It happens to all of us, a bad breakup out of the blue, news that brings you to tears, or just a really awful day. We can try to be strong and not let it get to us, but keeping everything bottled up inside is never a good idea. Eventually we have to let it out. Sometimes the best way to move on and start healing is to accept what you are feeling and totally embrace it. Check out these ten songs the next time you need a good cry to help you feel better.
1. “Empty Apartment” – Yellowcard
My personal favorite feel-sorry-for-myself songs are ones that I can scream instead of sing with tears in my eyes. If you are feeling a little resentful over a breakup, “Empty Apartment” is for you. The emotion in Ryan Key’s voice as he sings, “Does it hurt when you think about me and how broken my heart is?” is enough to make anyone emotional. Do not get me started on the bridge, just listen to it for yourself.
2. “I’ve Given Up On You” – Real Friends
Some of us have that one person that we are so hung up on, we think about them months or even years later. It kills you inside and you are so angry that they were absolutely everything to you, but they could leave you so easily. They ruin so many things for you that you used to enjoy together. You have the right to be angry at them. Scream this song and cry some angry tears. Try to forgive them, even if they do not deserve it. You will feel better.
3. “Last Kiss” – Taylor Swift
Can it really be a tear-inducing playlist without Taylor Swift? She understands all of us, and whether you and your significant other broke up yesterday or five years ago, this song still hurts. When you are deeply in love, you never think of your happiness together ending. However, life happens and relationships end, rarely at the hands of both parties as a mutual decision. Cry for that lost love and how great it was that you could not imagine it ending. Love like that always.
4. “Almost Lover” – A Fine Frenzy
Every single person has an “almost lover.” That one person you wanted so desperately to be in a relationship with, but for some reason it did not work out in your favor. Thinking about what could have been is sometimes worse than thinking about a failed relationship. Let yourself cry over missed chances, but realize it was not meant to be.
5. “U.N.I.” – Ed Sheeran
Lyrically, this song is best for those of us who had a relationship that fell apart due to starting college. It can be hard to know before college starts whether your relationship will last, but many couples give it a shot only to find out that unfortunately it will not work out. It is okay to miss your high-school sweetheart even when you know breaking up was for the best.
6. “Like We Used To” – A Rocket to the Moon
“Like We Used To” is perfect for those of us with a jealous streak, especially if you were recently dumped and your ex now has a new significant other. Even if you do not want to care about them being with someone new, you want to know if they are good enough for them, and if they will care about them in the same way you did. The line that hits closest to my heart has to be “Can you promise me if this one’s right, don’t throw it all away.”
7. “Remind Me” – Braid Paisley (Duet with Carrie Underwood)
Sometimes it is not a breakup that is causing us heartache, but rather our relationship is going through a rough patch. If the love is worth it, do not give up. Listen to this duet, then try to remind each other of why you fell in love in the first place. Relationships can be hard work but if you want it bad enough, it will be worth it in the end.
8. “Sanctuary” – Paradise Fears
It may be the most well-known Paradise Fears song, but the original version of “Sanctuary” did not include the speech that makes this one a tear-jerker. When what we are going through is an internal struggle with ourselves, it is hard to feel as though someone else understands us. Paradise Fears realized how much this song was resonating with their fans and added what is now known as the “Sanctuary Speech” and released it as a single. It is their way of telling the listener that whoever they are, whatever they are going through, things can and will get better.
9. “By The Grace Of God” – Katy Perry
When you think of Katy Perry, the first songs that come to mind are feel-good dance tracks like “California Gurls” and “I Kissed A Girl.” However, she has struggled in love just like the rest of us; her highly publicized marriage to and then divorce from Russell Brand has been the inspiration for many of her recent songs. “By The Grace of God” is her coming to terms with how low she feels, deciding to pick herself up, dust herself off, and not let anyone keep her down. Follow Katy’s lead once you have finished listening to these songs and get started on getting better.
10. “All Too Well” – Taylor Swift
Still feeling down? Give yourself five and a half more minutes of feeling sorry for yourself and listen to one more Taylor Swift song. This song is for those breakups that still feel like fresh wounds. You might not think about it all the time, but when you do, everything comes back so vividly and it hurts all over again. Give yourself the opportunity to totally immerse yourself in how it felt to be with them and to lose them. Realize that you cannot change the past, but you can start working towards a better, happier future for yourself. You deserve it.