With Valentine’s Day having just passed and the recent release of diploma exam results, you might be feeling quite down recently. If you’re like me, you resort to listening to sad songs when this happens. Here is a list of sad songs that I’ve compiled, which includes both old songs and new from primary the pop and soft rock genres.
The Scientist-Coldplay
“The Scientist” is one of Coldplay’s early releases, and revolves around a man’s apology to his lover. However, the line “I was just guessing at numbers and figures/Pulling your puzzles apart” might hit close to home if a poor result on a math or science test is what’s bothering you.
How to Save a Life-The Fray
“How to Save a Life” was written by the lead singer to describe his experience in a shelter for troubled teenagers. Thus, the overall tone of the vocals are very melancholy and somber, with lines such as “Where did I go wrong?/I lost a friend”.
The Sound of Silence-Simon & Garfunkel
The opening line of the song, “Hello darkness my old friend”, has somewhat become a meme. However, the song address a serious matter: the inability to communicate. This is the oldest song on the list, having been released in 1965, and can also be considered to be the saddest song.
Chasing Cars-Snow Patrol
Although the song is meant to be a love song, the tune of the song comes across as extremely wistful with lines such as “Would you lie with me and just forget the world?”. It was also used in the series final of season 2 of Grey’s Anatomy.
Hello-Adele
Adele is known for writing sad songs, with “Hello” being no exception. A song about reconciliation with one’s past that includes lines such as “They say that time’s supposed to heal ya/But I ain’t done much healing” to remind you how difficult it is to heal.
Breakeven-The Script
The central theme of “Breakeven” is how one-sided breakups can be. However, some lines such as “They say bad things happen for a reason/But no wise words gonna stop the bleeding” can be applied to a variety of situations.
Apologize-Timbaland, OneRepublic
“Apologize” explores the pain involved with relationships gone away, and highlights the importance of moving on; the most famous line of the song being “It’s too late to apologize”.
Boulevard of Broken Dreams-Green Day
It’s difficult to find a rock-oriented song that comes across as sad, however “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is a song completely about being alone. Included are lines such as “My shadow’s the only one that walks beside me”.
Sign of the Times-Harry Styles
The latest release on the list from former One Direction member Harry Styles, “Sign of the Times” is here to remind you to move forward with your life. In an interview, Styles has said “The song is written from a point of view as if a mother was giving birth to a child and there’s a complication. The mother is told, ‘The child is fine, but you’re not going to make it.’ The mother has five minutes to tell the child, ‘Go forth and conquer.'”
Carry On- Fun.
Finally, a song to remind you that no matter what happens, you’ve got to continue on. There are many universally applicable lines such as “If you’re lost and alone/Or you’re sinking like a stone/Carry on”.
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