# What are the saddest songs you know? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 28, 2002, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024 "2002-04-28T00:09:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2002, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/142 "2002-05-02T20:29:07Z")
Wow, **Clark K**! How could I have forgotten Townes Van Zandt?? No one could write a sad song like he could. Like _ **Marie** _: Well, the man’s still grinnin’ says he lost my file I gotta stand in line again I want to kill him but I just say no I had enough of that line my friend I head back to the bridge, its getting kinda cold I’m feelin’ too low down to lie I guess I’ll just tell Marie the truth hope she don’t break down and cry Marie she didn’t wake up this morning she didn’t even try she just rolled over and went to heaven my little boy safe inside I laid them in the sun where somebody’d find them caught a Chesapeak on the fly Marie will know I’m headed south so’s to meet me by and by I saw Townes perform that song at Schuba’s in Chicago in the fall of '95. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he finshed. ---
**Author:** ![smilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/48db29/32.png) [@smilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smilla)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2002, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/143 "2002-05-02T22:23:36Z")
I can’t believe I didn’t think of this one before, but “Pearls” by Sade is by far the most mournful song I’ve ever heard. ---
**Author:** ![flygirl99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/46a35a/32.png) [@flygirl99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flygirl99)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2002, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/144 "2002-05-03T00:25:08Z")
I cannot hear “Because You Love Me” without blubbering like a baby! It came out when my dad died and it is exactly how I felt about how he supported me in all my decisions and made me strong and confident. He was my strength when I was weak. He’s the one who held me up and never let me fall! He saw the best there was in me. Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach and I truly am everything I am because he loved me. I’m grateful for each day he gave me. I miss you dad. ---
**Author:** ![zoomphy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ec9cab/32.png) [@zoomphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoomphy)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2002, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/145 "2002-05-03T06:46:59Z")
Well, these songs are sad to me. “Crazy” by Patsy Cline. “Sweet Dreams” is also a doozy. Okay, so most of her songs are sad. “It’s Too Late” by Carole King. Maybe “One More Day” by Diamond Rio… Can’t think of anything else offhand._me_ 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Pucette](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/278dde/32.png) [@Pucette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucette)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2002, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/146 "2002-05-03T14:18:01Z")
Sweet Prince by Placebo That’s the Way by Led Zeppelin All My Friends by Counting Crows Red Dirt Girl by Emmylou Harris Satisfied Mind by Jeff Buckley (thanks, Ogre) Little 15 by Depeche Mode ---
**Author:** ![Tennessee\_Ben](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f0a364/32.png) [@Tennessee\_Ben](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tennessee_Ben)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2002, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/147 "2002-05-03T16:17:34Z")
A few tidbits and nominees: The saddest song I’ve ever heard is Merle Haggard’s **“California Cottonfields”**. It’s a semi-autobiographical number about the dashed hopes of Okies (like his father) who moved to California in search of a better life for their families. Some sample lyrics: > [@](#): > > Well, the Model A was loaded down > and California-bound, > and a change of luck was just four days away. > But the only change that I remember seeing for my daddy > was when his dark hair turned a silver gray. > … > > (the chorus) > California cottonfields: > Where labor camps were filled with worried men with broken dreams. > California cottonfields: > As close to wealth as daddy ever came. The whole song just exudes hopelessness. For me, it literally captures all of the power and misery of _The Grapes of Wrath_ in one three minute song. Just incredible. When Merle Haggard was still young, his voice was just so plaintive and powerful. The entire album **“Recovering the Satellites”** by Counting Crows makes me want to throw myself off a bridge. It’s all about Adam Duritz coming to grips with his fame and the awful toll it took on his life. I once made a 3000 mile drive home after a woman told me she couldn’t love me, with not much in the car besides Counting Crows and Willie Nelson. I honestly don’t know how I made it home without driving my truck into a bridge abutment. I heartily second Don McLean’s **“Vincent”**. Re: **“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”**. Here’s one portion of the lyrics as they were written: > [@](#): > > Did you ever see a robin weep > When leaves begin to die? > That means he’s lost the will to live. > I’m so lonesome I could cry. I’ve heard it said by people who know more than me that Hank Williams may have actually sung “_Like me_, he’s lost the will to live,” and if you listen closely you can hear it. To me, that’s just heartbreaking. The sad young man who lived in wretched physical pain most of his life wrote this terribly sad song… and it couldn’t sufficiently convey how sad he was. Breaks my heart every time I hear that weary ambivalence about continuing to live in his voice. A personal favorite is Scott Miller’s **“Fade Away”** , an acher about watching his sister die (of cancer, I believe). When he sings: > [@](#): > > Holly, goodbye. > And know that I can take care of myself. > But there will be times > I think how nice it’d be to have your help. I just about lose it. Wow. Maybe I should listen to some happier music once in a while. ---
**Author:** ![CurlyD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@CurlyD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurlyD)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2002, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/148 "2002-05-03T16:37:39Z")
I’ll go along with “Tears in Heaven,” “Vincent,” and especially “The Living Years.” Jackson Browne has written a lot of sad songs. My favorites are “Before the Deluge” and “Sky Blue and Black.” Neil Young is good at it, too. How about “Old Man” and “Don’t Let It Bring You Down”? Finally, “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel and Someone Else. ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2002, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/149 "2002-05-03T17:17:18Z")
**Picture of my Life** by Jamiroqui’s sad. So it **Stan** by Eminem. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2002, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/150 "2002-05-03T19:54:45Z")
St. James Imfirmary (old blues song) You are my Sunshine Philadelphia (the Boss) The Last Rose of Summer Men of Harleth (sp?) (it just affects me that way) And the Band played Waltzing Maltilda The Night they drove ole Dixie Down ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2002, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/151 "2002-05-03T20:12:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zebra \* > \*\* > > You are my Sunshine > > \*\* ??? I’m not makin’ fun, but it doesn’t seem sad to me… ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2002, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/152 "2002-05-03T20:37:49Z")
The other night dear, as I lay sleeping I dreamt I held you in my arms when I awoke dear, I was mistaken and I hung my head and I cried You are my sunshine, my only sunshine you make me happy when skies are grey you’ll never know dear, how much I love you. _please don’t take my sunshine away_ (she left him) ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2002, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/153 "2002-05-03T21:18:36Z")
> [@](#): > > You are my Sunshine I can understand why that might be sad. It was the song that our daughter used to sing to our grandson before he died of brain cancer. The saddest song I’ve heard is “Goodbye” by EJ and BT. When the person I loved most walked out of my life, she left this song playing as she closed the door: - Now that it’s all over, the birds can nest again. I’ll only snow when the sun comes out. I’ll shine only when it starts to rain. If you want a drink, just squeeze my hand, and wine will flow into the land and feed my lambs. For I am a mirror. I can reflect the moon. I will write songs for you. I’ll be your silver spoon. I’m sorry I took your time. I am the poem that doesn’t rhyme. Just turn back a page, I’ll waste away. \* ---
**Author:** ![JKilez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e5b9ba/32.png) [@JKilez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKilez)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2002, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/154 "2002-05-04T18:51:08Z")
I will second Lemur. That Cowboy Junkies album defines melancholy. I’ll add “Gold Dust Woman” from Fleetwood Mac. ---
**Author:** ![Lockfist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/838e76/32.png) [@Lockfist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lockfist)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2002, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/155 "2002-05-04T23:15:20Z")
_Mad World_ - Gary Jules from **Donnie Darko** soundtrack. This one deserves another mention, **Mogwei22** , its one of those songs which is so haunting and sorrowful you dont even know what is going on until your spine wilts with depression. I dont even like that style of music, but we watched the music video on the DVD several times more. I’ll share the remaining lyrics. > [@](#): > > I find it hard to tell you > I find it hard to take > When people run in circles its a very, very… > Mad world. Mad world. > > Children waiting for the day they’ll feel good > Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday. > And to feel the way that every child should > Sit and listen. Sit and listen. > > I went to school and I was very nervous > No one knew me, no one knew me. > Hello teacher, tell me what’s my lesson ? > Look right through me, look right through me. > > And I find it kind of funny > I find it kind of sad > The dreams in which I’m dying > Are the best I’ve ever had. My choice: > [@](#): > > _Before The Dawn_ (1978) > **Judas Priest** > > Before the dawn, I hear you whisper > In your sleep ‘Don’t let the morning take him’ > Outside the birds begin to call > As if to summon up my leaving > > It’s been a lifetime since I found someone > Since I found someone who would stay > I’ve waited too long, and now you’re leaving > Oh please don’t take it all away Probably the strongest point is **Rob Halford’s** passionate and emotional vocals. No wonder they call him God. ---
**Author:** ![dudes\_a\_plenty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8797f3/32.png) [@dudes\_a\_plenty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dudes_a_plenty)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2002, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/156 "2002-05-04T23:38:29Z")
everybody hurts by REM ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2002, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/157 "2002-05-05T13:59:59Z")
Well, its not the saddest ever, but I recently heard Those Were The Days by Mary Hopkin which was popular in my youth and now that I am 40 it sure made me feel meloncholy. ---
**Author:** ![meezer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9c0ed/32.png) [@meezer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/meezer)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2002, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/158 "2002-05-08T16:42:48Z")
Where Were You The Day The World Stopped Turning by Alan Jackson ---
**Author:** ![mailman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8491ac/32.png) [@mailman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mailman)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2002, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/159 "2002-05-08T18:12:06Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by Amidar \* \*\*I must put in a mention for **Richard Thompson** , who has written perhaps the two most depressing songs ever. One of my favorites is a little known ditty by RT, even though he hasn’t ever recorded it. It’s called, “Bad News Is All the Wind Can Carry” : This house is torn and shuttered Luck has run out the door No daylight can shine In this empty room of mine Bad news…is all the wind can carry… Some people say she wandered And that she’d a price likewise I’ll cut their tongues, I’ll hang them high They’ll rot away with all their lies Bad news…is all the wind can carry… I heard a sound this morning I bowed my head to weep I saw a man dig my love’s grave The hole was dark, the hole was deep Bad news…is all the wind can carry… I’ll steal a ship and rig her Up close I’ll lash the wheel I’ll lay me down beneath the stars Until the bottom meets the keel Bad News…is all the wind can carry… Dropped D on the guitar, a Celtic feel; supposedly written after his girlfriend had been killed, thrown from the van in which Thompson’s band, Fairport Convention, was traveling between gigs. Dark, even by RT’s standards. ---
**Author:** ![andrew\_dupont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea666f/32.png) [@andrew\_dupont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andrew_dupont)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2002, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/160 "2002-05-08T18:33:59Z")
Randy Newman put two damned sad songs on Little Criminals–_Texas Girl At The Funeral Of Her Father_ and _In Germany Before The War_. But _Short People_ balances it out a little. ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2002, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024/161 "2002-05-08T19:13:32Z")
> [@](#): > > “She’s Leaving Home” is about a woman who’s been living a stifling, oppressive life and leaves home. The last stanza contains the line “She…is having…fun.” She meets a guy from the motor trade, has a date. Her life is completely transformed. That’s not why I find the song sad…well, it partially is. We are able to identify with her (She lived a repressed life, but now she can finally be herself) but that’s juxtaposed to the middle verse > [@](#): > > She (We gave her most of our lives) > Is leaving (Sacraficed most of our lives) > Home (We gave her everything money could buy) > She’s leaving home after living alone > For so many years > Bye bye > > Father snores as his wife gets into her dressing gown > Picks up the letter that’s lying there > Standing alone at the top of the stairs > She breaks down and cries to her husband > Daddy our baby’s gone > Why would she treat us so thoughtlessly? > How could she do this to me? > > She (We never though of ourselves) > Is leaving (Never a thought for ourselves) > Home (We struggled hard all our lives to get by) > She’s leaving home after living alone > For so many years > Bye bye She felt repressed, but at the same time, her parents were doing the best they could. Or at least, thought they were doing the best they could. But a lot of it has to do with the way John sings the “answer” part ie. (Never a thought for ourselves. Never a thought for ourselves.) I guess it’s sad because I see both sides of the story, and it’s depressing that the only way she can be happy is to leave, but according to them, all they did was try to make her happy. Does that make sense? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-saddest-songs-you-know/106024.md?page=9)