Poll: What’s Your Favorite Sad Song?
As I sit inside my house, bemoaning our recent heat wave, loathe to go outside in the sweltering air – it feels like a blast furnace out there – I’ve been pondering the great rock n roll questions.
In my defense, I’m in that excruciating waiting period between the release of the Stones’ second single, “Jealous Lover,” and the new LP, Foreign Tongues, due next Friday. I’m nothing if not impatient. Especially for the Stones.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Jack White’s upcoming new album, Frozen Charlotte, also due next week. He released 2 singles prior to his SNL appearance and those are on the new record as well. So far it’s giving me vibes like his last LP No Name gave me and that’s very good indeed. Two new LPs to wait for… it’s killing me.
It’s not like we haven’t had a couple of nice releases in June: Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs’ Mission Of Mercy and Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts’ live disc As Time Explodes. I just want…more rock n roll. I’m a prisoner of my appetites.
As it feels like the “Dog Days” of summer came early – I think those are in August? – and the 250th Birthday of the U.S. feels oddly sad compared to my memories of the Bicentennial, its left me a little bummed out. I was just a kid but I remember a lot of red, white and blue everywhere. We all came together. A lot of yard parties. Somebody has sucked out all the joy out of it this year.
Anyway, with that as a backdrop, my mind turned to sad songs. Maybe it’s my bummer mood this 4th of July, and I love this holiday. I had a girlfriend in college who once said, “Whatever album we’re listening to, I know your favorite song is going to be the sad one.” Guilty as charged… at least back in those crazy college days.
Admittedly, even in my post-college, “adult” life, I spent about 10 to 15 years cultivating heartbreak. I don’t harbor any ill will toward anybody about that, I own my part in it. Half the time I was a cad and half the time, well, to paraphrase Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, “I chose poorly.”
I always see people on social media asking the musical question, “What’s your favorite sad song?” Usually the person in question is compiling a playlist. I mean, I love a good playlist (obviously), but sad songs… no thanks, man. Although I did do a Playlist: Songs About Crying, but it wasn’t all sad.
I mean, I get it. When I was heartbroken I’d lay around listening to sad ballads for hours. I had a buddy come in to grab a few beers from my fridge and he said, “Uh, say man, I think this sad music is likely bringing you down… do you have any Van Halen?” Not bad advice at the time, or any time.
So I’m not compiling a sad playlist, it’d be too heavy. But I am intrigued by what your favorite sad songs are? We’ve all had down times in our lives. We’ve all had broken hearts (well, most of us). And many of us have turned to music in those times.
A sad song helps us know that we aren’t the only ones who have ever felt this shitty. We feel a little less, well, alone. Listening to those tracks probably helped power us through to the blue skies waiting on the other side. If you’re struggling with something and even music can’t help, call a friend. It gets better, I’m living proof. Stay in the light, baby.
My favorite sad song, which is my answer every time someone asks the question, hands down, is this one, Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”:
I was this year’s old when I found out Bruce Hornsby plays the piano on this song, beautifully so. I’ll admit I don’t feel the sting of cathartic pain like I used to when I listen to this track but it brings back a flood of memories. Time apparently heals all wounds… as the saying goes, “Oh, to be young and to feel love’s keen sting.”
I hope some of you will share your favorites in the comments. I mean, what else are we gonna do before the new Jack White and Rolling Stones albums come out? If you want to share any reasons why it’s your favorite, that’s cool, or if not, that’s cool too. Just a song title works.
For those of you who celebrate, have a great 4th of July. I have recently updated my 4th of July Playlist so it’s much more festive. Be careful out there – we want all 10 fingers on Monday. And remember folks it’s not a celebration for your pets, it’s fucking armageddon. Keep that in mind and take care of your 4-legged buddies.
Cheers and I look forward to hearing which sad songs are your favs!
Without a doubt “everybody hurts”… I broke up with my GF about the time that song came out… I cried like a baby.
Oh that’s a great one. Another personal favorite. Michael Stipe, what a voice, what emotion he conveys!
Chiming in w the Grateful Dead perspective I’d throw out Looks Like Rain and China Doll as just sadness about sad moments in life.
Grateful David! It’s been a while since I’ve heard “China Doll” (Mars Hotel), I’ll have to tee that one up again. Where can I find “Looks Like Rain,” which LP? And thanks for sharing!
Oh damn, I found the Bob Weir solo record ‘Ace’ and “Looks Like Rain” is a great tune!
Oh… Another playlist 🙄
Awesome! much needed list for the weekend!
No, I didn’t want to make a playlist out of sad songs… too heavy, too many ghosts floating around for me… just a poll! I do have a 4th of July Playlist, recently updated to include Springsteen’s “Streets Of Minneapolis” and a bunch others. It needed freshening. Happy holiday weekend, my friend!
Oh no, am I doing too many playlists?
Absolutely not! More playlists please…
Working on one now!
Haha, awesome … shouldve known… sarcasm doesn’t translate on the web.
I cycle through them pretty often… You always have some gems in there that I haven’t heard before or hadn’t listened in a long time. Appreciate you!
Thank you my friend, I’m honored. That’s actually my goal on those things – put a song back in your ear that you haven’t heard in a while or turn you onto something new. So you’re telling me it works!! Have a good 4th and let’s have all 10 fingers on Monday!!
It feels like I should be drinking whiskey already…
lol indeed! Not sure how I’m gonna have 10 fingers on Monday… Considering all the bourbon I’ll be drinking
Likewise, my friend!
If the criterion for a sad song is that it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it, then I certainly have a few. One song I cannot get through without tearing up is “Old Shep” by Elvis Presley. I have already had to say goodbye to some of my best friends—dogs.
And also “Wayfairing Stranger,” by either Rhiannon Giddens or Jack White. These are two tear-jerkers I find hard to get through without shedding a tear. I am a sentimental soul, after all.
Great picks. Pets become beloved members of the family. Their loss can be devastating. Last time I lost a pet I wore black for a year or damn near close.
I’m familiar with Jack’s version of “Wayfaring Stranger.” Great selection! Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Johnny Cash cover that one during his ‘American Recording’ era w/ Rick Rubin?
Thank you for sharing Guy!
Yes, indeed—Johnny Cash covered the song as well. Many others did too, including Emmylou Harris. It is a country classic.
Emmylou is the real deal. I just read about her and Gram Parsons’ first rehearsal together in Cameron Crowe’s book ‘Uncool.’ Goosebumps! Great song!
Townes’ Lungs is what comes to my mind immediately
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/track/0tBAT5NugCTPG3W5mKpbn4?si=d5b88e2f717c4e0b
cheers from Hopfi, Germany
Hello Christoph from Germany and welcome! Man, I need to listen to more Townes. “Lungs” is a track I’d only heard of. I just listened to it and it’s a great song! Thank you so much for sharing!
And since I’m already crying, here are a few more songs that make me feel melancholy—”Louise” by Bonnie Raitt. And “Missing Persons” by Jackson Browne, about his friend Lowell George. Oh man, hand me a tissue, and make it quick. Snif.
Oh, yeah that Jackson Browne song is a sad one. He wrote it for Lowell’s daughter as I recall. I don’t know “Louise” by Bonnie but I will seek it out post haste!!
Oh my, “Louise” hits hard. Bonnie Raitt is so great.
Only one? How about my “Depressing” playlist, in no particular order …
Hello In There, by John Prine
Take The Long Way Home, by Supertramp
Take It On The Run, by REO Speedwagon
Sundown, by Gordon Lightfoot
Waterloo Sunset, by The Kinks
If You Could Read My Mind, by Gordon Lightfoot
Both Sides, Now, by Joni Mitchell
Alone Again (Naturally), by Gilbert O’Sullivan
Someday Never Comes, by Creedence Clearwater Revival
All by Myself, by Eric Carmen
Ain’t Got You, Bruce Springsteen
Brilliant Disguise, Bruce Springsteen
One Step Up, Bruce Springsteen
Just When I Needed You Most, by Randy VanWarmer
Robert, I love it! “Take The Long Way Home” is a personal favorite, one of the first rock songs I really connected to in my early days of listening to music. Great list. Good to see Eric Carmen “All By Myself” here as well! I could have used this playlist back in my dating days… but those records are sealed. Outstanding! Cheers.
When I was a kid, I would have said Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks.
In high school, it was Empty Garden by Elton John. I was watching Monday Night Football the night John Lennon was murdered. There were a lot of tributes afterward, but Elton’s always hit me the hardest.
In college, it was Look Away by Chicago. I went through one of those breakups where she broke my heart, gave me hope, then broke it all over again. It was painful at the time, but she taught me an important lesson. Not long after that, I met my wife. We celebrated 35 years of marriage last month, so I’d say things worked out just fine.
Today, it’s Bubbles Up by Jimmy Buffett. It was released after Jimmy passed away, and I’ve always heard it as a man coming to terms with the end of his life. It took me a while before I could listen to it without getting emotional. My dad passed away recently, and that brought all of those feelings back.
Songs mean different things to different people. That’s what makes music so powerful.
First, I’m so sorry for your loss. I only met your father a few times. Time is undefeated.
Secondly, excellent list of songs. I definitely remember “Seasons In The Sun.” Great song.
“Empty Garden” was a favorite of mine as well. I too was watching MNF when Howard Cosell decided to announce to America John Lennon had passed. I saw Elton on that tour at Starlight (the first night, not the second, radio broadcast night).
Ah, college, those awful breakups. I don’t remember “Look Away” but knowing your exceptional tastes in music I trust it’s superb.
Again, so sorry to hear about your dad. Hang in there my friend!
Cheers and have a great holiday weekend.
Thanks, Ken. I really appreciate your kind words about my dad. It’s been a tough few weeks, but we’re taking it one day at a time.
And trust me, Look Away is a cheesy 80s song. It just happened to fit what I was going through back then. I can’t stand to listen to it now.
Hope you have a great holiday weekend too. Looking forward to your next post.
Hang in there man! Sending positive vibes your way! And thank you for all your support of B&V!
Is there a sadder feeling than feeling completely helpless? And all that accompanied by music that is so melancholic and sorrowful? Then I have “Helpless” by Neil Young and CS&N for you.
I told my wife and children that, if they don’t play “Helpless” at my funeral, I’m not going. And a happy 4th of July to All of You in the US of A. Cheerio
LOL! I love it… “if they don’t play “Helpless” at my funeral, I’m not going.” Only Neil could deliver that song and those lyrics in that desolate way! Absolutely!! Cheers!
Speaking of Neil Young, I always thought that “Out On The Weekend” was a painfully sad song. You don’t hear the line “Can’t relate to joy, tries to speak but can’t begin to say…” in a song very often! I then heard Neil interviewed and he said it was about being happy so maybe I misread that one. Such a great song, though. Definitely sad to me.
Neil Young was sometimes referred to as the “singing weeping willow.” He earned this nickname thanks to his emotional, sometimes somber lyrics and the raw, often melancholic atmosphere of his songs.
I have never heard that nickname – the singing weeping willow – until today. Thank you for teaching me something new, Guy! That’s a great nickname!
His very long, straight slick hair had something to do with it as well.
Makes sense, I totally get it.
The Elton John song “60 Years On” is the song that hits the hardest for me. My dad was an Elton John fan and I remember listening to this song as his health declined and eventually passed away.
The line “Yes, I’ll sit with you and talk, let your eyes relive again” brings the tears, as dad had Alzheimer’s and barely remembered anything, but his eyes would light up if you hit a topic that he did have some memories of
Declan, oh man, thank you for sharing. That’s a powerful story. My grandmother suffered the same fate and I hear you. It’s amazing how music can take us back to a certain moment in our lives. “60 Years On” is a great song. Thank you!
For me, the two sad songs that immediately come to mind while reading your blog, are a couple of my favorite songs ever. Ten Years Gone by Led Zeppelin is my all-time favorite song from my all-time favorite album. I was drawn to it 51 years ago for the melody and exquisite guitar work by Jimmy Page (make sure to listen with headphones). But over the years, the lyrics and the ache in Robert Plant’s voice for a long lost love have been front and center. It’s been my favorite song ever since I was the first person at my local record store to get a copy of Physical Graffiti as they opened the box that day in February of 1975 (I had seen a lot of the album performed live a few weeks before on 2/13/75 at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island – which was 5 days after my 13th birthday – that show changed my life!).
The other song that comes to mind is probably my 2nd favorite Stones song (Memory Motel being my favorite) – Winter from Goats Head Soup. There’s just something about that song that breaks my heart. I don’t even know if it’s the lyrics or the melody, but I used to play it on repeat during periods of my past, and it both made me sad, but also gave me solace and a feeling of contentment. I really love that song. Thanks for your blog, I look forward to reading it every week!
Michael, I must say, you’ve hit a home run on this one. The two, nay, the three songs you mention are amongst my own favorites. “Ten Years Gone” – the lyrics of which Plant wrote about his first girlfriend – is an amazing track. One of my absolute favs. I must say I”m green with envy you got to see Zeppelin, especially on that tour. I bet it did change your life!
The Stones tracks you mentioned are also among my favorite songs. “Memory Motel” is the perfect Stones’ ballad. Does it get any sadder, when thinking about a lost love, than the lyric “You’re just a memory of a love
That used to be…” “Winter,” another personal favorite is one that I wouldn’t have thought of, but it’s perfect. I’ve done that same thing, played a song over and over when I’m down so I can totally relate. I always thought “Winter” held a modicum/kernel of hope but maybe I misread that.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on these sad songs. Great, great picks. Thank you for supporting B&V, greatly appreciated!!! Cheers!