# Most achingly beautiful songs ever **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 17, 2010, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584 "2010-08-17T23:15:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/281 "2010-08-26T18:04:01Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > “Do You Realize” is the obvious Flaming Lips song, but I’ll nominate “[All We Have is Now](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aacl6KCaCmE).” I would nominate “Suddenly Everything Has Changed”, actually–something about how the song moves from the trivial to the serious without breaking stride is very affecting. ---
**Author:** ![Trom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/958977/32.png) [@Trom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trom)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/282 "2010-08-26T18:14:44Z")
A few contributions from Low: [Low - When I Go Deaf](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDMiDCp6y5U&feature=related) [Low - Laser Beam](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpZ8Z3e1cEE) [Low - In the Drugs](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubKJHMd-lvc) ---
**Author:** ![maplekiwi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@maplekiwi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maplekiwi)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/283 "2010-08-26T21:12:41Z")
> [@Tangent](#): > > > [@Spoke](#): > > > > Hey, speaking of Roy Orbison, how about [Crying](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07NMA51D46c)? > > I love [Rebekah del Rio’s Spanish version](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vfw5lblFlo) (Llorando - featured on the Mullholand Drive soundtrack) That was lovely. I also enjoyed the earlier LindaRondstadt/McGarrigle Sisters suggestion. ---
**Author:** ![ladeda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bbe5ce/32.png) [@ladeda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladeda)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/284 "2010-08-26T21:25:22Z")
Howdy! This is my first post here. I’ve been contemplating posting for awhile but this thread finally pushed me over the edge. 😃 I’m a music lover and I’ve got a list of songs that to me, fit this category. Here are a few, in no particular order: Time: Alan Parson’s Project Nightswimming: REM On Your Shore: Enya Dante’s Prayer: Loreen Mckennitt (actually anything by her) The Long Ships: Enya Deliver Me : Sarah Brightman Walking in the Air: Nightwish Haunted: King Black Acid Vacant: Dream Theater The Answer Lies Within: Dream Theater That’s just a few I can think of of the top of my head. Love 'em all 😃 ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/285 "2010-08-27T00:16:25Z")
> [@GuanoLad](#): > > This is one of my favourite songs. [Perfect Day by Miriam Stockley](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeVV2KD1GqU). Have a listen to this version, I love it! Paul McDermott an Aussie comedian and wow what a voice. The gadflys are an awesome and odd band. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjBIMEX-jT8](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjBIMEX-jT8) ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/286 "2010-08-27T00:35:45Z")
Sorry but I have to put these guys up again! A great version of Auld Triangle [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNre0nnlo\_U&feature=related](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNre0nnlo_U&feature=related) Throw your arms around me [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j0g2oG\_w2g&feature=related](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j0g2oG_w2g&feature=related) These guys we comedy anarchists and really shook up the establishment, after singing a song about dead elvis they would break into these and people were gobsmacked! ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/287 "2010-08-27T00:50:39Z")
> [@Winnie](#): > > Reading the title of this thread, I immediately thought of nothing but: > > [“A Change is Gonna Come”,](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaNzxniXxYE)Sam Cooke > > That voice. It literally fills my heart. I appreciate this thread so much. I love the posters that posted good classical music, since I like to listen to it, but am clueless about how to find the good stuff. This whole thread is just win. But the quoted song is the real heartclencher for me. That voice…that song. Great. Now to contribute. Bjork’s [‘Unravel’](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbHGOFwH09k&feature=related) I’m a huge Bjork fan. I thought for sure she would be listed several times. I see **equinoxi** didn’t forget her, though. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/288 "2010-08-27T01:18:21Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > > [@Yookeroo](#): > > > > Chicane - [Saltwater](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET1-6Bef9xU) Vocals by Máire Brennan of Clannad > > Ahhhh yes, Chicane. 🆒 I think I’d pick [“Autumn Tactics”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QREjhqwAJC8&feature=related) for wistfulness, though. Also, hearing this music through dinky computer speakers reminds me how I need to integrate my computer with my real sound system. ---
**Author:** ![MTCicero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@MTCicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTCicero)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/289 "2010-08-27T01:39:04Z")
> [@ladeda](#): > > Howdy! This is my first post here. I’ve been contemplating posting for awhile but this thread finally pushed me over the edge. 😃 I’m a music lover and I’ve got a list of songs that to me, fit this category. > > Here are a few, in no particular order: > > Time: Alan Parson’s Project > Nightswimming: REM > On Your Shore: Enya > Dante’s Prayer: Loreen Mckennitt (actually anything by her) > The Long Ships: Enya > Deliver Me : Sarah Brightman > Walking in the Air: Nightwish > Haunted: King Black Acid > Vacant: Dream Theater > The Answer Lies Within: Dream Theater > > That’s just a few I can think of of the top of my head. > > Love 'em all > > 😃 Thanks for contributing, **ladeda** , and welcome to the best message board going (IMHO). ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/290 "2010-08-27T01:51:05Z")
Joe Cocker, unchaining hearts. [Wish I had been there](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pALWIj9ketA&feature=channel) Nice sax piece too. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/291 "2010-08-27T02:23:03Z")
Back in 1996, for a special “Various Artists” collection of [Songs of West Side Story](http://www.amazon.com/Songs-West-Story-Various-Artists/dp/B000003FRP), David Pack, Michael McDonald and James Ingram collaborated on an arrangement of [Maria.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=048foimU4EY) Brings me to tears, every time. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/292 "2010-08-27T02:32:40Z")
The Grateful Dead’s “Attics Of My Life”, “Stella Blue” and “China Doll” are all, haunting, ethereally beautiful songs, from a band that many wouldn’t figure for such fare… ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/293 "2010-08-27T03:51:38Z")
> [@Tangent](#): > > > [@Spoke](#): > > > > Hey, speaking of Roy Orbison, how about [Crying](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07NMA51D46c)? > > I love [Rebekah del Rio’s Spanish version](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vfw5lblFlo) (Llorando - featured on the Mullholand Drive soundtrack) Definitely. Better than the original. > [@spark240](#): > > > [@spark240](#): > > > > Ahhhh yes, Chicane. 🆒 > > I think I’d pick [“Autumn Tactics”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QREjhqwAJC8&feature=related) for wistfulness, though. Maybe. I still lean towards Saltwater. Gets me every time. [Good Morning Kaia](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuNaL74B5k4) by BT [Falling](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBrmZAFE8R0) by Julee Cruise (Twin Peaks) [With This Love (Choir version)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdoMkYTTcN0) by Peter Gabriel [Distractions](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygq44M4xyIQ) by Zero 7 [Alone in Kyoto](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ4Pm0N8s78) by Air [Wish U Were Here](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97Nxhaw_tZ4) by Bliss [One God Dub](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p4Pb0KUKYY) by Kaya Project I love this thread. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/294 "2010-08-27T06:10:35Z")
I’d like to add Al Stewart’s [Year of the Cat](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM7LR46zrQU) and [Roads to Moscow](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAqP35A9Oi8) to the list. And of course [The Black Flame](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI7TYfjA3SI) by Rennaisance fits in here very nicely. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/295 "2010-08-27T07:57:52Z")
[Strawberry Wine](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE2JM31wnm0) MBV. Jangly guitars and sweet harmonies - always a classic. [Nothing Natural](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBkMQsu2iwc) by Lush - more of the same shoegazing goodness. [Shatter](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Zz7BX3tsQ) by Shelleyan Orphan. Beautiful voice and lush music. But for the best _aching_, you really need either [Ian Curtis](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSh7444zG4Q) (ignore the Goth Jawas!) or [Michael](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQO5C4jXsVk) [Gira](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9HU3V-ne5U) ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/296 "2010-08-27T08:19:47Z")
Then there’s always the 4AD crowd: Dead Can Dance - [Severance](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykd5L1zJYVM), Cocteau Twins - [Blue Bell Knoll](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oespMmWnDo). Or have some South African brilliance - Dear Reader - [Great White Bear](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_NPQN3z_e0) (also a brilliant video). They were formerly known as [Harris Tweed](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAziiMYMxdk). A brilliant earlier track - [Ode to Confusion](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBXlNY_yOh0) ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/297 "2010-08-27T11:13:41Z")
“Why Me?” by Johnny Cash ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/298 "2010-08-27T12:18:47Z")
> [@Evil\_Captor](#): > > > [@Spoke](#): > > > > Well if you mention Blue Bayou, you have to mention [Roy Orbison’s version](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-rlECiW4BA). He got there first. > > > > Hey, speaking of Roy Orbison, how about [Crying](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07NMA51D46c)? > > I’ve heard Orbisons’ version, his voice just isn’t All That AFAIC. > [@Yookeroo](#): > > > [@Tangent](#): > > > > I love [Rebekah del Rio’s Spanish version](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vfw5lblFlo) (Llorando - featured on the Mullholand Drive soundtrack) > > Definitely. Better than the original. This is all part of some big practical joke, right? I mean, no one could _really_ think that _anybody_ could out-do Roy Orbison on a Roy Orbison song, right? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/299 "2010-08-27T12:49:55Z")
> [@sisu](#): > > > [@GuanoLad](#): > > > > This is one of my favourite songs. [Perfect Day by Miriam Stockley](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeVV2KD1GqU). > > Have a listen to this version, I love it! > > Paul McDermott an Aussie comedian and wow what a voice. The gadflys are an awesome and odd band. > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjBIMEX-jT8](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjBIMEX-jT8) That’s a different song (Lou Reed’s _Perfect Day_). Miriam Stockley’s song is the theme to _The World Of Peter Rabbit and Friends_, and written by Colin Towns. ---
**Author:** ![Small\_Clanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@Small\_Clanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Clanger)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584/300 "2010-08-27T14:23:40Z")
Roberta Flack sings [The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JWAmF-Z4r4&NR=1). Am I really the first person to nominate this? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-achingly-beautiful-songs-ever/550584.md?page=16)