I was inspired to do a series of lists based on "break-up songs," thanks to PurpleInk, another writer here on List my Five, because I realized how many different kinds of break-up songs there are. This list contains the break-up songs that are the real heartbreakers; the saddest of the sad break-up songs.
James Blunt sure knows how to pull at the heart strings, probably because he writes from his heart. This song makes me cry almost every time I hear it. "Goodbye my lover, goodbye my friend. You have been the one. You have been the one for me..."
Michelle Branch knows how to describe a long term relationship at its end. With "Goodbye to You," when she said "feels like I'm starting all over again. The last three years were just pretend," she spoke to everyone who knows what it feels like to leave a long term relationship and feel lost. (The mind is filled with memories, but it all kind of seems like a hazy dream at first once the relationship's over.) It's amazing. And heartbreaking.
Toni Braxton gave us this sad song of longing for a former love. In the chorus she sings "Unbreak my heart. Say you'll love me again. Undo this hurt you caused when you walked out the door and walked out of my life..." But what makes this song an amazing sad song, and not just a silly and overly-dramatic love song, is not so much the lyrics as it is Toni Braxton's delivery of the lyrics. I can feel her pain.
When country music bad boy / upstanding family man Tim McGraw sings "Please Remember Me," a beautiful country/rock/pop ballad, he leaves people with tears in their eyes. Not only are the lyrics amazing ("You'll find better love, strong as it ever was, deep as the river runs, warm as the morning sun. Please... remember me.") but Tim McGraw's delivery of the lyrics should be a lesson in greatness for every aspiring country singer.
In the Broadway musical (and movie) "Rent," by Jonathan Larson, characters Mimi and Roger, on and off lovers, sing this song... and tears follow. "Without You" is hard hitting because people can relate to it, even if they have never felt this way after the loss of a romantic relationship. This song can represent many different kinds of relationships because it addresses how people can lose so much, but things around them carry on, and it's hard to understand and live with. "Life goes on, but I'm gone. Cuz I die without you."
I'm enjoying going through the break up song lists
Good list of sad songs ....
Nice list of songs.
Thanks for all the comments everyone. :) Bonnie- I am glad you had something to help you through a tough situation. Music has an amazing power over us humans. :)
Don't laugh pretty please - I got through my divorce via Mickey Gilley (sp?) But your sad, sad selections are auspicious for break-ups.
Nice list with a variety of genres! Nothing like a good cry over a break up song. (Better than being in the break up itself!)
I absolutely LOVE Tim McGraw's "Please Remember Me." It destroys me (which is why I love it so much). Fabulous list!!
I know "without you" and it's hard to listen to it. Been there and done that too much, good list!
Super list! Thank you for your moving comment on my suicide list.
Thanks for the comments ladies! Elaine, I think I'm starting to figure Twitter out. haha Thanks for the help (I may still need more, but at least I'm getting there) and thanks for checking out this list. :) Izzy- I love Alison Krauss's voice! I think she is amazing, and she can definitely bring the tears. haha And yes JTM... get some kleenex for these songs! They definitely have the power to make ME cry, even if I'm not going through a break-up!
Thanks for the list. Then it's time to cry!
Great list! I also like Alison Krauss' "Winter of a Broken Heart" and Billie Holiday's "Good Morning Heartache."
Hey Poncho, I tried to hook up with you one twitter but it was being a beast last night. Great list!
select one here...