15 Saddest Rock n’ Roll Songs

15 Saddest Rock n’ Roll Songs | I Love Classic Rock Videos

Eric Clapton – aspirinsmoke /YouTube

Who says rock songs can’t be sad songs?

There are a lot of reasons why we need to listen to a good sad rock song: broken heart, loss of a loved one, or just feeling the sensation it gives. There’s that element in music that struck us close to the heart, and it’s fun to know that our beloved rockstars are familiar with that feeling too. Below, are the 15 saddest rock and roll songs worth listening to.

 

“Ride On” – AC/DC

Singer Bon Scott is a mess as he began to sing the lines, “I ain’t too young to worry, and I ain’t too old to cry,” in a bluesy tone. It gives us the right kick of sadness when we feel alone or abandoned.

“Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell” – ZZ Top

ZZ Top made sure to give us the right chills after they released “Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell.” It’s perfect for sobbing in the rain or just your typical, melancholic days.

“Changes” – Black Sabbath

Ozzy Osbourne did a great job showing his sensitive side as he sang “Changes” by Black Sabbath. It was inspired by drummer Bill Ward’s divorce.

“Space Oddity” – David Bowie

There’s nothing sadder to compare than you floating in space, preparing to die. Bowie’s breakthrough hit “Space Oddity” deserves praise for that.

“I Can’t Tell You Why” – Eagles

“I Can’t Tell You Why” by Eagles talks about a love that’s about to fall apart due to constant fighting. What made this song so great is it gave us an ambiguous feeling whether the lovers made up and gave it a try, or they’ve permanently ended all the pain.

“The Wind Cries Mary” – Jimi Hendrix Experience

The song’s lyricism is far too abstract for interpretation but combined it with Hendrix’s dramatic guitar riffs and we’ve got one of JHE’s saddest songs.

“Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” – Elton John

“Johnny, can’t you come out to play?” Elton John sings as he paid tribute to his dear old friend, John Lennon. The song was inspired by their 1974 performance at The Madison Square Garden.

“She’s Leaving Home” – The Beatles

The heartbreaking song “She’s Leaving Home” by the Beatles took a different turn on the usual: it deals with the heartbreak you get when your child leaves you for college. Lennon-McCartney got it right.

“You See Me Crying” – Aerosmith

Lead vocalist Steven Tyler brought us melodramatic wails in this lovely track from Aerosmith’s Toys in the Attic album. You’re a tad heartless if you don’t feel anything upon hearing this.

“Pale Blue Eyes” – The Velvet Underground

“Sometimes I feel so happy, sometimes I feel so sad,” Lou Reed didn’t hesitate to give us the chills for this Velvet Underground classic. Things aren’t better once you’d find out that he wrote this one after he knew that the first woman he’d ever loved is now married.

“Here Come Those Tears Again” – Jackson Browne

Jackson Browne was disheartened when his wife died from overdose— a suicide. Browne was ready to share his feelings, but there came his mother-in-law who helped him figure out the lyrics, and the song became a mother’s ode to her daughter.

“Wild Horses” – The Rolling Stones

Mick Jagger delivers his passionate vocals as the song’s orchestration guided it for a melancholic finish. The Rolling Stones are in their best shape here.

“Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac

Stevie Nicks is indeed one of the most poetic songwriters of her time, and “Landslide” is clear evidence for that. It reflected the decisions she made in her life if it’s worth it or not.

“All My Love” – Led Zeppelin

Another sad track dedicated to the death of a son, Robert Plant wails from this rare Led Zeppelin love song. His voice is hurt and you could feel it.

“Tears in Heaven” – Eric Clapton

Clapton’s track for his late son who died after he fell from an apartment may perhaps be the saddest rock song of all. The guitarist’s melancholic stums could make you cry anytime.