# Most. Depressing. Pop or rock song. Ever. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 3, 2005, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296 "2005-11-03T15:20:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/61 "2005-11-04T02:53:25Z")
Along with the **John Prine** mentions (I’d also add his _Mexican Home_), I’ll throw in a vote for **Warren Zevon** ’s _Keep me in your heart for a while_, mainly because of the situation it was recorded under - he was literally on his deathbed. They had to set up a recording deck in his bedroom to allow him to lay down the final vocals as he was dying of cancer. I love the album it came from, _The Wind_, but I almost never listen to it because it’s all just so depressing. ---
**Author:** ![marymargaret](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@marymargaret](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marymargaret)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/62 "2005-11-04T03:27:31Z")
> [@LonesomePolecat](#): > > Pink Floyd’s _The Wall._ The. Whole. Freakin’. Album. Both disks. And the feature film. And the concert film. Jeez, what were these guys tryin’ to do, pump up the national suicide rate to win a bet or somethin’? Ditto! ---
**Author:** ![Cherry2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/59ef9b/32.png) [@Cherry2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cherry2000)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/63 "2005-11-04T03:33:02Z")
No one has mentioned any Tracy Chapman songs yet? From [Fast Car](http://www.ntl.matrix.com.br/pfilho/html/main_index/index.html) : You see my old man’s got a problem He live with the bottle that’s the way it is He says his body’s too old for working I say his body’s too young to look like his My mama went off and left him [LYRICS DELETED BY MODERATOR]And from [Behind the Wall](http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palms/9541/4a.html) , a cheerful little ditty about domestic abuse: Last night I heard the screaming Then a silence that chilled my soul I prayed that I was dreaming When I saw the ambulance in the road [LYRICS DELETED BY MODERATOR] ---
**Author:** ![soulmurk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b782af/32.png) [@soulmurk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/soulmurk)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/64 "2005-11-04T03:59:14Z")
Hey wow, finally a thread where I know what I’m talking about! There are so many levels of depressing. There are songs that are just so beautiful that you can’t help but be awed and saddened. There are songs that detail something specific that some people can relate to (loss of a child, break up/divorce, death). There are songs that are musically depressing but not so lyrically, and vice versa. There are songs that carry sentimental value that might not otherwise be considered depressing by anyone else. Keeping that in mind, I’ll list my top 5 (you cannot ask me to limit it to one, it’s impossible) and try to keep it universal: 1. **Ben Harper** ’s _Walk Away_ > [@](#): > > They say time will make all this go away, > but it’s time that has taken my tomorrows and turned them into yesterdays. > And once again that rising sun is droppin’ on down > And once again, you my friend, are nowhere to be found. > > And it’s so hard to do and so easy to say. > But sometimes, sometimes you just have to walk away, walk away and head for the door. 1. **Mazzy Star** ’s _Into Dust_ > [@](#): > > It was you, breathless and tall. > I could feel my eyes turning into dust. > And two strangers, turning into dust. > Turning into dust. 1. **Taking Back Sunday** ’s _You’re So Last Summer_ > [@](#): > > And all I (all I) > Need to know (need to know) > Is that I’m something you’ll be missing > (is that I’m something that you’re missing) > (maybe I should hate for this) > Maybe I should hate you for this [LYRICS DELETED BY MODERATOR] 1. **Red Hot Chili Peppers** ’ _I Could Have Lied_ > [@](#): > > There must be something > In the way I feel > That she don’t want me to feel > [LYRICS DELETED BY MODERATOR] Honorable mentions: **Nine Inch Nails** _A Warm Place_ (short instrumental that is very pretty out of context, but downright powerful within the context of the concept album), **Pantera** ’s (yes, that Pantera) cover of _Planet Caravan_, **Smashing Pumpkins** ’ _Mayonnaise_, **Sarah McLachlan** ’s _Angel_… I could go on, but I’ll spare you. ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/65 "2005-11-04T04:40:44Z")
Other nominations, now that I"ve had time to think on it: • Bloodrock (of **DOA** fame), “America” — ow. • Tori Amos — Me and a Gun, from _Tales of a Librarian_ • Pink Floyd - One of the Few, from _Final Cut_ • Alan Parsons Project - Day After Day, from _I, Robot_ • Melanie - I Really Loved Harold ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/66 "2005-11-04T04:47:39Z")
“Wish You Were Here,” Pink Floyd. Floyd did a lot of depressing stuff, but MAN! > [@AHunter3](#): > > • Tori Amos — Me and a Gun, from _Tales of a Librarian_ It’s originally from _Little Earthquakes_, which has a number of wrenching songs on it, but that’s absolutely #1 in my book. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/67 "2005-11-04T04:48:23Z")
> [@AHunter3](#): > > • Alan Parsons Project - Day After Day, from _I, Robot_ Also “The Same Old Sun,” from APP’s “Vulture Culture”: \* Tell me what to do Now the light in my life is gone from me Is it always the same Is the night never ending Tell me what to do All the hopes and the dreams went wrong for me There’s a smile on my face But I’m only pretending Taking my life One day at a time Cause I can’t think what else to do Taking some time To make up my mind When there’s no one to ask but you \* ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/68 "2005-11-04T04:52:30Z")
How about “Picture” by Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock > [@](#): > > Livin’ my life in a slow hell > Different girl every night at the hotel > I ain’t seen the sun shine in 3 damn days > Been fuelin’ up on cocaine and whisky > Wish I had a good girl to miss me > Lord I wonder if I’ll ever change my ways > I put your picture away > Sat down and cried today > I can’t look at you while I’m lyin’ next to her > I put your picture away, sat down and cried today > I can’t look at you, while I’m lyin next to her ---
**Author:** ![ouryL](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ouryl/32/6067_2.png) [@ouryL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouryL)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/69 "2005-11-04T05:09:05Z")
Thank God no one mentioned _Bee vomit_ ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/70 "2005-11-04T05:10:12Z")
Oh. We’ve got one Radiohead song in here, and it’s not “No Surprises?” That’s a first-class downer. ---
**Author:** ![Batsinma\_Belfry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea5d25/32.png) [@Batsinma\_Belfry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Batsinma_Belfry)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/71 "2005-11-04T05:12:20Z")
Everybody Hurts - R.E.M. Lonesome Town - Ricky Nelson ---
**Author:** ![Nic2004](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/4491bb/32.png) [@Nic2004](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nic2004)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/72 "2005-11-04T05:15:45Z")
And honey, I miss you And I’m bein’ good And I’d love to be with you If only I could One day while I was not at home While she was there and all alone The angels came Now all I have is memories of Honey And I wake up nights and call her name Now my life’s an empty stage Where Honey lived and Honey played And love grew up And a small cloud passes overhead And cries down on the flower bed That Honey loved _Honey_ **Bobby Goldsboro** ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/73 "2005-11-04T05:18:06Z")
> [@Batsinma Belfry](#): > > Everybody Hurts - R.E.M. In the context of the album, I find that one’s actually uplifting. “Try Not to Breathe” is depressing, but it’s hard to write a happy song about assisted suicide. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/74 "2005-11-04T05:30:01Z")
> [@ouryL](#): > > Thank God no one mentioned > > Bee vomit > [@Nic2004](#): > > And honey, I miss you > And I’m bein’ good > And I’d love to be with you > If only I could > > One day while I was not at home > While she was there and all alone > The angels came > Now all I have is memories of Honey > And I wake up nights and call her name > Now my life’s an empty stage > Where Honey lived and Honey played > And love grew up > And a small cloud passes overhead > And cries down on the flower bed > That Honey loved > _Honey_ > **Bobby Goldsboro** That’s supposed to be depressing? To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, one must have a heart of stone to listen to Bobby Goldsboro’s “Honey” all the way through without laughing. ---
**Author:** ![St.Urho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e7dd6/32.png) [@St.Urho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St.Urho)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/75 "2005-11-04T05:34:00Z")
I was going to mention Tracy Chapman. Also… Springsteen- _Stolen Car_ and _Downbound Train_. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/76 "2005-11-04T05:34:38Z")
One on my list is the obscure Billy Joel song “Got to Begin Again.” To me, it sums up the depression surrounding the moment when you realize that a relationship’s over perfectly. > [@](#): > > Well, it’s been quite a while since I lifted my head > And I’m sure the light will hurt my eyes > I see the way that I’ve been spendin’ my days > And reality has caught my by surprise > I was dreamin’ of tomorrow, > So I sacrificed today, > And it sure was a grand waste of time > And despite all the truth that’s been thrown in my face > I just can’t get you out of my mind > But I’ve got to begin again > Though I don’t know how to start > Yes, I’ve got to begin again, and it’s hard ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/77 "2005-11-04T05:46:22Z")
And me, a huge Counting Crows fan, would be remiss if I didn’t include their song _Chelsea_: > [@](#): > > There’s something about an angel that just kills me… > I keep hoping something will > I keep hoping… > I keep hoping… > I keep hoping… > Is anything different these days? > The light in her eyes goes out > I’ve never had light in my eyes, anyway ---
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/78 "2005-11-04T05:47:02Z")
I notice\*\* “DOA” by Bloodrock\*\* has received a few votes so far and I’ll add that to my list too. Since \*\*Janis Ian \*\*was mentioned once, how about her other hit - **“Society’s Child”**? The thing that really gets me about that song is the chord progressions more than the topic. It just has an incredibly depressing sound to it. How about **“Remember Walkin’ In The Sand”** by the **Shangrilas**? Man that is one sad sounding song. (Interesting tidbit - “Shadow” Morton was the producer of this song as well as “Society’s Child”). And for real industrial strength depression there’s **“Still I’m Sad”** by The **Yardbirds**. (Sung in the style of a Gregorian chant) See the stars come falling down from the sky. Gently passing, they kiss your tears when you cry. Feel the wind come softly blow the tears from your face. See the rain hide away in disgrace. Still I’m sad, how I’m sad. ---
**Author:** ![Batsinma\_Belfry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea5d25/32.png) [@Batsinma\_Belfry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Batsinma_Belfry)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/79 "2005-11-04T05:56:14Z")
> [@Nic2004](#): > > And honey, I miss you > And I’m bein’ good > And I’d love to be with you > If only I could > > One day while I was not at home > While she was there and all alone > The angels came > Now all I have is memories of Honey > And I wake up nights and call her name > Now my life’s an empty stage > Where Honey lived and Honey played > And love grew up > And a small cloud passes overhead > And cries down on the flower bed > That Honey loved > _Honey_ > **Bobby Goldsboro** [hijack] My sister had a huge crush on Bobby Goldsboro and named her horse after that song. Then insisted I name my horse after the song on side B of the record, Danny Boy. [/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Anastasaeon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/73ab20/32.png) [@Anastasaeon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anastasaeon)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2005, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296/80 "2005-11-04T06:02:51Z")
> [@winterhawk11](#): > > Oh: a couple more, by Assemblage 23: > > [Fallen Down](http://www.assemblage23.com/deflyr.html#fallendown) > and > [30KFT](http://www.assemblage23.com/stormlyr.html#30kft) > > \*Hello, if you’re there pick up the phone > I’m calling from 30,000 feet above you > The captain’s just informed us that our plane is going down > So I’m calling for one last time to say I love you \* > > (snip to avoid posting entire lyrics) > \* > I’m sorry most of all I won¹t be there when you grow old > To be there by your side and keep you warm when you are cold > Forgive me, but I think my time is drawing to a close > So I’ve one last thing to tell you now before I have to go \* > > I…\* I came here just to mention 30KFT - I can’t even listen to it. It makes me bawl like a baby. My ex thinks _Divide_ is depressing, but I\* love \* it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-depressing-pop-or-rock-song-ever/329296.md?page=5)