View Full Version : Saddest Song....
eweissenbach
08-24-2012, 03:47 PM
A recent post about Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone again Naturally", which is beautiful, haunting, and sad, I began thinking (Danger!! Danger!!) what is the saddest song ever. I would nominate "Tears in Heaven" the great Eric Clapton
Tom Hannon
08-24-2012, 03:54 PM
When I heard the christmas song by "NEWSONG called "CHRISTMAS SHOES" I almost ran off the road while I was driving.
DandyGirl
08-24-2012, 03:58 PM
Bobby Vinton "Mr. Lonely". I'm a former military wife so the lonely soldier part gets me every time!
Number 6
08-24-2012, 03:58 PM
Empty Garden by Elton John, mostly because of the subject matter.
George Bieniaszek
08-24-2012, 04:02 PM
A recent post about Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone again Naturally", which is beautiful, haunting, and sad, I began thinking (Danger!! Danger!!) what is the saddest song ever. I would nominate "Tears in Heaven" the great Eric Clapton
I remember a story that was written about "Tears In Heaven" and that Eric Clapton wrote the song about his son who tragically died at a very young age.
eweissenbach
08-24-2012, 04:06 PM
Empty Garden by Elton John, mostly because of the subject matter.
Good one - not very commercially successful, an ode to his fallen friend John Lennon.
bkcunningham1
08-24-2012, 06:34 PM
So many I could name, but one I think everyone can agree on:
George Jones-He Stopped Loving Her Today.... - YouTube
Taltarzac725
08-24-2012, 06:38 PM
So many I could name, but one I think everyone can agree on:
George Jones-He Stopped Loving Her Today.... - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYQViYm92hg)
Good one.
I got one:
Eleanor Rigby.
And the one about Major Tom drifing alone in space.
coralway
08-24-2012, 06:40 PM
Patches
Tell Laura I Love Her
jnieman
08-24-2012, 06:46 PM
I agree with Alone Again Naturally as being very sad. There is one more that always tore at my heart and it is Son of Hickory Holler's Tramp. Here are the words.
The corn was dry and the weeds were high when daddy took to drinking
Then him and Lucy Walker they took up and ran away
Mama cried a tear and then she promised fourteen children
I swear you'll never see a hungry day.
Oh, the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned the scarlet lamp
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp.
When mama sacrificed her pride the neighbors started talkin'
But I was much too young to understand the things they said
The things that mattered most of all was mama's chicken dumplings
And the goodnight kiss before we went to bed.
Oh the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned the scarlet lamp
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp.
When daddy left then destitution came upon our family
Not one neighbor volunteered to give a helping hand
So let 'em gossip all they want, she loved us and she raised us
The proof is standing here a full grown man.
Last summer mama passed away and left the ones who loved her
Each and every one of us were more than grateful for our birth
Now every Sunday she receives a fresh bouquet of fourteen roses
With a card that says to the greatest mom on earth.
Oh the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned the scarlet lamp
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp.
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp...:cryin2:
bkcunningham1
08-24-2012, 06:53 PM
Good one.
I got one:
Eleanor Rigby.
And the one about Major Tom drifing alone in space.
For you Taltarzac:
the beatles "eleanor Rigby" with lyrics - YouTube
Ground Control to Major Tom - YouTube
bkcunningham1
08-24-2012, 06:56 PM
This one makes me cry without fail, every time:
John Prine - Hello In There - YouTube
bkcunningham1
08-24-2012, 07:01 PM
I agree with Alone Again Naturally as being very sad. There is one more that always tore at my heart and it is Son of Hickory Holler's Tramp. Here are the words.
The corn was dry and the weeds were high when daddy took to drinking
Then him and Lucy Walker they took up and ran away
Mama cried a tear and then she promised fourteen children
I swear you'll never see a hungry day.
Oh, the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned the scarlet lamp
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp.
When mama sacrificed her pride the neighbors started talkin'
But I was much too young to understand the things they said
The things that mattered most of all was mama's chicken dumplings
And the goodnight kiss before we went to bed.
Oh the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned the scarlet lamp
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp.
When daddy left then destitution came upon our family
Not one neighbor volunteered to give a helping hand
So let 'em gossip all they want, she loved us and she raised us
The proof is standing here a full grown man.
Last summer mama passed away and left the ones who loved her
Each and every one of us were more than grateful for our birth
Now every Sunday she receives a fresh bouquet of fourteen roses
With a card that says to the greatest mom on earth.
Oh the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned the scarlet lamp
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp.
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp...:cryin2:
Pure poetry. Thank you.
Merle Haggard - The Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp - YouTube
eweissenbach
08-24-2012, 07:20 PM
I remember a story that was written about "Tears In Heaven" and that Eric Clapton wrote the song about his son who tragically died at a very young age.
snopes.com: Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven (http://www.snopes.com/music/songs/tears.asp)
Schaumburger
08-24-2012, 07:35 PM
Thank you for posting the article about Eric Clapton's young son's tragic death. I didn't realize it has been 21 years since this happened.
ssmith
08-24-2012, 07:36 PM
Memory fails me but there was one when I was growing up about Billy Joe McAllister Done Jumped off the Tallahatchee bridge....Some sort of forbidden love story....it always made me sad.
Also Bobby Goldsborro something about Honey I love you....she died or something like that...boy am I bad about remembering titles of songs.LOL
bkcunningham1
08-24-2012, 07:39 PM
Memory fails me but there was one when I was growing up about Billy Joe McAllister Done Jumped off the Tallahatchee bridge....Some sort of forbidden love story....it always made me sad.
Also Bobby Goldsborro something about Honey I love you....she died or something like that...boy am I bad about remembering titles of songs.LOL
Enjoy:
Bobby Goldsboro - Honey - YouTube
BOBBIE GENTRY ...... Ode to Billy Joe / Ode an Billy Joe McAllister - YouTube
schotzyb
08-24-2012, 07:43 PM
Whiter Shade of Pale by Procul Harem.
bkcunningham1
08-24-2012, 07:47 PM
Whiter Shade of Pale by Procul Harem.
What a voice.
skyguy79
08-24-2012, 07:48 PM
Here are a few that move me every time I hear them:
The Last Farewell - Lyrics - Roger Whittaker - YouTube (http://youtu.be/B3Rl0aMtad8) - This one that gets to me everytime I hear it! I believe that Elvis also recorded it.
Vincent -- Don McLean (in HD) - YouTube (http://youtu.be/PsxfvwuCqxo) - This is also known as Starry Starry Night and it's a tribute to Vincent VanGogh's "The Starry Night."
Enjoy: Bobby Goldsboro - Honey - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59BZxgohr9g)Love this one too!
bkcunningham1
08-24-2012, 07:49 PM
We listened to Don McLean last night, @skyguy79.
Beautiful songs.
ronat1
08-24-2012, 08:25 PM
I agree with "Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton and poor ol' Major Tom in David Bowie's "Space Oddity". Also don't forget about "All My Love" by Led Zeppelin, a tribute song written by Robert Plant to honor his young son who died while the band was away touring. The lyrics are very deep.
mfp509
08-24-2012, 09:24 PM
Elvis's "Ol' Shep" - I still can't listen to it.
MountainLoft
08-24-2012, 09:33 PM
"Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin.
BarryRX
08-24-2012, 09:34 PM
"Leader of the Band" by Dan Fogelberg....brings back memories of my Dad.
"Cat's Cradle" by Harry Chapin
"I Wish It Would Rain"...the Temps.
bkcunningham1
08-24-2012, 09:35 PM
Elvis's "Ol' Shep" - I still can't listen to it.
I had forgotten that song. Talk about a tear jerker. I'm sad thinking about the lyrics.
Dr Winston O Boogie jr
08-24-2012, 09:42 PM
Paul McCartney's Here Today, is all the things that he wished he had said to John before he died. There are times when Paul can't get through the song. I've seen Clapton do Tears In Heaven, live, several times and I can't believe that he can sing that song without breaking up.
Bosoxfan
08-24-2012, 09:58 PM
Having worked in a nursing home for 10 years I found nothing sadder than what the family & caregivers go through when someone who they care for is stricken with alzheimers.These two songs just seem to express what they might be feeling::
Official She Misses Him Music Video - YouTube
Kathy Mattea - Where've You Been? - YouTube
Taltarzac725
08-25-2012, 06:15 AM
For you Taltarzac:
the beatles "eleanor Rigby" with lyrics - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaRNrDaoMqw)
Ground Control to Major Tom - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFks9A9TCF0)
Thanks, bkcunningham1.
Bonnevie
08-25-2012, 06:31 AM
"Wasted Time" by the Eagles
oldyeller
08-25-2012, 07:44 AM
Yesterday when I was young by Roy Clarke. Sunh at Mickey Mantle's funeral.
Tom Hannon
08-25-2012, 08:09 AM
"Leader of the Band" by Dan Fogelberg....brings back memories of my Dad.
"Cat's Cradle" by Harry Chapin
"I Wish It Would Rain"...the Temps.
The first two songs I agree with Barry. And Leader Of The Band reminded me of my father who was a musician.
Cats in The Cradle thank God does not remind me of my father.
Cedwards38
08-25-2012, 08:18 AM
Same Old Lang Syne Song by Dan Fogelberg
graciegirl
08-25-2012, 08:29 AM
Sunrise Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof.
AND September Song sung by Frank Sinatra.
:cry::cry::cry:
cathyw
08-25-2012, 10:13 AM
Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks
Terry Jacks - Seasons In The Sun Lyrics (http://www.lyricsondemand.com/onehitwonders/seasonsinthesunlyrics.html)
Wayne_TN
08-27-2012, 08:12 AM
"Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin.
Thanks, MountainLoft - I couldn't remember the NAME of that one, but it immediately came to mind when i saw the original post..
2BNTV
08-27-2012, 08:43 AM
"The Little Boy that Santa Claus Forgot" by Nat King Cole.
Flip side of the "Christmas Song".
Bosoxfan
08-27-2012, 09:03 AM
Music & Lyrics: Mac Davis - 1972
On the quiet street in the city
A little old man walked alone
Shuffling through the autumn afternoon
And the autumn leaves reminded him
Another summer's come and gone
He had long lonely nights ahead waiting for June
Then among the leaves near an orphan's home
A piece of paper caught his eyes
And he stooped to pick it up with trembling hands
As he read the childish writing
The old man began to cry
'Cause the words burned inside him like a brand
"Whoever finds this, I love you
Whoever finds this, I need you
I ain't even got no one to talk to
So, whoever finds this, I love you!"
Well, the old man's eyes searched the orphan's home
And came to rest upon a child
With her nose pressed up against the window pane
And the old man knew he'd found a friend at last
So he waved at her and smiled
And they both knew they'd spend the winter
Laughing at the rain
And they did spend the winter laughing at the rain
Talking through the fence
Exchanging little gifts they've made for each other
The old man would carve toys
And the little girl would draw pictures of beautiful ladies for him
And they laughed a lot
But then one day on the first of June
The little girl ran to the fence... the old man wasn't there
And, somehow she knew he was never coming back
So she went back to her little room
took a crayon, And wrote
"Whoever finds this, I love you
Whoever finds this, I need you
I ain't even got no one to talk to
So, whoever finds this, I love you!
Whoever finds this, I love you! - Mac Davis - YouTube
Cedwards38
08-27-2012, 09:20 AM
Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg
schotzyb
08-27-2012, 09:48 AM
The Blizzard by Jim Reeves
tom60
08-27-2012, 10:10 AM
Venus by frankie avalon because it reminds me of my old high school sweetheart.
Trish Crocker
08-27-2012, 10:19 AM
'Dance with my Father again' by Luther Vandross
Peachie
08-27-2012, 10:33 AM
B.J. Thomas and I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
B.J. Thomas - I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - YouTube
You are all describing lyrics, lyrics that are poignant, but when I think of the saddest song, I think more of a particular singer and not necessarily the words to the songs she sang. Whenever I hear Karen Carpenter singing, the feeling of deep sadness envelopes me. She had one of the most unsettling singing voices I've ever heard. I know not all share that particular feeling, but from the very first time I heard her sing, I knew I did not want to hear more. She had a very difficult life and though when I was first introduced to her songs, I didn't realize it, somehow I felt she was a very troubled individual.
quirky3
08-27-2012, 10:37 AM
How about "Leader of the Pack" brmmmm brmmmm "Watch out! Watch out!"
Joaniesmom
08-27-2012, 10:46 AM
Remembering all these beautiful songs is beginning to make me sad. Could I contribute "Angel flying too close to the ground" by Willie Nelson? If you had not fallen, I would not have found you. Angel flying too close to the ground. Not toooo sad but oh so beautiful. I think the man is a real poet sometimes. IMHO
2BNTV
08-27-2012, 11:11 AM
"One is the Lonliest Number".
BarryRX
08-27-2012, 11:26 AM
"One is the Lonliest Number".
Yes, but I always had the opinion that two could be as bad as one, in fact, it's the lonliest number since the number one!
beartrack
08-27-2012, 11:31 AM
Sunrise Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof.
AND September Song sung by Frank Sinatra.
:cry::cry::cry:
I do not like sad songs but," September song " is OUR song, my honey and me. The one song that always makes me water up is " Taps "
I don't need sad songs, give me some old time Rock snd Roll. Real feel good music.
Trish Crocker
08-27-2012, 11:33 AM
Yes, but I always had the opinion that two could be as bad as one, in fact, it's the lonliest number since the number one!
It's just no good anymore since you went away.
Tom Hannon
08-27-2012, 11:41 AM
You are all describing lyrics, lyrics that are poignant, but when I think of the saddest song, I think more of a particular singer and not necessarily the words to the songs she sang. Whenever I hear Karen Carpenter singing, the feeling of deep sadness envelopes me. She had one of the most unsettling singing voices I've ever heard. I know not all share that particular feeling, but from the very first time I heard her sing, I knew I did not want to hear more. She had a very difficult life and though when I was first introduced to her songs, I didn't realize it, somehow I felt she was a very troubled individual.
I agree. Although I was more into The Beatles, Doors, Stones and Steppenwolf during The Carpenter's heyday, I took notice to the beautiful voice of Karen Carpenter. Next to Streisand she had the best voice I ever heard. A great loss. It's funny how you mentioned hearing sadness in her voice but in tunes like "Top of The World" you could see her smile without seeing a video.
quirky3
08-27-2012, 11:49 AM
I don't need sad songs, give me some old time Rock and Roll.
Yeah! That kind of music just soothes my soul!
jblum315
08-27-2012, 12:21 PM
MY children always cried when they heard Leaving on a Jet Plane because they thought it was about a Mom leaving her kids ("Baby. .. don't know when I'll be back again") I tried to explain but they just kept on crying.
skyguy79
08-27-2012, 01:22 PM
Sunrise Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof.
AND September Song sung by Frank Sinatra.
:cry::cry::cry:You remember Jimmy Durante's singing September Song?
Jimmy Durante - September Song - YouTube (http://youtu.be/zsMaaKaAaBQ)
Here's another by Durante that just might tug at your heart strings a little:
Jimmy Durante - I'll Be Seeing You - YouTube (http://youtu.be/uSzmuWImK7Q)
Barefoot
08-27-2012, 01:27 PM
"Angel flying too close to the ground" by Willie Nelson? If you had not fallen, I would not have found you. Angel flying too close to the ground.
One of my very favourites. I also love "Always on My Mind". I'm told that Willie Nelson originally wrote that song because it was requested by Elvis as an apology to Priscilla.
I do not like sad songs but," September song " is OUR song, my honey and me. The one song that always makes me water up is " Taps "
I don't need sad songs, give me some old time Rock snd Roll. Real feel good music.
Feel good music, that's the best.....
YouTube - Chuck Berry - Rock And Roll Music
BarryRX
08-27-2012, 04:21 PM
It's just no good anymore since you went away.
heehee:a040:
Gat0r
08-27-2012, 05:32 PM
Jerry and David Jerry Garcia David Grisman -Sitting Here In Limbo - YouTube
eweissenbach
08-27-2012, 05:47 PM
I don't need sad songs, give me some old time Rock snd Roll. Real feel good music.
Yeah! That kind of music just soothes my soul!
I don't know about you, but I reminisce about the days of old..
beartrack
08-27-2012, 06:29 PM
I don't know about you, but I reminisce about the days of old..
We didn't know how good we had it.
msendo
08-27-2012, 06:58 PM
Just Another Day By Paul McCartney
getdul981
08-27-2012, 09:31 PM
I've got two.
"You Kept The Wine and Threw Away The Rose" - by Lorrie Morgan makes you think of her life with Keith Whitley.
and "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler - Just makes you realize how much someone can mean to you.
skyguy79
08-29-2012, 02:13 PM
I was just practicing my keyboard and the last song I practiced was "Out of Nowhere" from the musical "Dude Ranch." After repeating it a few time I started to feel the haunting, melancholy and/or sadness of it and thought it was perfect for this thread. Enjoy:
Great Depression Blues - Out Of Nowhere, 1931 - YouTube (http://youtu.be/qUNu1L04ciM)
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