35 Best Songs About Crying Ever

One of the simplest ways to express our emotions is through shedding a few tears. Therefore, it is no surprise that musicians have created a variety of songs about crying.

Whether you’re looking for a good tear-jerker or trying to mend a heartache, we’ve composed a list of the best songs about crying of all time.

“Don’t Cry Joni” by Conway Twitty

Song Year: 1975

This heartbreaker is about a boy and a girl growing up as neighbors. Throughout the song, Joni expresses her undying love for the older Johnny and saves all her kisses for him until they can be together.

The song takes a surprise twist when Johnny returns home to marry Joni and finds out she has married his friend. A much-loved 70s song that rocked the walls of many houses, this song was one of Twitty’s most famous releases.

“Crying” by Roy Orbison

Song Year: 1962

This classic 60s song tells the tale of a heartbroken man who has been crying over an old flame. Even though she has moved on without him, he is still singing the blues.

One of Orbison’s classics, this song rocked the airwaves in the 60s and helped soothe many heartbreaks over the years.

“There’s a Tear in My Beer” by Hank Williams

Song Year: 1989

The twangy-voiced Hank Williams wrote this song in 1950. However, it was not until after his death in 1989 that the song was released. Williams serenades a lost love over tears shed in his bottle of beer in this all-time classic.

In the 50s, Williams felt that this song was not proper to have recorded. However, his son felt differently and had no problem recording in the late 80s for many fans to enjoy.

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

Song Year: 1992

This tear-jerker written by Clapton is a tribute to his son, who accidentally fell to his death from a New York City apartment window. Conor Clapton died on March 20, 1991, at age four.

This heartfelt song was written to help others heal from tragedies in their lives and to honor the memory of Clapton’s precious son.

“Before the Next Teardrop Falls” by Freddy Fender

Song Year: 1974

In this song, Fender sings about wishing you all the happiness in the world and promises to be close by if you should ever need him. The chorus of this sentimental piece is in Spanish.

It’s a classic 70s song that has been played in many households and is still a favorite to many today who enjoy the soft sounds of old classic country.

“Broken” by Noelle Johnson

Song Year: 2021

It’s an emotional plea to find the strength to tell a loved one exactly how you feel. This song is for the people looking for the courage to spit the words out through their tears.

Recently released, this emotional song has already become a crutch for many people searching for healing and words of comfort in trying times.

“Devil Woman” by Marty Robbins

Song Year: 1962

Instrumentals and harmonizers make this song a much-loved classic by Robbins, who sings about a confession of an affair and returning home to a crying yet a forgiving wife.

Williams does an exceptional job of getting his emotions across in this song that has been a best-loved favorite to many listeners over the decades.

“The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Lace

Song Year: 1974

Telling the tale of Al Capone, this work of fiction describes a shootout with police and the notorious gangster on the east side of Chicago as his mother cries.

This is one of the most upbeat 70s songs about sadness and crying that is sure to have you clapping your hands to the beat as you listen to this classic.

“Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie

Song Year: 2007

This break-up song is about moving on without shedding tears over a boyfriend and taking time to discover yourself without depending on someone else for self-assurance.

It is a pick-me-up song for anyone who is considering starting on their own and searching for empowerment.

“Tears” by Clean Bandit

Song Year: 2018

This upbeat song is about crying as a way of empowerment to get over someone and how tears can only make you stronger than before as you heal a broken heart.

It is another perfect song for your playlist if you are looking for a pick-me-up song after a heartbreak.

“So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Williams

Song Year: 1949

Another golden oldy, Williams sings the blues in this song, declaring his feelings of lonesomeness and being so broken hearted he could cry.

A classic song from the late 40s, this emotional song has healed wounds and seen many tears over the years as it was played in many households.

“It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want To” by Leslie Gore

Song Year: 1963

This 60s favorite is about feeling no shame in being a party pooper and crying at your party after seeing another girl wearing the school ring of your favorite guy.

A much-loved song that has healed the hearts of many teenagers over the years, Gore released a best-seller with this song topping the top 100 chart several times and selling over a million copies.

“Crying My Heart Out Over You” by Ricky Skaggs

Song Year: 1982

Discovering your loved one is cheating on you with someone else is never easy. This song does a great job of describing the heartache through country-style twang and guitar playing.

Skaggs did a terrific job at delivering this song that topped the country music charts for over thirteen straight weeks in the early 80s.

“Picture” by Kid Rock

Song Year: 2001

This is a heart-wrenching song about love, loss, and betrayal and the feelings we go through when we bump into an ex after months of being apart and contemplate rekindling.

It’s a beautiful song that has healed several heartaches over the decades and seen many tears shed in the process.

“Teardrops on My Guitar” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2009

This song perfectly describes your feelings when your best friend looks at another girl the same way you want him to look at you. You can not fight back the tears falling on your guitar.

One of Swift's most popular pieces, this song has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

“Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” by Willie Nelson

Song Year: 1975

In this 70s country favorite, Nelson sings about heartache and the dying flames of lost love as her teardrops fall in the rain.

A much-loved country classic, this emotional tune has helped make Nelson the iconic legend that he is today.

“Tears of Gold” by Faouzia

Song Year: 2020

A deep-voiced, powerful vocalist sings about crying golden tears in this song by Faouzia. It’s a newer song that is sure to gain several more listeners with its strong vocals and heartfelt words.

“The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” by Charlie Rich

Song Year: 1973

In another 70s classic, Rich sings about looking for a beautiful girl that walked out on him, and if you find her, he asked, was she crying?

One of the best-loved 70s love songs, this hit has soothed many tears over the decades.

“Bye-Bye Love” by the Everly Brothers

Song Year: 1958

This upbeat 50s song is fast-paced and makes you feel like getting up and dancing, even though it is a song about a cheating girlfriend, crying, and saying goodbye.

This classic 50s song has helped mend several heartaches and empowered several women to wipe their tears away and get back out there in the dating game again.

“Where Is the Love?” by the Black Eyed Peas

Song Year: 2003

This influential song asks us where love is in a world filled with negative images on every television screen? Perhaps if we turn off news stations and spread love, there will be fewer crying children.

It’s a powerful song that spreads the message to spread peace instead of hate. Get up off the couch and turn the news off. Look out the window at all the good things happening instead of dwelling on the bad stuff.

“Save Your Tears” by the Weeknd

Song Year: 2020

Break-ups lead to resentment, past reflections, plenty of tears, and moving on. This catchy song depicts the emotions of both parties when a relationship comes to an end.

“When Doves Cry” by Prince

Song Year: 1984

This unique 80s song by Prince compares the sound of arguing with each other to doves crying and offers an interesting perspective on relationships.

An original song theme that could only be pulled off by Prince, this song has helped to make him a legend among many listeners over the years.

“The Crying Game” by Boy George

Song Year: 1992

This melancholy 90s song vividly portrays feelings we go through during relationship break-ups.

From falling in love, kissing, crying, and saying good-bye to moving on and getting over it, this song takes us through an incredible journey of emotions.

Popular in the 80s, this song was played on many television sets around the world and helped make Boy George the iconic singer he is today.

“Who’s Crying Now” by Journey

Song Year: 1981

This 80s hit has sold over ten million copies worldwide. It’s a profound song about two unhappy people who continuously argue with each other, and despite their tears, neither person is willing to end the fight.

“The Rhythm of the Rain” by the Cascades

Song Year: 1963

A 60s favorite among many listeners, this catchy tune will have you singing along to the beat of the music as it attempts to cheer you up with the sound of falling raindrops and incredible instrumentals on your broken heart.

“Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” by Culture Club

Song Year: 1982

This is an 80s classic sung with heartfelt emotions at a time when being gay was not accepted by many people. Boy George made it look easy to get up on stage with makeup, long hair, and a dress and sing his heart out about being hurt and crying.

Today, this talented artist is considered an icon who helped pave the way for others to step out of the closet.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by the Beatles

Song Year: 1968

This 60s rock song tells the story of a broken-hearted artist who shows his emotion through his crying guitar. He sings of a broken world corrupted by people turning a blind eye to the trouble the world is facing.

This popular song has remained a legend among many listeners over the decades and helped to make the Beatles legendary.

“Cryin’” by Aerosmith

Song Year: 1993

This is an uplifting 90s song that brings hope to the broken-hearted crying over a relationship gone wrong. It’s the perfect feel-good for anyone suffering from a broken heart to help them get over a lost love without shedding too many tears.

Crank up the stereo and play this 90s classic up loud as you dance those tears away.

“Crying” by Don Maclean

Song Year: 1978

This heart-wrenching 70s classic has Maclean crying the blues about a past relationship. An emotional display of musical instruments and powerful vocals will have you feeling the blues along with him as you listen to the emotional lyrics.

This 70s song has become a household favorite for many listeners looking for healing from the soothing sound of a soft country classic.

“Jealous” by Labrinth

Song Year: 2016

This emotional piece covers the topics of racism, jealousy, and envy. The artist sings about his feelings for his ex. Although he wishes her well, he finds it hard to accept that she has moved on from their relationship while he is still emotional and crying.

This song is a tear-jerker with incredible vocals that will have you listening to it on repeat over and over again when you’re looking for a soothing remedy for heartache.

“So Cold” by Ben Cocks

Song Year: 2010

This sad song describes the feelings of loneliness inside an empty house after a break-up. With incredible lyrics and rhythm, this song tells an emotional tale about the feelings of betrayal, guilt, and emptiness we feel after a failed relationship in a house that no longer feels like our home.

The perfect comfort song that offers a remedy for falling tears and heartache during your times of need.

“Laura” by Bat for Lashes

Song Year: 2012

An emotional display of vocals, this song by Bat for Lashes is an ode to anyone who feels the need to hide behind glitter and gold to survive.

This powerful song is about taking your mask off and being brave of the person crying and hiding behind it. Everybody has imperfections, and they make us perfect in our skin, no matter who we are. This song inspires us to never be afraid to remove our masks and let the true you shine through.

“One Day” by Matisyahu

Song Year: 2009

This song promotes awareness of issues facing our world and spreads positivity instead of hatred to help reduce fighting, war, and tears for tomorrow.

The message in this song asks us to replace negativity with peace, love, and positivity so we can all live happier with fewer tears shed. This song is something we all need to listen to in our lives these days.

“Stand by Me” by Ben E. King

Song Year: 1961

A melody filled with symbols, musical instruments, and strong vocals, this song was first released in 1961 by Ben E. King and later featured in a 1986 movie by the same name.

This song is about having someone to count on when you need a friend to stand by you in times of sadness, disappointment, or turmoil happening in your life. 

It’s a much-loved 60s song that is still listened to by many people today who are looking for words of comfort in troubled times.

“Trail of Tears” by Billy Ray Cirus

Song Year: 1996

Our last song starts quietly. Then, the rhythm quickly breaks into a fast-paced jig about sorrow and sadness faced by children that will have you tapping your toes to the beat of this catching song.

The lyrics in the song ask for prayers for children to set their sorrows free and rid them of all their tears, promising hope for a brighter tomorrow filled with laughter instead of tears.

Top Songs About Crying, Final Thoughts

With so many great songs about crying, it was no easy task to narrow my list down to the top 35 songs.

Music is an outlet people use to help them deal with heartache, stress, relaxation, or the loss of a loved one. With so many great songs to choose from, the possibilities of finding great songs about crying are endless. Leave a comment below if you have a favorite song about crying that is not on our list.