Did you know that nearly 40% of Gen Z use Tik Tok and Instagram for search instead of Google? That’s how popular Tik Tok has become among certain age groups. In fact, the app has been downloaded by over two billion people worldwide, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.
Some people have used the platform to start an entire career. Others have been able to make a great hobby out of posting content on Tik Tok for fun. Most of us just like to see something funny, interesting, or moving daily, and that’s why we tap away at the screen.
Now and again, though, you might come across a video or song on Tik Tok that pulls at the deepest strings in your heart. These tracks can be compelling for several reasons. Therefore, the variety of sad songs on Tik Tok could be endless. So, I decided to take a look at some of the saddest Tik Tok songs and/or songs used in a lot of sad Tik Tok videos.
Top 100 Saddest Tik Tok Songs
1
Walls Talking by Kevin Gates
Album: I’m Him
Gates began working on the I’m Him album shortly after being released from prison. It became his fourth Top 10 release and was certified gold in 2020.
Sadness takes many forms in this track from Gates’ second album. This kind of self-criticism at such an early stage in a rapper’s career isn’t a thing you see often. Kevin seems to have no trouble laying bare his innermost thoughts.
This track benefits from having the music video to accompany it…
Gates starts in a room with muddy melting walls, describing his early childhood and leaving home at a very young age. Leading into the first chorus, Kevin questions his sanity and describes the maddening experience of being caught in a mental rut.
The second verse sees Kevin freed from the room with the brown melting walls, only to be let loose in a desert. As he wanders, he comes across scenes from his past being re-enacted in front of his eyes.
Being caught in the events of the past is a thing that can easily happen to any of us. Despite life having moved on, we find our thoughts continuously drawn back to events and people of the past. So, this track has become a commonly used sad song in Tik Tok videos.
2
This City by Sam Fischer
Album: Not A Hobby (EP)
Fischer’s vocal performance on this track ought to be the first thing to stand out to anyone listening to it. His delivery is endearing to any ear; there’s a power in his higher register that helps him underline the key parts of his phrases. The track was co-written by Sam and award-winning songwriter James Michael Robbins.
The idea of moving to a new place and seeking your fortune can very quickly become a nightmare. Unforeseen struggles and obstacles dive into your way, and the city that at first symbolized a fresh start now represents only defeat and failure.
This track ended up becoming a breakthrough hit for Fischer…
No doubt, thanks to the amazing music video. Sam not only sings his lyrics but almost acts them out using interpretive dance and a small dance group.
The pain of struggle and inevitable change eventually lead to better things, though. And that’s probably the silver lining here. “This City” has been certified triple-platinum in Fischer’s native Australia.
3
Say Something by A Great Big World (feat. Christina Aguilera)
Album: Is There Anybody Out There?
When initially released on A Great Big World’s debut album in 2013, “Say Something” didn’t do much. It was later featured in an episode of the hit reality series “So You Think you Can Dance,” which led to it eventually reaching Christina’s ear. Within the same year of the original recording, the re-recorded version featuring Aguilera hit the airwaves and dominated the charts.
The song isn’t as complex as some piano ballads can be…
Both the piano and string parts are simply accentuating the plaintive performances of the two singers. When mixed all together, the combination of these sounds makes for a track that probably had a direct correlation to a sharp increase in tissue sales in November of 2013.
Aguilera’s voice is one of the purest and most powerful in the world. And, this track, while being something she’d not ever done before, was perfectly suited to her voice. The story of these desperate and pleading lovers, emploring one another to merely utter a word to keep the relationship together, is steeped in emotion and passion.
The music video received just as much acclaim as the song itself. There are some moving scenes, including an old man climbing into a hospital bed with his beloved. The single sold over six million copies in the US and topped the charts in Australia, Belgium, and Canada. And, in light of that success, it’s one of the saddest Tik Tok songs around.
4
Dancing On My Own by Calum Scott
Album: Only Human
Originally written and performed by Swedish singer Robyn for her 2010 album Body Talk Pt 1, this lovely slice of somberness has taken on many meanings over the years. As a result, it’s a popular sad song in Tik Tok videos.
The lyrics were inspired by what Robyn saw play out while she was on tour in Sweden. The song’s protagonist could be expressing the idea of alienation from society. Or, perhaps, the inability to enjoy some of your favorite things now that a friend is no longer there to share them with you.
Of course, the most obvious meaning is seeing a former lover dancing with and embracing someone else. Perhaps in a place where the two of you would often go dancing. The pain of witnessing others easily move on is overlaid with the idea that what once carried immeasurable meaning is now rendered meaningless.
Despite being such a sad song…
It holds tremendous positive meaning for Calum Scott. He performed it for his audition for Brittian’s Got Talent; the video has got almost 500 million views on YouTube. Despite this, he did not get signed, and he thought about packing it in.
Thankfully, someone suggested that he release his cover of the track, and his life changed. The video for the song was produced by Scott and has become just as viral as the track that inspired it. In turn, “Dancing On My Own” has become a viral sad song on Tik Tok.
5
To Build A Home by The Cinematic Orchestra
Album: Ma Fleur
One of the saddest Tik Tok songs comes from The Cinematic Orchestra’s third studio album. It was described by one critic as “one of the most emotional songs ever performed.” And I’m quite sure that many folks would agree with that.
When we build a relationship with someone, our minds start painting mental pictures of the things that we’ll experience and create together. And, now and again, right in the middle of our happiest times, the thought of having to lose that someone creeps into our minds.
The full-length music video for this somber song stretches over twelve minutes…
But it is worth every second. The song features vocals and a piano performance by Canadian Patrick Watson, who expresses a desire to build a home for himself and his beloved.
The open ending leaves us forever wondering whether he succeeded. This is beautifully expressed through the visual medium in the music video. The desire to build a life with someone special is as universal as the need for air. And that’s what gives this track such tremendous power.
“To Build A Home” has been certified Platinum in the UK. Additionally, it has been featured in TV series, including “Step Up 4: Revolution”, “Criminal Minds,” “Suits,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Orange Is The New Black.”
6
You Were Good To Me by Chelsea Cutler (feat. Jeremy Zucker)
Album: How To Be Human
We are often quick to bitterness after a breakup. Especially if it was a long-term relationship that carried a lot of meaning in our hearts. This track is a good reminder that instead of being sad that it has come to an end, we must be grateful that it happened in the first place.
It is usually only after a reasonable period spent alone that one realizes something. The pain and sadness endured during the time spent together could be considered gifts just as much as all the happy moments were. In the end, you helped each other grow by hurting and forgiving one another.
Both vocal deliveries on this track are superb. Each line compliments the next in its dynamics and emotion. Chelsea and Jeremy pulled off a performance that will be hard to beat. The subtle instrumentation and mixing accentuate the emotional content of this song in all the right places. As a result, it’s a well-known sad song on Tik Tok.
7
Before You Go by Lewis Capaldi
Album: Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent Extended Edition
It’s hard to believe this track is in a major key when you hear it for the first time. Especially when you start digging into the lyrical content. But what hits you more than anything is Capaldi’s wonderful voice.
His performance starts very subtly…
It picks you up like a velvet glove and carries you to a place called nostalgia. Before you know it, you’re strolling down memory lane and picturing faces you haven’t seen for years. Then, he breaks into the first chorus, and you almost shake out of your seat. When he pushes himself, his voice can cut through a mix like a hot knife through butter.
The song speaks to the loneliness of loss, the pain of remembrance, and the desperation of wanting a thing to continue instead of having to say goodbye. You can also view the lyrics as someone who wants to make sure they leave things in a good way. Pleading with someone to give them just a moment to say what’s on their heart.
Capaldi did confess on social media that the song was inspired by the loss of his aunt, who committed suicide when he was a young boy. “Before You Go” became a chart-topper in Ireland and the UK, and it has been certified multi-platinum in ten countries.
8
Surrender By Natalie Taylor
Album: Surrender
Sometimes, we need to go through tough times to get back to the good times. Natalie took the world by storm when she released this single in 2019. This was due in no small part to the incredible video of her performing this song.
When we fall in love, we must realize that it will change us. Sometimes, this change will be unpleasant and painful, but we know that for that special someone, we’ll be willing to endure it. This track is all about surrendering some of your pride and making yourself vulnerable to forgiveness and change.
Likewise, it can also be about the needlessly stupid conflicts that drive us apart…
We get so caught up in who did and said what at what time that settling a score becomes more important than maintaining the relationship. In these situations, the realization of our fault often comes a bit too late. “No one will win this time – I just want you back – I’m running to your side – Flying my white flag, my white flag.”
9
Say You Love Me by Jessie Ware
10
Skinny Love by Birdy
11
I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan
12
I Fall Apart by Post Malone
13
Like You’ll Never See Me Again by Alicia Keys
14
Space Oddity by David Bowie
15
Last Kiss by Taylor Swift
16
All Too Well by Taylor Swift
17
Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
18
Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel
19
Life Goes On by BTS
20
Hate Me by Ellie Goulding & Juice WRLD
21
Sorry by Halsey
22
Six Feet Under by Billie Eilish
23
When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars
24
How To Save A Life by The Fray
25
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
26
I’m Not Afraid by Eminem
27
Drivers License by Olivia Rodrigo
28
Viva La Vida by Coldplay
29
If The World Was Ending by JP Saxe ft. Julia Michaels
30
Death Bed (Coffee For Your Head) by Powfu ft. Beabadoobee
31
I’m Not The Only One by Sam Smith
32
You Broke Me First by Tate McRae
33
I Miss You by Blink-182
34
Leaves by Ben&Ben
35
Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O’Connor
36
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
37
Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish
38
Youth by Daughter
39
This Is Me Trying by Taylor Swift
40
Without You by The Kid LAROI
41
I Will Follow You into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie
42
Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran
43
Gravity by Sara Bareilles
44
No Time To Die by Billie Eilish
45
Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi
46
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
47
Jealous by Labrinth
48
Goodbye My Lover by James Blunt
49
My Immortal by Evanescence
50
Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton
Mỏe 50 Saddest Tik Tok Songs
-
- Dancing In The Dark by Bruce Springsteen
- The Night We Met by Lord Huron
- Broken by Lovelytheband
- Heather by Conan Gray
- Happier by Ed Sheeran
- Ghost by Jacob Lee
- All I Ask by Adele
- Lost in Japan by Shawn Mendes
- Sober by Demi Lovato
- I’m Not Her by Clara Mae
- All I Want by Kodaline
- Fix You by Coldplay
- Breathe Me by Sia
- Stay by Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko)
- Hurt by Johnny Cash
- Mad World by Gary Jules
- Driver’s License by Olivia Rodrigo
- When You’re Gone by Avril Lavigne
- Liability by Lorde
- Without Me by Halsey.
- I Wanna Be Yours by Arctic Monkeys
- Love Like Ghosts by Lord Huron
- Lonely by Noah Cyrus
- ilomilo by Billie Eilish
- Dusk Till Dawn by Zayn ft. Sia
- Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
- Nobody by Mitski
- Let Her Go by Passenger
- The Scientist by Coldplay
- Creep by Radiohead
- The Reason by Hoobastank
- Unsteady by X Ambassadors
- Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.
- Eyes Closed by Halsey
- If You Leave Me Now by Chicago
- The Only Exception by Paramore
- When I Look At You by Miley Cyrus
- My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
- Stitches by Shawn Mendes
- All Of Me by John Legend
- Someone Like You by Adele
- Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding
- I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
- Stay With Me by Sam Smith
- Let It Go by James Bay
- Not About Angels by Birdy
- Runaway by AURORA
- I’ll Never Love Again by Lady Gaga
- Don’t Watch Me Cry by Jorja Smith
- Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
In the Mood for More Sad Songs?
Well then, check out our thoughts on the Saddest Rock Songs, the Best Sad Rap Songs, the Best Sad Songs, the Saddest Elton John Songs of All Time, the Saddest Taylor Swift Songs, and the Saddest Kanye West Songs for more heart-wrenching song selections.
Also, you’ll want to listen to them. So, take a look at our in-depth reviews of the Best Headphones for Music, the Best Headphones for Hip-Hop, the Best Headphones For Rock & Metal Music, the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, the Best Bass Earbuds, and the Best True Wireless Earbuds you can buy in 2023.
Saddest Tik Tok Songs – Final Thoughts
Sharing our sadness is part of how we cope with and learn from it. Musicians and singers have been expressing their thoughts and feelings about sadness in songs for years. And, thanks to the invention of streaming and platforms like Tik Tok, the visual dimension can now help the story in even more ways.
These songs were but a few of the plethora that is available out there. What are some of your go-to tracks when you’re feeling sad? Let us know in the comments below.
So, until next time, let the music play.