top 200 commentsshow 500

[–]fuckyou_iamcat 44 points45 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

How to disappear completely by Radiohead ALWAYS gets me.

[–]allelbowss 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Not as sad as it is absolutely depressing.

[–]Billyshears68 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I personally think that Motion Picture soundtrack is their saddest song.

[–]Awsumsnausages 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Interpreting the meaning of that song leaves you with two possibilities: a song about somebody who died, and a loved one left behind missing them, OR a shallow breakup song. I prefer to think of it as the latter so that I can think that Radiohead took a common, cliche topic and transform it into a beautiful, heartbreaking song with amazing lyrics and music. I can't listen to that song without getting chills.

[–]Shatha33 35 points36 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Ben Folds Five - Brick

[–]emptyroseflavor 5 points6 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Came to say this. Listened to it when I was younger a thousand times until I realized what it was about.

[–]norris528e 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I didn't know what it was about until I saw him live. It's even sadder live.

[–]gaapfan 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

This is the song that I immediately thought of when I heard the question. Also BFF's Selfless, Cold, and Composed.

[–]Surreal-Ideal 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

When I was a sophomore in my summer school English Class, they made us tear apart this song and try to find the meaning of the song. Then we had to choose our own song and dissect every verse, great teacher. I'm happy I failed my honors class (never showed up) just to experience that class. He also showed us a Ben Folds Five concert on the projector, it was awesome.

[–]the-danosaur 74 points75 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I don't know why but "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman always got me.

[–]D3von1 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]Cooder_McBuzzed 30 points31 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Tears in heaven by Eric Clapton. I think of my kids every time this song comes on. If I'm drinking or feeling emotional at the time, it's an automatic tearfest.

[–]Howard_Beale 28 points29 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]Lua97 26 points27 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]creepyeyes 52 points53 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The saddest I've ever heard was Big Bird singing It's Not Easy Being Green at Jim Henson's memorial service. All the memories of what Henson gave to the world, the lives he touched, combined with the real emotion in Big Bird's voice, the knowledge that the sadness isn't an act, the voice actor in the suit really is choking up...

[–]somewaterytart 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

That was the saddest video I've ever seen.

[–][deleted] 19 points20 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Limousine - Brand New. It's about a little girl that got hit by a drunk driver while riding home from a wedding. It's also a true story. If this gets interest I'll find a link to the news story.

[–]Rand0mNZ 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The song cut with news segments. Makes it that more gut-wrenching.

[–]Hung_Like_A_BlackGuy 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]Scrummy12 21 points22 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Here you me - Jimmy Eat World

[–]Darkone06 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Came here for this one.

The best version is the one that has the female vocalization on it. .

The song is also based on a truth story about a wezer fan that died in a car crash coming back from a concert.

[–]IAMA_LolCat 55 points56 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chaplin.

The song means a lot to me because at least that is how I see my relationship with my dad. It never fails to make me tear up

[–]mypantsareonmyhead 17 points18 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Me too, and now I have an incredible little boy and fuck that song is so true it just cuts me to the quick.

It came on when we were driving in the car the other day, I was singing along like I do, and the kids (he has a little sister) asked me what it was about. I started to explain it and watched his little face listening to me, in that kind of awe that little boys have when their Dad is sharing knowledge with them - and I got this huge lump in my throat & choked up, and had to put on my sunnies and just stare ahead out the windscreen. I recomposed, and finished explaining it, but I think he knew I was crying.

[–]pockettrumpet 5 points6 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

It's ok if your son saw you getting emotional. It sets a good example for him to see his father express genuine feeling.

[–]mypantsareonmyhead 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Totally agree. I love my parents & am proud of the way they raised me and my bro's, but my family situation growing up was very non-demonstrative - there were never hugs or cuddles, or tears of happiness or joy.

I've made my little family the opposite.

Last year, on my birthday, at the dinner table my kids each excitedly presented me with a hand-made card they'd made. The tender care the cards were made with, and little messages inside were so genuine and deep and innocent and special - I sat there with one in each hand looking at them, then just burst into tears right there at the table. Real blubbering tears.

That sounds pathetic. But it was a really special moment.

[–]foreveracunt 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Yeah i agree with what pockettrumpet wrote. I'm 18 in a couple of months and what bothers me the most with my father is how the only memories I have of him showing emotions are very superficial happy-moments (like football-team scored etc.) but other than that just being mad/upset with me and so on. Cry your heart out in those moments because I'm pretty sure those moments will be the one which sticks with your kid(s?) when you're gone.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

My fiancee' can't hear this song anymore. It played at her dads funeral.

[–][deleted] 13 points14 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

If this comes off as tactless, I really do apologise, but I can't comprehend who would decide to play that song at a funeral, especially one for a father. If it was his wish then so be it, but that song isn't bittersweet, it's soul-crushing.

[–]fruitylips 3 points4 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

That's not even Harry Chapin's saddest song by a long stretch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTaRTKouzdw -- The Shortest Story

[–]facepoundr 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

came here to say that exact same thing. I cry man tears when I hear this song.

[–]Fallschirmjager 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

This song is like a bicep made of onions.

[–]hovercraft_mechanic 17 points18 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

For actual problems:

"Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot. Dozens of guys drowning in Lake Superior is about as rough as it gets.

Johnny Cash - "Long Black Veil".

The Neutral Milk Hotel album "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" is about Anne Frank, but none of those strike me as excessively sad.

If you want relationship bullshit, there is only one answer: "I Know It's Over" by The Smiths.

[–]NOT_BELA_TARR 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I think moz is talking about suicide in that one also

[–]benny_lava69 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

'Neutral Milk Hotel - Oh Comely' definitely does it for me. The lyrics aren't as subtle as the songs in the rest of the album but the vocals definitely affect me in a huge way.

[–]t3hp0d 19 points20 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Asleep - The Smiths

[–]HereForTheOpenBar 34 points35 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Casimir Pulaski Day by Sufjan Stevens

It's about a childhood girlfriend being diagnosed with bone cancer and eventually dying. It's acoustic. Enough said.

[–]evan81 30 points31 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Dance with the Devil" by Immortal Technique. Probably the most brutal song I've ever heard.

[–]EmptheBear 16 points17 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Also "You Never Know" by the same artist.

Now, I am primarily a metal guy. Death, Black, etc.

Every time one of my friends says something like "Rap is shit and it's all about money and bitches" I tell them to look these songs up and shut the hell up with their ignorant bullshit.

[–]Iced_monk3y_brainz 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Damn you for beating me to this... Crazy song.

[–]c_hannah 16 points17 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Runaway Train by Soul Asylum

I'm surprised no one said it already...am I that old?

[–]mypantsareonmyhead 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I think it was the video that helped make that a very poignant song.

I'm old. I upvoted.

[–]AradiaLoveless 14 points15 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Gloomy Sunday-Billie Holiday

[–]saltbutt 13 points14 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Black - Pearl Jam
Stop The Car - Circa Survive

[–]EmptheBear 9 points10 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

There is a video of Pearl Jam performing Black live, and near the end you can visibly see Eddie crying as he is singing.

Really powerful performance.

[–]honestbleeps 4 points5 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

here's the video, probably...

[–]gethTECH 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Your Friends Are Gone, Frozen Creek, Through the Desert Alone and Spirit of the Stairwell by Circa Survive always get me. Anthony Green's voice is almost too powerful sometimes.

[–]rajjak 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Thank you for naming "Black". It's the most tormented song I know, and it hurts so good to listen to it.

[–]Dondy52 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

That is a great song by Circa Survive

[–]poorloser 10 points11 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Little Motel by Modest Mouse ~

[–]ashleiza 9 points10 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Colorblind by Counting Crows. If I ever need to get out a good cry, I listen to this song on repeat.

[–]DonPeriOn 9 points10 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]Bassface25 10 points11 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]PlayNiceKids 8 points9 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Brian Eno - An Ending (ascent)

Sigur Ros - (Untitled)

God Is An Astronaut - Fragile

Of course, none of these songs really have understandable lyrics... but to me they are pure emotion.

[–][deleted] 28 points29 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The Verve Pipe - The Freshman comes to mind.

"hurt" by Johnny cash.

"creep" - Mustard. When I listen to this, I think of that old unjoke about black band people turning back into niggers as soon as they step off the stage.

"so lonesome I could cry" - by some lonesome dude. Hank's playing didn't do the song right, imo.

"jeremy" - pearl jam

ok I could spend all night tacking on more

each were overplayed beyond cliche, but still have some lasting power.

[–][deleted] 10 points11 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

two more about homelessness:

the world I know - collective soul

genesis another day in paradise

[–]louisville_mugger 9 points10 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Jeremy" gets me every time. So many feels.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

yeah. the one thing that keeps some kids from using a gun is the lack of a gun. but I never saw the video so I didn't get the suicide bit until (really) just now. I always thought it was a fight in class - that the kid who got picked on, finally fought back.

[–]zackcnd 7 points8 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

John Denver's - leaving on a jet plane

[–][deleted] ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[deleted]

[–]mypantsareonmyhead 6 points7 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I can't play that song on my guitar any more - my voice chokes up in some of the verses and also, I explained the whole song to my daughter (5), and now she heartbreakingly weeps if I play it. "Daddy did that really happen?" she sobbed, her cheeks wet with tears. "Don't play it anymore please Daddy". We cried together.

[–][deleted] ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[deleted]

[–]afipunk84 7 points8 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]gingaroo[S] 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The Postal Service and Gibbard's latest band Death Cab have a strange way of fooling you into thinking a song is upbeat. But a closer look at the lyrics says otherwise.

[–]karmaPOLICE111 18 points19 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Videotape - Radiohead

The lyrics are cryptic, but I get the sense that it's about lost love and eventually lost life.

[–]imawesomer 6 points7 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I just love Radiohead. Everyone of their songs (except maybe a few off Pablo Honey) are brilliant in some way.

[–]claudemcbanister 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I'm pretty sure it's about him recording a video will/epitaph that will be shown to his wife and kids after he dies.

Amazing song.

[–]knicksfan21 19 points20 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

dance with the devil - immortal technique

[–]wx3 5 points6 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

They say death takes you to a better place but I doubt it.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

That's a song that you listen to only once.

[–]Bassface25 21 points22 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The scientist - Coldplay

[–]Ghost427 5 points6 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]DrDestructeaux 6 points7 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Rootless tree by Damien Rice. But the live version with him and Lisa Hannigan. They way his hands tremble as he plays the piano. The way Lisa's voice strains in the chorus. The pure, unadulterated pain that he is singing with. It is the most beautiful "Fuck You" that you will ever hear.

Can't link because I'm on my phone. Someone help me out?

[–]Broken_Slinky 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I can't say that I only have one.

Cat Stevens - "Father and Son". Whenever I hear this song, I think of my old man and just fall in a crying heap. I leave parties when this song plays.

Bob Dylan - "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll". Fifty years later; nothing's changed. I bury a rag deep into my face every time on cue.

Red House Painters - "Medicine Bottle". This song just ain't right. I don't understand how writers of this kind of music can continue living; I've seen ropes and doorhandles just listening to this song.

edit: and, of course, "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails. I've heard Johnny Cash's version; I guess I just haven't lived enough yet to understand it. Cash's version portrays a life lived (a life lived though, mind you) with enough regret to weigh heavily enough on your shoulders that it pains you; NIN's version, however, portrays a life, well, observed, inside, not inside a home - there was no home for the author of that song when he sang it - but inside yourself and inside your mind, dripping with self-loathing that he's physically and mentally unable to cope with. I don't know how other people have interpreted Cash's version, but I've never played it on repeat naked save for modesty in an empty room blue-nailed and ashamed.

[–]ImNotJesus 68 points69 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]honestbleeps 32 points33 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

you may already know this, but since tons of people don't:

Mad World is originally by Tears for Fears... though I prefer the Gary Jules version... original

[–]ImNotJesus 14 points15 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I don't particularly like the original. It's like it's a completely different song.

[–]hobojanedoe 6 points7 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Love this song.

[–]jjjmills 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I was just coming here to post that. It's the saddest song for me because I discovered it at a time when my son was really struggling in preschool. He said he hated school, hated learning, hated reading. He went from having so much fun learning and being the center of attention at home to being the "worst" kid in the room who couldn't sit still or pay attention to save his life. The whole verse about the kid struggling in school reminds me of him so much. It kills me every time.

Even without that song playing, my eyes are getting wet just from sitting here and typing this. Jesus.

[–]corf1 11 points12 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]PatsBabe 5 points6 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The living years - Mike and the Mechanics

[–]HMSArcturus 5 points6 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I'v got a long list of them. The last one here gets me every time. The video, man, the video.

"Turn Around" by Harry Belafonte

"After the War" by Sarah Slean

"Congratulations" by Blue October

"Yo' Side of the Bed" by Trey Songz

[–]gingaroo[S] 4 points5 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Im glad someone mentioned Congratulations.

[–]r_e_d_d_i_t 5 points6 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Tears in heaven - Eric Clapton.

[–]DonCreech 4 points5 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I'm not a very big fan of country music, but 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' by George Jones is a particularly earnest and emotional song, in my opinion.

[–]MrMackay 4 points5 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I found "Something In The Way" by Nirvana really sad.

[–]radhaz 6 points7 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Strange Fruit" Billie Holiday http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ZyuULy9zs

I'm surprised it wasn't already listed, it's so painful & somber.

[–]honestbleeps 11 points12 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I've got a few, besides the already mentioned Mad World...

Caught in the Crowd - Kate Miller Heidke

Simon - Lifehouse

Hurt - Nine Inch Nails (see also: Johnny Cash cover)

[–]ApatheticElephant 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

It's strange. Caught in the Crowd doesn't seem like it should be a particularly sad song, but it really hit me the first time I listened to it..

[–]blizzardf150 4 points5 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Beck - Lost Cause This album came out right after his girlfriend broke up with him so it's all wonderfully sad.

[–]stenyxx 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Omg such a good choice. Forgot about this song until just now.

[–]Hartfordwhalers 3 points4 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

a few i haven't seen on here yet:

the last hour - elliott smith

pretty much the entire "sea change" album from beck

teenager - deftones

skinny love - bon iver

down in a hole - alice in chains

the crane wife 3 - the decemberists

disarm- the smashing pumpkins

neighborhood #4 (7 kettles) & crown of love - arcade fire

breathe me - sia

falling slowly - glen hansard and market irglova (sad and happy. spectacular duet)

[–]espen_f 3 points4 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The Streets - Dry your eyes always gets me.. a really amazing song.

[–]100002152 5 points6 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRMz8fKkG2g

The choral version, Agnus Dei, is even more heart-wrenching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkObnNQCMtM

[–]semi-sweet 8 points9 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

You could be happy by Snow Patrol.

Yeah I don't really listen to sad songs..

[–]innocuous_username 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Glad to see someone else with this, it's one of my favourites. Letting someone go because they'll be better off without you is a tough break.

[–]simonsarris 7 points8 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]ImNotJesus 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]hobojanedoe 6 points7 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn96VfGlG-A The Dance by Garth Brooks

This is a cover because he doesn't have any music on YouTube, but still good.

[–]d3rp_diggler 8 points9 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Johnny Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nail's song Hurt. His cover gave the song an entirely different feel. It felt more real, for lack of a better way of putting it.

[–]samplayspiano 3 points4 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Space Dye Vest" by Dream Theater. It has made me cry. I never cry.

[–]Arukemos 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Holy crap yes. This song is crushing. Also apparently it is about a band member who fell in love with a magazine cover model. That's DT for yeah :P

[–]IminthePen15Club 3 points4 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

christmas shoes without question. Never fails to choke me up

[–]nobodytoldme 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]Sperm_Potato 3 points4 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]Leafygreeno 3 points4 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Tears in Heaven- Eric Clapton.

Travelling Soldier- the Dixie chicks.

Top of the World- the Dixie chicks.

Green Fields of France- Eric Bogle.

The Band Played Waltzing Matilda- Eric bogle.

[–]shagrarz 3 points4 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]lammot 4 points5 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The Antlers - Bear

Talks about abortion when you have terminal illness.

[–]millionthvisitor 4 points5 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Here's looking at you kid- the Gaslight Anthem - the sentiment being expressed here, I absolutely love- It's a guy looking back on having been completely helpless for a girl, and being torn between the resentment of wanting her to think that he went on to bigger things, and the concession that he'll never be completely over her

[–]Poojawa 4 points5 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong Gets me from time to time, because my mother requested it for her Funeral. Just makes reflect on just how short life is. She hasn't passed, thankfully.

[–]MeWhaleYouPlankton 4 points5 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I find anything by Elliott Smith is extremely emotional, especially "Miss Misery" and "Between the Bars"

[–]unfortunate_res_tag 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

appropriate, considering I have you tagged recently as "Alcoholic"...

[–]Snappy374 13 points14 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]agstock 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

To lay me down by the Grateful Dead.

[–]GiveUpYoImAsian 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Z-Twig by Aphex Twin.

Reminds me of Niko :(

[–]Swansatron 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Dreaming, by Loudon Wainwright III

He's in my top five artists of all time. This song always kind of hits me hard.

[–]benoit13ak 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Either "The Drugs Don't Work" by The Verve That or "Fade Away" by Black Heart Procession.

[–]hokiecmo 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Most anything on the "Weighing Souls with Sand" album by The Angelic Process.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I could barely listen to that album after I learned that its architect committed suicide.

[–]fmlfml1 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]ferthbero 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

That would probably be the last choral from the Johannes Passion (BWV 245) by Johann Sebastian Bach; 'Ach Herr, laß dein lieb Engelein'. But it really depends on what you listened prior to this; a lot of music can be sad in the right situation. On second thought, I'd say Erbarme dich, an alto aria from the Matthäus Passion (BWV 244). BWV 1042, II: Adaggio is pretty sad too. Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Earth and other ambient can be very depressing under the right circumstances.

[–]pierogieExpress 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Personal by Stars

[–]Catcouchdog 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Fred Jones Part 2- Ben Folds.

[–]chefsinblack 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Love this song, but never cried to it until I heard the a capella version.

[–]Maarja 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The song from American Beauty: Thomas Newman - Any Other Name

[–]imawesomer 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The Drugs Don't Work - The Verve.

"Like a cat in a bag, waiting to drown... this time i'm comin' down."

:'(

[–]bellatrix1 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Sia-breathe me Lifehouse- quasimodo

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

This Bitter Earth On The Nature Of Daylight by Max Richter & Dinah Washington.

Princess Mononoke by Joe Hisaishi.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Hold on" by Tom Waits.

[–]Jag14 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

dead island theme

[–]triplea20x 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]Explosions_Hurt 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]latasauce 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]azaerl 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

It's not a song, and it's not quite just sad, more heart wrenching; Maggot Brain by Funkadelic, it's a cry out to be heard, for equality. He is pouring his soul out onto the tape.

Eddie Hazel, the guitarist performing on this was told to go in and play as if he just found out that his parents had died in a car crash.

I get emotional every time I hear it.

[–]Algerholic 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]kweezi 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Bright eyes, lots of bright eyes. Specifically 'It's cool we can still be friends' (if your're hung up on a girl').. or 'padraic my prince' is hauntingly sad.

[–]amateur_soldier 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Hallelujah - Jeff Buckely

Hurt - Johnny Cash

Green Fields of France - Dropkick Murphys

Hand on your Heart - José Gonzaléz

[–]pn42 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Creep by Radiohead.

[–]DarkTurtle 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I think it might just be me, but No Suprises by Radiohead gets me.

[–]onmelanchollyhill 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

If you're talking about the depressing kind of sad, then Radiohead - "How to Disappear Completely".

Or any song out of the Silent Hill series, really.

[–]faiban 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

This thread has too little DOOM METAL. Forest of Shadows - Wish Forest of Shadows - Eternal Autumn Swallow the Sun - The Ship Ningizzia - Everything dies Forest of Shadows - Pernicious Forest of Shadows - Open wound

[–]The1Phoenix 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Hey ya by Outcast always hits me as a happy sounding song that's actually pretty sad. Listen to Obadiah Parker's version of it for it to sound a lot sadder.

[–]moleware 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The Gary Jules version of "Mad World. I want to die every time I hear it.

[–]phil8248 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Into The Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie. Lost my wife to breast cancer almost 5 years ago and I cry every time I hear this song.

[–]hiredgun79 2 points3 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I wrote this song 2 days after my wife left...

http://soundcloud.com/tony-blank/smoke

[–]taylorxo 4 points5 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Fix You by Coldplay. Can't tell you how many times this song has got me.

[–]DerpinNinjaa 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

I love this song .

[–]ThomasDavis806 3 points4 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

There's No Place Like Home - From the lost soundtrack. Let It Be Me [Demo] - Covered by George Harrison

[–]RosieJo 3 points4 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Val jester by the national

[–]madarapt1 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Apology by alesana

[–]dressinbrass 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Dead of Winter by Eels

[–]mickeyisfinallyhere 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

run by snow patrol

[–]worststorytellerever 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Wise Up- Aimee Mann

[–]ashq 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Gotye - Bronte

I don't know if it's the saddest ever for me, but it does make me cry every time. It's about the death of a pet, and makes me think of my cat. Especially the line "[we'll] hold you till you're quiet", because I did hold my cat when he was put down.

[–]tzigzag 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

That was so sad, it also reminded me of my cat being put to sleep. :'(

[–]bigolredafro 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

First Floor People - Barcelona

[–]KillingallofyourJoy 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Sheets" by Damien Jurado really puts me in a somber mood.

[–]ahoyhoyinternet 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Gavin Bryar's Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet is an obvious shout:

http://www.gavinbryars.com/Pages/jesus_blood_never_failed_m.html

Also, Red House Painters' Katy Song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFQ4nuUuwNo

Last but not least (and Kozelek covered it a while back as it happens), I'd plump for Send In The Clowns:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogvKogtJw9c

[–]lucmh 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Maybe not the saddest, but still:

White Pearl, Black Oceans by Sonata Arctica

[–]Posimagi 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Seven Curses" by Solas.

Short version, since it seems few people have heard it: A poor man steals to survive, gets caught, and sentenced to death. The judge says he will free the man in exchange for sleeping with the man's daughter. The daughter agrees. The judge doesn't hold up his end of the deal, forcing her to see her father hanging from the gallows.

[–]Beckfrm 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Today" - Gary Allan. Makes me want to lay in the road and drink.

[–]Patrickfoster 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

You and whose army, by radiohead. From amnesiac

[–]wx3 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Girlfriend always makes me turn off Last Kiss by Pearl Jam because it's "too depressing".

[–]Cupcake_in_Acid 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Blackbird - The Beatles. It might not be a sad song to some people, but it's sad for me. Oh, and Eleanor Rigby. Also by The Beatles.

[–]ColdandUgly 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Goyte-Bronte Its about a friends dog dying(read the words in the description).

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Flim - aphex twin

[–]SanFransicko 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Nobody by Johnny Cash.

Miss you, Johnny.

[–]thrashmetal 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Whisky Lullaby

[–]Infestinatoria 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Yesterday by Atmosphere. The last line hits me like a brick wall every time.

[–]la_sigh 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Heavy Heart" by youami ... sums up my feelings way too often ...

"been watchin' too much tv, ... thinner than i should be, i'm like a waterlogged ball, that no one wants to kick around any more.

I miss you like sleep ..."

sigh

[–]unpleasantchrley 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

'Matthew 25:21' by The Mountain Goats is pretty sad.

[–]Pastry_Pants 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Baby Mine" by Betty Noyes can bring me to tears, not so much from the lyrics alone, but because it's the song from when Dumbo goes to visit his mother in her cage.

[–]ModestEgg 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

'Crestfallen'-Smashing Pumpkins,

'Hero'-Regina Spektor

'To the End'-Blur

'To Binge'-Gorillaz

[–]CherrySlurpee 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Father of Mine by everclear

seriously...its depressing

[–]UngratefulSwine 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]shabutaru118 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Aeris's Theme. Even hearing it when I found this link made me tear up. I literally cry whenever I play the game, even 15 years later this song and game still touch my soul.

[–]FadeToLife 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday. Easily one of the most heart wrenching reflections on racism ever recorded and her voice carries every emotion straight to you.

[–]ash_4p 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Nutshell" by Alice in Chains. If their aim was to create the saddest song ever, they succeeded.

[–]eegamluap 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Raglan Road by The Dubliners, fucking haunting.

[–]howsyouronion 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Stone Sour - Zzyzx Rd.

[–]Coldhardt 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Llorando. I remember watching Mulholland Drive and this part was particularly chilling. It still hits home for me.

[–]DGtheBOSS 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

My two favs are Life Goes On- Tupac and Yellow Ledbetter- Pearl Jam

[–]JamieBevvers 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

For me, it's "Here Without You" by 3 Doors Down, because it was was played in an Eddie Guerrero memorial segment (I used to be a huge wrestling fan) after he died, while I was on'y a young'un. Gets me every time...

[–]CthulhuMessiah 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]sucktobeme 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Streets of Philadelphia by bruce springsteen (reminds me of my friend who died of leukemia at 22) and immortal technique's cover of dance with the devil, listen to the lyrics, some people have extremely unlucky lives due to manipulation....

[–]nottotouchtheearth 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]jazzy_fizzle__ 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Eva Cassidy's version of Fields of Gold.

[–]DocFantastico 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Hero of War by Rise Against

I've seen most of the others that get to me posted already, but somehow no one has posted this.

[–]I_shall_lurk_no_more 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

[–]FlamingBearAttack 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

The Band- The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

I think it has a very strong and almost relentlessly depressed narrative. I like the way it deals with the fall of the Conderacy: it always makes reference to the narrator's family "Like my father before me I will work the land, like my brother above me I will make a rebel stand". I think the second verse is profoundly sad, it follows a chorus which has an almost optimistic feel "the people were singin', they went 'la la la", and the verse itself juxtaposes the flight of an iconic general with the mundanity of rural life, "now I don't mind chopping wood, and I don't care if the money's no good, but they should never have taken the very best, the night they drove old Dixie down"

[–]zenkaifts 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"Don't Take the Girl" by Tim McGraw.

Also, "Whiskey Lullabye" by Brad Paisley.

[–]CheddarHeather 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

After the Storm by Mumford & Sons

It is so goddamn sad and has such a profound message.

[–]bike_bike 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

"I Will Wait For You", sung by Connie Francis when played over the ending of Futurama's "jurassic bark" episode.

[–]ChocolateShein 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Paint it Black - The Rolling Stones

[–]TheGloriousMassacre 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

My Child - Disturbed

[–]atmnshrh 1 point2 points ago

sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

Frightened Rabbit - Poke

I saw them perform this life and it was so incredibly heartbreaking.