24 Best Songs About Crying: A Tear-Jerking Playlist

1. Don't Cry (1991)

Don't Cry

Artist: Guns N' Roses

Power Ballad Perfection: Axl Rose's raw, emotionally vulnerable vocals are at their peak in this power ballad, perfectly capturing the feeling of heartbreak and despair.

Unforgettable Guitar: Slash's iconic guitar solo provides a cathartic release, mirroring the ebb and flow of intense emotion.

Emotional Resonance: The song's build-up and release effectively mirrors the experience of crying, making it deeply relatable to listeners experiencing grief or sadness.

2. Tears in Heaven - Rush (Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Heart-wrenching Vocals: Eric Clapton's raw, emotional vocals are the centerpiece, conveying a profound sense of loss and grief with breathtaking honesty.

Subtle Acoustic Arrangement: The understated acoustic guitar melody creates a somber and intimate atmosphere, perfectly complementing the song's mournful tone.

Unflinching Honesty: "Tears in Heaven" is a powerful testament to the enduring pain of loss, making it deeply relatable for anyone experiencing profound sadness.

3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles)

Emotional Depth: While My Guitar Gently Weeps masterfully captures the raw vulnerability of sorrow, George Harrison's vocals conveying a profound sense of loss and heartbreak.

Iconic Guitar Solo: Eric Clapton's unforgettable guitar solo adds another layer of emotional resonance, its mournful bends and sustained notes mirroring the song's melancholic mood.

Timeless Relevance: The song's exploration of grief and despair transcends generations, making it a timeless anthem for anyone experiencing deep emotional pain.

4. No Woman, No Cry (The Wailers ft Bob Marley - 1974)

Sound: No Woman, No Cry features Bob Marley's signature reggae sound, characterized by its relaxed yet driving rhythm and uplifting melodies, providing a comforting backdrop to the song's poignant lyrics.

Emotional Impact: While addressing hardship, the song offers solace and hope, making it profoundly resonant for listeners experiencing emotional pain or sadness; Marley's soothing vocals effectively convey empathy and resilience.

Vocal Performance: Marley's calm and reassuring vocal delivery creates a sense of peace and understanding, perfect for finding comfort during moments of sadness or reflection. The gentle, almost meditative quality of his voice is deeply soothing.

5. Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain (1962)

Willie Nelson's Vocals: Nelson's weathered vocals imbue "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" with a heartbreaking authenticity, perfectly capturing the raw emotion of sorrow and regret.

Haunting Melody: The song's melody is both simple and unforgettable, its gentle rhythm and melancholic tune creating a deeply moving soundscape that enhances the feeling of heartbreak.

Emotional Resonance: The song's universal theme of lost love and the pain of crying resonates deeply, making it a timeless classic for anyone experiencing grief or heartbreak.

6. Cry Baby

Raw Emotion: Janis Joplin's vocals in "Cry Baby" are raw and unfiltered, conveying a depth of despair and heartbreak that resonates deeply with listeners experiencing intense sadness.

Blues-Infused Power: The song's blues foundation provides a powerful, almost cathartic backdrop to Joplin's emotional outpouring, making it a perfect anthem for processing grief.

Timeless Resonance: Its honest portrayal of heartbreak transcends generations, ensuring "Cry Baby" remains a go-to track for anyone needing to release tears and feel understood.

7. Fool to Cry (The Rolling Stones - 1976)

Vocal Performance: Mick Jagger's raw and vulnerable vocals perfectly capture the heartbreak and despair of the lyrics, making the song deeply affecting for listeners experiencing their own sadness.

Emotional Resonance: "Fool to Cry" transcends simple sadness; it explores the complexities of regret and self-blame, resonating with anyone who's ever felt foolish for their actions in a relationship.

Musical Arrangement: The song's melancholic melody and understated instrumentation amplify the emotional weight of Jagger's performance, creating a truly immersive listening experience for those seeking solace in music during times of grief.

8. Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman like Me to Have - but I Have It

Vocal Performance: Lana Del Rey's achingly vulnerable vocals perfectly capture the raw emotion of heartbreak and despair, making the listener feel deeply connected to her pain.

Lyrical Content: The lyrics poignantly depict the complexities of hope and despair, creating a visceral experience for anyone who has felt the weight of emotional turmoil and the bittersweet nature of clinging to hope in difficult times.

Emotional Impact: This song is a cathartic release; its melancholic melody and honest lyrics provide a safe space to process and embrace the full spectrum of difficult emotions, making it an ideal companion for moments of intense sadness.

9. Bye Bye Love (The Everly Brothers - 2025)

Heartbreaking Harmonies: The Everly Brothers' close vocal harmonies perfectly capture the raw emotion of loss and heartbreak, amplifying the song's melancholic tone.

Lyrical Vulnerability: The lyrics poignantly depict the pain of separation and the lingering feelings of sorrow, making the song deeply relatable to anyone experiencing grief.

Timeless Sob Soundtrack: "Bye Bye Love" transcends generations; its simple yet powerful melody and emotionally resonant lyrics continue to resonate with listeners seeking solace in music during moments of sadness.

10. Crying (Roy Orbison)

Vocal Performance: Roy Orbison's signature vibrato and emotionally raw delivery are heartbreaking, perfectly capturing the vulnerability of inconsolable grief.

Orchestration: The song's dramatic strings and mournful organ create a sonic landscape that mirrors the intensity of the emotional turmoil expressed in the lyrics.

Timeless Quality: "Crying" transcends generations, its powerful emotional core resonating with listeners who have experienced the depths of sorrow and loss.