# Songs you find unbearably moving **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 28, 2006, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050 "2006-11-28T10:09:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2006, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/141 "2006-11-30T20:38:18Z")
“You are my Sunshine”. A friend used to sing it to her son. He died at age 4.5 months of SIDS. Google the lyrics for the second verse. I want to howl every time I hear the tune ☹ ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2006, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/142 "2006-11-30T20:53:52Z")
[QUOTE=spoke-] Roy Orbison singing for the lonely Hey that’s me and I want you only\* [/QUOTE] Don’t turn me home again I just can’t face myself alone again ☹ and I’m left with the feeling he’ll never really “pull out of here to win” And **Downbound Train** : In the moonlight, our wedding house shone I rushed through the yard, I burst through the front door My head pounding hard, up the stairs I climbed The room was dark, our bed was empty Then I heard that long whistle whine And I dropped to my knees, hung my head and cried Now I swing a sledge hammer on a railroad gang Knocking down them cross ties, working in the rain Now don’t it feel like you’re a rider on a downbound train ---
**Author:** ![Frostillicus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2006, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/143 "2006-12-01T03:21:51Z")
[QUOTE=Sir Prize] A song that always starts the tears flowing and that I find very hard to listen to is Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s In the Cradel” [/QUOTE] This may sound corny, but the Harry Chapin song that gets to me the most is WOLD. “OK honey, I see. I guess he’s better than me. Sure old girl, I understand. There’s no need to worry; I’m such a happy man.” Talk about a kick in the gut. ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2006, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/144 "2006-12-01T05:33:15Z")
I can’t believe I forgot **He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother** , by **The Hollies** : _And the load… doesn’t way me down at all… he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother_ When it gets to the “doesn’t way me down,” pounded out in triplets, it always gets a tear as I belt along to the radio in the car (if I haven’t been gotten earlier in the song already). ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Knig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2006, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/145 "2006-12-01T18:38:10Z")
I’ve got more: There’s a steel drum version of Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” that was so beautiful I was moved nearly to tears. While driving! I heard it as an piece of background music between stories on NPR. I emailed the station and got the info to buy the CD. I’m pretty sure it’s by Andy Narel, and was on a compilation album of christmas music. The CD is at home, I’m not, and my search-fu is failing me. But it was ```auto AMAZING! ``` I’m not a country music fan, but Dolly Parton’s song “Coat of Many Colors”, well, you’d have to be made of stone not to be moved by that one! Just hearing that song took my respect for her as an artist through the stratosphere. Did anyone else mention Springsteen’s “Reason to Believe”? ---
**Author:** ![Lush\_Puppy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@Lush\_Puppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lush_Puppy)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2006, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/146 "2006-12-01T19:12:21Z")
Already mentioned: **Silent All These Years** - Tori Amos **This Woman’s Work** - Kate Bush \*\*The Promise \*\* - Tracy Chapman **Joey** - Concrete Blonde Not sure if it was mentioned but: **Call and Answer** - Barenaked Ladies **Congratulations** - Blue October **You Didn’t Kiss Me** - Marry Me Jane (off the soundtrack of If Lucy Fell - an old Sarah Jessica Parker movie) ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2006, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/147 "2006-12-02T01:41:22Z")
Darn you, **Eonwe** , I was _just_ walking in the door with “He Ain’t Heavy!” I have plenty more, though, like: \*\* Needle And The Damage Done\*\* – Neil Young, so simple, so heartbreaking. \*\* Celluloid Heroes\*\* – The Kinks, don’t know why but it always gets a tug on the old heartstring. **Hello, It’s Me** – Todd Rundgren, don’t ask–it’s a high school romance thing. **Touch Me In The Morning** – Diana Ross, see above. [**To The West**](http://www.elfhill.com/lyricSearch.cgi?album=Barroom&name=to.the.west) – Annwn, has always made me choke up, but even more so now that the singer, a friend, is dead. Since “to the west” is the path the dead follow to Summerland it’s become even more poignant and it’s really hard for me to listen to. Go ahead and download the .mp3s, they’re there as a tribute. [**Fair Mistland**](http://www.elfhill.com/lyricSearch.cgi?album=Barroom&name=fair.mistland) – recorded by Annwn, but with vocals by the original writer. It’s an SCA thing… Good call on **Lather** , whoever brought that one up–it’s sad and disturbing at once. ---
**Author:** ![Frustrated\_Wonderer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a4c791/32.png) [@Frustrated\_Wonderer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frustrated_Wonderer)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2006, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/148 "2006-12-02T01:47:36Z")
Without a single doubt in my mind, the most moving song is probably one of the lesser known songs of Billy Joel (yes, I admit it, I am a Joel addict). I am of course talking about “Until the Night”. I’d ask some of you to download this song, it isn’t very popular in Limewire, or other downloading programs, but it is a great song. Just listen to it once, I bet you’ll agree it’s a fabulous song. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2006, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/149 "2006-12-02T01:54:15Z")
[QUOTE=Frostillicus] This may sound corny, but the Harry Chapin song that gets to me the most is WOLD. “OK honey, I see. I guess he’s better than me. Sure old girl, I understand. There’s no need to worry; I’m such a happy man.” Talk about a kick in the gut. [/QUOTE] I’m not trying to insult you (I don’t even know the song, though I admit Harry Chapin’s not my cup of tea), but your post reminded me of what I thought was one of the funniest album reviews Robert Christgau ever did: “Harry had a problem. He wanted to write a song about a DJ, kind of a follow-up to “Taxi,” just to prove it wasn’t a fluke. Harry doesn’t meet many real people, so cabbies and DJs provide that touch of social realism. He wanted to set the song in Boise, Idaho, not because he had anything to say about Boise, but because “Idaho” rhymed with “late night talk show.” Unfortunately, call letters that far west start with K rather than W, which messed up his rhythm. Akron, Ohio? Wrong rhythm again. Denver, Colorado? Nope. So he called it “WOLD” and hoped no one would notice. Note: this analysis is nowhere near as longwinded as Harry’s stories.” ---
**Author:** ![Frostillicus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2006, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/150 "2006-12-02T03:23:44Z")
[QUOTE=woodstockbirdybird] I’m not trying to insult you (I don’t even know the song, though I admit Harry Chapin’s not my cup of tea), but your post reminded me of what I thought was one of the funniest album reviews Robert Christgau ever did: “Harry had a problem. He wanted to write a song about a DJ, kind of a follow-up to “Taxi,” just to prove it wasn’t a fluke. Harry doesn’t meet many real people, so cabbies and DJs provide that touch of social realism. He wanted to set the song in Boise, Idaho, not because he had anything to say about Boise, but because “Idaho” rhymed with “late night talk show.” Unfortunately, call letters that far west start with K rather than W, which messed up his rhythm. Akron, Ohio? Wrong rhythm again. Denver, Colorado? Nope. So he called it “WOLD” and hoped no one would notice. Note: this analysis is nowhere near as longwinded as Harry’s stories.” [/QUOTE] No insult at all. It is an amusing story. ---
**Author:** ![Subterraneanus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Subterraneanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Subterraneanus)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2006, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/151 "2006-12-02T05:05:06Z")
[The video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRwmZ2bp_B0) to Joe Strummer’s cover of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Rieux](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Dr.Rieux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Rieux)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2006, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/152 "2006-12-02T07:44:07Z")
“My Mother’s Eyes” by Bette Midler ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/153 "2007-01-20T16:50:59Z")
The guitar solo in “Hotel California”. Sometimes makes me cry. I have no idea why, but once while I was driving I had to pull over and stop. “Hate Me” _Blue October"_. Peace, mangeorge ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/154 "2007-01-20T17:48:08Z")
Two songs I cannot bear, as in I REFUSE TO LISTEN 90% of the time: Madonna’s “Oh Father” Funny that way You can get used to the tears and the pain What a child will believe You never loved me. You can’t hurt me now I got away from you I never thought I would You can’t make me cry You once had the power I never felt so good about myself… and “Janie’s Got a Gun” by Aerosmith. Regarding just emotionally moving songs… Madonna’s “In this Life” about the deaths of her friends from AIDS, early 90’s: In this life I loved you most of all What for? …People pass by and I wonder who’s next Who determines who knows best? Is there a lesson we’re supposed to learn in this? These days, ignorance is not bliss… Another one is Weezer’s “Butterfly,” especially the end: I told you I would return When the robin builds his nest But I ain’t ever comin’ back… I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry… It’s so haunting. I am also irrationally emotionally connected to “Tennessee Flattop Box” by Roseanne Cash and some other old country song called “Cathy’s Clown” that just breaks my heart. Finally, anything off Live’s album “Throwing Copper” makes me feel like I’m touching the face of God. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/155 "2007-01-20T18:00:51Z")
Oh my god, I almost forgot one of the saddest songs in existence. “Hush, Hush, Hush” by Paula Cole. It’s about a man comforting his son as he dies of AIDS: long white arms losing their strength and form sixty year man in twenty year old skin skeleton your eyes have lost their warmth look to your father for some support hush hush hush says your daddy’s touch sleep sleep sleep says the hundredth sheep peace peace peace may you go in peace cruel joke you waited so long to show the one that you wanted wasn’t a girl all your life you kept it hidden inside now when you step you stumble you die ---
**Author:** ![chowder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/977dab/32.png) [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/156 "2007-01-20T18:08:32Z")
[QUOTE=Made in Macau] If all these songs are being skipped - there’s an awful lot of music not being played! Maybe some smart record exec should write them down - put out a blank cd with these titles on the sleeve and make a mint! MiM [/QUOTE] I was thinking the exact same thing myself. Better still maybe would be a boxed collection with **all** these songs just for the weepy buggers among us ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/157 "2007-01-20T19:09:43Z")
[Come Home Soon, by SheDaisy](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8HoRpyw7ys) The video adds so much to the song. People holding each other, parents with babes in arms…aw, geez, there I go again. A clip of some of the lyrics: I still imagine your touch It’s beautiful missing something that much But sometimes love needs a fighting chance So I’ll wait my turn until it’s our turn to dance I sleep alone I cry alone Without you this house is not a home So please, come home soon I walk alone I try alone I’ll wait for you, don’t want to die alone So please, come home soon. * * * ☹ ---
**Author:** ![kung\_fu\_lola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@kung\_fu\_lola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kung_fu_lola)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/158 "2007-01-20T19:13:44Z")
I never imagined I’d see a **Tanglefoot** reference in this thread - I went to school with one of the members’ daughters! Holy blast from the past. My noms are **Mad World** from the “Donnie Darko” soundtrack… “The dreams in which I’m dying/are the best I’ve ever had”. It’s so cheesy and fangirly but I cannot handle Tori Amos’ **Me And A Gun** , I always skip it, especially since the backstory is so very creepy. Obligatory Madonna reference: I often skip [**Promise To Try**](http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/madonna/promisetotry.html) from the “Like A Prayer” album. The last few lines always get me: “Can’t kiss her goodbye/but I promise to try…” It just captures the loneliness, helplessness and regret of grief so well. I can’t listen to the follow-up song, [**Inside Of Me**](http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/madonna/insideofme.html) either, because she sings “I just think of your smiling face/And I’m flying” ; and I lose it. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/159 "2007-01-20T19:18:39Z")
_In the Arms of the Angel_ — Sarah McLachlan, because it was played at our grandson’s funeral. It’s also played in tributes, like [this one](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6TfTC5opwc). ---
**Author:** ![Carm6773](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/2bfe46/32.png) [@Carm6773](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carm6773)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050/160 "2007-01-20T19:34:45Z")
[Alyssa Lies by Jason Michael Carroll](http://www.onlylyrics.com/song.php?id=1002823) [The Little Girl by John Michael Montgomery](http://www.lyricsdepot.com/john-michael-montgomery/the-little-girl.html) [Independence Day by Martina McBride](http://www.lyricsondemand.com/m/martinamcbridelyrics/independencedaylyrics.html) I know, I know there’s a trend. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-you-find-unbearably-moving/382050.md?page=9)