21 Sad Songs About Love (2024)

21 Sad Songs About Love

Explore a collection of 21 heart-wrenching songs that capture the pain, longing, and heartbreak of love. From classic ballads to modern hits, these sad songs will tug at your heartstrings and make you feel the depth of human emotion.

Someone Like You by Adele

One of the most iconic sad songs about love is 'Someone Like You' by Adele. Released in 2011 as part of her album '21', the song quickly became a worldwide hit and solidified Adele's status as a powerhouse vocalist. The emotional lyrics of 'Someone Like You' tell the story of heartbreak and longing, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar feelings. The song's haunting melody and Adele's powerful vocals make it a standout track on the album. 'Someone Like You' has been covered by numerous artists and remains a favorite for anyone going through a tough breakup or dealing with unrequited love.

All I Want by Kodaline

'All I Want' by Kodaline is a heart-wrenching ballad that perfectly captures the pain of unrequited love. The song tells the story of someone who is willing to do anything to be with the person they love, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness. With its haunting melody and emotional lyrics, 'All I Want' has resonated with listeners around the world and has become a staple on playlists for anyone going through a tough time in their love life. Kodaline's raw and honest delivery in this song has made it a standout in their discography and a go-to for anyone looking for a sad love song to help them through a difficult time.

Skinny Love by Bon Iver

Skinny Love by Bon Iver is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the pain and longing that can come with love. The lyrics describe a love that is fragile and barely holding on, hence the term 'skinny love'. The song was released in 2007 as part of Bon Iver's debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago. The album was recorded in a remote cabin in Wisconsin, where lead singer Justin Vernon isolated himself after a breakup. This raw emotion and vulnerability can be felt throughout the album, making it a perfect fit for a list of sad songs about love.

The Scientist by Coldplay

The song 'The Scientist' by Coldplay is often considered one of the saddest songs about love. The lyrics tell the story of a broken relationship and the regret and longing that comes with it. The haunting melody and emotional vocals of lead singer Chris Martin make this song a powerful and moving ballad. 'The Scientist' was released as the second single from Coldplay's second album, 'A Rush of Blood to the Head,' in 2002. The song went on to become one of Coldplay's most popular and enduring hits, earning critical acclaim and winning a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. The music video for 'The Scientist' is also notable, as it was filmed in reverse, with Martin singing the lyrics backward while walking through various scenes of destruction. Overall, 'The Scientist' is a poignant and heartbreaking song that continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

Back to December by Taylor Swift

One of the sad songs about love included in the list is 'Back to December' by Taylor Swift. The song was released in 2010 as the second single from her album 'Speak Now'. It is rumored to be about Swift's regret over a past relationship, with lyrics expressing her desire to go back in time and make things right. The song received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 'Back to December' showcases Swift's songwriting skills and emotional depth, making it a standout track in her discography.

Hurt by Johnny Cash

One of the most iconic sad songs about love is 'Hurt' by Johnny Cash. Originally written and performed by Nine Inch Nails, Cash's haunting cover of the song is often considered one of his greatest works. The music video, which depicts Cash reflecting on his life and legacy, adds an extra layer of emotion to the already powerful lyrics. Cash's gravelly voice and raw emotion make this song a standout in the realm of heartbreak tunes. 'Hurt' is a reminder that even the toughest of individuals can experience deep emotional pain when it comes to love.

Stay With Me by Sam Smith

Stay With Me by Sam Smith is a heart-wrenching ballad that captures the pain of unrequited love. The song was a massive hit, earning Sam Smith multiple Grammy Awards. The emotional lyrics paired with Smith's soulful vocals make it a standout track on the list of sad songs about love. The song tells the story of someone pleading for their lover to stay with them, even though they know the relationship is doomed. It's a poignant reminder of the struggles of love and the difficulty of letting go. Stay With Me is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars

'When I Was Your Man' by Bruno Mars is a heartbreaking ballad that tells the story of a man reflecting on his past relationship and regretting not treating his partner better. The song showcases Mars' soulful vocals and emotional delivery, making it a standout track on his album 'Unorthodox Jukebox.' The lyrics are poignant and relatable, capturing the pain of lost love and the realization of what could have been. 'When I Was Your Man' is a timeless love song that resonates with listeners who have experienced heartbreak and regret in their own relationships.

I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston

'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston is a classic sad love song that has touched the hearts of millions around the world. Originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973, Whitney Houston's rendition in 1992 for the soundtrack of the film 'The Bodyguard' became a massive hit. The song showcases Houston's powerful vocals and emotional delivery, making it a timeless ballad about love and loss. With its poignant lyrics and heart-wrenching melody, 'I Will Always Love You' remains one of the most iconic love songs of all time.

Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye ft. Kimbra

Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye ft. Kimbra is a melancholic song that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of heartbreak and longing for a lost love. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics strike a chord with anyone who has experienced a breakup. Gotye's soulful vocals combined with Kimbra's ethereal harmonies create a beautiful yet bittersweet sound. The song's music video, featuring a visually striking body painting concept, further adds to its emotional impact. Somebody That I Used to Know is a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

Tears Dry on Their Own by Amy Winehouse

'Tears Dry on Their Own' by Amy Winehouse is a soulful and heartfelt song that captures the pain of a breakup. The lyrics speak of trying to move on from a past relationship, but finding it difficult to let go of the memories. Amy Winehouse's powerful vocals and emotional delivery make this song a standout in her discography. It is a perfect addition to a list of sad songs about love, as it conveys the raw emotions that come with heartbreak.

Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi's hit song 'Someone You Loved' is a heartbreaking ballad that perfectly captures the pain of lost love. The song topped the charts in multiple countries and earned Capaldi a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year. 'Someone You Loved' was inspired by Capaldi's own experience of heartbreak, and his raw, emotional vocals make the song a powerful and relatable anthem for anyone going through a difficult breakup. The song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics have made it a favorite for anyone in need of a good cry. Capaldi's soulful voice and heartfelt delivery make 'Someone You Loved' a standout track on his debut album, 'Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent.'

Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis

'Bleeding Love' by Leona Lewis is a heartbreaking ballad that captures the pain of unrequited love. The song was released in 2007 as the lead single from Lewis's debut album 'Spirit' and quickly became a worldwide hit. Written by Jesse McCartney and Ryan Tedder, 'Bleeding Love' showcases Lewis's powerful vocals and emotional delivery. The lyrics describe the agony of loving someone who doesn't feel the same way, making it a perfect addition to a list of sad songs about love. The song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics have resonated with listeners for years, solidifying its place as a modern classic in the realm of heartbreak anthems.

Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri

One of the saddest songs about love is 'Jar of Hearts' by Christina Perri. The song was released in 2010 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has been hurt by a past lover and is now warning him that she has moved on and will not be taken advantage of again. The haunting melody and powerful vocals make this song a heartbreaking anthem for anyone who has experienced heartbreak. 'Jar of Hearts' has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in several TV shows and movies. It remains one of Christina Perri's most popular and emotionally resonant songs.

Fix You by Coldplay

Fix You by Coldplay is a poignant song about love and loss that often brings listeners to tears. The song was written by Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin for his then-wife Gwyneth Paltrow after her father passed away. The lyrics speak of offering comfort and support to a loved one going through a difficult time, with the chorus repeating the powerful message 'I will try to fix you.' The emotional depth of the song, combined with Coldplay's signature melodic sound, has made Fix You a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with fans around the world.

I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt

'I Can't Make You Love Me' by Bonnie Raitt is a heartbreaking ballad that perfectly captures the pain of unrequited love. The song was released in 1991 and has since become a classic in the realm of sad love songs. Bonnie Raitt's soulful vocals combined with the poignant lyrics make this song a powerful ode to heartbreak. The song was written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. 'I Can't Make You Love Me' is a must-listen for anyone going through a tough breakup or dealing with unreciprocated feelings.

Say Something by A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera

'Say Something' by A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera is a poignant ballad that perfectly captures the pain of unrequited love. The emotional lyrics combined with Christina Aguilera's powerhouse vocals make this song a standout in the realm of sad love songs. The song reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been certified multi-platinum in several countries. The music video features a heartbreaking performance by the artists, adding to the overall emotional impact of the song. 'Say Something' is a must-listen for anyone going through a tough time in their love life.

Let Her Go by Passenger

One of the sad songs about love included in the list is 'Let Her Go' by Passenger. The song was released in 2012 as a single from Passenger's album 'All the Little Lights'. The lyrics talk about the regret and longing that comes with realizing the value of someone after they are gone. 'Let Her Go' became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in many countries around the world. The song's melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect addition to any playlist of sad love songs.

Un-break My Heart by Toni Braxton

One of the saddest songs about love is 'Un-break My Heart' by Toni Braxton. The song was released in 1996 and became a massive hit, earning Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The lyrics tell the story of heartbreak and longing for a lost love, with Braxton's soulful vocals delivering the emotion perfectly. 'Un-break My Heart' is a classic ballad that continues to resonate with listeners years after its release, making it a standout in the genre of sad love songs.

Yesterday by The Beatles

Yesterday by The Beatles is a classic sad song about lost love. Written by Paul McCartney, the song reflects on the pain of a breakup and the longing for the past. It was released in 1965 as part of the album 'Help!' and quickly became one of the band's most popular and enduring songs. Yesterday is known for its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics, making it a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners. The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple in pop culture. Its emotional impact and universal themes of heartbreak and nostalgia have solidified Yesterday as one of the greatest love songs of all time.

Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinéad O'Connor

'Nothing Compares 2 U' by Sinéad O'Connor is a hauntingly beautiful song that perfectly captures the pain of lost love. Originally written and composed by the legendary musician Prince, the song became a massive hit when O'Connor released her cover version in 1990. The emotional depth of O'Connor's vocals combined with the heartbreaking lyrics make this song a standout in the realm of sad love songs. It's no wonder that 'Nothing Compares 2 U' has become a classic that continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

Popnable /Popnable Media

21 Sad Songs About Love (2024)

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