Crying is a natural emotional response to a wide range of stimuli, from joy and happiness to sadness and grief. While it may not be something we like to do in public, it is an important way for us to release pent-up emotions and connect with ourselves on a deeper level. And what better way to express these feelings than through music?
Throughout history, musicians have used their art to explore the complexities of human emotion, and songs about crying are no exception. From heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat anthems, there are countless songs that capture the rawness of tears and the emotions that come with them.
In this article, we will explore the top 20 songs about crying, spanning a variety of genres and decades. Each of these songs has resonated with listeners in a unique way, whether it be through their relatable lyrics, haunting melodies, or powerful vocals. We will examine the stories behind each of these songs, and how they have become a part of the cultural landscape over time.
So whether you’re looking for a song to help you release some emotions or simply looking to expand your musical horizons, this list has something for everyone. Get ready to break out the tissues and dive into the world of music that speaks to the heart.
1. “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” by Gerry and the Pacemakers
“Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” is a classic hit by Gerry and the Pacemakers from the 1960s. The song is about heartbreak and the fear of being caught crying over lost love. Its upbeat melody and catchy lyrics make it a memorable and relatable tune.
2. “When Doves Cry” by Prince
“When Doves Cry” is a hit song by Prince from the 1980s. The song is known for its unique sound and complex lyrics, which touch on themes of love, loss, and individuality. The absence of a bass line in the song’s instrumentation adds to its distinctive character.
3. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The Four Seasons
“Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The Four Seasons is a classic doo-wop ballad from the 1960s. The song is about heartbreak and the struggle to move on from lost love. Its smooth melody and romantic lyrics have made it a popular tune for slow dancing.
4. “The Sky is Crying” by Stevie Ray Vaughan
“The Sky is Crying” is a blues song by Stevie Ray Vaughan, released in the 1980s. The song features Vaughan’s signature guitar riffs and emotional vocals, and is about the pain and sadness of a lost love. Its raw, powerful sound has made it a favorite among blues fans.
5. “Crying” by Roy Orbison
“Crying” by Roy Orbison is a timeless classic from the 1960s. The song is about heartbreak and the overwhelming emotions that come with it. Orbison’s signature soaring vocals and the song’s orchestral backing make it a powerful and moving ballad.
6. “Cry Baby Cry” by The Beatles
“Cry Baby Cry” is a Beatles’ song from their album “The White Album”. The song is known for its playful lyrics and unique sound, featuring a mix of acoustic and electric guitar, percussion, and harmonized vocals. It tells a story about children’s nursery rhymes and their relationship with society and politics.
7. “Cry Baby” by Janis Joplin, Full Tilt Boogie Band
“Cry Baby” is a powerful bluesy rock song by Janis Joplin and Full Tilt Boogie Band. The song features Joplin’s signature raspy vocals and emotional lyrics about the struggles of love and heartbreak. Its soulful sound and Joplin’s intense performance have made it an iconic piece of music history.
8. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley and the Wailers
“No Woman, No Cry” is a reggae classic by Bob Marley and the Wailers. The song is a comforting message to a woman who is going through a difficult time, reminding her not to cry and that everything will be alright. The song’s soothing melody and Marley’s soulful vocals have made it a beloved classic.
9. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie
“Big Girls Don’t Cry” is a pop song by Fergie, originally released in 2007. The song is an upbeat and empowering anthem about moving on from a broken heart and not shedding a tear. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a fan favorite.
10. “Cry” by Cigarettes After S**
“Cry” is a hauntingly beautiful indie rock song by Cigarettes After Sex. The song features lead singer Greg Gonzalez’s distinctive falsetto vocals and a slow, dreamy melody that perfectly captures the pain and longing of unrequited love. Its minimalist instrumentation and ethereal sound make it a truly captivating listen.
11. “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake
“Cry Me a River” is a pop and R&B song by Justin Timberlake, released in 2002. The song’s lyrics are about a broken relationship and the pain it has caused, with Timberlake lamenting how his ex-lover will “cry a river” of tears when she realizes what she has lost. The song’s catchy melody and Timberlake’s smooth vocals have made it a popular classic.
12. “Don’t Watch Me Cry” by Jorja Smith
“Don’t Watch Me Cry” is a soulful ballad by Jorja Smith, known for her unique and powerful voice. The song is a heartbreaking tribute to a lost love and the pain of trying to move on. Its stripped-down instrumentation and Smith’s raw vocals make it a truly emotional listening experience.
13. “Don’t Cry Out Loud” by Melissa Manchester
“Don’t Cry Out Loud” is a pop ballad by Melissa Manchester, originally released in 1978. The song’s lyrics encourage someone who is going through a tough time to stay strong and not show their emotions. The song’s uplifting melody and Manchester’s powerful vocals have made it a beloved classic.
14. “Before I Cry” by Lady Gaga
“Before I Cry” is a slow and soulful ballad by Lady Gaga, known for her powerful vocals and emotional lyrics. The song is a heartbreaking plea for a lover to stay, with Gaga admitting that she will break down and cry if they leave. Its minimalist instrumentation and Gaga’s raw vocals make it a truly powerful listening experience.
15. “Pretty When You Cry” by Lana Del Rey
“Pretty When You Cry” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad by Lana Del Rey, known for her unique and dreamy sound. The song’s lyrics are about the pain and heartbreak of a toxic relationship, with Del Rey describing how her lover is “pretty when you cry”. Its minimalist instrumentation and Del Rey’s ethereal vocals make it a truly captivating listen.
16. “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes” by Ultravox
“Dancing With Tears In My Eyes” is a synth-pop song by Ultravox, originally released in 1984. The song’s lyrics are about a nuclear disaster and its impact on the world, with the narrator “dancing with tears in my eyes” as he watches the world crumble around him. Its catchy melody and powerful lyrics have made it a beloved classic.
17. “Not Gon’ Cry” by Mary J. Blige
“Not Gon’ Cry” is a soulful R&B song by Mary J. Blige, known for her powerful and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics are about a woman who has been wronged by her lover, but she refuses to cry and instead decides to move on. Its upbeat melody and Blige’s soulful vocals make it a truly empowering listen.
18. “Cry Cry Cry” by Coldplay
“Cry Cry Cry” is a soulful ballad by Coldplay, known for their uplifting and emotional music. The song’s lyrics are about a lover who is struggling to let go of a relationship, with the narrator pleading for them to stop crying and move on. Its minimalist instrumentation and emotional lyrics make it a truly powerful listening experience.
19. “Crying in the Club” by Camila Cabello
“Crying in the Club” is a pop song by Camila Cabello, originally released in 2017. The song’s lyrics are about the pain and heartbreak of a relationship, with Cabello describing how she is “crying in the club” to try and forget her troubles. Its catchy melody and Cabello’s powerful vocals have made it a fan favorite.
20. “The Sky Is Crying” by Gary B.B. Coleman
“The Sky Is Crying” is a blues classic by Gary B.B. Coleman, originally written by Elmore James. The song’s lyrics are about the pain and heartbreak of lost love, with Coleman singing about how “the sky is crying” along with him. Its soulful sound and Coleman’s emotive vocals have made it a beloved classic.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
