Rock music is often associated with feelings of happiness and energy, but there are a number of sad rock songs that explore darker emotions.
Whether you're feeling down in the dumps or simply want to wallow in your sorrows, these 55 sad rock songs will do the trick.
Sad songs have always been a popular choice for people going through pain such as losing a loved one or experiencing a heartbreak.
There is just something about listening to a song that perfectly captures your pain that can be incredibly cleansing. And while sad music may not be able to take away all the hurt, they can help you to feel less alone in your pain.
In fact, studies have shown that listening to sad music can actually help to boost your mood. So if you're feeling down in the dumps, don't be afraid to give into your urges and blast some sad music. Chances are, it just might help you to feel better.
So, where should you start? Our playlist of the best sad rock songs, updated weekly, is a great outlet to start with.
From classic tracks by Guns N' Roses and The Fray to more modern fare by Joji and Imagine Dragons, there's something here for everyone who loves to listen to depressing rock & alternative music!
So put on your headphones, and be ready to find your new favorite sad rock song! Click here to listen now on Spotify.
Our Playlist:
Explaining Songs from the Track List of our Favorite Sad Rock Songs Playlist
We all have those days where we just need to put on our sad music and wallow in our feelings. For those days, we've compiled a list of the saddest rock songs out there. From angsty anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, these songs are sure to give you all the feels. While you go to grab your headphones, let's give you a bit more insight into some of these songs, in case one song speaks to you and becomes a personal favorite
Freaks by Surf Curse
"Freaks" by Surf Curse is an indie surf rock song with a dreamy vibe. It feels laid-back with reverb-drenched guitars and echoey vocals. The lyrics are about a group of rebellious teenagers who are outcasts from society. They're the "freaks" who don't fit in anywhere else, so they just stick together and have fun.
Taking pride in our differences and enjoying ourselves despite what society may deem normal is a great message from a touching song. Freaks has an infectious energy that can quite literally turn your frown upside down.
it only gets worse, i promise by EKKSTACY
This alternative rock song details a relationship that is going through tough times. The song starts off with the singer describing how things used to be good between them, but now it has become full of fighting and arguing, and it seems like things will never get better.
However, in spite of all the problems, the singer still loves the other person and is willing to stick it out. The song is a celebration of endurance and love in the face of adversity, and its catchy melody and positive message make it a favorite among fans of the band.
Scumbag by Goody Grace feat. blink-182
Scumbag is a sad rock song by Goody Grace in collaboration with Blink-182. The song was released on April 10, 2020, and is included in Goody Grace's debut EP, Infinity. Lyrically, the song is about having a good time and not caring about the consequences.
The song starts with a distorted guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The verse is delivered by Goody Grace with a fast-paced flow that reflects the energy of the song. The chorus features Blink-182's Tom DeLonge singing the hook, which gives the song a catchy and anthemic quality. Overall, Scumbag is a fun and energetic song that will get you moving.
Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac
Go Your Own Way is a song by Fleetwood Mac that was released in 1977. The song is about a break-up, and it is sung from the perspective of the person who is being left. The lyrics are full of resentment and bitterness, and the vocal performance conveys those emotions perfectly.
The music is also intense and driving, with a memorable guitar riff that contributes to the feeling of anxiousness and frustration. It is a great example of how different textures can be used to create an emotionally charged piece of music.
Mad World by Gary Jules and Michael Andrews
Mad World is a huge hit, with hundreds of millions of plays across various streaming platforms. This song was initially released in 1982, before Gary Jules and Michael Andrews recorded a new version of the song in 2001 for the soundtrack of the film Donnie Darko.
This version of the song is much slower and more melancholic than the original, and it features Jules’s haunting vocals backed by sparse piano accompaniment. The juxtaposition of the happy-sounding music with the dark lyrics creates a feeling of irony and cynicism, which has made Mad World one of the most iconic depressing songs of our time.
Sweater Weather by The Neighborhood
The Neighborhood's sad song "Sweater Weather" quickly gained popularity due to its mellow and dreamy sound. The lyrics talk about wanting to have a romantic relationship, but feeling conflicted because of the weather. Despite the warm weather, the singer wants to cuddle with their partner and share body heat.
Somewhere Only We Know by Keane
Somewhere Only We Know is a 2004 song by the English rock band Keane. The song became a commercial success, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of Keane's best-known songs. The song has been used in several films and television shows, and it was covered by Lily Allen in 2013.
The lyrics of Somewhere Only We Know describe a feeling of nostalgia for a place that the narrator remembers from their childhood. The song is sad but also optimistic, and it has an uplifting chorus that many people can relate to. If you're looking for a song to help you remember lost times, or to give you hope for the future, then Somewhere Only We Know is a great choice.
You Found Me by The Fray
"You Found Me" is a song by American rock band The Fray. It was released as the first single from their self-titled second studio album. The song peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number four on the Billboard Pop Songs chart. The song's lyrics are about a person who is lost and alone, and how that person is found by someone else.
The lyrics also have been interpreted as being about a relationship, or about God. The song has been covered by several artists, including Kelly Clarkson and Gavin DeGraw. The Fray has described the song as being about "lost love, hope, faith, doubt, and everything in between."
Yesterday by The Beatles
Yesterday is an amazing song written by Paul McCartney and released by The Beatles in 1965. The classic track is about a man who has lost his love and is struggling to cope with the loss. The lyrics are full of raw emotion of despair and regret, with the narrator looking back on happier times and wondering what could have been.
The melody is haunting and beautiful, with a simple chord progression that stays in your head long after the song is over. The Beatles recorded the song in just two takes, and it quickly became one of their most popular tracks. Yesterday also has remained one of The Beatles' most timeless and loved songs, with its emotional lyrics and gorgeous melody resonating with listeners for generations.
Won't Go Home Without You by Maroon 5
Won't Go Home Without You is a song by American pop rock band Maroon 5. The song was released on December 18, 2007 as the sixth and final single from their second studio album, It Won't Be Soon Before Long (2007). Written by Adam Levine and guitarist James Valentine, the song is about a relationship nearing its end and the hope that the couple will reconcile.
The song's music video features Levine trying to win back his ex-girlfriend. This music video was actually nominated for "Video of the Year" at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.
Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day
Green Day has dominated the rock genre since the 90s, and their track "Wake Me Up When September Ends" is a ballad about the loss of innocence and the pain of growing up. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is struggling to cope with the death of his father. The protagonist is longing for the simplicity of childhood, when he didn't have to worry about the responsibilities of adulthood.
The whole song perfectly captures the feelings of nostalgia and melancholy that often accompany the transition into adulthood. In just four minutes, Green Day manages to capture the universal experience of growing up and losing innocence.
Use Somebody by Kings of Leon
Use Somebody is a song about unrequited love, and yearning for somebody else. The lyrics talk about how the singer has been "roaming around, searching" for somebody to love, and how he "can't imagine anything better." But despite the clear message of the lyrics, there's something about the song that makes it feel a little bit...off.
Maybe it's the passionless delivery, or the way that Caleb Followill seems almost bored by his own words. Or maybe it's because Kings of Leon are a group of white guys from Tennessee, and it's just a little bit weird to hear them singing about needing somebody else in such a longing way. Whatever the reason, Use Somebody isn't exactly a typical love song - but it's still a pretty good one that people listen to still.
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
Chasing Cars is a piano rock song that was released in 2006 and quickly rose to popularity. The song is about a relationship that is on the rocks, and the narrator is struggling to keep it together. The lyrics are full of emotion, and the song has a powerful message about love and loss.
In addition to being a great love song, Chasing Cars is also an excellent driving song. It has a catchy beat, and it's perfect for sing-alongs. It can equally draw tears on a rainy afternoon, and create smiles during a long car ride.
The Man Who Can't Be Moved by The Script
The Man Who Can't Be Moved is a pop rock song detailing a guy who is waiting for his long-lost love to return to the spot where they first met. He's been there for weeks, sleeping in a tent and eating from a cooler, and he's prepared to wait as long as it takes. The man in the song is clearly crazy in love, and his dedication is both sweet and slightly misguided.
The Script does a great job of capturing the feeling of hope and desperation that comes with unrequited love, and The Man Who Can't Be Moved is a song that will resonate with anyone who has ever been head-over-heels in love even after the woman leaves.
Amnesia by 5 Seconds of Summer
Amnesia is a song about a break-up, written from the perspective of someone who is trying to forget about their ex, and they express so much pain and confusion due to their break-up.
The song starts off with a slow, acoustic guitar melody, but it quickly picks up the pace and becomes an upbeat song. The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, and it is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak.
(p.s. I wish I could play guitar.)
Even More Sad Songs!
Hopefully those descriptions were able to add more insight into some of the saddest rock songs that we love to listen to. For the full list of the saddest rock songs, listen to our full 55-song playlist, exclusively on Spotify. Click here to listen.
FAQ
What is the saddest rock song?
In our opinion, the saddest rock song of all time is Mad World. However, we have a full list of 55 sad rock songs, and we believe it is very difficult to pick simply one "saddest song". Let us know if you agree or disagree in the comments below.
What is the genre of a sad rock song?
Sad rock music is often referred to as Sadcore. This subgenre of alternative rock that has its roots in the 1980s and 1990s, with artists like Nirvana or Smashing Pumpkins creating songs characterized by bleak lyrics downbeat melodies. This slower tempos often were coupled deceivingly upbeat melodies, yet maintaining gloomy lyrics. Check out our playlist here for the best sadcore rock songs.
Is there a sad song that just missed the list?
Yes, there are plenty of songs that only just did not make it on onto our playlist. For those who love our curated Sadcore playlist here is a list of 10 songs that barely did not make the cut, but are awesome tracks in their own right.
Honorable Mentions:
Superman (It's Not Easy) by Five for Fighting
Pale Blue Eyes by The Velvet Underground
I'm Losing You by John Lennon
Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
My Immortal by Evanescence
Since I've Been Loving You by Led Zeppelin
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
November Rain by Guns N' Roses
Hurt by Nine Inch Nails (and Johnny Cash's version)
Sad by Pearl Jam
In Conclusion:
Everyone knows that rock music is the ultimate genre for letting out your frustrations and feeling powerful. But it's also a great genre for exploring sadness and vulnerability. After all, many of the greatest rock songs ever written are about heartbreak and loss.
In this blog post, we took a look at 55 of the best ever rock songs about sadness. These are tracks that will make you feel everything from sorrow to despair, but they're all undeniably amazing pieces of music.
So put on your headphones and get ready to dive into some serious feels! Check out the full playlist by clicking here.
To instead listen to our classic rock music playlist (that isn't sad, but is upbeat) click here.
If we missed any songs, let us know below in the comments. Until next time, rock on!