What are some of the best sad songs you know?

  • Thread starter Thread starter micromass
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the sharing and exploration of sad songs, focusing on various genres and themes that evoke sadness, depression, or emotional depth. Participants contribute their favorite tracks, often highlighting the lyrical content or the emotional resonance of the music.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a preference for songs with sad or twisted lyrics, seeking recommendations that fit this theme.
  • Several songs are mentioned, including "Taxi" by Harry Chapin, "If You Could Read My Mind" by Gordon Lightfoot, and "Hurt" by Johnny Cash, among others.
  • Different interpretations of sadness are noted, with some participants asking for clarification on what type of sad songs are being sought (e.g., acoustic sad, beautiful sad, breakup sad).
  • There are mentions of artists like The Mountain Goats and Pink Floyd, with varying opinions on whether certain songs are more hopeful than sad.
  • Some participants share personal connections to specific songs, recalling memories or emotional experiences associated with them.
  • Discussions also touch on the emotional impact of songs, with some participants noting how certain tracks resonate deeply with them.
  • There are references to the historical context of some songs and their original artists, such as Charles Aznavour and Georges Garvarentz's "Yesterday When I Was Young."
  • Participants share links to music videos and express their enjoyment or surprise at various songs and performances.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features multiple competing views on what constitutes a sad song, with no consensus on specific criteria or definitions. Participants share a wide range of songs and interpretations, leading to a rich but unresolved dialogue.

Contextual Notes

Some songs are described as having dual interpretations, with participants noting that certain tracks may evoke both sadness and hope. The discussion reflects a diversity of musical tastes and emotional responses, which may not align universally.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in music that evokes deep emotions, particularly sadness, or those looking for song recommendations in this genre may find this discussion valuable.

micromass
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Insights Author
Messages
22,170
Reaction score
3,333
What are some sad songs??

I really like sad songs. Songs that either sound sad or which have lyrics that are sad, depressing or twisted.

So, what are some of the nice sad songs that you know??
 
Science news on Phys.org


For love





About a dog that drowns

 
Last edited by a moderator:


Bloodrock - A Fantastic Piece of Architecture - an interesting tune, out of Fort Worth no less



Jethro Tull- Look into the Sun


Harry Chapin - Taxi


Harry Chapin - Cat's In The Cradle
 
Last edited by a moderator:


Dan Fogelberg - Gypsy Wind



Moody Blues - Forever Autumn

 
Last edited by a moderator:


Gordon Lightfoot - If You Could Read My Mind ('74)
 
Last edited by a moderator:


Jefferson Airplane - Today



Coming back to me



Roy Orbison - Crying



Jay and the Americans - She cried

 
Last edited by a moderator:


Dave Mason-We Just Disagree


Chicago - Wishing You Were Here
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: edward
  • #10


Plumb Damaged
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11


The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald



Buffalo Springfield - 04 - Expecting To Fly



This song touches me so deeply.

BTW, I own most of the records for all of the songs I've posted.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12


I Left Her Standing There.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uvKXEz2V3Q
 
  • #13


Iron Maiden:
"Strange World"
"Remember Tomorrow"

Pink Floyd:
"Dogs"
"Pigs on the Wing"
"Goodbye Cruel World"
Well really anything by Pink Floyd (as you probably know)
 
  • #14


Yesterday When I Was Young - Roy Clark


edit:
Just to add, this song was originally written and recorded by Charles Aznavour and Georges Garvarentz in 1961. I like both versions.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #15
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42
  • #16


And here's one that just sounds sad:
In Our Tears - Secret Garden
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #17


Great song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvDQy53eldY
 
  • #18


Sarah McLaughlin songs are also sad, Angel:


So, I loved most of the songs here that I listened to. Gloria Estefan sounds really sweet and this was first time I heard of her :approve:

P.S. And here's Marley and Me:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #19


What kind of sad? Acoustic sad? Beautiful sad? Just broke up sad?

I have so many songs, but I need a little more specification. :smile:
 
  • #20


rootX said:
I love Mountain Goats but this might turn out to be your favorite one.

You son of a bi*ch! I can't believe you got me with that! I only clicked on it because I love the Mountain Goats (saw them live a few years back = awesome) and I was curious to see if the video you linked would be "No Children."
 
  • #21


Also:

Elliot Smith is really depressing. He killed himself by stabbing himself in the heart.
 
  • #22


Kevin_Axion said:
Great song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvDQy53eldY

Wow.

Upon hearing the intro chorus, I did not see the whole white-dude-rapping thing coming. But man, he is awesome. Cinematography is awesome too. Not many white guys can pull this off, but he does it superbly.

Kevion Axiom: You should check out Sole if you have not already.
 
  • #23


Saladsamurai said:
You son of a bi*ch! I can't believe you got me with that! I only clicked on it because I love the Mountain Goats (saw them live a few years back = awesome) and I was curious to see if the video you linked would be "No Children."


:smile: It was only and only for micro :biggrin:


I also really love Mountain Goats though! "I want to say I'm sorry for stuff I haven't done yet" is another of my favorites song!

But, I find this song more of a hope song than a sad song :blushing:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #24


rootX said:
:smile: It was only and only for micro :biggrin:


I also really love Mountain Goats though! "I want to say I'm sorry for stuff I haven't done yet" is another of my favorites song!

But, I find this song more of a hope song than a sad song :blushing:


Yeah, that's another great one. He was going through a divorce when he wrote that album, but when I saw him live, he said that they had since reconciled their marriage. So, you might be right about the 'hope' thing. :smile:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #25


The first song that made me sad was "Jamaica Farewell" by Harry Belafonte. I was far too young to understand it at the time, so I thought that he was referring to child abandonment. It's still a beautiful piece of music, though.
 
  • #26


I really love this song right now, Skip James - Hard Time Killing Floor Blues

 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #27


Loren Booda said:
Bill Withers -- Ain't No Sunshine

Bill Withers is The King <3
 
  • #29


Emerson Lake and Palmer, C'est la vie
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #30


All of 69 loves songs by The Magnetic Fields.


Parades Go By - The Magnetic Fields




Book of love




I don't want to get over you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqmd_t84O0A&feature=related


The Things We Did and Didn't Do

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOgxeuqsadk&feature=related


I Don't Believe in the Sun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L85cillM6ME&feature=related


the one you really love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62KEbW3nox0&feature=related


All My Little Words

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOHsgse29vY&feature=related

And this is my song

crazy for you but not that crazy



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTHoM9uD6nc
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Inadvertent Plagiarism: Examples and Coincidences
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
I want to understand Wagner's Parsifal
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Non Native English Speakers: Can You Understand Song Lyrics?
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
11K
Art Can Mixing Different Styles of Dance and Music Create a Perfect Blend?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Mad Magazine - A brief history
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
What are the saddest songs you've heard?
  • · Replies 70 ·
3
Replies
70
Views
10K
Why do love songs have such an impact on our emotions?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Graduate Unusual request re: Matter and Dark matter and song lyrics
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
What 80s Song Features the Lyrics Close Your Eyes and Moon and Stars?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
14K
How do I learn 14 rock numbers (drums) in two weeks?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K