Life is full of ups and downs. One day, you’re flying high with good grades and good vibes, and the next day you’re in a funk. We all have those days. Maybe a boy hurt you, maybe you’re feeling down about yourself, or maybe Mother Nature delivered a gift this month (been there, done that).
Whatever the case may be, I know three things that always cheer me up: my friends and family, food, and my music. People always look at me strangely when I say “When I’m sad, I listen to sad music to make me more sad.” Yes, it seems odd that I would put myself through more pain, but sometimes you need to hear that one sad song or two or ten; sometimes, crying just eases the pain.
Here are my top 10 sad songs I listen to on my bad days.
“Not Mine to Love” – Slow Club
If anyone watches “The Royals” (highly recommend it), you might recognize the song. It basically sums up exactly what it feels to want someone who doesn’t feel the same.
Oh unrequited love, you make life so complicated.
“We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” – Ella Eyre
Ella Eyre perfectly sums up what hook-up culture is like in university: sometimes boys just look at a girl as their next hook-up and nothing more. The song reminds me that if someone is willing to, they’ll get to know me before wanting to hook-up.
“Dreaming With a Broken Heart” – John Mayer
Oh John, always pulling on the heartstrings. John sings about a girl leaving him, but honestly, we’ve all daydreamed about something that was never going to happen which inevitably brings more pain.
It’s those damn piano chords that get you right in the beginning.
“Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
Like Slow Club, Adele sings about loving someone who isn’t exactly ready to take things further with you.
“Almost is Never Enough” – Ariana Grande ft. Nathan Sykes
You’re right Ariana Grande: sometimes, almost IS never enough. Honestly, it’s kind of a random song but trust me, it’ll bring the tears on those sad days.
“I’m Gonna Find Another You” – John Mayer
John Mayer is so great, we had to put him on here twice. This time, his song is about moving on from that past partner and how hard that can be. Too bad it’s a short song.
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – Sleeping at Last (cover)
You may be wondering, “This is a happy, upbeat song so what is it doing on a sad song playlist?” Well this cover version by Sleeping at Last is slowed down with the piano. It’s my go-to for when I’m sad and when I need to take a nap.
“On My Own” – Les Miserables
Yes, this is from a musical and maybe those aren’t your thing. That’s okay because regardless of whether you’ve seen the show/movie or not, and regardless of whether you even know what Les Mis is, this song is the #1 saddest ballad about unrequited love. So if Adele or Slow Club don’t help, try this one.
“My Melancholy Blues” – Queen
Aside from loving musicals, I also love rock. Specifically Queen. This isn’t your typical Queen song and in fact, most people have never heard of it. The blues feel to the song can make any sad person shed a tear.
“Finding Hope” – Ava Maria Safai
I just stumbled upon this song a week ago and it’s definitely made me cry on my recent sad days. It’s a song about, well finding hope during the times we feel the most broken or lost. And sometimes, it’s exactly what I need.
So give these songs a try if you ever need a good cry!