39 Sad Love Songs That Will Make You Cry from a Broken Heart
When you feel down from a relationship breakup, sometimes you just want to listen to sad songs. It helps us deal with our sadness.
Thus, below is a list of sad love songs to play after a breakup that will let you “cry it out”.
Saddest Songs of All Time
When you hear the saddest love song, the song brings tears to your eyes and can take your breath away. Here is a list of the top 10 saddest love songs ever:
“Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
Released in 1992 on the album Automatic for the People
A song that lets listeners know that everyone hurts deep down inside at some point and to not give up.
Sad Lyrics:
When you think you’ve had too much
Of this life to hang on
Well, everybody hurts sometimes
“Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
Released in 2019 on the album Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent
A song about loving someone and the relationship ending and cherishing the love you had while being in a sad funk.
Sad Lyrics:
I let my guard down
And then you pulled the rug
I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved
“Someone Like You” by Adele
Released in 2011 on the album 21
A song about an ex-lover settling down with someone else and how bittersweet it feels.
Sad Lyrics:
“Don’t forget me, ” I begged
I remember you said
“Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead”
“Hurt” by Johnny Cash
Released in 2002 on the album American IV: The Man Comes Around
A song about being in a lot of emotional pain ad trying to use drugs to take the pain away while being in a feeling of despair.
Sad Lyrics:
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
“Jar Of Hearts” by Christina Perri
Released in 2010 on the album Lovestrong
A song about a failing love relationship and having a feeling that you lost yourself. It also describes how mad you are for your ex-lover running around collecting a jar of broken hearts.
Sad Lyrics:
And who do you think you are?
Runnin’ ’round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
“Fix You” by Coldplay
Released in 2005 on the album X&Y
This is a song about being in a state of sadness or pain that you cry and hoping that a light will shine to guide you home so that someone that cares about you can help you through.
Sad Lyrics:
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
“Here Without You” by Three Doors Down
Released in 2002 on the album Away From The Sun
This is a love song about a long-distance relationship and being lonely while apart.
Sad Lyrics:
I’m here without you, baby
But you’re still with me in my dreams
And tonight, it’s only you and me
“Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx
Released in 1989 on the album Repeat Offender
A love song about not being together and when you are not close your heart breaks.
Sad Lyrics:
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
“I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan
Released in 1993 on the album Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
A love song about having a deep love relationship with another but it doesn’t work out. Afterward, you cling to the past memories and wonder what will happen to each of you in the end.
Sad Lyrics:
I will remember you, will you remember me?
Don’t let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
“Nothing Compares 2 U” by Chris Cornell
Released in 2020 on the album No One Sings Like You Anymore
A cover of the song made famous by Sinead O’Connor and written by Prince. A song about reflecting on a love breakup and how you have a difficult time trying to get over it. You put your past lover on such a high pedestal that you cannot find someone that will be better for you.
Sad Lyrics:
But nothing
Nothing can take away these blues
‘Cause nothing compares
Nothing compares to you
Being in a relationship is special. See our song lists: a playlist of love tracks for her and a playlist of love tracks for him.
Saddest Love Tracks Ever Written
Are you experiencing the end of a love relationship? Pull out a box of Kleenex and a good cry will only help!
“Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga
Released in 2018 on the album A Star Is Born Soundtrack
A song about having a deep love for another that you want to capture your feeling of love and remember the feeling when you cannot be together.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
But all I really know
You’re where I wanna go
The part of me that’s you will never die
“Lose You To Love Me” by Selena Gomez
Released in 2019 on the album Lose You To Love Me
A song about being in a love story where you are not treated right and how you needed the relationship to end in order to love yourself again.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I needed to lose you to find me
This dancing was killing me softly
I needed to hate you to love me
“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars
Released in 2012 on the album Unorthodox Jukebox
The song describes a love story for a couple that ended and he realizes that he should have treated her better so that she wouldn’t leave and be in another man’s arms who treats her right.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
My pride, my ego, my needs, and my selfish ways
Caused a good strong woman like you to walk out of my life
“I Hate U, I Love U” by Gnash feat. Olivia O’Brien
Released in 2016 on the album us
The song is about a couple that broke up and the girl is having a hard time letting go of her love for him as he already with another girl.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I hate that I want you
You want her, you need her
And I’ll never be her
“Let It Go” by James Bay
Released in 2014 on the album Chaos And The Calm
A song about a couple that knows their love for each other has ended but has a hard time actually ending the relationship.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Everything that’s broke
Leave it to the breeze
Why don’t you be you
And I’ll be me
“Be Alright” by Dean Lewis
Released in 2018 on the album Be Alright
The song describes a friend telling you that your lover is now with him and she wants to end it with you. You feel the betrayal but you still love her.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I know you love her, but it’s over, mate
It doesn’t matter, put the phone away
It’s never easy to walk away, let her go
“Dancing On My Own” by Calum Scott
Released in 2016 on the album Only Human
A song about having a hard time after a love breakup and the heartbreak you experience seeing your lover out with another to confirm the breakup while you are still all alone.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And I’m giving it my all
I’m not the guy you’re taking home
I keep dancing on my own
“you were good to me” by Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler
Released in 2020 on the album brent
A song about a love relationship that has ended and looking back knowing that they cared for you but you just want more.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I know it’s easier to run
After everything I’ve done
You were good to me
“This Town” by Niall Horan
Released in 2017 on the album Flicker
A song about a love connection that ended and having feelings of regret for things that you should have said and done.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I saw that you moved on with someone new
In the pub that we met, he’s got his arms around you
It’s so hard
“If the World Was Ending” by JP Saxe, Julia Michaels
Released in 2020 on the album Hold It Together
The song is about being in a love relationship and trying to figure out how to end it because you know you weren’t meant for each other.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You weren’t down for forever and it’s fine
I know, you know, we know
We weren’t meant for each other and it’s fine
Instead of sad love songs, see our list of romantic love songs.
Sad Love Hits To Make You Cry
Every love song tells a story. If you find a sad love song that tells the same love story that you just went through could cause an episode of non-stop crying. These songs could hit the mark if that’s what you wish to do to try and get over your lover.
Check out this song to get started! Grab a box of Kleenex.
“I Can’t Fall in Love Without You” by Zara Larsson
Released in 2017 on the album So Good
A song about the feeling of being free after a relationship ends but hoping your partner does not fall in love with anyone else and knowing you will have a difficult time moving on.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I can’t fall in love without you
Please, don’t fall in love without me
“Let Her Go” by Passenger
Released in 2012 on the album All the Little Lights
A song about a man who has fallen out of love with his lover and the need for him to let her go so that he can love her again.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Only hate the road when you’re missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go
“Out Of Love” by Alessia Cara
Released in 2018 on the album The Pains Of Growing
A song about a girl who realizes her lover no longer loves her and there’s nothing she can do to rekindle his desire.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Oh, when did you fall out of love?
Out of love?
Oh, when did you fall out of love with me?
“Skinny Love” by Birdy
Released in 2011 on the album Birdy
The song described a very fragile and delicate love relationship that should end.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And now, all your love is wasted
Then who the hell was I?
‘Cause now I’m breaking at the bridges
“The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
Released in 2015 on the album Strange Trails
A song about a lover who regrets starting a relationship with his lover because she fell out of love with him.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do
Haunted by the ghost of you
Oh, take me back to the night we met
“Stay” by Sugarland
Released in 2006 on the album Enjoy The Ride
A song about a woman who knows her man is leaving home to be with his mistress and the woman prays that he just stays home to be with herself.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
What do I have to do to make you see
She can’t love you like me
“Say Something” by A Great Big World, Christina Aguilera
Released in 2013 on the album Is There Anybody Out There?
This is a love song about losing hope in a love relationship. You want your lover to give you reasons to stay because you still love them but you have made up your mind to leave.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Say something, I’m giving up on you
I’m sorry that I couldn’t get to you
Anywhere, I would’ve followed you
“Because Of You” by Kelly Clarkson
Released in 2004 on the album Breakaway
The song talks about falling deeply in love with someone and then they break your heart and you are afraid to love again.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I find it hard to trust not only me but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid
“Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo
Released in 2021 on the album drivers license
The song is a story about having a loving boyfriend and then he finds someone else. You drive by his house and all you think about is your ex with his new lover.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
She’s everything I’m insecure about
Yeah, today I drove through the suburbs
‘Cause how could I ever love someone else?
“Lonely” by Justin Bieber & benny blanco
Released in 2020 on the album Lonely
This is a very emotional song about having so much fame and fortune but still feeling all alone in the world with no one to share it with.
Sad Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Maybe then you’d know me
‘Cause I’ve had everything
But no one’s listening
And that’s just lonely
Favorites to Remember a Loved One
Losing a loved one or a close friend is a very sad time in your life. See our complete list of songs for remembering loved ones.
“Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran
Released in 2017 on the album Divide
Remembering your Mother
This song will bring anyone to tears while singing about being loved by your mom and then being sad to lose her but happy that you were loved by her.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down you’d be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go
“My Old Man” by Zac Brown Band
Released in 2017 on the album Welcome Home
Remembering your Father
A song about a son paying tribute to his dad and how he made him the man he is today and hoping he made his dad proud.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
He knew how to lift me up
And when to let me fall
Looking back, he always had a plan
My old man
“Drink A Beer” by Luke Bryan
Released in 2013 on the album Crash My Party
Remembering Your Friend or Fur Friend
A song about taking a moment of silence to reflect on losing a friend and remembering the good times.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
This is where the walking lead
Can’t believe you’re really gone
Don’t feel like going home
“See You Again Wiz” by Khalifa, Charlie Puth
Released in 2015 on the album Furious 7 Soundtrack
Remembering Your Friend
The song talks about how difficult life is after losing a friend and looking forward to the day when you can spend time together again.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
We’ve come a long way
From where we began
Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
Tunes to Listen to When Sad
When you are sad, sometimes the best formula is to play songs that will make you happy. Yes, you could play songs that are party songs to lift our spirits. But here are a few to feel better about yourself and raise your spirit. Time to dry your eyes.
“Rise Up” by Andra Day
Released in 2015 on the album Cheers to the Fall
A song about when you are down and feeling defeated to not be afraid and seize the day.
Sad Lyrics:
And I’ll rise up
High like the waves
I’ll rise up
In spite of the ache
“Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)” by Andy Grammer
Released in 2014 on the album Magazines Or Novels
A song about working your butt off and not seeing any light at the end of the tunnel. You have been sending prayers up and today your wishes and dreams are finally coming to fruition.
Sad Lyrics:
Hallelujah, let that bass line move ya, say hey
And it’s good to be alive right about now
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
Released in 1978 on the album Love Tracks
The song talks about how you are a strong person after a breakup and you will be just fine.
Sad Lyrics:
I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra
Released in 1978 on the album Out of the Blue
A song about being in a love relationship where the love is not being returned. However, the storm clouds are leaving and blue skies are here!
Sad Lyrics:
A celebration, Mr. Blue Sky’s up there waitin’
And today is the day we’ve waited for
“Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves
Released in 2018 on the album Golden Hour
A song about having a feeling that you are always in trouble but instead you should look around because you are truly blessed.
Sad Lyrics:
You hold tight to your umbrella
Well, darlin’, I’m just tryin’ to tell ya
That there’s always been a rainbow hangin’ over your head
See our directory of love music to celebrate love in your life and plan your wedding day playlist.
FAQs
Does a broken heart ever heal?
A broken heart never completely heals, it is mended. You must learn from each part of your life as it will only make you stronger. Plus, the best way to heal a broken heart is to find a new lover!
What are the saddest words to hear?
Here are a few of the saddest words:
- Cancer
- Loneliness
- Sorrow
- Unhappy
- Depression
- Unsuccessful
- Regret
- Melancholy
- Heartbroken
- Goodbye
Who is the best sad song singer?
The songs above are some of the greatest sad songs of all time. Here are a few artists that seem to capture the bountiful emotion of sadness:
- Adele
- Sarah McLachlan
- Celine Dion
- Sam Smith
- Lady Gaga
- Lewis Capaldi
Is it good to listen to sad music when you are sad?
A 2015 study showed that depressed people preferred listening to sad music. Plus, from the same study participants with depression indicated they would rather listen to sad music than happy music. As a result, it is not a bad idea to listen to sad music when you are sad. However, you must know yourself well in order to decipher if the sad music is putting you in a deeper state of depression.
Does listening to sad music help depression?
Only you can answer this for yourself. If you need help… National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours in English and Spanish. Just dial #988 on your phone.
Have a favorite sad song that should be on our list? Please share your song below and why it is special to you.
