TOP 'SAD SONGS' EVER RECORDED

This list is based on a compilation of multiple published and unpublished 'saddest song' lists. Since the degree of sadness evoked by a song is a personal and individual experience, nearly every list of this nature is vigorously debated - based on personal tastes, experiences, and reactions to songs.

However, the songs listed here - especially in the top 100 - are some of the most unanimously agreed-upon 'saddest songs of all time' according to a number of music critics and according to online comments and forum posts across the Internet.

Beyond the 'Top 100' or so, the songs are ranked in a somewhat arbitrary order.  But to whatever degree these songs are 'ranked,' it is primarily on their level of perceived sadness, and secondarily on their (perceived) popularity and quality.

A classic song of immeasurable esteem may be ranked in this list below a newer song of generally-lower esteem - only because of the song's 'level of perceived sadness' (and perhaps its emotion-evoking capability), and not necessarily because it is considered a 'lesser' song. Obviously, a newer song could not be considered 'better' than an enduring and treasured classic. So the original intent of this list should be kept in mind - to avoid any misunderstanding as to what this 'list' represents.

Songs ranked higher in the list may be considered extremely sad. Songs ranked lower in the list may be considered 'sad-to-melancholy', while perhaps also being considered memorable and enjoyable - in the cathartic sense.

In future revisions of this list, some songs will need to be moved up or down; others will need to be added, and some may be removed altogether, if the general perception is that they do not belong in the list. We will soon be adding a voting system to the site so that you can give your opinions and rate the songs.

The release year listed refers to the artist's particular release, since many songs were previously recorded.

The goal of this list is to rank songs closest to the top which are either considered among the 'saddest songs of all time' or among the 'best-loved sad songs' - based on existing 'sad song lists', online comments, and forum postings.