When tears start falling, music often becomes our most trusted companion, offering solace through melodies that understand our pain. The best songs about crying capture the raw emotion of heartbreak, loss, and overwhelming feelings that bring us to tears. From classic ballads to contemporary hits, these tracks validate our emotions and remind us we’re not alone in our vulnerability.
Crying is a universal human experience, and throughout music history, artists have channeled this emotion into powerful compositions that resonate across generations. Whether you’re seeking catharsis, comfort, or simply a soundtrack to match your mood, these songs deliver emotional depth and musical excellence. The tracks featured here span multiple genres and decades, proving that tearful moments inspire some of the most memorable music ever created.
Purple Rain by Prince
Prince’s iconic “Purple Rain” stands as one of the most emotionally charged power ballads ever recorded, with its soaring guitar solos and heart-wrenching lyrics about love and loss. The song’s nine-minute runtime allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in the emotional journey, building from gentle verses to an explosive climax that perfectly captures the feeling of tears streaming down your face. Released in 1984, this track became Prince’s signature song and remains a staple on playlists exploring themes of sorrow and emotional release.
Tears Dry On Their Own by Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse delivered a masterpiece of heartbreak with “Tears Dry On Their Own,” a track that acknowledges pain while asserting resilience and self-preservation. The song samples Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” creating a bittersweet contrast between the upbeat melody and the melancholic lyrics about a relationship’s end. Winehouse’s distinctive vocals convey both vulnerability and strength, making this one of her most relatable compositions about the healing process after tears have been shed.
Cry Me A River by Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake’s breakthrough solo hit “Cry Me A River” transformed personal heartbreak into a cultural phenomenon, with its haunting production and accusatory lyrics resonating with anyone who’s experienced betrayal. The song’s minimalist beat and atmospheric strings create a moody soundscape that perfectly complements the narrative of discovering infidelity and demanding emotional accountability. Released in 2002, this track helped redefine contemporary R&B while giving voice to the anger and sadness that often accompany relationship endings.
The Crying Game by Boy George
Boy George’s haunting rendition of “The Crying Game” captures the complexity of love, secrets, and the tears that accompany emotional manipulation and hidden truths. The song’s dramatic arrangement builds tension throughout, mirroring the emotional rollercoaster of discovering that love isn’t what it seemed to be. Originally written in the 1960s but popularized by Boy George’s 1992 version for the film of the same name, this track explores how vulnerability can lead to heartbreak and inevitable tears.
Cry Baby by Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin’s raw, powerful vocals on “Cry Baby” transform a simple plea into an earth-shattering demand for emotional honesty and connection. The song showcases Joplin’s ability to channel pain into performance, with every note dripping with desperation and the kind of emotion that brings both singer and listener to the brink of tears. This 1971 track remains one of the most visceral examples of how rock music can express the deepest human emotions without holding anything back.
Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart” became one of the most commercially successful breakup songs of all time, with its dramatic orchestration and Braxton’s rich contralto voice creating an atmosphere of profound sorrow. The song’s lyrics plead for reconciliation and the undoing of emotional damage, capturing the desperate feeling of wanting to turn back time and prevent heartbreak. Released in 1996, this track spent eleven weeks at number one and remains a definitive anthem for anyone crying over lost love.
No Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left To Cry” represents a powerful shift from sadness to resilience, documenting the moment when you’ve cried so much that healing finally begins. Released in 2018 as her comeback single following personal tragedies, the song combines uplifting production with lyrics about choosing positivity after experiencing profound pain. Grande’s vocal performance demonstrates technical mastery while conveying genuine emotion, making this track both a celebration of survival and an acknowledgment of the tears that preceded it.
Cry by Cigarettes After Sex
The ethereal “Cry” by Cigarettes After Sex creates an atmospheric soundscape that feels like floating through a melancholic dream filled with unshed tears. The band’s signature ambient sound and Greg Gonzalez’s whispered vocals craft an intimate moment that explores longing, desire, and the quiet sadness that doesn’t always manifest in visible tears. This 2019 track showcases how modern indie music can capture emotional nuance without resorting to dramatic crescendos or obvious emotional manipulation.
Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton’s “Tears In Heaven” stands as one of the most heartbreaking songs ever written, composed as a tribute to his young son who died tragically in 1991. The acoustic guitar-driven ballad poses questions about whether love transcends death and whether tears can still connect us to those we’ve lost. Clapton’s restrained vocal delivery makes the song even more devastating, proving that sometimes the quietest expressions of grief carry the most emotional weight.
Cry To Me by Solomon Burke
Solomon Burke’s soul classic “Cry To Me” offers comfort and understanding to anyone experiencing emotional pain, with Burke positioning himself as a shoulder to cry on during difficult times. The song’s gentle groove and warm horns create a safe space for vulnerability, while Burke’s compassionate vocals assure listeners that showing emotion is a sign of strength, not weakness. Released in 1962, this track influenced countless artists and remains a masterclass in how soul music can provide emotional support through difficult moments.
I’m Still Standing by Elton John
While not explicitly about crying, Elton John’s triumphant “I’m Still Standing” represents the aftermath of tears—the moment when resilience overtakes sorrow and survival becomes a celebration. The song’s upbeat tempo and defiant lyrics serve as an anthem for anyone who has cried through heartbreak but emerged stronger on the other side. Released in 1983, this track has become synonymous with perseverance and remains a favorite for those seeking empowerment after emotional struggles.
Before You Go by Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi’s emotionally devastating “Before You Go” explores the guilt and unanswered questions that follow losing someone to suicide, with Capaldi’s vulnerable vocals bringing many listeners to tears. The song builds from a simple piano ballad to a powerful chorus that captures the anguish of wishing you had said or done something differently. Released in 2019, this track showcases Capaldi’s ability to tackle heavy subjects with sensitivity and has resonated deeply with those processing grief and loss.
Cry by Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson’s powerful ballad “Cry” encourages emotional release and validates the need to let tears flow rather than holding pain inside. The song’s production supports Clarkson’s signature powerhouse vocals, creating moments of both intimacy and explosive emotion that mirror the experience of finally allowing yourself to break down. This track demonstrates Clarkson’s range not just vocally but emotionally, as she guides listeners through the cathartic experience of accepting sadness rather than fighting it.
The Night We Met by Lord Huron
Lord Huron’s “The Night We Met” has become a modern anthem for nostalgic sadness, with its wistful lyrics about wanting to return to a moment before everything fell apart. The song’s folk-rock arrangement and melancholic melody create a sense of longing so powerful that many listeners find themselves crying over their own lost moments. Featured in the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” in 2017, this track gained widespread recognition for its ability to capture the ache of hindsight and regret.
Crying by Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison’s operatic masterpiece “Crying” showcases one of popular music’s most distinctive voices delivering a performance of pure emotional devastation. The song’s dramatic arrangement and Orbison’s soaring vocals create a theatrical experience that elevates the simple act of crying to something almost transcendent. Released in 1961, this track influenced generations of artists and remains the gold standard for songs that embrace rather than shy away from emotional vulnerability.
Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi appears twice on this list because “Someone You Loved” represents another pinnacle of tear-inducing contemporary ballads, with its stripped-down production allowing emotional lyrics to take center stage. The song chronicles the aftermath of a breakup and the struggle to adjust to life without someone who provided emotional security and comfort. Released in 2018, this track became a global phenomenon and spent multiple weeks atop charts worldwide, proving that audiences still crave authentic expressions of sadness and loss.
Crying in the Club by Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello’s “Crying in the Club” transforms a typically private moment of sadness into a communal experience, suggesting that dancing through tears can be its own form of healing. The song samples Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle” while delivering a message about finding strength in vulnerability and refusing to let heartbreak keep you isolated. Released in 2017 as Cabello’s debut solo single, this track bridges the gap between emotional ballads and dance music, creating something uniquely cathartic.
Drivers License by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s breakthrough hit “Drivers License” captured the collective imagination of a generation with its deeply personal lyrics about heartbreak, jealousy, and the tears that come with first love ending. The song’s sparse production allows Rodrigo’s raw vocal performance to shine, with her voice cracking at emotionally charged moments in ways that feel authentic rather than manufactured. Released in January 2021, this track broke numerous streaming records and established Rodrigo as a voice for young people processing complex emotions through music.
Made You Cry by Tate McRae
Tate McRae’s “Made You Cry” flips the script by exploring guilt and regret from the perspective of the person who caused the tears, offering a more complex emotional narrative. The song’s production blends pop and R&B influences while McRae’s honest lyrics acknowledge the harm caused by her actions in a relationship. This 2023 release showcases how younger artists are bringing fresh perspectives to timeless themes of heartbreak and emotional damage.
Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo returns to this list with “Vampire,” a dramatic piano ballad from 2023 that builds from quiet verses to an explosive chorus cataloging betrayal and manipulation. The song uses the vampire metaphor to describe someone who emotionally drained the narrator, with Rodrigo’s vocal performance conveying both anger and the tears that come with recognizing you’ve been used. The track demonstrates Rodrigo’s growth as a songwriter while maintaining the emotional honesty that made her a star, and its themes resonate with anyone who has cried over realizing a relationship was one-sided.
Music has always provided a safe space for processing emotions too overwhelming to express through words alone. These songs about crying span decades and genres, but they share a common thread—honest emotional expression that validates our tears rather than dismissing them. From Prince’s purple-tinged heartbreak to Olivia Rodrigo’s Gen-Z angst, each track offers a different perspective on crying while reminding us that tears are a natural, healthy response to life’s challenges.
The artists featured here understand that creating music about crying isn’t about wallowing in sadness but rather about acknowledging pain as part of the human experience. Whether you prefer the raw power of Janis Joplin, the smooth soul of Solomon Burke, or the contemporary vulnerability of Lewis Capaldi, there’s a crying song that speaks to your specific emotional needs. These tracks serve multiple purposes—they can help you embrace your feelings, provide comfort during difficult times, or simply offer beautiful music that happens to explore themes of tears and sadness.
If you’re interested in exploring more emotional music, check out our extensive collection of songs across various themes and genres. The right song can transform a crying session from something lonely into something cathartic, turning private pain into shared human experience. Music’s power lies in its ability to make us feel less alone, and these songs about crying excel at creating connections between artists and listeners through honest emotional expression.
For those who love analyzing music deeply, understanding the technical aspects of how we listen can enhance appreciation—explore our guides on comparing earbuds to find the perfect audio equipment for experiencing every emotional nuance. The way we hear music affects how it moves us, and investing in quality listening experiences ensures these powerful songs about crying receive the sonic treatment they deserve.
Whether you’re currently crying, remembering times you’ve cried, or preparing yourself emotionally for future tears, these songs offer companionship through sound. They remind us that crying isn’t weakness but rather evidence of our capacity to feel deeply, love fully, and remain vulnerable in a world that often demands we hide our emotions. The next time tears start falling, consider putting on one of these tracks and allowing the music to meet you exactly where you are emotionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a song good for crying?
A good crying song typically features emotional lyrics that resonate with personal experiences, vulnerable vocal performances that feel authentic, and musical arrangements that support rather than distract from the emotional content. The best songs about crying create a safe space for listeners to access their own feelings, often through relatable storytelling and melodies that naturally evoke sadness or nostalgia. Production choices like minor keys, slower tempos, and dynamic builds can enhance emotional impact, but ultimately the most effective crying songs are those that feel genuine rather than manipulative.
Why do sad songs make us feel better?
Listening to sad songs when we’re upset actually helps regulate emotions through a process psychologists call “emotional contagion” and catharsis, where experiencing emotions through music allows for safe processing of difficult feelings. Sad songs validate our experiences by showing us that others have felt similar pain, reducing feelings of isolation during difficult times. Additionally, engaging with emotions through music can provide a sense of control over our feelings, transforming overwhelming sadness into something we choose to experience and explore, which paradoxically helps us feel better.
Are newer artists making songs about crying?
Contemporary artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Lewis Capaldi, Tate McRae, and Ariana Grande have created some of the most impactful songs about crying in recent years, proving that themes of tears and emotional vulnerability remain relevant across generations. These newer artists often bring fresh perspectives to timeless themes, incorporating modern production techniques while maintaining the emotional honesty that defines great crying songs. The streaming era has actually enabled more deeply personal and vulnerable music to find massive audiences, suggesting that listeners continue craving authentic emotional expression regardless of current musical trends.
Can listening to crying songs help with mental health?
Music therapy research suggests that listening to emotionally resonant songs, including those about crying, can support mental health by facilitating emotional processing and providing comfort during difficult periods. However, while crying songs can be helpful for many people, those experiencing depression should be mindful of music choices, as exclusively listening to sad music might reinforce negative thought patterns rather than providing catharsis. For detailed guidance on audio equipment that can enhance your therapeutic listening experience, visit our headphone comparison guide to find options that deliver the sound quality these emotional songs deserve.