A List of Sad Songs

A sad song is a sad song is a sad song. Period. It's provokes your inner thoughts and emotions. Depending on its listener, any song could be considered sad. I'm drawn to haunting lyrics as well as melodies. I've even heard really haunting guitar riffs that will bring upon tears in my eyes. A song written in minor chords are the death of me. Some of my favorites are even instrumentals. Since I have too many to name, here is a shortened list of songs that come to mind.

'Wise Up' by Aimee Mann. The piano melody is so haunting and I really like the lyrics.

'A Thousand Years' by Azure Ray. I heard this song for the first time this year and I think it's great.

'Blackbird' by The Beatles. It's a classic. How could anyone not love this song is beyond me.

'Give A Man A Home' by Ben Harper. He's a brilliant songwriter and I think everyone should listen to his work.

Everywhere' by Billy Bragg. A really emotional song about war through a soldier's eyes.

'In The Deep' by Bird York. This is the song from the movie Crash. I believe it was also nominated for best song at the Oscars.

'An Ending (Ascent)' by Brian Eno. A lovely instrumental song that could be up for interpretation.

'Colorblind' by Counting Crows. Another song with a deeply moving piano melody. The lyrics are also wonderful.

'No Need To Argue' by The Cranberries. It's the type of song you have on in the background when your working on something thought provoking.

'Cold Water' by Damien Rice. One of my favorite artists of all time. This song is simply amazing.

'The End of an Anchor' by Dashboard Confessional. This song caught my attention by accident and I'm glad that it did.

'What Sarah Said' by Death Cab For Cutie. One of my favorite bands of all time with the best lyrics. All of their songs keep getting better with each new album.

'That Says It All' by Duncan Sheik. An quieter song bathed in several emotions.

'Electro-Shock Blues' by The Eels. Another great band known for their quiet introspective lyrics. This song is about trying to hold on to your sanity.

'Il Mercenario' Reprise by Ennio Morricone. An instrumental classic from a well known composer.

'Wonderful' by Everclear. A catchy but humble song about family issues.

'So Lonesome I Could Cry' by The Everly Brothers. Another classic song. I've heard different versions but this one if my favorite.

'Wings' by Gustavo Santaolalla. This is the theme song from Brokeback Mountain. It's incredibly depressing and it goes well with the movie.

'Thunderbird' by Hans Zimmer. This is the theme song from Thelma & Louise. If you've seen the movie then you know how well this fits into the the theme of hopelessness.

'Half Acre' by Hem. I first heard this on a commercial with people helping one another. It's a great indie song.

'Such Great Heights' by Iron & Wine. Most of their stuff is really thought provoking but I think this one tops them all.

'Never An Absolution' by James Horner. This song is from the movie Titantic. I love the music more than the movie.

'Hallelujah' by Jeff Buckley. I think this is one of thos songs that everyone has heard at least once but didn't know who it was from.

'Hear You Me' by Jimmy Eat World. This is, to me, the only sad song from this band.

'Say' by John Mayer. A newer song that caught my interest. He always seems to outdo himself.

'This Woman's Work' by Kate Bush. This song is so haunting it's almost scary.

'The Second Day' by Kendall Payne. I've heard this song in numerous movies and it took me awhile to figure out the name of the artist.

'Dreaming' by Loudon Wainwright III. The lyrics are great and I love most songs with acoustic riffs.

'My Life in Art' by Mojave 3. A quiet song from an indie band. I really like the way he's singing it.

'The Bluest Eyes In Texas' by Nina Persson & Nathan Larson. My favorite version of this song. it's by far my favorite song of all time.

'House of The Rising Sun' by Nina Simone. Her work is amazing. And so moving.

'Lithium' by Nirvana. I love self complaint rock songs.

'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' by Oasis. A great song to listen to when your down.

'Somewhere Out There' by Our Lady Peace. My second favorite song by this band.

'Junk' by Paul McCartney. It took me years to find this song and I don't know why.

'Jeremy' by Pearl Jam. My theme song. As a teen I had many days when I felt tragically hopeless. I saw this video for the first time when I was eleven. I instantly had a connection to it.

'Going Whichever Way The Wind Blows' by Pete Droge. Another great acoustic song.

'Metamorphosis Two' by Philip Glass. I'm addicted to Philip's work of art.

'The Thin Ice' by Pink Floyd. From my favorite album, 'The Wall'.

'Where Is My Mind' by The Pixies. A great song by a weird indie band. And weird in a good way.

'Goodbye' by Plankeye. I don't know much about Plankeye, but this song is good.

'Youth Of The Nation' by POD. Awesome song. Listen to it.

'Creep' by Radiohead. If you can't relate to this song on some level, you must be way too involved with nonsensical things.

'Shadows' by Red House Painters. I was listening to a radio broadcast online when I heard this. Nice piano piece.

'Will I?' from Rent. A great musical and it was hard to choose just one song.

'Reflection Adagio' by Robbie Robertson. From the movie Ladder 49. The movie was okay but I love this song more.

'Gold In Them Hills' by Ron Sexsmith. The best version is the one with Chris Martin from Coldplay.

'You're Not Alone' by Saosin. A new band, I believe. Nice song to rock out to.
'Good Enough' by Sarah Mclachlan. I could have listed all of her songs. She is an amazing singer and songwriter.

'Dreaming of You' by Selena. It's not just a love song. Because of the tragedy of her death, this song is twice as eerie.

'Breathe Me' by Sia. This song was used for that wonderful 'Six Feet Under' finale. Go watch the show.

'Svefn g Englar' by Sigur Ros. I think they are Icelandic. The guitar parts are played with a violin to get that drawn out effect.

'Bookends' by Simon & Garfunkel. One of my favorite songs of all time. It's a quiet song with a lot of heart.

'The End of The World' by Skeeter Davis. So haunting and memorable after you listen to it.

'Dagger' by Slowdive. This is why I love indie bands.

'Stumbleine' by Smashing Pumpkins. Great band. Awesome song.

'Left Behind' from Spring Awakening. A great musical. This song speaks of loss and hopelessness. Go see the play.

'Ready' by The Starting Line. This song surprised me because it didn't seem like something this band was capable of.

'Pieces' by Sum 41. Another surprise from a great pop-punk band.

'Wild Horses' by The Sundays. My favorite version of this song by far.

'Let That be Enough' by Switchfoot. Another brilliant acoustic song.

'That Next Place' by Thomas Newman. This is from the movie 'Meet Joe Black'. A great instrumental piece from one of my favorite composer.

'Behind Blue Eyes' by The Who. A great song by one of the most influential bands.

'Million Voices' by Wyclef Jean. This song is from 'Hotel Rwanda'. The movie made me cry and so does this song.