As an experienced wedding DJ, I’ve assembled a list of songs for the first dance. Songs are selected by the meaning of the song and popular hits by today’s couples.
When you hear the saddest love song, the song brings tears to your eyes and can take your breath away.
Saddest Love Songs Ever
Are you experiencing the end of a love relationship? Pull out a box of Kleenex and a good cry will only help!
“Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
Released in 1992 on the album Automatic for the People
A song that lets listeners know that everyone hurts deep down inside at some point and to not give up.
Sad Lyrics:
When you think you’ve had too much Of this life to hang on Well, everybody hurts sometimes
“Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
Released in 2019 on the album Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent
A song about loving someone and the relationship ending and cherishing the love you had while being in a sad funk.
Sad Lyrics:
I let my guard down And then you pulled the rug I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved
“Someone Like You” by Adele
Released in 2011 on the album 21
A song about an ex-lover settling down with someone else and how bittersweet it feels.
Sad Lyrics:
“Don’t forget me, ” I begged I remember you said “Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead”
“Hurt” by Johnny Cash
Released in 2002 on the album American IV: The Man Comes Around
A song about being in a lot of emotional pain ad trying to use drugs to take the pain away while being in a feeling of despair.
Sad Lyrics:
My sweetest friend Everyone I know goes away In the end
“Jar Of Hearts” by Christina Perri
Released in 2010 on the album Lovestrong
A song about a failing love relationship and having a feeling that you lost yourself. It also describes how mad you are for your ex-lover running around collecting a jar of broken hearts.
Sad Lyrics:
And who do you think you are? Runnin’ ’round leaving scars Collecting your jar of hearts
“Fix You” by Coldplay
Released in 2005 on the album X&Y
This is a song about being in a state of sadness or pain that you cry and hoping that a light will shine to guide you home so that someone who cares about you can help you through.
Sad Lyrics:
Lights will guide you home And ignite your bones And I will try to fix you
“Here Without You” by Three Doors Down
Released in 2002 on the album Away From The Sun
This is a love song about a long-distance relationship and being lonely while apart.
Sad Lyrics:
I’m here without you, baby But you’re still with me in my dreams And tonight, it’s only you and me
“Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx
Released in 1989 on the album Repeat Offender
A love song about not being together and when you are not close your heart breaks.
Sad Lyrics:
Whatever it takes Or how my heart breaks I will be right here waiting for you
“I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan
Released in 1993 on the album Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
A love song about having a deep love relationship with another but it doesn’t work out. Afterward, you cling to the past memories and wonder what will happen to each of you in the end.
Sad Lyrics:
I will remember you, will you remember me? Don’t let your life pass you by Weep not for the memories
“Nothing Compares 2 U” by Chris Cornell
Released in 2020 on the album No One Sings Like You Anymore
A cover of the song made famous by Sinead O’Connor and written by Prince. A song about reflecting on a love breakup and how you have a difficult time trying to get over it. You put your past lover on such a high pedestal that you cannot find someone that will be better for you.
Sad Lyrics:
But nothing Nothing can take away these blues ‘Cause nothing compares Nothing compares to you
“Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga
Released in 2018 on the album A Star Is Born Soundtrack
A song about having a deep love for another that you want to capture your feeling of love and remember the feeling when you cannot be together.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
But all I really know You’re where I wanna go The part of me that’s you will never die
“Lose You To Love Me” by Selena Gomez
Released in 2019 on the album Lose You To Love Me
A song about being in a love story where you are not treated right and how you need the relationship to end in order to love yourself again.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
I needed to lose you to find me This dancing was killing me softly I needed to hate you to love me
“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars
Released in 2012 on the album Unorthodox Jukebox
The song describes a love story for a couple that ended and he realizes that he should have treated her better so that she wouldn’t leave and be in another man’s arms who treats her right.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
My pride, my ego, my needs, and my selfish ways Caused a good strong woman like you to walk out of my life
“I Hate U, I Love U” by Gnash feat. Olivia O’Brien
Released in 2016 on the album us
The song is about a couple that broke up and the girl is having a hard time letting go of her love for him as he is already with another girl.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
I hate that I want you You want her, you need her And I’ll never be her
“Let It Go” by James Bay
Released in 2014 on the album Chaos And The Calm
A song about a couple that knows their love for each other has ended but has a hard time actually ending the relationship.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
Everything that’s broke Leave it to the breeze Why don’t you be you And I’ll be me
“Be Alright” by Dean Lewis
Released in 2018 on the album Be Alright
The song describes a friend telling you that your lover is now with him and she wants to end it with you. You feel the betrayal but you still love her.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
I know you love her, but it’s over, mate It doesn’t matter, put the phone away It’s never easy to walk away, let her go
“Dancing On My Own” by Calum Scott
Released in 2016 on the album Only Human
A song about having a hard time after a love breakup and the heartbreak you experience seeing your lover out with another to confirm the breakup while you are still all alone.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
And I’m giving it my all I’m not the guy you’re taking home I keep dancing on my own
“you were good to me” by Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler
Released in 2020 on the album brent
A song about a love relationship that has ended and looking back knowing that they cared for you but you just want more.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
I know it’s easier to run After everything I’ve done You were good to me
“This Town” by Niall Horan
Released in 2017 on the album Flicker
A song about a love connection that ended and having feelings of regret for things that you should have said and done.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
I saw that you moved on with someone new In the pub that we met, he’s got his arms around you It’s so hard
“If the World Was Ending” by JP Saxe, Julia Michaels
Released in 2020 on the album Hold It Together
The song is about being in a love relationship and trying to figure out how to end it because you know you weren’t meant for each other.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
You weren’t down for forever and it’s fine I know, you know, we know We weren’t meant for each other and it’s fine
Sad Love Hits To Make You Cry
Every love song tells a story. If you find a sad love song that tells the same love story that you just went through could cause an episode of non-stop crying. These songs could hit the mark if that’s what you wish to do to try and get over your lover.
Check out this song to get started! Grab a box of Kleenex.
“I Can’t Fall in Love Without You” by Zara Larsson
Released in 2017 on the album So Good
A song about the feeling of being free after a relationship ends but hoping your partner does not fall in love with anyone else and knowing you will have a difficult time moving on.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
I can’t fall in love without you Please, don’t fall in love without me
“Let Her Go” by Passenger
Released in 2012 on the album All the Little Lights
A song about a man who has fallen out of love with his lover and the need for him to let her go so that he can love her again.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
Only hate the road when you’re missing home Only know you love her when you let her go
“Out Of Love” by Alessia Cara
Released in 2018 on the album The Pains Of Growing
A song about a girl who realizes her lover no longer loves her and there’s nothing she can do to rekindle his desire.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
Oh, when did you fall out of love? Out of love? Oh, when did you fall out of love with me?
“Skinny Love” by Birdy
Released in 2011 on the album Birdy
The song describes a very fragile and delicate love relationship that should end.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
And now, all your love is wasted Then who the hell was I? ‘Cause now I’m breaking at the bridges
“The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
Released in 2015 on the album Strange Trails
A song about a lover who regrets starting a relationship with his lover because she fell out of love with him.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do Haunted by the ghost of you Oh, take me back to the night we met
“Stay” by Sugarland
Released in 2006 on the album Enjoy The Ride
A song about a woman who knows her man is leaving home to be with his mistress and the woman prays that he just stays home to be with herself.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
What do I have to do to make you see She can’t love you like me
“Say Something” by A Great Big World, Christina Aguilera
Released in 2013 on the album Is There Anybody Out There?
This is a love song about losing hope in a love relationship. You want your lover to give you reasons to stay because you still love them but you have made up your mind to leave.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
Say something, I’m giving up on you I’m sorry that I couldn’t get to you Anywhere, I would’ve followed you
“Because Of You” by Kelly Clarkson
Released in 2004 on the album Breakaway
The song talks about falling deeply in love with someone and then they break your heart and you are afraid to love again.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
I find it hard to trust not only me but everyone around me Because of you I am afraid
“Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo
Released in 2021 on the album drivers license
The song is a story about having a loving boyfriend and then he finds someone else. You drive by his house and all you think about is your ex with his new lover.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
She’s everything I’m insecure about Yeah, today I drove through the suburbs ‘Cause how could I ever love someone else?
“Lonely” by Justin Bieber & benny blanco
Released in 2020 on the album Lonely
This is a very emotional song about having so much fame and fortune but still feeling all alone in the world with no one to share it with.
Sad Lyrics To Inspire You:
Maybe then you’d know me ‘Cause I’ve had everything But no one’s listening And that’s just lonely
Favorites to Remember a Loved One
Tip
Losing a loved one or a close friend is a very sad time in your life. See our complete list of songs for remembering loved ones.
“Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran
Released in 2017 on the album Divide Remembering your Mother
This song will bring anyone to tears while singing about being loved by your mom and then being sad to lose her but happy that you were loved by her.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
You were an angel in the shape of my mum When I fell down you’d be there holding me up Spread your wings as you go
“My Old Man” by Zac Brown Band
Released in 2017 on the album Welcome Home Remembering your Father
A song about a son paying tribute to his dad and how he made him the man he is today and hoping he made his dad proud.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
He knew how to lift me up And when to let me fall Looking back, he always had a plan My old man
“Drink A Beer” by Luke Bryan
Released in 2013 on the album Crash My Party Remembering Your Friend or Fur Friend
A song about taking a moment of silence to reflect on losing a friend and remembering the good times.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
This is where the walking lead Can’t believe you’re really gone Don’t feel like going home
“See You Again Wiz” by Khalifa, Charlie Puth
Released in 2015 on the album Furious 7 Soundtrack Remembering Your Friend
The song talks about how difficult life is after losing a friend and looking forward to the day when you can spend time together again.
Lyrics To Inspire You:
We’ve come a long way From where we began Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again
Tunes to Listen to When Sad
When you are sad, sometimes the best formula is to play songs that will make you happy. Yes, you could play songs that are party songs to lift our spirits. But here are a few to feel better about yourself and raise your spirit. Time to dry your eyes.
“Rise Up” by Andra Day
Released in 2015 on the album Cheers to the Fall
A song about when you are down and feeling defeated to not be afraid and seize the day.
Sad Lyrics:
And I’ll rise up High like the waves I’ll rise up In spite of the ache
“Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)” by Andy Grammer
Released in 2014 on the album Magazines Or Novels
A song about working your butt off and not seeing any light at the end of the tunnel. You have been sending prayers up and today your wishes and dreams are finally coming to fruition.
Sad Lyrics:
Hallelujah, let that bass line move ya, say hey And it’s good to be alive right about now
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
Released in 1978 on the album Love Tracks
The song talks about how you are a strong person after a breakup and you will be just fine.
Sad Lyrics:
I will survive Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive I’ve got all my life to live
“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra
Released in 1978 on the album Out of the Blue
A song about being in a love relationship where the love is not being returned. However, the storm clouds are leaving and blue skies are here!
Sad Lyrics:
A celebration, Mr. Blue Sky’s up there waitin’ And today is the day we’ve waited for
“Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves
Released in 2018 on the album Golden Hour
A song about having a feeling that you are always in trouble but instead you should look around because you are truly blessed.
Sad Lyrics:
You hold tight to your umbrella Well, darlin’, I’m just tryin’ to tell ya That there’s always been a rainbow hangin’ over your head
I have always had a love for music and the way it makes you feel. My passion grew for wedding celebrations with years as a wedding DJ. Now, as a wedding music planner, I research popular and unique wedding songs to create personalized playlists for couples and help wedding pros curate crowd-cheering music. Let's get the party started! - Read More About Me
