Top 19 Saddest Rock Songs

#19: “Borderline” (1976)Thin Lizzy

The music of Ireland’s Thin Lizzy has always retained a certain, emotional resonance that felt different from their 1970s arena rock contemporaries. This was thanks largely to the sensitive lyricism that was often present within the lyrics of frontman Phil Lynott. This could be seen on classic Lizzy tunes like “Still in Love With You,” as well as on “Borderline.” This latter tune was taken from Lizzy’s follow-up to their Gold-selling “Jailbreak” LP, “Johnny the Fox,” and tells the tale of a lovelorn and despondent man, drinking away his sorrows. This melancholic song couldn’t feel more removed from the bravado and machismo of ‘70s radio rock, and this distinction helps make “Borderline” feel like a fresh listen, even today.

#18: “One More Light” (2017)Linkin Park

The demise of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington shortly after the release of this seventh studio album helped make “One More Light” feel almost like a coda of sorts for fans. Followers of this formative rap-metal group that were devastated by Bennington’s death felt even more troubled after listening to how “One More Light” directly referenced the subject of self-destruction. Friends, fans and family alike were left with emotions that were likely difficult to process, although the healing power of music also probably helped “One More Light” lift those same fans up a bit from their sorrow.

#17: “Wake Me Up When September Ends” (2004)Green Day

The medium of music video can have a huge impact with how we process certain songs, and how they make us feel. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” was notable for having an incredibly sad music video, one that deals with a young man heading off to war…and the love he leaves behind at home. The reality behind this Green Day hit was equally sad, however, since “Wake Me Up When September Ends” was actually written about the death of Billie Joe Armstrong’s father. This makes the song hit fans on a number of different levels.

#16: “Love Hurts” (1974)Nazareth

It was a popular prom theme back in the 1970s, despite lyrics choices that feel anything but romantic. “Love Hurts” was originally by The Everly Brothers, and received the cover treatment from artists like Roy Orbison and Gram Parsons before the Scottish rock group Nazareth arranged it into a power-ballad for the ages. It’s a song that states, in no uncertain terms, how long heartbreak can take to heal, and how much pain breakups can cause both individuals in a relationship. Sure, Nazareth’s version of “Love Hurts” may have also served up an opportunity for prom attendees to get a little closer to their dates, but make no mistake: this tune’s a weeper.

#15: “Fell On Black Days” (1994)Soundgarden

The situation with Soundgarden’s “Fell On Black Days” feels similar to that of “One More Light” by Linkin Park, specifically how both tunes feel confessional in tone. Both bands lost their singers under tragic circumstances, with “Feel On Black Days” dealing specifically with mental health struggles and depression. Today, this Soundgarden song almost comes across like a cry for help from the group’s frontman, Chris Cornell, a sentiment that’s unfortunately shared by many of the band’s fans around the world. Here’s hoping that somebody out there can find some comfort within the music that Soundgarden decided to share with the world.

#14: “Soldier of Fortune” (1974)Deep Purple

The Mk III era of Deep Purple was notable for the inclusion of future Whitesnake singer David Coverdale within their ranks. The music crafted by Purple during this era wasn’t glam or hair metal, however, but instead could be marked by some real pathos and emotion, such as on this closing track of their 1974 album, “Stormbringer.” “Soldier of Fortune” makes the most not only of Coverdale’s sensitive, bluesy voice, but also of guitarist Richie Blackmore’s generational guitar talents. It’s a weary and sad tune about getting older, feeling forgotten and lost in a world where one no longer knows their place. At the same time, however, we can’t help but return to this place of sorrow every time we revisit Mk III era Purple’s greatness.

#13: “Space-Dye Vest” (1994)Dream Theater

The progressive metal titans in Dream Theater didn’t play “Space-Dye Vest” for years after the departure of that song’s composer, Kevin Moore, back in 1994. Now, the reasons for this may have been how personal “Space-Dye Vest” felt to Moore as a songwriter, but there’s also no denying how this song also evokes so many, frequently sad emotions. The experimental nature of “Space-Dye Vest” utilizes spoken word samples to interesting effect, but it’s more how Moore’s evocative piano playing melds with vocalist James LaBrie’s palpably tender vocals. Then, there’s that closing coda of “Space-Dye Vest,” as synthesizer flourishes turn what’s already a great song into one of DT’s all-time classics.

#12: “The Living Years” (1988)Mike + The Mechanics

There’s no denying how Mike Rutherford’s great, looping guitar lick assists “The Living Years” from Mike + The Mechanics in being one of the 1980s most awesomely underrated tunes. Beyond this, however, it’s also how “The Living Years” speaks so poignantly about heavy subjects within its lyrics. Subjects like regret and anger about not patching up an estranged relationship in time before that person passes away. This brings up emotions about being left behind, about how we become distanced from those friends or family that once meant so much. Mike + The Mechanics had something to say with this one, and a lot of people seemed to be listening.

#11: “Tears in Heaven” (1992)Eric Clapton

It’s the song we honestly wish was never written. We say this because the inspiration behind its composition is just so terribly tragic and sad, that it barely seems plausible. The death of Eric Clapton’s young son Conor made headlines around the world, but it’s how the guitarist makes his instrument cry in this song that makes us shed real tears. Meanwhile, the lyrics for “Tears in Heaven” speak to just how unfair it is that Conor Clapton’s life didn’t even get a chance to begin, before it ended in the blink of an eye. There will probably be few ballads as sad as this one to come down the pipeline, and for that we’re actually pretty grateful.

#10: “Nothing Else Matters” (1991)

Metallica

The word “sad” can mean a lot of things, as we’ll see throughout this list. In the case of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” sadness is evoked in a way best called “contemplative.” The song’s open construction is of the barest-bones variety, utilizing an open string arpeggio that can basically be played by anyone. However, it’s how the arrangement flourishes as the song goes on that allows “Nothing Else Matters” to connect with its audience. The orchestral accompaniment by composer Michael Kamen underscores this song’s emotional core of yearning and desperation, while songwriter James Hetfield undertakes a rare outing on lead guitar. It’s subtle but wonderful stuff.

#9: “Nutshell” (1994)Alice in Chains

In what’s almost certainly a tragic theme running through this video, here we have yet another example of a modern rock frontman dying before their time, and a tune left behind to remind fans of what they lost. “Nutshell” spoke directly to Alice in Chains singer Layne Stayley’s struggles with substance use disorder, while also opening up about other mental health issues, such as depression. The song’s dark atmosphere and almost oppressive vibe allows for “Nutshell” to wash over the listener, serving as either a cautionary tale or source of comfort for those dealing with similar issues.

#8: “Last Kiss” (1999)Pearl Jam

It had been a while since a fatalistic song like “Last Kiss” had hit the airwaves, back in 1999 when Pearl Jam covered it. This 1961 tune from soul rocker Wayne Cochran was a crowning jewel from the “teenage tragedy” songs of its day, a la “Leader of the Pack.” Pearl Jam’s version retains this raw desperation of a car ride gone horribly, horribly wrong, particularly within the vocal delivery of lead singer, Eddie Vedder. The lyrical material may be morbid and depressing, but that is typical with this type of song, and Pearl Jam nails the sincerity required to make their take on “Last Kiss” feel enduring and vital.

#7: “Everybody Hurts” (1993)R.E.M.

It’s a chorus that everyone knows, and to which all can relate. “Everybody Hurts” from R.E.M. was one of those songs from alternative rock’s halcyon era that felt like it was everywhere, and with good reason. The tune captures the ‘90s grunge and college rock crowd’s desire for musical sincerity, particularly in the wake of the comparatively vapid, emotionally nebulous power-ballads of the 1980s. “Everybody Hurts” just strikes a resonant chord within us, uniting listeners via its melodicism and poignant lyrics. It’s arguably the best known hit from R.E.M., and this definitely isn’t a bad thing.

#6: “My Immortal” (2003)

Evanescence

It ultimately doesn’t really matter if you’re listening to the demo version of “My Immortal” by Evanescence that appeared on their debut album, “Fallen,” or the re-recorded band version: both tunes will make you cry. This is a foregone conclusion, and one that’s seemed to follow around “My Immortal” since it first hit air waves back in 2003. It’s the impassioned vocals of lead singer and songwriter Amy Lee that seem to connect with audiences. This is a feat at which Lee always excelled, and “My Immortal’s” rather stark arrangements allow the richness of her voice to shine through. Meanwhile, the band version rocks out near the end for a little emotional release, but both versions of “My Immortal” contain plenty of pathos.

#5: “Rainbow Eyes” (1977)Rainbow

The voice of Ronnie James Dio is much missed by the heavy metal community. This is thanks largely to this ability to alternate easily between power, passion and tenderness. “Rainbow Eyes” is perhaps Dio’s most poignantly fragile vocal performance and a highlight from his career with ‘70s rock legends Rainbow. The song possesses great guitar work from Ritchie Blackmore and some wonderful orchestration, but who are we kidding? This is the Dio show, full stop. The man’s tender singing lends some emotional heft to “Rainbow Eyes” and makes it stand out from so many other classic rock songs of the day. We just can’t make it through this one without some waterworks happening…and we’re okay with that.

#4: “Landslide” (1975)Fleetwood Mac

This song just grabs and holds on to its listener, right from Lindsey Buckingham’s opening guitar work. Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” is one of those songs where the guitar playing is just magically melancholic, a folky roots-iness that feels at one with the earth, as well as our deepest emotions. The live version from 1995’s “The Dance” is honestly even better, perhaps because of emotional hindsight and age, but also due to the talent of both Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. The latter’s lyrical poignancy is palpable, while the song’s rhythmless arrangements never take away from just how powerful “Landslide” still feels, so many years later.

#3: “Hurt” (1995)Nine Inch Nails

There’s no denying that Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt” from 2002 was a transformative, powerful version of this song from Nine Inch Nails. Yet, there’s a darkness at play within Trent Reznor’s original that remains unique. Reznor managed to make the Industrial music genre sound commercially viable, which was no mean feat. He did so through songs like “Hurt,” a grand and evocative ballad that sounds practically cinematic in scope. Reznor sounds intentionally vulnerable, while the creepy piano accompaniment lends “Hurt” a vibe all its own. There’s nothing fake about this one, and “Hurt” hits those raw notes within us all.

#2: “The Show Must Go On” (1991)Queen

Queen demonstrated their emotional mettle with grand movie score ballads like “Who Wants to Live Forever?” and“The Show Must Go On” feels the most confessional. This was a song written and recorded near the end of Freddie Mercury’s life, and the band seems very aware of this fact. As a result, “The Show Must Go On” feels simultaneously celebratory, reflective and tragic. Mercury’s vocal in particular sounds ragged in the best possible way, a powerful performance from a dying man still very much in charge of his talents. It’s virtually impossible not to get choked up listening to “The Show Must Go On,” especially knowing the struggles through which Mercury was going during its recording.

#1: “Hallelujah” (1994)Jeff Buckley

The bloom wasn’t yet off the rose for the seemingly endless covers of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” back in 1994 when Jeff Buckley released his definitive version. The song’s remarkable melancholy hadn’t yet been discovered by the masses at this point, and this makes Buckley’s performance feel, pardon the pun, like a secret. Of course, the real tragedy of Buckley dying young makes his “Hallelujah” feel even more fatalistic, but we honestly wouldn’t still be talking about Jeff Buckley if he wasn’t great. Comparisons have been made between Buckley and another lost young talent, Nick Drake, and they’re easy to understand. That said, Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” stands on its own two creative feet with strength, power and yes, sadness.

Do any of these songs retain any special significance for you? Share your story, if you feel comfortable to do so, in the comments!