Top 10 Songs with the Saddest Backstories
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Date: 2023-11-20
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Comments and reviews: 30
Blayr
Ronan by Taylor Swift is about a 4 year old boy who died of cancer.
Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day is about the death of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong's father. 40+ years after the death and 15+ years after the release of the song, he still tears up while singing it.
Soon You'll Get Better by Taylor Swift is about her mother's battle with cancer.
Inside the Fire by Disturbed is about the lead singer, after he saw his girlfriend had committed suicide, he felt like the devil was tempting him telling him that he'll see her again if he kills himself too
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Ronan by Taylor Swift is about a 4 year old boy who died of cancer.
Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day is about the death of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong's father. 40+ years after the death and 15+ years after the release of the song, he still tears up while singing it.
Soon You'll Get Better by Taylor Swift is about her mother's battle with cancer.
Inside the Fire by Disturbed is about the lead singer, after he saw his girlfriend had committed suicide, he felt like the devil was tempting him telling him that he'll see her again if he kills himself too
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Kayla
Ive had been listening to the band called the Bad Wolves cover of Zombie. Originally they had planned to have the lead singer of The Cranberries join them. Its so sad that she has passed away before being able to do this collaboration. I honestly do believe that the Bad Wolves cover did justice to the original version. Dolores ORiordan would have been so pleased with the cover of that this band created.
Also I would really like to see a part 2 to this list because theres so many songs that arent even mentioned on here that have sad backstories. Take note MsMojo.
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Ive had been listening to the band called the Bad Wolves cover of Zombie. Originally they had planned to have the lead singer of The Cranberries join them. Its so sad that she has passed away before being able to do this collaboration. I honestly do believe that the Bad Wolves cover did justice to the original version. Dolores ORiordan would have been so pleased with the cover of that this band created.
Also I would really like to see a part 2 to this list because theres so many songs that arent even mentioned on here that have sad backstories. Take note MsMojo.
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CaliforniaHiker
Whos to say which song is number 1 number one is the song that speaks to you on a personal level, and that isnt the same for everybody. It seems there are so many other songs with sad backgrounds (many, like Zombie, very much misunderstood and/or misinterpreted, that are worthy of mention. So perhaps make a part 2? You already have many great suggestions, here are a few more: Deadmans Curve, Jan & Dean. Last kiss, Wayne Cochran. Paint it black, The Rolling Stones. American Pie, Don McLean. Edmund Fitzgerald, Gordon Lightfoot.
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Whos to say which song is number 1 number one is the song that speaks to you on a personal level, and that isnt the same for everybody. It seems there are so many other songs with sad backgrounds (many, like Zombie, very much misunderstood and/or misinterpreted, that are worthy of mention. So perhaps make a part 2? You already have many great suggestions, here are a few more: Deadmans Curve, Jan & Dean. Last kiss, Wayne Cochran. Paint it black, The Rolling Stones. American Pie, Don McLean. Edmund Fitzgerald, Gordon Lightfoot.
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Arwen
I wish they did Wake me up when September ends by Greenday
In case you didnt know what its about: Billie Joe Armstrongs (lead singer) father passed away on September 1st, 1982 from cancer. At the funeral, Billie couldnt handle it and he ran home. He locked himself in his room and when his mother knocked on his door, trying to talk to him, he replied: Wake me up when September ends.
When the song was released in the American Idiot album, the band also dedicated the song to the families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks.
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I wish they did Wake me up when September ends by Greenday
In case you didnt know what its about: Billie Joe Armstrongs (lead singer) father passed away on September 1st, 1982 from cancer. At the funeral, Billie couldnt handle it and he ran home. He locked himself in his room and when his mother knocked on his door, trying to talk to him, he replied: Wake me up when September ends.
When the song was released in the American Idiot album, the band also dedicated the song to the families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks.
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Top
One song that does come to mind that has a sad backstory that is not on the list would be on with the show by Motley Crue of course the backstory you would think it would have is much sadder then its actual backstory the bass guitarist of Motley Crue Nikki syxx had a father that abused him and a mother that never cared about him, which when he was an adult he decided to legally change his name from frank ferrana junior to Nikki syxx which there is more detail to the story than I could possibly put in a comment
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One song that does come to mind that has a sad backstory that is not on the list would be on with the show by Motley Crue of course the backstory you would think it would have is much sadder then its actual backstory the bass guitarist of Motley Crue Nikki syxx had a father that abused him and a mother that never cared about him, which when he was an adult he decided to legally change his name from frank ferrana junior to Nikki syxx which there is more detail to the story than I could possibly put in a comment
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Lauren
I knew some of these but not all of them. Learned a lot in this video. Also I would add Life ain't always beautiful by Gary Alan. He wrote it during recovery when his wife committed suicide. It is always played at weddings and it freaks me out because nobody realizes he talking about suicide. Kinda dark for a country song. Also, if we make it through December by Merle Haggard. It's a Christmas classic but it's actually really sad song about poverty a lot of people deal with in the South.
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I knew some of these but not all of them. Learned a lot in this video. Also I would add Life ain't always beautiful by Gary Alan. He wrote it during recovery when his wife committed suicide. It is always played at weddings and it freaks me out because nobody realizes he talking about suicide. Kinda dark for a country song. Also, if we make it through December by Merle Haggard. It's a Christmas classic but it's actually really sad song about poverty a lot of people deal with in the South.
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L.
For Volume 2 include:
GORDON LIGHTFOOT -wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (1976)
LED ZEPPELIN -all of my love (79)
KISS - Detroit Rock City (76)
AC/DC- have a drink on me (80)
PATTI SMITH -the full Gone Again album (96)
TYPE O NEGATIVE- everyone I love is dead & everything dies (99)
JOY DIVISION- love will tear us apart (80)
KINGSTON TRIO - Tom Dooley (58)
traditional - Omie Wise
BILLIE HOLIDAY- gloomy Sunday (aka Hungarian Death Song)
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For Volume 2 include:
GORDON LIGHTFOOT -wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (1976)
LED ZEPPELIN -all of my love (79)
KISS - Detroit Rock City (76)
AC/DC- have a drink on me (80)
PATTI SMITH -the full Gone Again album (96)
TYPE O NEGATIVE- everyone I love is dead & everything dies (99)
JOY DIVISION- love will tear us apart (80)
KINGSTON TRIO - Tom Dooley (58)
traditional - Omie Wise
BILLIE HOLIDAY- gloomy Sunday (aka Hungarian Death Song)
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Dennis
Three additional picks for the list:
Domino by Genesis - inspired by the war in Lebanon, but generally relatable in the sense of innocent victims of any conflict
We Do What We're Told (Milgram's 37) by Peter Gabriel - about an experiment in which subjects thought they were giving electric shocks to others
Sally's Pigeons by Cindi Lauper - reminiscing about a childhood friend who died from a back alley abortion
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Three additional picks for the list:
Domino by Genesis - inspired by the war in Lebanon, but generally relatable in the sense of innocent victims of any conflict
We Do What We're Told (Milgram's 37) by Peter Gabriel - about an experiment in which subjects thought they were giving electric shocks to others
Sally's Pigeons by Cindi Lauper - reminiscing about a childhood friend who died from a back alley abortion
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Online
'Come Dancing' by the Kinks should've been here on the list. The songwriter, Ray Davies, dedicated the song to his older sister, when, on his 13th birthday in 1957, she gave him a Spanish guitar that Ray always wanted. That evening, because of her weak heart condition, she suffered a fatal heart attack. As such, Come Dancing is honoured to Ray's sister.
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'Come Dancing' by the Kinks should've been here on the list. The songwriter, Ray Davies, dedicated the song to his older sister, when, on his 13th birthday in 1957, she gave him a Spanish guitar that Ray always wanted. That evening, because of her weak heart condition, she suffered a fatal heart attack. As such, Come Dancing is honoured to Ray's sister.
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Taylor
Supermarket Flowers, has to be one song that chokes me up everytime. I heard it the 1st time after my MIL died. This lady was such an amazing, kind, beautiful woman and ot was like he wrote the song for her. We played it at her memorial service and everyone agreed this song was the epitome of mom.
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Supermarket Flowers, has to be one song that chokes me up everytime. I heard it the 1st time after my MIL died. This lady was such an amazing, kind, beautiful woman and ot was like he wrote the song for her. We played it at her memorial service and everyone agreed this song was the epitome of mom.
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Steven
Im surprised not even an honorable mention list was created. A that would have been perfect for this list is, Before You Go, by Lewis Capaldi. The song is about his aunt committing suicide when he was 5 or 6yr old. The lyrics are from his moms perspective such a beautifully heartbreaking song.
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Im surprised not even an honorable mention list was created. A that would have been perfect for this list is, Before You Go, by Lewis Capaldi. The song is about his aunt committing suicide when he was 5 or 6yr old. The lyrics are from his moms perspective such a beautifully heartbreaking song.
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Michael
I think you missed some. What about all of my love Led Zeppelin? About the death young Carrack. Also what about wreck of the Edmond Fitsgerald? That song although aomehat popish, is very sad when you realize its a true story about a modern ship sinking snd the crew all die.
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I think you missed some. What about all of my love Led Zeppelin? About the death young Carrack. Also what about wreck of the Edmond Fitsgerald? That song although aomehat popish, is very sad when you realize its a true story about a modern ship sinking snd the crew all die.
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Ash
I would add Wherever you will go by The Calling it was based on a real life story where an older man before he passed away he sent a love letter to his wife saying wherever she will go he'll always be there for her. This haunting letter is what inspired the hit song.
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I would add Wherever you will go by The Calling it was based on a real life story where an older man before he passed away he sent a love letter to his wife saying wherever she will go he'll always be there for her. This haunting letter is what inspired the hit song.
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Gary
There's much better than Ed Sheeran and others here. Pearl Jam- Alive. Green Day- wake me up when September ends. Since your including songs written about others, you can always include White Lion- When the children cry. Elton John- Candle in the Wind
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There's much better than Ed Sheeran and others here. Pearl Jam- Alive. Green Day- wake me up when September ends. Since your including songs written about others, you can always include White Lion- When the children cry. Elton John- Candle in the Wind
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Lieke
Two of us by Louis Tomlinson should have an honorable mention. Its about his mom who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 42. Two weeks after the song was released, Louis 18 year old sister suffered a cardiac arrest and past away as well.
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Two of us by Louis Tomlinson should have an honorable mention. Its about his mom who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 42. Two weeks after the song was released, Louis 18 year old sister suffered a cardiac arrest and past away as well.
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Kathy
I would have included The Way by Fastball. Scalzo was inspired to write the song after reading about the disappearance of an elderly couple who were found dead in their car many miles away from their intended destination.
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I would have included The Way by Fastball. Scalzo was inspired to write the song after reading about the disappearance of an elderly couple who were found dead in their car many miles away from their intended destination.
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Ulari
eiley by too close to touch is so sad and in part of the song the vocalist wanted to re-record it because he broke down during, the song was about his little sister who passed away, he passed away this year: (
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eiley by too close to touch is so sad and in part of the song the vocalist wanted to re-record it because he broke down during, the song was about his little sister who passed away, he passed away this year: (
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blue
On a personal note, my mom died while i had lou reed's _goodnight ladies_ playing. But, then, she always did have pretty damn good taste and timing. so i can't complain.
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On a personal note, my mom died while i had lou reed's _goodnight ladies_ playing. But, then, she always did have pretty damn good taste and timing. so i can't complain.
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Diana
How about Hello by Evanescence? It was written from the perspective of a child (Amy Lee age 6) who lost their younger sibling. The song is beautiful and heartbreaking.
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How about Hello by Evanescence? It was written from the perspective of a child (Amy Lee age 6) who lost their younger sibling. The song is beautiful and heartbreaking.
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GD
Secret Love Song has a sad backstory about LGBTQ relationships.
raindrops (an angel cried) by Ariana Grande has something to do with the Manchester Bombing I think.
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Secret Love Song has a sad backstory about LGBTQ relationships.
raindrops (an angel cried) by Ariana Grande has something to do with the Manchester Bombing I think.
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victoria
Maybe Adam's Song by Blink 182? Extremely different from the rest of their music. Was inspired by multiple people and events to discuss suicide and depression.
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Maybe Adam's Song by Blink 182? Extremely different from the rest of their music. Was inspired by multiple people and events to discuss suicide and depression.
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Charleigh
Eric Clapton isn't the first rocker to sing about his son's death, All of My Love By Led Zeppelin was written over Robert Plant's Son's Death as well.
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Eric Clapton isn't the first rocker to sing about his son's death, All of My Love By Led Zeppelin was written over Robert Plant's Son's Death as well.
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Ruthie
small bump by ed sheeran (about his friend's late miscarriage) and soon you'll get better by taylor swift (about her mom's battle with breast cancer)
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small bump by ed sheeran (about his friend's late miscarriage) and soon you'll get better by taylor swift (about her mom's battle with breast cancer)
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Stacy
How could Supermarket Flowers be #10? Seriously saddest song I've ever heard. It makes me cry every time it starts and I bawl all the way through
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How could Supermarket Flowers be #10? Seriously saddest song I've ever heard. It makes me cry every time it starts and I bawl all the way through
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Barry
Where, oh where, is the greatest sorrowful song ever - The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald? Throw this whole list out for this grave error.
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Where, oh where, is the greatest sorrowful song ever - The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald? Throw this whole list out for this grave error.
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Miriam
well done. Suggestion - bands that had brothers that won't form a group again b/c the brothers argue. CCR Everleys Kinks Van Halen etc.
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well done. Suggestion - bands that had brothers that won't form a group again b/c the brothers argue. CCR Everleys Kinks Van Halen etc.
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Sierra
Two songs not mentioned that never fail to bring me to tears are Drink A Beer and You Should Be Here by Luke Bryan and Cole Swindell
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Two songs not mentioned that never fail to bring me to tears are Drink A Beer and You Should Be Here by Luke Bryan and Cole Swindell
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Therese
Delain - We Are The Others, inspired by the assault on Sophie Lancaster and Robert Maltby in 2007, which lead to Sophie's death.
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Delain - We Are The Others, inspired by the assault on Sophie Lancaster and Robert Maltby in 2007, which lead to Sophie's death.
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lornaduwn
I Don't like Mondays by the Boomtown Rats was based on a teenager's response when asked why she shot up a kindergarten class.
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I Don't like Mondays by the Boomtown Rats was based on a teenager's response when asked why she shot up a kindergarten class.
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Rayane
hello, like you by evanescence, breathe me by sia, dark paradise by lana del rey, hurt by christina aguilera and so many others
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hello, like you by evanescence, breathe me by sia, dark paradise by lana del rey, hurt by christina aguilera and so many others
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