15 Songs About Crying And Tears

We’ve all been there – those moments when emotions overwhelm us, and tears start to flow. As someone who’s no stranger to shedding a tear or two, I’ve often found solace in music that captures the raw essence of crying. Whether it’s a heart-wrenching breakup, a moment of profound joy, or simply the release of pent-up feelings, there’s something incredibly cathartic about listening to songs that understand exactly what you’re going through.

Here, I’ve compiled a list of 15 songs that speak to the soul when it comes to crying and tears. These tracks have been my companions during late-night sob sessions, unexpected bursts of emotion, and times when I needed to feel understood. 

1. “Don’t Cry” by Guns N’ Roses

“Don’t Cry” is a power ballad by American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, released in 1991. The song is notable for its two versions, each with different lyrics, featured on the albums Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II. The original version includes vocals by Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon, who sings an octave higher than Axl Rose, adding a soulful depth to the track. The song’s genesis dates back to 1985, inspired by a personal experience of Axl Rose involving a breakup and the comforting words “Don’t cry” from a girl he was deeply in love with. The song’s poignant lyrics and melancholic melody capture the essence of heartache and the struggle to move on.

2. “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” by Ella Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots

“Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” is a classic song from 1944 performed by Ella Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots. The song, written by Allan Roberts and Doris Fisher, is a timeless piece that metaphorically uses rain to describe life’s inevitable hardships and the tears that accompany them. The duet’s harmonious blend of Fitzgerald’s smooth vocals and The Ink Spots’ distinctive style made it a chart-topping hit. The song’s lyrics convey a message of resilience and hope, suggesting that despite the tears and sorrow, the sun will eventually shine again. This song has remained popular over the years, featuring in various films and video games, cementing its place in musical history.

3. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

Released in 1962, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” is an iconic song by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Co-written by Bob Gaudio and producer Bob Crewe, the song was inspired by a line from a Clark Gable movie. The song’s catchy melody and Valli’s distinctive falsetto made it an instant hit, following the success of their previous single, “Sherry.” The lyrics tell a story of emotional strength and resilience, with the protagonist asserting that “big girls don’t cry” even in the face of heartbreak. Despite its upbeat tempo, the song explores themes of vulnerability and the societal expectations placed on women to remain stoic.

4. “Crying in the Rain” by The Everly Brothers

“Crying in the Rain” is a poignant song by The Everly Brothers, released in 1962. Written by Carole King and Howard Greenfield, the song is a beautiful blend of sorrowful lyrics and harmonious vocals. The narrative centers around the theme of concealing one’s pain and heartbreak, with the protagonist choosing to cry in the rain to hide their tears from others. The Everly Brothers’ flawless harmonies and the song’s melancholic melody create a powerful emotional impact, making it a standout track in their extensive catalog. The song has been covered by various artists, further attesting to its enduring appeal.

5. “Cry Your Heart Out” by Adele

“Cry Your Heart Out” is a track from Adele’s 2021 album 30. The song, characterized by an upbeat Motown-gone-reggae sound, contrasts its lively instrumentation with deeply emotional lyrics about depression and the aftermath of her divorce from Simon Konecki. Adele uses the song to convey the message that crying can be a healthy and cathartic way to deal with intense emotions. The lyrics describe her feelings of hopelessness and the struggle to regain her sense of self, but also emphasize the importance of allowing oneself to cry as a means of emotional cleansing.

6. “Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep” by St Cecilia’s Singers

“Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep” is a choral adaptation of the famous poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye. This rendition by St Cecilia’s Singers is a poignant and serene piece that provides comfort in times of grief. The lyrics, which speak from the perspective of the deceased, urge the living not to mourn at the grave but to find solace in the idea that the loved one continues to exist in the natural world. The song’s gentle harmonies and soothing melodies offer a sense of peace and reflection, making it a fitting tribute to those who have passed away.

7. “The Sky Is Crying” by Stevie Ray Vaughan

“The Sky Is Crying” is a blues standard originally written and recorded by Elmore James in 1959, but it was famously covered by Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1991. Vaughan’s version is celebrated for its soulful guitar work and emotional depth. The song uses the metaphor of the sky crying to express profound sorrow and heartache. Vaughan’s passionate performance and the song’s melancholic lyrics capture the essence of the blues, making it a powerful expression of grief and longing. The track is a testament to Vaughan’s ability to convey deep emotion through his guitar playing and vocal delivery.

8. “Cry Baby Cry” by The Beatles

“Cry Baby Cry” is a song by The Beatles from their 1968 album The White Album. Written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, the song features whimsical and surreal lyrics that tell a fairy-tale-like story. Despite its playful tone, the song’s title and refrain evoke a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. The track’s arrangement, with its haunting melody and intricate harmonies, adds to the overall feeling of wistfulness. “Cry Baby Cry” stands out as a unique blend of The Beatles’ experimental and lyrical prowess, capturing a bittersweet mood that resonates with listeners.

9. “Tears In Heaven” by Eric Clapton

“Tears In Heaven” is a deeply emotional song by Eric Clapton, co-written with Will Jennings. Released in 1992, the song was written in response to the tragic death of Clapton’s four-year-old son, Conor, who fell from a high-rise window in New York City. The song features on the soundtrack of the film Rush and was later included in Clapton’s Unplugged album. The lyrics poignantly express Clapton’s grief and longing, contemplating whether he and his son would meet again in heaven. The song’s heartfelt melody and Clapton’s soulful performance resonated with many, earning it three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

10. “Crying” by Roy Orbison

“Crying” is a classic ballad by Roy Orbison, co-written with Joe Melson and released in 1961. The song features on Orbison’s third studio album of the same name. Known for its dramatic orchestration and Orbison’s powerful vocal delivery, “Crying” tells the story of a man overwhelmed by tears after encountering a former lover. The song’s emotional depth and Orbison’s expressive performance made it a major hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy Hall of Fame Award. The song’s enduring popularity was further cemented by a successful cover by Don McLean in 1980.

11. “The Tracks Of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles

“The Tracks Of My Tears” is a soulful ballad by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, released in 1965. Written by Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin, the song is built around Tarplin’s memorable guitar riff and Robinson’s poignant lyrics. The song explores the theme of hidden sorrow, with the narrator masking his heartbreak behind a facade of happiness. Robinson’s smooth vocals and the song’s melancholic melody made it a standout track, earning it a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the greatest Motown songs of all time. It reached number 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

12. “Cry Me A River” by Julie London

“Cry Me A River” is a torch song written by Arthur Hamilton and first performed by Julie London in 1955. The song became London’s signature track, featured on her debut album Julie Is Her Name. Known for its intimate and sultry delivery, “Cry Me A River” tells the story of a scorned lover who sarcastically tells their ex to cry a river over their lost relationship. London’s smoky, emotive voice, accompanied by minimalist guitar and bass, creates a haunting and seductive atmosphere. The song’s enduring appeal has led to numerous covers by various artists over the years.

13. “Pretty When You Cry” by Lana Del Rey

“Pretty When You Cry” is a track from Lana Del Rey’s 2014 album Ultraviolence. The song was recorded in one take with her guitar player, Blake Stranathan, at Electric Lady Studios. Known for its raw and unpolished feel, the song captures the vulnerability and emotional depth that Del Rey is known for. The lyrics describe a tumultuous relationship with an unreliable man, highlighting the singer’s emotional pain and resignation. The repeated refrain “I’m pretty when I cry” juxtaposes beauty with sorrow, creating a haunting and melancholic atmosphere. Del Rey’s vocal delivery, which was left untouched from the original recording session, adds to the song’s authenticity and emotional impact.

14. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley and The Wailers

“No Woman, No Cry” is a reggae classic performed by Bob Marley and The Wailers, first recorded in 1974 and released on the album Natty Dread. The song is widely interpreted as a comforting message to a woman, reassuring her not to cry despite the hardships they face. The title and main refrain, “No Woman, No Cry,” is often misunderstood outside Jamaica; it actually means “Woman, don’t cry.” The song reflects Marley’s experiences growing up in the Trenchtown ghetto of Kingston, Jamaica, and offers solace and hope through its warm-hearted and spiritual lyrics. The live version from the 1975 album Live! is particularly famous and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

15. “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore

“It’s My Party” is a 1963 hit song by Lesley Gore, produced by Quincy Jones and co-written by Seymour Gottlieb, Walter Gold, John Gluck Jr., and Herb Weiner. The song tells the story of a girl who discovers her boyfriend cheating on her during her 16th birthday party. The iconic chorus, “It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to,” became an anthem for expressing sadness amidst celebrations. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics resonated with many, making it a chart-topping hit. Gore’s performance captures the teenage angst and emotional turmoil of the protagonist, turning a personal and somewhat melodramatic experience into a timeless pop classic.

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.