Hey, life can be tough sometimes, right? Even without the whole global pandemic thing, we all go through rough patches. When you're feeling down, nothing beats a tub of ice cream, some really sad songs, and a good cry. But don't worry, we've got your back. The best heart-wrenching songs aren't just about complaining; they dive deep into those tough feelings with you.

You know what they say – misery loves company, and songwriters are experts at capturing our sorrows. We appreciate them for it. Some new additions to our list of top songs for a sad day include Labrinth's ‘Never Felt So Alone’ (2023), Celeste's ‘Strange’ (2019), and, of course, the ultimate sad girl anthem ‘Drivers Licence’ by Olivia Rodrigo (2021). These songs have earned their reputation as true tearjerkers, whether they're RnB, 12-bar blues, or indie rock. So, here are some of the all-time best songs for sad days that work for every taste.

1. ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ by Sinéad O’Connor

The original 'Nothing Compares 2 U,' created by Prince in the mid-'80s and later released by The Family, was a straightforward breakup song. However, when Sinéad O'Connor covered it, her version took the sadness to another level. Sinéad, who had lost her mother five years earlier, channeled her real grief into the performance. With a powerful vocal delivery expressing deep sorrow, combined with layers of melancholic synth strings and an unforgettable tearful music video, it became one of the most successful songs ever. This emotional connection became even more poignant with Sinéad's passing in July 2023. Rest in peace, Sinéad.

Link: Nothing Compares 2 U

2. ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ by Neil Young

In 1991, the dance-pop group Saint Etienne created a livelier version of a song originally by the enigmatic Canadian songwriter in 1970. Despite the overshadowing, the original by Young shouldn't be overlooked. Young's folky ballad captures the essence of someone accepting not only temporary heartbreak but a lifetime of sadness. Surprisingly, there's still a hint of a haunting, golden melody in the mix. Many artists, including Natalie Imbruglia, The Corrs, Psychic TV, and Jackie De Shannon, have covered this song. It turns out that a lot of people can relate to the theme of misery. Who would have thought?

Link: Only Love Can Brake Your Heart Sadness

3. ‘Strange’ by Celeste

Soft piano notes, smooth strings, and heartfelt lyrics blend seamlessly with Celeste's captivating, raspy voice in 'Strange,' a song released in 2019. The lyrics explore the uniqueness of time and the fleeting nature of genuine human bonds. It reflects on the past, acknowledging that some things will never return to what they once were. Ultimately, it's a poignant expression of the difficulties of breakups. The beauty of this song is sure to evoke emotions, possibly bringing tears to your eyes.

Link: Strange

4. ‘Teardrop’ by Massive Attack

In the '90s, trip-hop was the go-to music for fans who appreciated a classy sound. Songs like Portishead's 'Roads' were the perfect choice for emotional moments, often leading to late-night bedroom sessions of heartfelt cries. One standout track, 'Teardrop,' rises above the rest. Despite enduring some not-so-great cover versions and an unexpected stint as the theme for House, it stands out thanks to the haunting vocals by Elizabeth Fraser from Cocteau Twins. The song took on a deeply personal meaning for her when, on the day of recording, she learned that her ex-lover Jeff Buckley had tragically drowned in Memphis.

Link: Teardrop

5. ‘Drivers Licence’ by Olivia Rodrigo

In 2021, everyone couldn't escape the breakup song 'Drivers License,' which quickly turned 17-year-old Olivia Rodrigo into a huge star. Why did it become so popular? Well, the thoughtful pop song resonates with a lot of people because it's relatable to anyone who's experienced heartbreak (which is pretty much everyone). Plus, it came out during another round of lockdowns, so it provided comfort to our angsty souls stuck in our bedrooms. With the idea of driving feeling like a distant memory, it's no surprise that this teenage heartbreak anthem struck a chord and had us all singing along to the catchy chorus.

Link: Drivers Licence

6. ‘Hurt’ by Johnny Cash

Imagine this: a country music legend takes on a Nine Inch Nails song, and you might think it's a strange idea. Even Trent Reznor, the original artist, was skeptical. However, something magical happened when Johnny Cash covered "Hurt" just before he passed away. Despite Cash's declining health affecting his deep voice, it added a unique touch to the song. The music video intensified the emotional impact by showing Cash's vulnerability, glimpses of his wife June, highlights from his successful past, and scenes of the deteriorating House of Cash museum in Tennessee. "Hurt" became more than just a cover—it was Cash's powerful reflection on life, facing death, and expressing a lifetime of memories, pain, success, and unfulfilled dreams.

Link: Hurt

7. ‘No Distance Left to Run’ by Blur

Damon Albarn really poured his heart into this song, taking a close and honest look at the end of his relationship with Justine Frischmann. In Blur's 'No Distance,' he ditches the tough exterior and bravado, opting for a more sensitive vibe. The melody is soothing, like a lullaby, and the repeating title lyric feels like a mantra. It's a song that signifies acceptance, acknowledging that the relationship has run its course. However, the lingering regret and resentment in both the voice and lyrics hint that there's still more pain to come in the aftermath.

Link: No Distance Left to Run

8. ‘The Boxer’ by Simon & Garfunkel

Paul Simon takes the epic tale of the Great American Novel and turns it into a folk song. The main story is a familiar one – Dick Whittington discovers that the streets of NYC aren't as golden as he thought. However, the powerful ending, featuring an unbeaten boxer and a stirring two-minute musical conclusion, packs a punch that really resonates. It's no wonder Paul Simon chose to perform this song on the first Saturday Night Live after September 11, 2001.

Link: The Boxer

9. ‘Someone Like You’ by Adele

I may sound a bit cliché, but I can't create a list of the sad day songs without including one from Queen Adele. We've shared laughter and tears with her over the years, and who could forget when her friend Jennifer Lawrence threw her a divorce party? But when it comes to shedding a tear, "Someone Like You" really hits home. Whether you're experiencing a breakup in the public eye or just dealing with a school crush that didn't work out, the lyrics ("sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead") will hit you right in the feels. We're not the ones crying; it's you.

Link: Someone Like You

10. ‘No Name #5’ by Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith, like a few other singers on this list, tragically passed away at a young age. In 2003, he died from two stab wounds, likely self-inflicted. This event cast a shadow over his five albums, including 1997's "Either/Or." This album featured the last and arguably greatest part of the 'No Name' song series that Smith had begun in 1994 with "Roman Candle."

In the lyrics, there's a couplet that captures the feelings of tension, lethargy, and loneliness associated with depression: "Got bitten fingernails and a head full of the past/And everybody’s gone at last."

Link: No Name #5

11. ‘Both Sides Now’ by Joni Mitchell

Oh, Joni really knows how to tug at your heartstrings. If you've ever seen 'Love Actually,' this song instantly transports you to that emotional scene where Emma Thompson discovers her husband's affair. And don't even get started on the Christmas show, the lobster, and the charming Hugh Grant – it's just overwhelming. This song by Joni captures everything beautifully. We love you, Joni!

Link: Both Sides

12. ‘I Know It’s Over’ by The Smiths

Morrissey doesn't like being labeled as always gloomy, but he did contribute to it himself at times. In the '80s, he worked closely with Johnny Marr and together they created a series of songs that explore sadness and pain with a touch of dark humor. "I Know It's Over" is perhaps The Smiths' most profound dive into despair, where subtle black humor is the only light in the darkness (like the line, 'I know it's over… and it never really began'). As the song unfolds, the relentless questioning in the middle ('If you're so clever/Then why are you on your own tonight?') leaves us facing our own reflections in the mirror, realizing that we have no one to blame but ourselves for our sorrow.

Link: I Know It's Over

13. 'Tom Waits' 'Tom Traubert's Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen)'

Tom Waits is known for his gravelly tales of whiskey-soaked adventures, but it's important to remember that he's also a master at creating sad stories. One standout example is the opening track from his 1976 album "Small Change." The song starts with incredibly sad sweeping strings that set the tone for a dark journey. While there are different theories about the song's meaning, it doesn't really matter as Waits shares strange stories of wandering through nighttime streets in an alcoholic haze. When he painfully cries out, 'I begged you to stab me, you tore my shirt open, and I'm down on my knees,' it feels like the words are coming from someone who has experienced profound despair that most people may never understand.

Link: Tom Waits

14. ‘Lazarus’ by David Bowie

Bowie's last album feels like a message he wrote about himself, almost like a goodbye. The main song has eerie horn sounds and a slow beat that gives off a solemn vibe, almost like a march for someone who has passed away. In the song, he says, 'Look up here, I'm in heaven,' and it was released just a short time before he unexpectedly passed away. It's another sad but amazing piece of music from Bowie, the Thin White Duke.

Link: Lazarus

15. ‘Strange Fruit‘ by Billie Holiday

Even though she's famous for singing the haunting 'Gloomy Sunday' (also known as 'The Hungarian Suicide Song'), the amazing Ms. Holiday made a lasting impact on culture with 'Strange Fruit.' This powerful protest song from the 20th century, based on Abel Meeropol's chilling poem about lynchings in the southern states, stands out because of Holiday's interpretation. Her rendition is subtle, tense, and filled with both sorrow and humanity, expressing a mix of righteous rage. It's a song that stays with you, leaving a lasting impression on your soul.

Link: Strange Fruit

16. ‘Never Felt So Alone’ by Labrinth

This song gained a lot of attention when it was featured on Sam Levinson's ‘Euphoria’, known for its emotional vibes, back in 2019. However, Labrinth officially released it as part of his third studio album in April 2023. The track also features Billie Eilish (though she's not officially credited for some reason). It quickly became the go-to song for those melancholic Sundays. The song has a slightly disarming intro but transforms into a captivating piece that can immerse you completely. If you're a ‘Euphoria’ fan, it'll instantly remind you of Rue's struggles in the show. Here's hoping she's doing okay.

Link: Never Felt So Alone

17. ‘The River’ by Bruce Springsteen

When The Boss gets really heartfelt, his music feels a lot like the powerful stories of American playwrights like Arthur Miller and Eugene O’Neill. Take "The River," for example—it's pretty intense. This story is about two young lovers who, due to an unplanned pregnancy, have to get married without much happiness. This line from the 20th century asks a common question: "If a dream doesn't come true, is it just a lie, or is it even worse than that?"

Link: The River

18. ‘How to Disappear Completely’ by Radiohead

Back in 1997, if you believed that Radiohead's music couldn't get any darker after OK Computer, you were in for a shock three years later. The band dropped Kid A, revealing a whole new level of gloomy electronic vibes. While the acoustic strumming harks back to the earlier Bends era, the unsettling synthesizer sounds, creepy lyrics, and chilling strings (recorded in Dorchester Abbey) make it feel like a musical snapshot of Thom Yorke's mental state after OK Computer.

Link: How to Disappear Completely

19. ‘Someone Great’ by LCD Soundsystem

In their first album, the Brooklyn dance-punk group threw a lighthearted party, playfully celebrating Daft Punk and hipster pride. In their second album, "Sound of Silver" from 2007, the band not only perfected their beats but also matured as songwriters. Frontman James Murphy, motivated by the death of his therapist and the emptiness it created, unexpectedly penned a poignant reflection on grief: 'I wish that we could talk about it/But there, that’s the problem.' The sparkling bells and electronic sounds paint a picture of a clear night sky, emphasizing Murphy’s core message – no matter who we lose, somehow, the world keeps turning.

Link: Someone Great

20. ‘Disintegration’ by The Cure

Except for Mondays, Robert Smith isn't known for being a cheerful guy. Even in his most upbeat pop songs, things take a dark turn once you pay attention to the lyrics. In 1989, he was in a particularly gloomy mood while creating The Cure's biggest, best, and most melancholic album: Disintegration. While songs like 'Pictures of You' and 'Lullaby' got a lot of attention, the real powerhouse in the album was the title track. It's an eight-minute-long, serpent-like song that explores the harsh reality of a crumbling relationship.

Link: Disintegration