What is the saddest song for you?

I didn't connect with "Tears In Heaven" the first time I heard it. But when I saw Eric Clapton play it live in MTV Unplugged, I was just carried away by the emotion and quiet resonance of his performance. That song is a keeper--a love letter to a lost loved one.

I love elliott smith. I first heard him on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack with his song "Miss Misery". He just sings it so calmly and softly--it's like he's singing a sleepy lullabye but the words are much, much more. Also, try Jeff Buckley's "Last Goodbye". Poetic.

speaking of Christmas, "Sally's Song" from the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of those songs that never fails to move me.

i do think that is Keeny Chestney's song and yes it does make me cry also

Sarah McLachlan's Song For A Winternight is also heartbreakingly forlorn. It makes you wanna hug somebody. Real bad.

Vincent is particularly moving, maybe because it's about a real story about a real person. Bruce Springsteen has written a lot of songs telling stories about people. One favorite of mine is "The River".

I once did a vote on the radio station Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven won that vote for the most saddest song.

I love Snow Patrol, too. I have a lot of songs in my "melancholia" playlist. Here are some: Love song for a vampire - Annie Lennox Hide and seek - Imogen Heap The walk - Imogen Heap Here with me - Dido Nobody lives without love - Eddi Reader By your side - Sade Elsewhere - Sarah McLachlan Song for a winter's night - Sarah McLachlan Street spirit - radiohead Fake plastic trees - radiohead High and dry - radiohead Tears in heaven - Eric Clapton Nothing compares 2 u - Sinead O'Connor Silent lucidity - Queensryche Miss misery - Elliott Smith Jackie's strength - Tori Amos Never is a promise - Fiona Apple Brick - Ben Folds Five Love thy will be done - Martika So cruel - U2 Time is running out - Muse Only time - Enya Gosh, there are so many. I'm sure I've left out some really good ones.

Thanks. I've always been a fan of Sarah McLachlan. Even back in her "Solace" days. One artist I've always been curious about is Sigur Ros.

Yay for Sarah McLachlan, Imogen Heap and Elliot Smith on your list! Do you have Sarah's whole Wintersong album? That was the only thing I listened to for like the whole of November (or was it October) last year. Definitely one of my favorite Christmas albums. I was actually thinking of Brick when I was answering this question as well. I've liked that song for years but only found out last year that it was actually a song he wrote about his girlfriend going through abortion. When I listened to it again, it had a different, deeper impact on me. And Sinead O'Connor's Nothing Compares.. yes, should definitely be on that list.:) I don't know some of the songs you mentioned, but overall, I like your taste in music!

True. There are a lot of songs that don't seem sad at all but the context is just heart-breaking. One example of this is Fiona Apple's Paper Bag.

I think that good music, whether happy or sad, just elevates the listener. I really believe that.

Yes, it was tragic. But I'm still grateful that his songs will live on. A songwriter who speaks from his heart and tells stories that burrow through the listeners' ears and minds and leaves an everlasting imprint on our memories. Way to go, Elliott.

My Chemical Romance's "Helena". That song just blows me away. Plus, the video is even more amazing.

Boys II Men's "End Of The Road" is beautifully forlorn.

So true, Jemina. Yes, listening to sad songs evokes sad emotions. But that also makes it easier sometimes. And more comforting. There is solace in music.

I love that song! Yeah, that song just makes me want to cry, too. You've got good taste in music.

That song reminds me of a similarly themed song called "Waiting For Murray" by Hastang. The story behind the song is just so heartbreaking. I couldn't even bear to share it here.

There are some songs with fast beats but are still melancholic. New Order's "Regret" is one.

A great R&B song, if I might add. True--there are a lot of songs which sound both sad and happy at the same time. Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" comes to mind.