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“The Night We Met” And 38 Other Songs That Wreck Folks Every Time They Hit Play
Have you ever heard a song and immediately felt like your soul’s been gently touched? Yup, same. Whether it’s a powerful ballad or a slow instrumental that plays like a love letter to your ears, music has this almost magical way of making us feel …everything.
One Reddit thread got really deep, really fast when someone asked: “What song breaks your heart every time you hear it?” From bittersweet classics to absolute sob-fests, netizens shared the tracks that leave them emotionally wrecked every single time.
More info: Reddit
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#1
Wish you were here - pink Floyd.
RELATED:
#2
Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World
Song by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole ‧ 1990
Heard in on ER when Dr. Green passed away from brain cancer. Which is how my mom had recently passed from, and I hadn't completely processed that yet. I just broke down crying when I got to that scene. And the song stuck with me. For years it could make me cry if I just heard it. And even now it makes me feel sad.
Glen Ellyn 4 months ago
Always top of my list of sad songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I
Janelle Collard 4 months ago
Don't listen to this song if you don't want to cry. Trust me on this.
Saltypepper 4 months ago
Oh ,yeah I remember that I bawled like a baby when that happened every time I hear that song that's what I see in my head and cry
Roni Stone 4 months ago (edited)
That the official video ends with his memorial in the sea is a double gut punch. Kills me every time. Way too soon, Brother IZ. Way too soon. #Edited because I somehow placed this under the wrong post.
Janet Sparrow 4 months ago
This version is random mix of the lyrics. It’s pretty but if you want the hear the “real” version listen to Judy Garland in Wizard of Oz.
Roni Stone 4 months ago
You missed the very reason we feel this in our gut -- Brother Iz.
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Robin Roper 4 months ago
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's 'Over the Rainbow' 'What a Wonderful World' medley was my son and my mother & son dance at his wedding. For us, it's a song of hope and looking forward to the future. I wanted him to know, I knew his and my DIL's future would be wonderful.
#3
Hurt- Johnny Cash.
Daniel Atkins 4 months ago
Much more powerful as sung by someone who has experienced so much in his life. Trent Reznor wrote a great song Johnny made it come more alive.
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Bananaramamama 4 months ago
Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails was initially unsure about the cover when asked for permission but has since expressed respect for this version and called it a testament to how music can be transformed and interpreted. I agree both versions are powerful but oddly conjure different emotions.
FlamingZombies 4 months ago
That's because each version is about different things. Trent's is about his d**g a*******n, while Johnny's is a reflection of his life.
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Russell Bowman 4 months ago
The video is very disturbing ... a look back at youth and family and friends lost.
Let’s be honest, we all sob to sad songs sometimes. It’s almost like music is the original therapist. No awkward small talk, no bills, just a few chords and suddenly you’re reflecting on your entire existence while staring out the window like you’re in a sad indie film. Yup, been there.
Whether it’s your go-to breakup anthem or that one instrumental that makes you cry and you don’t even know why, music is there, doing emotional damage in the best possible way.
#4
“Fast Car” - Tracy Chapman.
Celtic Pirate Queen 4 months ago
I used to sing this to my son. He'll be 45 next week and lives in another state - but he still asks me to sing this on his birthday.
Bored Trash Panda 4 months ago
This song was just playing on the radio at my work, but the Luke Combs cover.
#5
The Jeff Buckley version of Hallelujah.
Giraffe Sitter 4 months ago
I once happened to listen to this late at night while driving along the Vegas Strip. It somehow fit perfectly.
#6
If you could read my mind- gordon lightfoot.
Gingersnap In Iowa 4 months ago
I had the honor of taking my Dad, huge Gordon Lightfoot fan, to see him in concert on Father's Day 2018. Front row seats. Truly a wonderful experience.
But why does music have this wild power over our emotions? Apparently, it’s got everything to do with our brains. If you want to get specific, it’s all in the limbic system, the part of the brain in charge of feelings, memories, and that full-body shiver you get when the chorus hits just right. At least that's what the pros say.
When we listen to music we love, our brain rewards us by releasing dopamine, that feel-good chemical. It’s the same stuff we get from chocolate, hugs, and falling in love. Delicious, right?
Sad songs often hit harder because they help us connect with our emotions in a safe, controlled way. They let us process grief, heartbreak, nostalgia, or longing without actually going through a full-blown crisis. Think of it as emotional cardio, just without the sweating.
#7
Cats in the cradle.
Philly Bob 4 months ago
A true story that happened in Scranton about 25 minutes from where I live now.
Load More Replies... #8
Linger - The Cranberries.
#9
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
“Even children grow older” and then I ugly cry thinking about my kids.
You probably didn’t know this, but music has healing powers too. Studies have shown that listening to music can help reduce stress, boost mood, and even lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone we’d all like less of. So, those sad bops? They’re not just turning on the waterworks; they’re helping you, too.
Of course, some songs just come pre-packaged with heartbreak, even if you’ve never lived the experience. Take “He Stopped Loving Her Today”—you don’t need to have lived through the loss of a spouse to feel that emotional devastation.
#10
Time in a bottle. It sounds like a song from a partner that long misses their other half. I know that's the point but it never fails to tug at my heart strings. It always makes me cry.
#11
Everybody hurts, REM.
AtMostAFabulist 4 months ago
Night Swimming evokes such a wonderful feeling in me. It's like I am embracing the entire feeling of being out with friends in the country at night.
Red Hair Blue Soul 4 months ago
This was playing on the radio in 1997 when my father died. I was 20. I think it was him saying goodbye. Miss you, Dad!
#12
Tears in heaven by eric clapton.
James Blanken 4 months ago
This is an instance of separating the artist from the art. Eric is an absolute trash human being, but the song and story behind it are horribly tragic and he beautifully puts it into music and words.
DC 4 months ago
I came to conclude that he is severely stupid on many, many levels, and also a few sorts of AH. Still, paid two times to see this dude perform. It wasn't as good as expected (Hamburg 2013, Köln 2018 ... both of the shows).
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Huddo's sister 4 months ago
First time I heard this was when I had just come back to school after my older brother died. I refuse to listen to it still, 23 years later.
If you’ve ever found yourself ugly crying to a song and weirdly feeling better afterward, congrats—you have experienced one of music’s sneaky little superpowers. Sad songs can offer catharsis, clarity, and comfort. They remind us we’re not alone in feeling a little broken sometimes.
Whether it's a string quartet that takes you back to a friend's memorial or a folksy tune that reminds you of a love long gone, music is one of the few things that can totally shatter your heart… and still leave you feeling grateful for the wreckage.
#13
I know it's overplayed at this point, but Creep by Radiohead still makes me fight back tears.
Kurt Ramsey 4 months ago
Best cover version is the one on youtube with the guy nursing a hangover. Skio to the 3:20 mark. https://youtu.be/OVeLgYVSfCA?si=hyoqE3-LB_4Xp_ww
#14
Iris by Goo Goo Dolls ♡
"And I'd give up forever to touch you 'Cause I know that you feel me somehow" 🥺.
Kathrin Pukowsky 4 months ago
I don't know about that, but it was part of the soundtrack for the movie "City of Angels". I liked the movie a lot although I usually get bored by romance flicks, and bought the soundtrack. There are a lot of beautiful songs on there.
Load More Replies... Saltypepper 4 months ago
Makes me cry every time,that song always hits home with me gard ,that's exactly how I feel ..
#15
I can’t make you love me- Bonnie Raitt.
Janet Sparrow 4 months ago
“I can’t make you love me if you want, I can’t make you feel something that you don’t. Here in the dark of these final hours, I lay down my heart and I’ll feel the power, but you won’t.” LOVE her!!
Robin Roper 4 months ago
You got the lyrics wrong - "Cause I can't make you love me if you don't You can't make your heart feel somethin' it won't."
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So, next time someone says “It’s just a song,” you have permission to dramatically clutch your headphones and whisper, “You just don’t get it.”
Now, excuse me while I go listen to “Home” by Edith Whiskers and cry into my coffee.
#16
When She Loved Me - Sarah McLachlan.
#17
~"You Are My Sunshine" (I sang it to one of my cats while I held him as he was dying)
~"Mockingbird" by Eminem.
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 🇵🇸 4 months ago
You Are My Sunshine is my ringtone. I didn't know that it was a sad song. It was a way of me telling myself that I'm someone's sunshine. I can't bring myself to change it.
Giles McArdell 4 months ago
I used to point this out to people, "my ONLY sunshine", "please don't take my sunshine away", it's a sad song. I've stopped now though, if it makes them happy who am I to spoil it?
Load More Replies... Saltypepper 4 months ago (edited)
Now that just made me cry I can see you holding him singing to him..
Huddo's sister 4 months ago
You Are My Sunshine was one of my grandma's favourites and we played it at her funeral. I still like it, just some days it hits me harder than others
#19
He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones.
Papa 4 months ago
I remember reading about an interview he gave saying he hadn't wanted to sing the song, but was encouraged to by his agent (or maybe his record company; I don't remember) so he did it anyway, saying "Nobody is going to buy this morbid s****." It went on to become the top country song ever in many people's opinions.
#20
The Scientist by Coldplay. It was my first breakup song haha all the way back in 2006. I was on my bike with a massive mp3 player riding through a park. I can smell the park when I put that song on, it was early summer and it was sunny out.
#21
The show must go on - Queen.
Michael Largey 4 months ago
"Can you perform under pressure?" "I guess, but I'm better at bohemian rhapsody."
MagicJacket 4 months ago
An amazing song, considering Freddie was extremely sick, could barely stand a lot of the time and sang "I'll face it with a grin, I'm never giving in, on with the show." And the notes he hit send chills down my spine EVERY time I hear it.
James Blanken 4 months ago
Legend goes that the producers didn't think Freddie could get those high notes with how sick he was. He sounded back a glass of vodka and hit everyone out of the park. Absolute legend!
#22
Fade into you - Mazzy Star.
Sweaterpants Mandles 4 months ago
An ex said she loved this song because it, “reminded her of me.” We’d never heard the song together. I wonder who else she said that too.
Enuya 4 months ago
To be fair, there are many songs that remind me OF specific people. Not because we ever listened to it together or have meaningful memories with the song, but because vibe/lyrics just remind me of someone. One of my favourite hip hop songs reminds me of friend who despises hiphop because lyrics remind me of him.
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#24
Nothing Compares to You - Sinead O'Connor
also the Chris Cornell version
Wrecked - Imagine Dragons
song was playing when I found out my best friend had suddenly died.
Niall 4 months ago
Most popular songs aren't written by the people whose name is on the release
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#25
Chasing Cars.
Michal Pifko 4 months ago
This is one of the very few songs that I can remember exactly when I heard it for the first time, back in 2006. Still one of my favourites.
#26
I’ll Follow You Into the Dark.
#27
The night we met - Lord Huron.
#28
What was I made for.
Ellie Ahmed 4 months ago
When The Party's Over is the one that always gets me. The sadness that she places on "I could lie, say I like it like that" (in reference to being alone)
#29
Adam’s Song - Blink 182
This song came at a time during early high school where we lost a friend to s*****e. Great song tho.
#30
Kate Bush - This Woman's Work.
SweetCheesySpaghetti 4 months ago
I was looking for this one. I cannot hear this song (this version) without crying. If i try to sing it I will literally sob.
#31
I'll Fly Away. It was played at my wife's funeral.
#32
One More Light by Linkin Park.
Luke Branwen 4 months ago
I was hoping I'll find this one here. I love the comeback with Emily, but Chester left too soon.
#33
Who Knew - P!nk.
#34
Fourth of July by Sufjan Stevens and Home by Edith Whiskers.
#36
When You Were Young - The Killers.
#37
Hate Me - Blue October.
Jenny Hornig 4 months ago
This Song Breaks me everytime. As a Person who has BPD and lived with abusic Parents and Partners i can do nothing but to Scream cry in my Car when IT Starts playing Ironically, my Father showed ne this Song when I was Younger.. the Man who used to Scream at me Till i cried and than sxreamed at me more for crying
#38
Landslide.
Michael Largey 4 months ago
They're hoping to get enough votes for a ... well, you know.
Load More Replies... #39
Dance with my father again-Luther Vandross-I haven’t been able to listen to it since my father, my biggest supporter in my life-passed.
What do you think ?
Robert T 4 months ago
"Fields of Gold" by Sting. One of the kids my late wife babysat sang it at her funeral. It's now very hard for me to listen to, even after 17 years.
Janelle Collard 4 months ago
Oh swell - now I have to watch kitty + puppy videos to not be sad anymore. Thanks a lot, Monica!
Russell Bowman 4 months ago
"Desert rose" Sting and Cheb Mami ... a girlfriend of mine played it a lot ... now, every time I hear it ... takes me back.
Robert Beveridge 4 months ago
Most of mine I am entirely unsurprised they're not here, but three more popular ones not showing up blows my mind--Sarah McLachlan's "Hold On", Tori Amos' "Me and a Gun", and Better than Ezra's "A Lifetime".
jjt2tmm8mm 4 months ago
Lazarus- David Bowie. Hearing a song about coming to terms with mortality, from a man who knew that he only had months left to live is one of the most gut-wrenching things ever. The whole black star album still brings me to tears. RIP David Bowie, there will never be another like you
Major Harris 4 months ago
"empty garden" (hey hey johnny) by sir elton john, and "all those years ago" by george harrison, mccartney and ringo. both sings are tributes to john lennon. the first, elton and lennon were very close friends. they last met at elton's free concert in central park, just a few months before john's murder. the second, well obvious. but there is a line in there sung by george, "i always looked up to you." that just really just really hits.
Robert T 4 months ago
"Fields of Gold" by Sting. One of the kids my late wife babysat sang it at her funeral. It's now very hard for me to listen to, even after 17 years.
Janelle Collard 4 months ago
Oh swell - now I have to watch kitty + puppy videos to not be sad anymore. Thanks a lot, Monica!
Russell Bowman 4 months ago
"Desert rose" Sting and Cheb Mami ... a girlfriend of mine played it a lot ... now, every time I hear it ... takes me back.
Robert Beveridge 4 months ago
Most of mine I am entirely unsurprised they're not here, but three more popular ones not showing up blows my mind--Sarah McLachlan's "Hold On", Tori Amos' "Me and a Gun", and Better than Ezra's "A Lifetime".
jjt2tmm8mm 4 months ago
Lazarus- David Bowie. Hearing a song about coming to terms with mortality, from a man who knew that he only had months left to live is one of the most gut-wrenching things ever. The whole black star album still brings me to tears. RIP David Bowie, there will never be another like you
Major Harris 4 months ago
"empty garden" (hey hey johnny) by sir elton john, and "all those years ago" by george harrison, mccartney and ringo. both sings are tributes to john lennon. the first, elton and lennon were very close friends. they last met at elton's free concert in central park, just a few months before john's murder. the second, well obvious. but there is a line in there sung by george, "i always looked up to you." that just really just really hits.
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