or sad listening.