Cry It Out With WYG's Ultimate Grief Playlist
/ Coping with Grief : Eleanor Haley
When my first serious boyfriend broke up with me the summer after I graduated high school, I was thoroughly and completely devastated. I made it my prerogative to fully experience the anguish of my first heartbreak by locking myself in my room, pouring over old photos, and writing tear-soaked love poems. I might have stayed in that room forever (or at least until the weekend) had one of my closest friends not shown up with just the thing for a broken heart - blank CDs.
Now, CDs aren't so far in our past that I have to explain them to anyone, do I? Google it if you must, and while you're at it, look up audio cassette tapes, which are, in my opinion, the most classic break-up mix medium. Anyway, we headed up to my attic, to my clunky family PC, and burned one of the greatest mixes of all time - 'Eleanor and Jamie's Sad Mix.' I was good with titles even then.
This CD stayed with me through several subsequent heartbreaks until it grew too smudged and scratched to play even a single song all the way through. You might have thought that as I moved into my 20s, the songs would start to feel a little dated, perhaps a bit out of context, but no, they always did the trick.
Since my first superficial heartbreak, I've unfortunately learned how much deeper the pain of true loss cuts. Fortunately, I've become far more proficient at coping with hardship than I was at the age of 17 (okay, okay - most of the time), but the one thing that's never changed is that when I feel down, I always go back to my sad mix tapes and playlists.
Does Sad Music Help You Cope?
I know I'm not the only one who loves a good music-fueled cry. I just had a look around at the shared playlists on Spotify and found – "Sad Love Songs," "Sad Station," "Sad Songs for Crying Yourself to Sleep" – so anecdotally - there are many of us.
The benefit of sad music is also reflected in research. For example, a 2014 study found that people choose to listen to sad music and like it more when they are emotionally distressed. So it's a common coping mechanism, but is it effective? It seems like listening to sad songs when you're sad would only make you sadder.
Well, I suppose, but only if you look at sadness as a purely and objectively negative experience which...it isn't. Sadness, in general, is actually far more complex. Depending on the situation, sadness can actually be linked with pleasant experiences.
Listening to sad music, in particular, has been linked with a number of positive experiences like nostalgia, imagination, empathy, peacefulness, tenderness, transcendence, and wonder.
For participants living in Western cultures, nostalgia has been cited as the most common experience, which makes total sense. The most meaningful music is often related to memory which, as you know, commonly comes in the form of bittersweet nostalgia after a loss.
In another study, researchers found that 61-92% of their samples reported experiencing joyful sadness while listening to sad music, while 40-56% of participants reported experiencing distressing feelings like grief, loss, and hatred.
I'm certain that many people's experiences were mixed because grief is often defined by conflicting emotions. Many of the most comforting experiences are a mix of happy and sad. Why should music be any different?
One final study, identified three different types of sadness experiences based on participant responses:
(1) Comforting Sorrow was associated with feelings of comfort, tenderness, peacefulness, and being sad but elated. People who experience comforting sorrow often spend time reflecting on the song's lyrics and thinking about how they relate to other people, life situations, and social relationships.
(2) Sublime Sorrow was associated with feelings of transcendence, wonder, satisfaction, pleasant melancholia, and joy. This is often defined as a moving experience and it's thought to be related to instrumental music or music where the lyrics aren't meaningful or understood.
(3) Grief Stricken Sorrow is a sadness experience that is considered mostly negative. This experience is related to feeling downhearted, anxious, powerless, self-pity, and grief-stricken sadness. Like comforting sorrow, grief-stricken sorrow appears to be related to reflection on meaningful or familiar lyrics.
Sad Music and Grief
We see the experience of grief-stricken sorrow echoed in the expressions of some of our readers. Recently, when we asked people to share song suggestions for a grief playlist, several people remarked that they've had a very difficult time listening to music since their loved one's death. We received many comments like "There are too many memories," "I rarely listen to music anymore," "It's too sad," and "I feel like I've lost music too."
For some people, listening to music may be more distressing than comforting and this can feel like a secondary loss. Though, based on what we know about grief, grief triggers, and continued bonds, there's reason to hope that many people who experience music with grief-stricken sorrow in the early days of grief will eventually get to a place where they can not only listen to familiar music, but that they are also able to find comfort, tenderness, peace, and/or nostalgia in the experience.
With that, let's finish where we started with a good ole' fashioned grief playlist full of songs submitted by our readers. A few days ago we asked our followers on Facebook and Instagram, "What is the saddest song on your grief playlist?" and we received over 300 responses!
We've gathered most of the submissions (all those that we could locate) onto the Spotify playlist below. Only 100 of the 312 songs are listed here, so we recommend heading over to Spotify to check out the full list (the basic version of Spotify is free). Spotify users can follow this playlist, which we'll continue to add to overtime. Obviously, not all the songs on here will appeal to you, so we suggest creating your own playlist based on the suggestions that you like.
Keep your song suggestions coming in the comments below. Also, don't forget to subscribe to receive our blog posts straight to your email inbox.
We wrote a book!
After writing online articles for What’s Your Grief
for over a decade, we finally wrote a tangible,
real-life book!
What’s Your Grief? Lists to Help you Through Any Loss is for people experiencing any type of loss. This book discusses some of the most common grief experiences and breaks down psychological concepts to help you understand your thoughts and emotions. It also shares useful coping tools, and helps the reader reflect on their unique relationship with grief and loss.
You can find What’s Your Grief? Lists to Help you Through Any Loss wherever you buy books:
Cynthia Anderson June 15, 2023 at 5:12 pm
“If you could see me now,” by T.R.U.T.H. encourages me as our family grieves the recent death of our beloved brother, Eddie.
I pray this beautiful song encourages others.
Nancy March 16, 2023 at 11:10 pm
I lost my husband to cancer in 2020. Just heard a Shania Twain song and cried again.
“ If I’da known the way that this would end
If I’da read the last page first
If I’da had the strength to walk away
If I’da known how this would hurt
I would’ve loved you anyway
I’d do it all the same
Not a second I would change
Not a touch that I would trade
Had I known my heart would break
I’da loved you anyway
It’s bitter sweet to look back now
The memories withered on the vine
Just to hold you close to me
For a moment in time
I would’ve loved you anyway
I’d do it all the same
Not a second I would change
Not a touch that I would trade
Had I known my heart would break
I’da loved you anyway
Even if I’d seen it coming
I’d still’d see me running
Straight into your arms
I would’ve loved you anyway
I’d do it all the same
Not a second I would change
Not a touch that I would trade
Had I known my heart would break
I’da loved you anyway
I would’ve loved you anyway”
Sarah February 24, 2023 at 3:01 pm
This song seems to fit your playlist to a t…it was written for a friend who’d lost her son. My hope is that it is healing.
https://open.spotify.com/track/1XK7cUyS9QmYfg7o83o1tG?si=5c659ee6100e42e4
Debra F September 12, 2022 at 4:38 pm
“At the End of the End” Paul McCartney
Daniel Janich September 12, 2022 at 2:48 pm
Oceans by RY X. To me, the YouTube video of this song describes the feelings of being so lost and alone in your grief. Bleeding oceans of grief.
Amy Connell September 12, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Karliene – Gloom
EJ September 12, 2022 at 11:37 am
On my list:
“One more step” Lindsay McCaul
“When I’m Gone” Joey and Rory
“Cant love you back” Easton Corbin
“Carried Me with You” Brandi Carlile
Christine September 12, 2022 at 10:39 am
“Mandocello” by Cheap Trick
“My Heart Is Broken” Evanescence
“Just Breathe” Willie and Lukas Nelson
DJuna July 12, 2022 at 10:19 pm
On my WYG playlist
Through the Storm – Shirley Brown
https://youtu.be/T0sd1NJ2R_Y
Robert Marshall February 3, 2021 at 5:34 pm
“Don’t walk away” ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) 1980
melissa February 3, 2021 at 1:31 pm
“Until it Happens to You” by Sasha Sloan and “You and Me Against the World” by Helen Reddy
Ryan Swift August 30, 2020 at 3:42 am
Lovely article. ‘Gods’ by In Isolation is a moving tribute to the passing of a father. https://open.spotify.com/track/11FZ7YgGlEifNzkJTzqp7n?si=lPLi1saoQtiPButXJzQQjw
Suzanne August 23, 2020 at 2:03 pm
Fire and Rain James Taylor
Almost like it was written for me….
Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone, Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you.
Dan Janich August 5, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Forget by Karnaval Blues
Liz Brown June 24, 2020 at 12:54 pm
“For a Dancer”, Jackson Browne
Austin Joyce June 20, 2020 at 11:09 am
My Father passed away recently and this is a song I made in honor of him. The grieving process isn’t always an easy one, but there is beauty in the struggle. Take the time to listen and I hope you add it to this playlist, so this message can reach those going through the same situations. There is more information and back story about the incident on my Instagram: Austin_Joyce4. Let’s spread a message that could impact the world!
Marlette June 17, 2020 at 1:16 pm
My son basically left me a letter and a Play list: I am weary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF9aboincMc it is us to a T, and makes me cry everytime.
Sarah June 11, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Nick Cave “Into my Arms” – . Just wanted to say I lost my beloved husband Paul 14 months ago – and this website has been a comfort in my dark times.
Stephanie February 4, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Oh! And here’s one to cry to: “21 Years“ was written by Tobymac when his son passed away (about 2 months after my son, Alex, died.).
Stephanie February 4, 2020 at 5:00 pm
Thank you for this! We love music in our home and always have something going, but when my son died in a sudden accident in July (2019) it tripped us up a bit. He was 17. His sisters, 16 and 20 and I have had conversations about this very subject. My 16 yr old avoids the sad songs. My 20 yr old and I listen to them much more. Some songs aren’t exactly sad, but they hold big memories with them. I had to pull over when driving the other day because a very funny song that Alex had introduced to us came on and it fought me off guard. I was laughing and crying all over myself! But I wouldn’t want to not have those memories! In fact since that day I’ve listened to that funny song 5 times. Thank you for this article.
Raleigh Reich February 4, 2020 at 1:36 pm
“Days” by The Kinks or the version by Kristy MacColl.
Anne January 19, 2020 at 2:15 pm
Into my arms – Nick Cave. plus all of Ghosteen
Tony October 6, 2019 at 5:59 pm
‘Remember’ by NTHN
My son wrote this track when his friend lost her husband as a way of trying address the different stages of the grieving process and as a reminder that we are often a lot stronger than we believe – our inner strength can carry us through, even if we don’t feel it at the time.
Here’s a link to the track on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/track/4EwLOSlrhZJuLFguUBsfse
Brian C. August 19, 2019 at 11:36 pm
“Seasons In the Sun”, Terry Jacks, just came across this the other day…
Kristen August 15, 2019 at 2:20 pm
How do you get that lonely- blaine larson
Darlene Cheek August 14, 2019 at 1:42 pm
If I could bring you back by Joe Diffie
Lynn August 13, 2019 at 4:18 pm
Early MOrning Rain, Gordon LIghtfoot
I’m not Supposed to Care, Gordon LIghtfoot
Looking at the Rain, Gordon Lighrfoot
Four Walls, sung by Jim Reeves
I Dreamed about Momma Last Night, Hank Williams
Honey – Bobby Goldsboro
With Pen in Hand Vikki Carr
Jenny Bryce – James Keelaghan
Hello in There – John Pryne
Below – Slaid Cleaves
All I wanna do is make love to you – Heart
Grand Cenral Station – Mary Chapin-Carpenter
Letter Edged in Black
I’m Here to Get My Baby out of Jail
Lightning Express
I listen to all kinds of music. IN the last few years I’ve lost my next youngest sibling (who loved Heart) my parents and I found out my other brother was a narcissistic manipulator in disguise. There are plenty more songs than this that could go on a griefl list but here are some of mine.
With Pen In
lynn August 13, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Ear
Debra frye August 13, 2019 at 12:41 pm
I’ll Never Love Again, by Lady Gaga – This one is a real tearjerker for me – reminds me of how Steve & I met and how much I miss him.
Kelly August 13, 2019 at 11:55 am
Song for my Father- Sarah Mclachlan
Most of All- Brandi Carlile
Sunday Morning Coming Down- Johnny Cash
Jennifer Howard August 7, 2019 at 7:01 pm
I too do not see any playlist. There’s a long blank space after the last sentence (…based on the suggestions that you like.), then the comments begin. What am I missing?
Maddy August 3, 2019 at 3:22 am
“Saw You in a Dream” by The Japanese House is my go-to song when I want to let my emotions just pour out. The artist wrote it about a friend who had passed away, and the lyrics really really resonate with me. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relatably painful song.
viola wallace July 12, 2019 at 8:44 am
Drowning by Chris young
Julia Washington July 11, 2019 at 6:11 pm
When my Husband passes away 2 years ago, I played The Beates’ “In My Life” and “Here, There And everywhere” and The Last Mile Of the Way”. by Sam Cooke.
Lee Easter July 2, 2019 at 8:29 am
Music has always been a part of my life. I work to it, play to it, and even read to it. After my wife passed away in 2014, it took me awhile until I could listen to everything I had collected (almost 200 different artists), except Phil Ochs. At least I found some newer artists who weren’t associated with our love of music – The Staves, Red Molly, and Lord Huron. I still can’t listen to Phil Ochs.
Alysoun Mahoney July 1, 2019 at 10:13 pm
My husband died in a strange accident at age 52; his own car crushed him to death, and the police had no clue how that could have happened. Accordingly, my personal favorite songs are Die Young, Only the Good Die Young, and Last Kiss.
Mallory March 12, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Another one I thought of is “I Kill Giants” (the stripped version) by The Naked and Famous. It always reminds me of those I’ve loved and lost, especially my cousin who died of an accidental overdose this summer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3JwGgNNUcc
Mallory March 11, 2019 at 1:35 pm
Heavy Rope (the acoustic version) by LIGHTS. This song will always break my heart into a million little pieces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X93KNJMFXM
Tracy Adams February 15, 2019 at 6:51 pm
I have lost 2 adult children, identical twin girls. Amanda at age 25 in 2009, and more recently, Shanda, Christmas Eve 2017, at age 33. Music was so prominent in both my daughters’ lives. Every day, music was played, appreciated and was so enmeshed in their world. Cherished now by me, are songs that bring them back to me in an instant when I hear them…so many are already listed in others posts above…these here, were not yet:
Life Is A Highway – Tom Cochrane; Use Somebody – Kings of Leon; Mercy – Duffy;
Thousand Years – Christina Perri; Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers; The Crossroads – Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony
Red February 2, 2019 at 5:41 pm
“Every Time I See Your Picture” and “Resurrect the Love” by Luba. These songs were actually written in memory of her own father, who died of a heart attack when she was only 21.
Jodi Toscolani December 21, 2018 at 8:34 pm
If I Die Young – The Band Perry
Over You – Miranda Lambert
You Should be Here – Cole Swindell
Brad Bordalampe December 20, 2018 at 10:28 am
five for fighting, 100 yrs greg allman,these days neil young, goin back stephen still ,do for the others skid row,i remember you ozzie ,dreamer bread,goodbye girl harry nilsson,without you will cheer ya right up i promise!
goodbye girl harry nilsson without you
Brian Cudnik September 5, 2018 at 11:07 pm
“We May Never Pass this Way Again” by Seals and Crofts
Suzette Vasseur August 28, 2018 at 7:02 am
Wish You Were Here by Florence and the Machine
I’ll Be Brave for You by the xx
Joe Johnson August 23, 2018 at 3:28 pm
Release — Pearl Jam
Disappear — Dream Theater
Wonderful Tonight — Eric Clapton (the 24 nights version)
lmholley68 August 19, 2018 at 2:42 am
Photographs and memories by Jim Croce
Time in a bottle by Jim Croce
Landslide by Dixie Chics
Grandpa tell me about the good ole days by The Judd’s
Pam August 17, 2018 at 3:11 pm
For relationship grief: Jackson Browne’s “Fountain Of Sorrow “and “Late for the Sky” ….extraordinarily thought provoking and moving
Wendy August 13, 2018 at 9:37 pm
It Can’t Rain All The Time by Jane Siberry
Everyday Is Exactly The Same by Nine Inch Nails
Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day
A song I believe is called The Christmas Shoes. Don’t know who does it.
peter.hobden August 3, 2018 at 4:34 pm
Famous Blue Raincoat by The immortal Leonard Cohen
peter.hobden August 3, 2018 at 4:28 pm
Bed’s too big without you by Police
Apologies if already proposed
peter.hobden August 3, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Josephine by Chris Rea
Brian Cudnik July 31, 2018 at 11:59 pm
“Time Stands Still” by Rush
“Clocks” by Coldplay
Elisa July 27, 2018 at 5:24 pm
Baby Blue by Dave Matthews Band
Joanna July 24, 2018 at 4:22 pm
“The Bliss” by Volbeat! I felt like my fiance (passed away 18 months ago at age of 30) could have written it directly to me after he died.
George Karls July 23, 2018 at 8:06 pm
I agree with Pashta Merrymoon Con Te Partiro (lost my wife of 60 years and hope to follow her soon ) I love you Connie, with you I will go
Amy Lopez-Matthews July 21, 2018 at 11:15 pm
The First Time, Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack.
Patti July 20, 2018 at 12:00 pm
You Are My Sunshine by Elizabeth Mitchell – in memory of my one-year-old grandson who died last year on Mother’s Day. 22 people a day die waiting for an organ transplant that never comes. Please consider giving the gift of life. donatelife.net
Leslie July 19, 2018 at 10:09 pm
Some songs that haven’t been mentioned yet that make me think of my son…
Just Breathe by Pearl Jam
Beyond the Sea (from Finding Nemo)
Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O’Connor
I Try by Macy Gray
Baby Mine (from the movie Dumbo)
Purple Rain by Prince
Greg Mewett July 19, 2018 at 7:52 pm
Great lists and songs everyone! Thank you. The Pearl Jam song “Come Back” from the ‘Avocado’ album is a deeply imploring song that takes me back 40 years to the death of my mother. I used to dream that she was alive until I awoke the next morning!
Also good to hear one of my favourite bands the Avett Brothers getting some mentions.
Paulette Black July 19, 2018 at 3:50 pm
I Hope You Dance
In the Arms of an Angel
Sal July 19, 2018 at 9:12 am
Thank you Teri Sahn-Silver. Found it!
Jane July 19, 2018 at 8:15 am
No Hard Feelings By The Avett Brothers
Claudia Payne August 10, 2020 at 8:39 pm
“Babe” is a song I can’t hear without losing it. My husband died on 4/16/19, right next to me, under my hand as I held him up in my car. “Babe” is what we called each other for nearly 32yrs. It’s not the title that gets me, but the “I’m leaving”. I saw it in his eyes.
Nathan L July 19, 2018 at 8:08 am
Thanks for this… I already had a playlist on spotify with some sad songs, now I have a bigger one after listening to this playlist. I especially related to Through My Prayers by Avett Brothers. It’s a song I had never heard, but I already liked the band. Thanks everyone for your submissions.
Raymond Swearingen July 19, 2018 at 4:06 am
I want to apologize for my previous remarks. My brothers birthday was July 10 and a dear friend announced she was leaving my area on that same day. I’ve been reliving lots of pain for the last few days. I wanted to listen to the grief play list and ‘cry it out’, but when it came up that I needed to open an account with Spot-iffy I didn’t react well. Overall I think Whats Your Grief is a great site. Just maybe not a fan of how spottily does things.
thanks,
-Raymond
Raymond Swearingen July 19, 2018 at 3:12 am
Damb – won’t even reply to my message. All I can say is go to Hell.
Some of us are hurting, more than you know. Try having a real loss in your life, see what that feel like. You would not be a sell out if you did. I will be removing myself from you channel and web site. You are phonies and charlatans. Shame on you. Real people hurt but you are just using us. FUCK YOU~!!
Raymond Swearingen July 19, 2018 at 3:04 am
And an other thing, I am in pain, lots of pain regarding my brothers death, and all you gave me was an opportunity to give Spottily my money. You used to help me when I was feeling this way. Now you are all about is marketing, shame on you!!!
Cindy;Derrer Lucas July 18, 2018 at 11:46 pm
Let it Be-Paul McCartney wrote it after he dreamt his mother told him this.
Land of Hope and dreams-Bruce Springsteen
Good-bye for Now-Kathy Troccoli
Sue July 18, 2018 at 1:49 pm
I have a 2 1/2 hour playlist of my “favorite” grief songs that I play over and over again and these particular songs help with grieving the loss of my husband. Here’s one that I’ve added most recently that really speaks to me: The Night We Met by Lord Huron. “… And then I can tell myself, What the hell I’m supposed to do, And then I can tell myself Not to ride along with you…”
Colleen July 18, 2018 at 1:17 pm
It will be 4 years in September that my husband died from cancer. Rarely a day goes by where I don’t cry. Music was such a huge part of his life. He recorded a song for me “One More Day” …… on days that are really hard, I listen and listen to that song. I miss him so much.
When Miranda Lambert’s album “The Weight of These Wings” was release, it was like every song expressed all the emotions and feelings of my heart and soul. My favorites are:
Tinman
Dear Old Sun
Things That Break
Well Rested
I’ve Got Wheels
Jo July 18, 2018 at 12:32 pm
DREAM RIVER by The Mavericks
WHISPERING PINES boy Iris DeMent
ME AND THE EAGLE by Steve Earle
RED RIVER VALLEY by George Strait
Monica Brandt July 18, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again (Phantom of the Opera)
Totally forgot about the dead father storyline in this one until I saw Phantom again last night. That song definitely brought me to tears!
Nancy July 18, 2018 at 12:05 pm
There is no link to get to the Playlist that I can find. The name of the Playlist is also not given. I would really like to access this Playlist. Thanks.
Teri Sahn-Silver July 18, 2018 at 11:47 am
If you search Grief Playlist Volume 1 on Spotify it will come up
Sara July 18, 2018 at 11:43 am
“Be Here Long” by NEEDTOBREATHE. I listened to this song quite a bit after my mom passed.
Sue Walsh July 18, 2018 at 11:41 am
You Should Be Here
Cole Swindell
Melissa July 18, 2018 at 10:54 am
I always thought that Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) by the Dixie Chicks was really a song about a mother grieving her boy. After losing my son, I can’t listen to it anymore (or really much of anything anymore). My son loved music and had earbuds in his ears almost constantly. I have pretty much stopped listening to music. Popular music just reminds me of my loss, not that I ever forget. I get that horrible jarring feeling of “that unspeakable thing really did happen” when I hear certain songs and I’m back to that horrible day. I have a small daughter now, who loves music as well. She loves driving in the car with daddy because he will listen to cd’s, and mom drives with the car quiet. She has spent more time at the cemetery than any 5 year old should, but I don’t know how to explain the connection between my grief and music to her. She just thinks I don’t like music.
Joanna Bjerum July 18, 2018 at 10:54 am
Avett Brothers – Morning Song, Murder in the City and No Hard Feelings
Terri July 18, 2018 at 9:58 am
If I Die Young -The band Perry; Say Hello 2 Heaven – The Temple of the Dog; Fix You – Coldplay;
gina July 18, 2018 at 6:38 am
Carrie Underwood: See You Again
Brianna July 18, 2018 at 12:36 am
Pieces by RED
Fine on the Outside – Priscilla Ahn
Le Onde – Ludovico Einaudi
Across the Ocean – Azure Ray
Iris and Jasper – Hans Zimmer
Breathe Me – Sia
Nicest Thing – Kate Nash
Loftið Verður Skyndilega Kalt – Ólafur Arnalds
매일의 고백 (2016 Remastered) (Daily Confessions) – 강아솔 (Kang Ah Sol)
I’ve Seen Hell – Martin Phipps
Sara Bareilles’ cover of Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’
Echo – Jason Walker
너뿐이야 (You’re the Only One) – 최시원 (Choi Siwon)
Undertow – Ane Brun
Madison – Ola Gjeilo
거짓말 거짓말 거짓말 (Lie, Lie, Lie) – 이적 (Lee Juck)
Little House – Amanda Seyfried
Follow You Down to the Old Oak Tree – James Vincent McMorrow
The Death of Jane Seymour – Trevor Morris
Beautiful – MercyMe
Look Back – Martin Phipps
The Light Will Come – Phil Wickham
A Dream Discarded – John Williams
Fall to Earth – Glass Pear
The Violet Hour – The Civil Wars
Roberta July 17, 2018 at 11:37 pm
If you came back from heaven
By Lori morgan
Marge July 17, 2018 at 10:59 pm
Hey, Girl.sung by Freddie Scott
Brings me to tears every time .
My loss is a Boy but doesn’t matter
Blessings to all of you who have lost boys and girls
and of course beloved animals
Angie July 17, 2018 at 10:45 pm
Lost my husband in late 2015
Music was a great part of my healing.
Baroque Music
Memory -Cats
Don’t let the sun catch you crying.
Only Time by Enya
a-ha – Crying In The Rain by Gerry and the Pacemakers
Angie July 17, 2018 at 10:36 pm
Lost my husband in late 2015
Music was a great part of my healing.
Baroque Music
Don’t let the sun catch you crying.
Only Time by Enya
a-ha – Crying In The Rain by Gerry and the Pacemakers
Derek Henry July 17, 2018 at 10:21 pm
A song to add to the list is
Between Here and Gone
Mary Chapin Carpenter
It really helps with the grief sorrow
RocketMom July 17, 2018 at 10:16 pm
If you are taking requests, the haunting irish fiddle tune
“Ashokan Farewell” from The Civil War documentary soundtrack. I am still a blubbering mess when I hear that tune.
Kay Pemberton July 17, 2018 at 9:30 pm
I can identify with the 3 different types of sadness viz. (1) Comforting Sorrow, ( 2) Sublime Sorrow and (3) Grief Stricken Sorrow. Often when I feel overwhelmed by the loss of my husband to Alzheimer’s Disease, I find myself playing “sad” music, particularly Andre Rieu’s CD “Farewell: Music to Sooth the Spirit.” I find the 3rd track , “Benedictus” (from St. Cecelia Mass, Gounod) moves me to tears every time but in some sort of strange way it “comforts” me and I feel strangely “warmed” by it. It seems to touch every emotional button but somehow I find I want to continue listening. I have been thinking that I was “strange” to listen to such music when I was having a “down” day. I thank your for this article because I now realise I am not alone in this “listening” – even though it must seem bizarre to others who are not walking the road of grief and bereavement.
Rebecca Larson July 17, 2018 at 9:14 pm
Close your eyes- James Taylor
Ripple- Grateful Dead.
Pashta MaryMoon July 17, 2018 at 9:14 pm
Time to Say Goodbye — Andrea Bocelli (the song I want sung to me as I die, and at my funeral service).
Aaron July 17, 2018 at 8:58 pm
Can’t believe Death Cab for Cutie – I Will Follow You into the Dark didn’t make the list!
Bethany July 17, 2018 at 8:30 pm
Somewhere in Time by the composer John Barry. I lost my 23 year old son to cancer 9 years ago and I only listen to this song on the date he passed on June 12th of every year. Too painful; but in essence I know I’ll find him again one day. I still cry for him everyday…there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t.
Carey July 17, 2018 at 8:12 pm
Sideways by Citizen Cope
Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin
I assume Tears in heaven already made the list
Bonnie July 17, 2018 at 7:46 pm
Can’t Live if Living Is Without You
Lori Bresnahan July 17, 2018 at 6:50 pm
Please Remember Me, Scotty McCreery and Randy Newman’s When I’m Gone (season finale of Monk). Great lyric something like; ‘as for the light by which you see me, leave it on.’ Powerful melody. Very therapeutic.
Joanne July 17, 2018 at 6:02 pm
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen
Why should I cry for you: Sting
In the arms of an angel: Sarah McLachlan
A Thousand Years: Christina Perri
I don’t want to miss a thing: Aerosmith
Diana July 17, 2018 at 5:49 pm
One of the most rending losses of my life to date is 6 years long now and I still cry when I hear Bob Seger’s “Like a Rock”
Marjorie July 17, 2018 at 5:44 pm
Rest in peace by Aron Wright
Who am i by Andrew Galucki
Saturn by Sleeping At Last
Last nigth on heart by Green Day
Here Without You by 3 Doors Down
🙂
RocketMom July 17, 2018 at 5:44 pm
I love this. The playlist is on Spotify – an online subscription service for music and podcasts – you need to download the spotify service. It’s free (with commercials), a paid subscription without commercials.
I created a spotify playlist to memorialize my brother, who died unexpectedly. It was a labor of love with over 100 songs. I still listen to it.
He was a die hard Rolling Stones fan! You Can’t Always Get What you Want. But if you Try Sometimes, You Might Find. You get what you need!
Helen Wynn July 17, 2018 at 5:24 pm
Music is a big part of my life, especially opera and other forms of classical music. But this music has never been a source of comfort during the grieving process. In fact, just the opposite. For a year after my mother died, I could not listen to an opera. I am happy that it gives comfort to others.
Holly July 17, 2018 at 5:21 pm
Only th Good Die Young
Rosa July 17, 2018 at 5:20 pm
Otherside- by Post Malone. I feel like this song’s lyrics reflect my feelings when I think of my husband who passed away from Cancer at the age of 46 last year. I truly believe music heals.
Sandy Frankel July 17, 2018 at 5:17 pm
Goodbye my friend-Linda Rondstat
I and love and you- Avett Brothers
Vicki July 17, 2018 at 5:15 pm
Evergreen by Streisand. Had it played at my husband’s funeral nearly 24 years ago, and still, just thinking of the name makes me cry, don’t even have to hear it.
Joanna July 17, 2018 at 5:08 pm
Over and Over by Rachael Yamagata
Lyn Wagner July 17, 2018 at 4:53 pm
My husband passed away 14 months ago. I started listening to sad songs almost right away. Often I cried, but as time moved forward I often felt comforted.
I have my favorites of course. And sometimes I still cry. I also found songs about heartache meaningful. My heart was broken by the loss.
I listen to music every day.
Bexx July 27, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Ben Harper ~ I Shall Not Walk Alone
This collaboration is one of, if not the most powerful & moving songs I have ever experienced … & I’m a musician. Masterfully invoking all human emotion simultaneously to one’s very core while in the absence of melody & one need not be in the throws of grief to feel it’s power.
Litsa July 28, 2022 at 4:34 pm
Ahhh I so deeply agree with this one! Ben Harper got me through some of the darkest moments after my dad’s death.
Sal July 17, 2018 at 4:09 pm
I can’t find this playlist. Can you make it public please? Thank you.