songs that make you cry (happy or sad)

[packrat]

Daddy's Hands gets me too MP! Also, Please Don't Take the Girl..I think that's the name of it? It's a country song so I'm not sure who sings it. Oh, and that old country song Honey. There's a Celine Dion song too that gets me all weepy called Fly.

Funeral songs get to me-like Amazing Grace. Taps.

Proud to be an American and the National Anthem.

 

[kittybean]

"Angel" by Sarah McLachlan--they played this at the memorial service of a friend who died in high school. Everytime I hear it, I'm at that service again, and I can't help tearing up.

"Tiny Dancer" by Elton John--the first guy who made me feel beautiful loved this song, and we danced to it many times. We ended up just becoming good friends after dating for a short while, but he would always refer to me as his "tiny dancer." A couple years later, I went to dinner with him when I was home from college, and he seemed to be really happy. The next day, he took his own life. It still breaks my heart to hear this song.

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole--this is a happy tears song. It's my dad's favorite, and we danced to it at my wedding.

 

[diamondringlover]

Go Rest High on High on that Mountain by Vince Gill


I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren't afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain

Go rest high on that mountain
Son, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing

Go rest high on that mountain
Son, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son

 

[packrat]

Rainbow Connection by Kermit. Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce.

 

[taovandel]

I second the Carrie Underwood songs listed here so far. Especially Temporary Home...

Also I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

Country songs...man they get me sometimes and I'm not even that big of a fan!

 

[purselover]

Pearl Jam's Last Kiss, it gets me every time it's so sad.

 

[Imdanny]

Musical taste is so diverse and my taste in music runs deep and is eclectic so I feel silly posting in these threads!

Ella Fitzgerald, Blue Skies makes me happy.

Madonna, Die Another Day, Hung Up make me happy.

Jessye Norman, Deep River makes me sad.

Jessye Norman, Joy To My Soul makes me happy.

The slow movement of Mozart's clarinet concerto makes me feel peaceful.

I could go on and on. Music is my favorite thing in the world.

 

[Bunny007]

"Angel" by Sarah McLachlan--they played this at the memorial service of a friend who died in high school. Everytime I hear it, I'm at that service again, and I can't help tearing up. quote]

This was played at a memorial service for a student who died when I was in highschool too. It reminds me every time I hear it. Weird coincidence.

 

[lyra]

For no particular reason Sarah McLachlin's Full of Grace always tears me up. Great song though.

 

[soocool]

Vincent by Don McLean

Starry
starry night
paint your palette blue and grey

look out on a summer's day
with eyes that know the
darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills
sketch the trees and the daffodils

catch the breeze and the winter chills
in colors on the snowy linen land.
And now I understand what you tried to say to me

how you suffered for your sanity
how you tried to set them free.
They would not listen
they did not know how
perhaps they'll listen now.

Starry
starry night
flaming flo'rs that brightly blaze

swirling clouds in violet haze reflect in
Vincent's eyes of China blue.
Colors changing hue
morning fields of amber grain

weathered faces lined in pain
are soothed beneath the artist's
loving hand.
And now I understand what you tried to say to me

how you suffered for your sanity
how you tried to set them free.
perhaps they'll listen now.

For they could not love you
but still your love was true

and when no hope was left in sight on that starry
starry night.
You took your life
as lovers often do;
But I could have told you
Vincent
this world was never
meant for one
as beautiful as you.

Starry
starry night
portraits hung in empty halls

frameless heads on nameless walls
with eyes
that watch the world and can't forget.
Like the stranger that you've met

the ragged men in ragged clothes

the silver thorn of bloddy rose
lie crushed and broken
on the virgin snow.
And now I think I know what you tried to say to me

how you suffered for your sanity

how you tried to set them free.
They would not listen
they're not
list'ning still
perhaps they never will.

 

[dragonfly411]

Love the Way You lie - Eminem and Rihanna

 

[Puppmom]

Beautiful Boy by John Lennon

Close your eyes,
Have no fear,
The monsters gone,
He's on the run and your daddy's here,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Before you go to sleep,
Say a little prayer,
Every day in every way,
It's getting better and better,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Out on the ocean sailing away,
I can hardly wait,
To see you to come of age,
But I guess we'll both,
Just have to be patient,
Yes it's a long way to go,
But in the meantime,

Before you cross the street,
Take my hand,
Life is just what happens to you,
While your busy making other plans,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,
Darling,
Darling,
Darling Sean.

It makes me think of my little angel but it also makes me feel bad for Julian Lennon! Poor kid!

 

[princesss]

Oh, another one that gets me is "A Frog and His Boy" - my friend B told me about it and it seriously makes me tear up every time I hear it!

 

[Octavia]

100 Years by Five For Fighting. It gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

 

[TooPatient]

This was played at the funeral of a friend of mine who died from lukemia at 17.

Alabama -- Angels Among Us video

I was walking home from school on a cold winter day.
Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way.
It was getting late, and I was scared and alone.
But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home.
Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there.
And I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers.

Oh I believe there are angels among us.
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me in our darkest hours.
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.
To guide us with the light of love.

When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees.
There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me.
A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand.
A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand.

And ain't it kind of funny that at the dark end of the road.
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.

Oh I believe there are angels among us.
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me in our darkest hours.
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.
To guide us with the light of love.


They wear so many faces; show up in the strangest places.
To grace us with their mercy, in our time of need.

Oh I believe there are angels among us.
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me in our darkest hours.
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.
To guide us with the light of love.

To guide us with the light of love.

 

[Sha]

Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton)

Dance with my Father Again (Luther Vandross)

Strange Fruit (Nina Simone)


***********

ETA: The lyrics to that ARlington song are so moving....

 

[TooPatient]

Daddy's Hands gets me too MP! Also, Please Don't Take the Girl..I think that's the name of it? It's a country song so I'm not sure who sings it. Oh, and that old country song Honey. There's a Celine Dion song too that gets me all weepy called Fly.

Funeral songs get to me-like Amazing Grace. Taps.

Proud to be an American and the National Anthem.

Those get me too.

I participated in building a war memorial in the city I lived in. At the dedication, an older man (if I remember correctly, a WW1 vet) sang taps --- there was a military band so it started with the usual sad, slow trumpet and then he sang the FULL song..... not a dry eye in sight.



Here's the other song you mentioned:

Tim McGraw -- Don't Take the Girl link

Johnny's daddy was taking him fishin'
When he was eight years old.
Little girl came through the front gate
holdin' a fishin' pole.
His dad looked down and smiled,
said, "We can't leave her behind"
"Son, I know you don't want her to go,
but someday you'll change your mind."
And Johnny said,
"Take Jimmy Johnson,
take Tommy Tompson.
Take my best friend, Bo.
Take anybody that you want as
long as she don't go.
Take any boy in the world,
daddy please, don't take the girl."

Same old boy, same sweet girl
ten years down the road.
He held her tight and kissed her lips in
front of the picture show.
Stranger came and pulled a gun
Grabbed her by the arm said "If you do what I tell you to do,
there won't be any harm"
And Johnny said "Take my money,
take my wallet,
take my credit cards.
Here's the watch that my grandpa gave me
Here's the key to my car
Mister give it a whirl,
But please don't take the girl."

Same old boy
Same sweet girl
Five years down the road
There's gonna be a little one and she
says it's time to go.
Doctor says the baby's fine
but you'll have to leave
'Cause his momma's fading fast and
Johnny hit his knees and there he prayed
"Take the very breath you gave me.
Take the heart from my chest.
I'll gladly take her place if you'll let me,
make this my last request.
Take me out of this world
God, please don't take the girl"

Johnny's daddy
Was taking him fishin'
When he was eight years old

 

[kurtwoodfork]

Carrie Underwood - Jesus take the wheel

this makes me cry every the time.

 

[lyra]

My favourite sad song is I Will Follow You (into the Dark) by Deathcab for Cutie:

Love of mine some day you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark

No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark
If heaven and hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

In Catholic school as vicious as Roman rule
I got my knuckles brusied by a lady in black
And I held my toungue as she told me
"Son fear is the heart of love"
So I never went back

If heaven and hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

You and me have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of your shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
It's nothing to cry about
Cause we'll hold each other soon
In the blackest of rooms

If heaven and hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
Then I'll follow you into the dark

 

[Amber St. Clare]

Christmas in New York--it was written about NYC Fireman shortly after 9/11 . Not happy tears, obviously.
Dance With My father--sad
Beautiful Boy--John Lennon HAPPY!!!!
Forever Young--Rod Stewart---Happy AND Sad

 

[TooPatient]

Mark Wills (Steve Wariner?) -- Holes in the Floor of Heaven link

One day shy of 8 years old, grandma passed away.
I was a broken hearted little boy, blowin out that birthday cake.
How I cried when the sky let go, with a cold and lonesome rain,
Momma smiled said dont be sad child, grandma's watchin you today.

<Chorous>
Cuz there's holes in the floor of heaven and her tears are pourin down
thats how you know she's watchin, wishing she could be here now.
and sometimes if your lonely , just remember she can see,
there's holes in the floor of heaven, and she's watchin over you and me.

Season's come and seasons go, nothing stays the same.
I grew up , fell in love , met a girl who took my name.
Year by Year, made a life in this sleepy little town.
I thought we'd grow old together , lord I sure do miss her now!

<Chrous >
But there's holes in the floor of heaven, and her tears are pourin down.
Thats how I know she's watchin , wishing she could be here now.
And sometimes when i'm lonley, I remember she can see,
there's holes in the floor of heaven, and she's watchin over you and me.

Well my little girl is 23, I walk her down the aisle,
Its a shame her mom can't be here now, to see her lovely smile.
They throw the rice, I catch her eye, As the rain starts comin down.
She takes my hand says daddy dont be sad ,Cuz i know Momma is watchin now.
And there's holes in the floor of heaven, and her tears are pourin down.
thats how you know she's watchin , wishin she could be here now. And sometimes when i'm lonely, i remember she can see,
Yes, there's holes in the floor of heaven , and she's watchin over you and me.
Watchin over you and me
Watchin over you and me
Watchin over you and me.

 

[TooPatient]

This one was (I'm 99% sure) in the movie Taking Chance -- wonderful, sad, touching movie that is VERY good (and is NOT political despite the topic) ..... make sure you've got a box of tissues close by

Tim McGraw -- If You're Reading This link


If you're reading this
My Mommas sittin there
Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here
Sure wish I
Could give you one more kiss
And war was just a game we played when we were kids

I'm laying down my gun
I'm hanging up boots
I'm up here with God and we're both watching over you

[Chorus]
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed
That it would go
And if you're reading this
I'm already home

If you're reading this
Half way around the would
I won't be there
To see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fight like me
Stand up for the innocent and weak

I'm laying down my gun
I'm hanging up boots
Tell dad I don't regret that I followed in his shoes

[Chorus]
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed that it would go
And if you're reading this
I'm already home

If you're reading this
There's going to come a day
When you'll move on
And find some one else
And that's ok
Just remember this
I'm in a better place
Where soldiers live in peace
And angels sing amazing grace

[Chorus]
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my Momma always prayed that it would go
And if you're reading this

 

[dianne]

This one always makes me a crybaby.

Tim McGraw - http://www.cmt.com/videos/tim-mcgraw/31874/live-like-you-were-dying.jhtml

Live Like You Were Dyin'

He said I was in my early 40's,
With a lot of life before me,
And a moment came that stopped me on a dime.
I spent most of the next days, lookin' at the x-rays,
Talkin' 'bout the options and talkin' 'bout sweet time.
Asked him when it sank in, that this might really be the real end.
How's it hit ya, when you get that kind of news.
Man what ya do.
And he says,

[Chorus]

I went sky divin',
I went rocky mountain climbin',
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull name Fumanchu.
And I loved deeper,
And I spoke sweeter,
And I gave forgiveness I've been denying,
And he said someday I hope you get the chance,
To live like you were dyin'.

He said I was finally the husband,
That most the time I wasn't.
And I became a friend a friend would like to have.
And all the sudden goin' fishing,
Wasn't such an imposition.
And I went three times that year I lost my dad.
Well I finally read the good book,
And I took a good long hard look at what I'd do
If I could do it all again.
And then.

[Chorus]

Like tomorrow was a gift and you've got eternity
To think about what you do with it,
What could you do with it, what can
I do with with it, what would I do with it.

[Chorus]
Sky divin',
I went rocky mountain climbin',
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull name Fumanchu.
And I loved deeper,
And I spoke sweeter,
And I watched an eagle as it was flyin'.
And he said someday I hope you get the chance,
To live like you were dyin'.

To live like you were dyin'.
To live like you were dyin'.
To live like you were dyin'.
To live like you were dyin'.

 

[gemgirl]

An old Neil Diamond song called "America" always makes my eyes well up with tears. My maternal Grandmother was one of the most influential people in my life. She helped to raise me and my sister since we lived on the top floor of her tremendous two family house in Brooklyn. She was the "storyteller" in our family.

My Grandmother came to America with her mother in 1918 on a freight ship from Riesi, Sicily with their family savings ($8.-) and my great grandmother's steamer trunk full of her most precious belongings (hand embroidered linens, pictures of family etc). My Grandmother was 11 yrs old but her first memory of seeing the Statue of Liberty remained vivid and profound until the day she died. She said in Italy, all people talked about was going to America, the land of riches, to start a new life, "where the streets were paved with gold"..... When that cold, dirty, over crowded freight ship neared Manhattan harbor and the Statue of Liberty was in sight, she said all of the women took out their hankerchiefs, all of the men took off their hats and placed them over their hearts, and everyone cried. She told us that story 100s of times during our lives and it always makes me cry!

AMERICA Written by Neil Diamond

Far
We've been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star

Free
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream

On the boats and on the planes
They're coming to America
Never looking back again
They're coming to America

Home, don't it seem so far away
Oh, we're traveling light today
In the eye of the storm
In the eye of the storm

Home, to a new and a shiny place
Make our bed, and we'll say our grace
Freedom's light burning warm
Freedom's light burning warm

Everywhere around the world
They're coming to America
Every time that flag's unfurled
They're coming to America

Got a dream to take them there
They're coming to America
Got a dream they've come to share
They're coming to America

They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
Today, today, today, today, today

My country 'tis of thee
Today
Sweet land of liberty
Today
Of thee I sing
Today
Of thee I sing
Today

1980 Stonebridge Music (ASCAP)

 

[Diamond Princess]

My mother passed away in March of 2001 as I was nearing the end of my senior year of high school. She fought a very courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer for 5 very long years. She absolutely LOVED the movie "Beaches". Her best friend decided that "The Wind Beneath My Wings" should be played at her funeral because it was my mother's favorite song. I can remember anytime that song came on the radio my mom would turn it up as load as possible and we would all belt it out like nobody's business Clearly, there was not a dry eye to be found anywhere when it played at the funeral but I know my mom was belting it out while looking down on all of us.

To this day, I still cannot listen to that song without sobbing uncontrollably. Not so long ago, I was in the checkout line at a department store. Naturally, I'm in my own little world stoked about the deal I was getting on some shoes and all of a sudden... I hear it... "It must have been cold there in my shadow...." Immediately, chills shot up my spine and my eyes started welling up. I literally had to leave my stuff at the counter and rush out... I was an absolute wreck! I sobbed the whole way home.

 

[Madam Bijoux]

"Talking Old Soldiers" (sung by Bettye Lavette, Music by Elton John Lyrics by Bernie Taupin)

Why hello, say can I buy you another glass of beer
Well thanks a lot that's kind of you, it's nice to know you care
These days there's so much going on
No one seems to want to know
I may be just an old soldier to some
But I know how it feels to grow old
Yeah that's right, you can see me here most every night
You'll always see me staring at the walls and at the lights
Funny I remember oh it's years ago I'd say
I'd stand at that bar with my friends who've passed away
And drink three times the beer that I can drink today
Yes I know how it feels to grow old
I know what they're saying son
There goes old man Joe again
Well I may be mad at that I've seen enough
To make a man go out his brains
Well do they know what it's like
To have a graveyard as a friend
`Cause that's where they are boy, all of them
Don't seem likely I'll get friends like that again
Well it's time I moved off
But it's been great just listening to you
And I might even see you next time I'm passing through
You're right there's so much going on
No one seems to want to know
So keep well, keep well old friend
And have another drink on me
Just ignore all the others you got your memories
You got your memories

 

[Burberrygirl]

Beautiful Boy by John Lennon
It makes me think of my little angel but it also makes me feel bad for Julian Lennon! Poor kid!

Yeah, Beautiful Boy is a great song but it can't listen to it without thinking of Julian Lennon.

 

[Burberrygirl]

Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton)

Dance with my Father Again (Luther Vandross)

Strange Fruit (Nina Simone)


***********

ETA: The lyrics to that ARlington song are so moving....

The way Eric Clapton sings Tears in Heaven evokes such sadness. The Billie Holiday version of Strange Fruit is great too.

 

[Burberrygirl]

Last Kiss by Pearl Jam
Summertime by Sam Cooke
Candle in the Wind by Elton John
Both Nat King Cole and Edith Piaf’s versions of Autumn Leaves
Mother by John Lennon
The Beatles: The Long and Winding Road, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Let it Be, In My Life…
U2: Angel of Harlem, Red Hill Town, With or Without You, Running to Stand Still, One, Sunday Bloody Sunday...
Otis Redding: I’ve Been Loving You Too Long, A Change is Gonna Come, These Arms of Mine, Come to Me, Pain in My Heart, Try a Little Tenderness, That’s What My Heart Needs.
Coldplay has some really moving songs like Fix You and The Scientist.
Pretty much anything by Maria Callas can make me cry.

 

[Madam Bijoux]

This one always leaves me blubbering:

The Three Bells

There's a village hidden deep in the valley among the pine trees half forlorn
And there on a sunny morning little Jimmy Brown was born
All the chapel bells were ringing in the little valley town
And the songs that they were singing was for baby Jimmy Brown
And the little congregation prayed for guidance from above
Lead us not into temptation bless this hour of meditation guide him with eternal love

There's a village hidden deep in the valley beneath the mountains high above
And there twenty years thereafter Jimmy was to meet his love
All the chapel bells were ringing twas a great day in his life
For the songs that they were singing was for Jimmy and his wife
And the little congregation prayed for guidance from above
Lead us not into temptation bless oh Lord this celebration
May their lives be filled with love

From the village hidden deep in the valley one rainy morning dark and grey
A soul winged its way to heaven
Jimmy Brown had passed away
People gathered in the chapel
To say farewell to their old friend
Whose life had been like a flower
Budding, blooming till the end
Just a lonely bell was ringing in the little valley town
Twas farewell that it was singing to our good old Jimmy Brown
And the little congregation prayed for guidance from above
Lead us not into temptation may his soul find this salvation of Thy great eternal love