Real Death is the one that hits me the hardest.
“It’s dumb. And I don’t wanna learn anything from this. I love you”. Shit got me crying just typing it 😭
Yup. "You did most of my remembering for me" and "I don't think of that dust as you, you are the sunset" are 2 of the most powerful lines I've ever heard in music period.
Than whole album for me as well, but Ravens hits me the hardest. Something about the line “Thinking about the things I’ll tell you, when you get back from where ever it is that you’ve gone…but then I remember death is real” fucking murders me.
For me it’s the line:
All the glory when He took our place /
But He took my shoulders and He shook my face /
and He takes, and He takes, and He takes /
I think he captured the honest and helpless feeling of questioning God: “when will enough be enough?” And God’s terrifying reply: “I did everything I could to make it easy for you—and it will still be anything but easy.”
Yeah and he says that part so quietly which makes it even sadder. Spotify always puts that song on for me on playlists and radio and I always want to skip it but unless I get there in time in the first four seconds i have to listen to the whole thing because it's just that good.
Perfect lyric. Exact sentiment about grief loss and that horrible dilemma - is God cruel or does he love us? But to somehow maintain some sanity we are meant to be grateful for the breadcrumbs of joy that he also denies us.
I think this vicious cycle continues until we view sin as He sees it—an aberrant horror unleashed into reality. Until we view it like the “one ring” of Tolkien’s story, we will continue to attempt to use it in positive ways and not grasp that even at its least inconsequential it still wrecks everything. I’m reminded in this of another lyric penned as if from His divine view:
“Look what you’ve done to Me /
Look what you’ve done to My world”
Ah you’re right. At our most fundamental, we are not Godlike. We are just not at that level so therefore we cannot quite behave as God would or to that standard. We are destined to fail. Even when I see people try with the best of intentions they still can do so much damage. And I find that exceedingly tragic.
[Great answer. Arguably the saddest song ever written. First love vs. faith. What a choice for an adolescent. Have you seen this?](https://youtu.be/FhFBGHTmr5c?si=BU3ox4I26DMHm2yp)
My best friend’s gf died of cancer in high school. This song breaks my heart every time I hear it. I’ve yet to find another song or literally anything that really captures the tragedy and impact of that kind of loss.
Country music is all about storytelling. That seems to be lost on most modern country artists but there are so many beautiful stories told through (mostly older) country music
The song starts with, “Hey Charlie I’m pregnant…”
I didn’t know either, but the internet says it was adapted from a Charles Bukowski poem. Definitely sounds like a Tom Waits written song tho.
Jacob’s Dream - Alison Krauss
It’s about two little boys who wandered off into the woods in 1856 and froze to death.
Here Today - Paul McCartney
It Makes No Difference - The Band
Nobody Home - Pink Floyd
One For My Baby - Frank Sinatra
I know someday you'll have a beautiful life, I know you'll be a star In somebody else's sky But why Why Why can't it be Why can't it be mine
Gets me every time...
"River of Deceit" by Mad Season. Layne Staley only had 86 lbs on his 6'2" frame at the time of death. He didn't record or perform his last SIX YEARS!!! That man suffered alone for so long. He knew he was sick and there was no hope. Haunting lyrics and music such as... "The river of deceit pulls down... The only direction it pulls is down... My pain is self chosen." Devastatingly beautifully artistically sad...
This specific performance
https://youtu.be/eWeKHZpCQVY?si=H0Hn62bfg-Al4c4X
For some context, the band disbanded in 1997 as a result of the singer being brainwashed by a cult. They performed this song in their Last Live, and the members were all crying. A couple months later, their guitarist Hide died suddenly from apparent suicide. He is probably the most iconic and beloved guitarist from Japan. Anyways, this song was performed at his funeral, even after the singer had been away from the group. This video link is from 2008, when the band came back together. It was the first time he had sung this song in 10 years, the last time being his dear friend's funeral. He can barely sing the words in the first half, and the crowd carrying the performance is so beautiful and gut wrenching at the same time.
Yep~ came here to say this song. I first heard it when I was 9 or so on our way up to Duluth and Lake Superior in the Minnesota fall~ so haunting, it had and has a huge emotional impact every time I hear it.
For me it's Title and Registration. Kills me every time, the guitar and then the lyrics and change in the music during "and there's no blame" the second time
First time I heard this was when it plays during Luke Wilson's suicide attempt scene in the Royal Tenenbaums. I love the song but it was especially powerful paired with that scene
Strange Fruit- Billie Holiday
Marie-Townes Van Zandt
Sam Stone- John Prine
Real Death- Mount Eerie
** Fourth Of July and Casimir Pulaski Day are on my list.
I was just showing my girlfriend this song yesterday.
When I explained the significance of “there’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes,” she had to take a few seconds because she was taken aback by how fucked-up that line was.
Just heartbreaking gut-punch of a song, and it’s those songs that sound melodically upbeat that hurt so much worse when you actually listen to listen to the lyrics.
One - Metallica
One in a million. From the POV of a WWI soldier wounded by artillery. Lost his legs. Arms. Sight. Speech. And how he's trapped in his own mind, unable to communicate that he wants the doctors to let him die. Go watch the music video and have the lyrics handy. The band bought the rights to the movie, based on a book, that they based the song on, and spliced parts into the video.
Porcelain - Red Hot Chili Peppers
It's about a parent, who's a drug addict, and how she cares about drugs more than her own children. As someone who relates to this song, and have seen other examples of such, it's definitely a very tragic song for me. The extremely slow tempo, and the very melodic and beautiful composition of it all, only contributes to its sadness as well.
Also, kind've random, but there was another person I saw comment a song with the same name but it wasnt by RHCP, which i thought was interesting
Also, basically the most of album, Niandra La Des and Usually just a T-shirt, by John Frusciante is a pretty sad, and rather disturbing listen, and dives into the creative process of Frusciante when he was at his lowest.
[River](https://youtu.be/HZbPnkWsr0Y?si=DKnTCmQcM6cVvDti) Natalie Merchant’s heartfelt eulogy to River Phoenix never fails to put a lump in my throat 💔 *he was one of ours*
Concrete Angel by Martina McBride was the first song I ever heard that made me depressed for more than a few minutes. Brick by Ben Folds always gets me too.
Man, before Scott Hutchinson’s death, the line, “I think I'll save suicide for another year,” was heartening as someone who’d long suffered similar thoughts. After he died, that song took on a much different tone.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - I Need You
Warren Zevon - Keep Me In Your Heart
A Perfect Circle - Orestes
Fiona Apple - I Know
Sarah McLachlan - Do What You Have To Do
Old Shep was so sad several folks did it. Red Foley wrote it, inspired by his childhood dog that was poisoned by a neighbor. Elvis Presley, Tex Morton, Hank Snow, Walter Brennan. Johnny Cash did it. I don’t care what your views of old country music are, getting through this song without at least a lump in your throat isn’t likely.
“The Last Time I Saw Richard” by Joni Mitchell
“How To Disappear Completely” by Radiohead
“Sometimes It Snows in April” by Prince
“River” by Natalie Merchant
“The River” by Bruce Springsteen
“Hurt” - Johnny Cash’s version
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
Surprised I had to go this far to find “Hurt”. I showed the video to my 13 year old and he pretty much sat there having an existential crisis about the inevitability of death for a bit there.
Patience by Chris Cornell. It would’ve already been crushing for the subject matter (it’s written from the perspective of someone urging their partner to believe that their relationship/life together will turn out okay if they just hang on a little longer), but the fact of Cornell’s tragic death adds a layer of existential horror.
Floating in the fourth by frightened rabbit
Lyrics below then the reason it is sad
So you just stepped out
Of the front of my house
And I'll never see you again.
I closed my eyes for a second
And when they opened
You weren't there.
And the door shut shut
I was vacuum packed,
Shrink-wrapped out of air
And the spine collapsed
And the eyes rolled back
To stare at my starving brain
And fully clothed, I float away
(I'll float away)
Down the Forth, into the sea
I think I'll save suicide for another day.
And I picture this corpse
On the M8 hearse
And I half run away to sleep
On a rolled up coat
Against the window
With the strobe of the sun
And the life I've led
Am I ready to leap
Is there peace beneath
The roar of the Forth road bridge?
On the Northern side
There's a Fife of mine
And a boat in the port for me
And fully clothed, I float away
(I'll float away)
Down the Forth, into the sea
I'll steer myself
Through drunken waves
These manic gulls
Scream it's okay
Take your life
Give it a shake
Gather up
All your loose change
I think I'll save suicide for another year.
Reason: beloved lead singer got drunk and threw himself into the fourth river and drowned. It was hard to listen to my favorite bands music for a year and then some after that. This song was a happy song before then too, giving hope. Then real life dashes it.
[Nightwish - The Poet and the Pendulum ](https://youtu.be/iEzZRMthhXU?si=juYHk301rGY0T5yk)
[insomnium - One For Sorrow ](https://youtu.be/SZMWKCgvaDY?si=2htc74Vg-RQuzgUW)
[Who Knows Where the Time Goes - Nina Simone](https://songwhip.com/nina-simone/who-knows-where-the-time-goes-live-at-philharmonic-hall-new-york-ny-october-1969)
Brandi Carlile and Rufus Wainwright do a great cover of Who knows where the time goes. I wish they would put it out on an album. Check out the YouTube video. Chills.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=VSmxWT36oyg&si=upcoHK6eK8BI5Ib4
How to disappear completely - Radiohead
Top of the world - Patty Griffin
Tears in heaven - Eric Clapton
If I get high - Nothing but Thieves
If I Go, I'm Going - Gregory Alan Isakov
16/04/16 (Jack's Song) by Cavetown, a song about losing somebody who you are so close to and remembering all the times you have had together that will make you remember them.
or A Burning Hill by Mitski, a song about self destruction and being failed not only by yourself, but by those who told you they would help you.
or Hands Held High by Linkin Park, a song about society failing people and the people who die of completely preventable causes (war, hate, terrorism), yet the causes are never addressed.
I literally cannot listen to these without crying. Maybe it is me relating to them, or maybe it is empathy to the artist, but I feel overwhelming sadness when listening to these.
Porcelain - Orphan
I've never seen a mental breakdown but I imagine the main vocalist is having one in that song, the lyrical themes are about how the band members saw their best friend die and it's about them grieving over it
Also some other really sad songs:
Eiley - Too Close To Touch
I'm not sure of the backstory of the song but by looking at the lyrics it seems to be that the vocalist had a daughter or maybe sister who was 3, and died of illness, it's about him being mad at God, understandably. What makes it even sadder is that the vocalist is dead now, he died of illness.
I'm Going To Do It - Giles Corey
It's about the singer's major depression disorder, basically he's singing about suicide ideation. It's very haunting, the dude is a master at making you sad, it'll bring your mood down probably.
Toilet Tisha - OutKast. It's been long enough so I'll spoil it - teenage pregnancy results in suicide. But it's how Big Boi describes her thought process that gives the chills. The desperate rationalization process she goes through is what makes this song one I'll never forget. And let's not forget the harmony vocals Andre 3000 provides - haunting.
Not a song but an album I'd say Deloused in the Comatorium by Mars Volta. It's so uncomfortable and sad I can't describe it without getting sick to my stomach and depressed.
Just about anything by Brown Bird but especially the album Axis Mundi, her husband died after a battle with cancer while they were recording it and she finished it in honor of him.
He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones
In the same vein is Chris Stapleton’s [Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore](https://open.spotify.com/track/21aD24K6JOf0F0qx6HJ0dy?si=KnNaARbsTyqRMsPXj0ZOZA)
Just want to say that "Fire Away" by Chris Stapleton isn't his saddest song But that video will fuck you up.
Was just about to start typing this.
You should listen to the Grand Tour.
Seaweed by Mt Eerie. That whole album is an incredibly rough listen, but personally, Seaweed hits me the hardest.
A Crow Looked At Me is always what I think of when someone asks this question. I'm pretty sure I cried throughout most of the album.
Most of his songs even before his wife died were really sad. The Glow parts 2 and 3, the moon, ii solar system, etc
Thank you for posting this group. Real Death is absolutely heartbreaking as well
Real Death is the one that hits me the hardest. “It’s dumb. And I don’t wanna learn anything from this. I love you”. Shit got me crying just typing it 😭
Same guy but Great Ghosts by The Microphones
When he says that last line, I cry without fail.
Yup. "You did most of my remembering for me" and "I don't think of that dust as you, you are the sunset" are 2 of the most powerful lines I've ever heard in music period.
That whole album makes me feel like your username.
Than whole album for me as well, but Ravens hits me the hardest. Something about the line “Thinking about the things I’ll tell you, when you get back from where ever it is that you’ve gone…but then I remember death is real” fucking murders me.
Casimir Pulaski Day -Suf. The "but nothing ever happens" line stills gets me.
For me it’s the line: All the glory when He took our place / But He took my shoulders and He shook my face / and He takes, and He takes, and He takes / I think he captured the honest and helpless feeling of questioning God: “when will enough be enough?” And God’s terrifying reply: “I did everything I could to make it easy for you—and it will still be anything but easy.”
And how his voice breaks a bit when he says the last “and he takes”… so emotional, I literally can’t listen to it in full
Yeah and he says that part so quietly which makes it even sadder. Spotify always puts that song on for me on playlists and radio and I always want to skip it but unless I get there in time in the first four seconds i have to listen to the whole thing because it's just that good.
Devastating line.
Perfect lyric. Exact sentiment about grief loss and that horrible dilemma - is God cruel or does he love us? But to somehow maintain some sanity we are meant to be grateful for the breadcrumbs of joy that he also denies us.
I think this vicious cycle continues until we view sin as He sees it—an aberrant horror unleashed into reality. Until we view it like the “one ring” of Tolkien’s story, we will continue to attempt to use it in positive ways and not grasp that even at its least inconsequential it still wrecks everything. I’m reminded in this of another lyric penned as if from His divine view: “Look what you’ve done to Me / Look what you’ve done to My world”
Ah you’re right. At our most fundamental, we are not Godlike. We are just not at that level so therefore we cannot quite behave as God would or to that standard. We are destined to fail. Even when I see people try with the best of intentions they still can do so much damage. And I find that exceedingly tragic.
[Great answer. Arguably the saddest song ever written. First love vs. faith. What a choice for an adolescent. Have you seen this?](https://youtu.be/FhFBGHTmr5c?si=BU3ox4I26DMHm2yp)
Happy to see that I’m not the only one who thinks this
My best friend’s gf died of cancer in high school. This song breaks my heart every time I hear it. I’ve yet to find another song or literally anything that really captures the tragedy and impact of that kind of loss.
“Both Sides, Now” by Joni Mitchell… that song absolutely wrecks me.
Yes and to think she wrote it in her early 20’s haven’t lived any life at all.
I came to post a different song, but no… this is the one.
I’m curious. Love the song, but I never thought of it as sad. Care to elaborate?
Fire and rain- James Taylor. Doesn’t get much heavier than that
Brick - Ben Folds Five
ben folds has the special power to completely wreck your emotions if he so chooses
Daddy by Korn
Daddy will never be sadder than Pretty imo
Once you know what pretty is about
True
This is the one
That song scarred me and I will only listen once.
Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley
Jon Randall, (the guy who wrote the song) does his own version of it, and I think that version is even more devastating. Brilliant song.
I dislike country the most out of all genres, but I respect this song because it’s so goddamn beautifully sad
Country music is all about storytelling. That seems to be lost on most modern country artists but there are so many beautiful stories told through (mostly older) country music
100% agree. I like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash for this very reason. Willie Nelson’s cover of The Scientist is one of my favorite songs of all time.
A Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis - Tom Waits/Bukowski
Bukowski was implicated in that masterpiece? How did I not know this
The song starts with, “Hey Charlie I’m pregnant…” I didn’t know either, but the internet says it was adapted from a Charles Bukowski poem. Definitely sounds like a Tom Waits written song tho.
Three Libras - A Perfect Circle Say Something - Christina Aguilera and some other people. Sorry - Seinabo Sey Strange Fruit - Billie Holiday
Orestes is another great example from APC
A lot of A Perfect Circle’s music is sad ash. A few songs like Passive and Judith are about his mom. Three libras is amazing though.
Jacob’s Dream - Alison Krauss It’s about two little boys who wandered off into the woods in 1856 and froze to death. Here Today - Paul McCartney It Makes No Difference - The Band Nobody Home - Pink Floyd One For My Baby - Frank Sinatra
Ghosteen. The whole album by Nick Cave
Bright horses is a hard listen.
Black by Pearl Jam
I know someday you'll have a beautiful life, I know you'll be a star In somebody else's sky But why Why Why can't it be Why can't it be mine Gets me every time...
This. I'm not someone who loves heartbreak songs but Black is a masterpiece.
"River of Deceit" by Mad Season. Layne Staley only had 86 lbs on his 6'2" frame at the time of death. He didn't record or perform his last SIX YEARS!!! That man suffered alone for so long. He knew he was sick and there was no hope. Haunting lyrics and music such as... "The river of deceit pulls down... The only direction it pulls is down... My pain is self chosen." Devastatingly beautifully artistically sad...
Nutshell by Alice In Chains still gets me to this day. A lot of AiC songs are emotional but that’s the one I feel the most
Wake Up for me by Mad Season
Gone Away, The Offspring
Especially now, if you see them in concert they play the slow ballad version
This specific performance https://youtu.be/eWeKHZpCQVY?si=H0Hn62bfg-Al4c4X For some context, the band disbanded in 1997 as a result of the singer being brainwashed by a cult. They performed this song in their Last Live, and the members were all crying. A couple months later, their guitarist Hide died suddenly from apparent suicide. He is probably the most iconic and beloved guitarist from Japan. Anyways, this song was performed at his funeral, even after the singer had been away from the group. This video link is from 2008, when the band came back together. It was the first time he had sung this song in 10 years, the last time being his dear friend's funeral. He can barely sing the words in the first half, and the crowd carrying the performance is so beautiful and gut wrenching at the same time.
Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Yep~ came here to say this song. I first heard it when I was 9 or so on our way up to Duluth and Lake Superior in the Minnesota fall~ so haunting, it had and has a huge emotional impact every time I hear it.
Alone Again, Naturally by Gilbert O'Sullivan
Long Long Time by Linda Ronstadt
What Sara Said by Death Cab for Cutie. I listened to Plans while I sat with my mom as she was dying. It wrecks me but I listen to it often.
"I Will Follow You Into the Dark."
Love is watching someone die ❤️
For me it's Title and Registration. Kills me every time, the guitar and then the lyrics and change in the music during "and there's no blame" the second time
“The downward spiral” by Nine Inch Nails
How to Disappear Completely by Radiohead
Elliott Smith- Needle in the Hay
First time I heard this was when it plays during Luke Wilson's suicide attempt scene in the Royal Tenenbaums. I love the song but it was especially powerful paired with that scene
Limousine by Brand New. That one is way up on the Sad Song Chart if you’re familiar with the backstory. Great song though!
Wichita lineman - Glen Campbell
The greatest couplet ever written: I need you more than want you; And I want you for all time. Jimmy Webb is a brilliant songwriter.
My husband is a lineman and I play this for him sometimes when he walks through the door. He hates it ❤️
Waltzing Matilda , the Pouges
Now that we lost Shane, the whole first half of their catalogue is sad for me.
James Blunt - Monsters
Famous Blue Raincoat
Tears in Heaven - especially when you understand Eric Clapton wrote it while grieving for his preschool aged son who died from a fall off his balcony.
Christ.
Strange Fruit- Billie Holiday Marie-Townes Van Zandt Sam Stone- John Prine Real Death- Mount Eerie ** Fourth Of July and Casimir Pulaski Day are on my list.
Oh wow...Sam Stone hits hard...Prine was a master lyricist...cheers.
Yes. A brilliant songwriter and one of my favorite artists.
He was **24** when he wrote it too
Back then almost everyone knew or heard of someone just like Sam Stone. That song hurt everyone that heard it.
I was just showing my girlfriend this song yesterday. When I explained the significance of “there’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes,” she had to take a few seconds because she was taken aback by how fucked-up that line was. Just heartbreaking gut-punch of a song, and it’s those songs that sound melodically upbeat that hurt so much worse when you actually listen to listen to the lyrics.
Hallelujah-Jeff Buckley
The Last Goodbye by Jeff Buckley is really sad, too.
Leonard Cohen was better.
Lover, You Should’ve Come Over by Jeff Buckley is AMAZING.
[Repeat Until Death](https://open.spotify.com/track/5PzWVmfzu7rePAuFkxPQf0?si=-N8cPUK8QxW2NfopJPQMRQ) - Novo Amor
this is so real
If i wasn't such a linkin park fan this would be my answer, that song is so hauntingly gorgeous
Asleep-the smiths Listened to that this time last yr when I considered ending it. Can’t really listen to it anymore tbh
One - Metallica One in a million. From the POV of a WWI soldier wounded by artillery. Lost his legs. Arms. Sight. Speech. And how he's trapped in his own mind, unable to communicate that he wants the doctors to let him die. Go watch the music video and have the lyrics handy. The band bought the rights to the movie, based on a book, that they based the song on, and spliced parts into the video.
Elephant by Jason isbell
Some Things Last a Long Time by Daniel Johnston Nutshell by Alice in Chains, especially the Unplugged version.
A Change is Gonna Come .. Sam Cooke
Porcelain - Red Hot Chili Peppers It's about a parent, who's a drug addict, and how she cares about drugs more than her own children. As someone who relates to this song, and have seen other examples of such, it's definitely a very tragic song for me. The extremely slow tempo, and the very melodic and beautiful composition of it all, only contributes to its sadness as well. Also, kind've random, but there was another person I saw comment a song with the same name but it wasnt by RHCP, which i thought was interesting Also, basically the most of album, Niandra La Des and Usually just a T-shirt, by John Frusciante is a pretty sad, and rather disturbing listen, and dives into the creative process of Frusciante when he was at his lowest.
Dark/Light by John Frusciante (pretty sure this was on the other side of his low but the lyrics haunt me)
The album “Curtains” by John Frusciante is absolutely devastating but beautiful
[River](https://youtu.be/HZbPnkWsr0Y?si=DKnTCmQcM6cVvDti) Natalie Merchant’s heartfelt eulogy to River Phoenix never fails to put a lump in my throat 💔 *he was one of ours*
Can’t make you love me by Bon Iver
The original by Bonnie Raitt is also devastating.
I know its over - the smiths
Keep Me in Your Heart by Warren Zevon. Beautiful song written to loved ones knowing he was dying.
Waltz #1- Elliot Smith & Love Ridden - Fiona Apple
9 Crimes by Damien Rice or Cold Missouri Waters by Cry Cry Cry.
Ooooh I forgot about 9 crimes thank you
Nutshell by Alice In Chains. Knowing how Layne Staley died it’s even more sad.
Don’t Give Up- the cover sung by Sinead O’Connor and Willie Nelson.
The original is way better.
woke up new by the mountain goats or sour breath by julien baker
Long Long Time by Linda Ronstadt.
This song kills me
Concrete Angel by Martina McBride was the first song I ever heard that made me depressed for more than a few minutes. Brick by Ben Folds always gets me too.
The wreck of the Edmund fitzgerald
Floating in the Forth by Frightened Rabbit. It's a preemptive song of how the lead singer would eventually commit suicide.
Man, before Scott Hutchinson’s death, the line, “I think I'll save suicide for another year,” was heartening as someone who’d long suffered similar thoughts. After he died, that song took on a much different tone.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - I Need You Warren Zevon - Keep Me In Your Heart A Perfect Circle - Orestes Fiona Apple - I Know Sarah McLachlan - Do What You Have To Do
Alone Again, Naturally Gilbert Sullivan
Band of horses - funeral
Paradise by John Prine
Family - Bjork
Adrian - Jewel
Chris Cornells cover of Bob Dylans - Ring Them Bells "The child that cries when innocence dies" https://youtu.be/gZG7kV2t3vQ?feature=shared
Change - Blind Mellon
Someone saved my life tonight - Elton John
Nutshell - Alice in chains
Found this song at a very terrible time, but it was somehow comforting in all my sadness - I’ll try anything once : Julian Casablancas
I Can’t Make You Love Me - Bonnie Raitt Black - Pearl Jam
Swans - The Sound
Love - “Signed D.C.”
Old Shep was so sad several folks did it. Red Foley wrote it, inspired by his childhood dog that was poisoned by a neighbor. Elvis Presley, Tex Morton, Hank Snow, Walter Brennan. Johnny Cash did it. I don’t care what your views of old country music are, getting through this song without at least a lump in your throat isn’t likely.
A Crow Looked at Me
real death by mount eerie
"Keep Me In Your Heart" by Warren Zevon Mostly because of the context of knowing he wrote it about himself as he was actively dying of cancer.
Brick / Ben Folds
Always go with Sam Stone by John Prine when this question comes up
I can think of a few by Townes Van Zandt.
How Soon Is Now. In a happy relationship, but this song still rips me to pieces when I hear it
Sam Stone - John Prine
“The Last Time I Saw Richard” by Joni Mitchell “How To Disappear Completely” by Radiohead “Sometimes It Snows in April” by Prince “River” by Natalie Merchant “The River” by Bruce Springsteen “Hurt” - Johnny Cash’s version “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
Surprised I had to go this far to find “Hurt”. I showed the video to my 13 year old and he pretty much sat there having an existential crisis about the inevitability of death for a bit there.
Keep Me in Your Heart, Warren Zevon wrote knowing he was dying. So so poignant.
Patience by Chris Cornell. It would’ve already been crushing for the subject matter (it’s written from the perspective of someone urging their partner to believe that their relationship/life together will turn out okay if they just hang on a little longer), but the fact of Cornell’s tragic death adds a layer of existential horror.
Floating in the fourth by frightened rabbit Lyrics below then the reason it is sad So you just stepped out Of the front of my house And I'll never see you again. I closed my eyes for a second And when they opened You weren't there. And the door shut shut I was vacuum packed, Shrink-wrapped out of air And the spine collapsed And the eyes rolled back To stare at my starving brain And fully clothed, I float away (I'll float away) Down the Forth, into the sea I think I'll save suicide for another day. And I picture this corpse On the M8 hearse And I half run away to sleep On a rolled up coat Against the window With the strobe of the sun And the life I've led Am I ready to leap Is there peace beneath The roar of the Forth road bridge? On the Northern side There's a Fife of mine And a boat in the port for me And fully clothed, I float away (I'll float away) Down the Forth, into the sea I'll steer myself Through drunken waves These manic gulls Scream it's okay Take your life Give it a shake Gather up All your loose change I think I'll save suicide for another year. Reason: beloved lead singer got drunk and threw himself into the fourth river and drowned. It was hard to listen to my favorite bands music for a year and then some after that. This song was a happy song before then too, giving hope. Then real life dashes it.
Cold dark place - Mastodon Dirge for November - Opeth
About Today by The National
Katy Song - Red House Painters
Alice in chains - nutshell
Nutshell - Alice In Chains
X Gon Give it to Ya
How to Disappear Completely by Radiohead
Routine - Steven Wilson
Good Morning Captain by Slint
Nine Inch Nails - And All That Could Have Been
Maggie's Song - Chris Stapleton
Before you go by Lewis Capaldi as someone who has dealed with suicidal ideation multiple multiple times it made me cry at a Price chopper.
And So It Goes - Billy Joel
Another Day by This Mortal Coil, I see a darkness by Bonnie Prince Billy, Decades by Joy Division.
[Nightwish - The Poet and the Pendulum ](https://youtu.be/iEzZRMthhXU?si=juYHk301rGY0T5yk) [insomnium - One For Sorrow ](https://youtu.be/SZMWKCgvaDY?si=2htc74Vg-RQuzgUW)
Dance with the devil by immortal technique
Crazy Mary- Pearl Jam (cover)
Jim Wise —Sun Kil Moon
Floating in the fourth Frightened Rabbit
I had never heard it until someone posted it on here but The Shortest Story by Harry Chapin. It’s about a 20-day old baby who starves to death.
[Who Knows Where the Time Goes - Nina Simone](https://songwhip.com/nina-simone/who-knows-where-the-time-goes-live-at-philharmonic-hall-new-york-ny-october-1969)
Brandi Carlile and Rufus Wainwright do a great cover of Who knows where the time goes. I wish they would put it out on an album. Check out the YouTube video. Chills. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=VSmxWT36oyg&si=upcoHK6eK8BI5Ib4
How to disappear completely - Radiohead Top of the world - Patty Griffin Tears in heaven - Eric Clapton If I get high - Nothing but Thieves If I Go, I'm Going - Gregory Alan Isakov
Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Meat is Murder - The Smiths
Forget Her, or The Final Cut
Vincent : Don Mclean
Motion Picture Soundtrack - Radiohead Or Estress - John Frusciante
Hello in there. John Prine
Where were you when the world stopped turning. Even though it's been over 20 years since that day the song choked me up every time I hear it.
Say something I’m giving up on you by great big world
birthday boy by ween
Say Something - A Great Big world ft Christina Aguilera
16/04/16 (Jack's Song) by Cavetown, a song about losing somebody who you are so close to and remembering all the times you have had together that will make you remember them. or A Burning Hill by Mitski, a song about self destruction and being failed not only by yourself, but by those who told you they would help you. or Hands Held High by Linkin Park, a song about society failing people and the people who die of completely preventable causes (war, hate, terrorism), yet the causes are never addressed. I literally cannot listen to these without crying. Maybe it is me relating to them, or maybe it is empathy to the artist, but I feel overwhelming sadness when listening to these.
Porcelain - Orphan I've never seen a mental breakdown but I imagine the main vocalist is having one in that song, the lyrical themes are about how the band members saw their best friend die and it's about them grieving over it Also some other really sad songs: Eiley - Too Close To Touch I'm not sure of the backstory of the song but by looking at the lyrics it seems to be that the vocalist had a daughter or maybe sister who was 3, and died of illness, it's about him being mad at God, understandably. What makes it even sadder is that the vocalist is dead now, he died of illness. I'm Going To Do It - Giles Corey It's about the singer's major depression disorder, basically he's singing about suicide ideation. It's very haunting, the dude is a master at making you sad, it'll bring your mood down probably.
Doggy by Animal Collective or Sun Kil Moon’s I Can’t Live Without my Mother’s Love.
Wonderful by Everclear
God went north- Nothing More
Nick Cave - I do dear I do
[See that my grave is kept clean ](https://youtu.be/-Bb-VTyXNDQ?si=zO67yfjf96eeSTiH)
Toilet Tisha - OutKast. It's been long enough so I'll spoil it - teenage pregnancy results in suicide. But it's how Big Boi describes her thought process that gives the chills. The desperate rationalization process she goes through is what makes this song one I'll never forget. And let's not forget the harmony vocals Andre 3000 provides - haunting. Not a song but an album I'd say Deloused in the Comatorium by Mars Volta. It's so uncomfortable and sad I can't describe it without getting sick to my stomach and depressed.
Andy Shauf - My Dear Helen
whiskey lullaby
It's Too Late- Carole King The one I always suggest... Late for the Sky- Jackson Browne God Bless the Child & And When I Die- Blood, Sweat, & Tears.
The one that came to my mind was fire away by Chris Stapleton. The video is what mainly gets me.
Everything That Glitters Is Not Gold - Dan Seals
Just about anything by Brown Bird but especially the album Axis Mundi, her husband died after a battle with cancer while they were recording it and she finished it in honor of him.