Top 10 Most Heartbreaking Stories Behind Famous Songs
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Date: 2023-11-20
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Comments and reviews: 30
12thDecember
One of the most heartbreaking songs I've ever heard is Angel (In the arms of an Angel) by Sarah McLachlan. In her words: I wrote Angel after being on the road for almost two years straight and was both mentally and physically drained. I went to a cottage north of Montreal to relax and write, and read an article in Rolling Stone about the Smashing Pumpkins keyboard player who had ODed in a hotel room.
Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it okay
There's always some reason to feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction or a beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
Let me be empty and weightless
And maybe I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an angel far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an angel, may you find some comfort here
So tired of the straight line and everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference, escape one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh, this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
In the arms of an angel far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
In the arms of an angel, may you find some comfort here
You're in the arms of an angel, may you find some comfort here
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One of the most heartbreaking songs I've ever heard is Angel (In the arms of an Angel) by Sarah McLachlan. In her words: I wrote Angel after being on the road for almost two years straight and was both mentally and physically drained. I went to a cottage north of Montreal to relax and write, and read an article in Rolling Stone about the Smashing Pumpkins keyboard player who had ODed in a hotel room.
Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it okay
There's always some reason to feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction or a beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
Let me be empty and weightless
And maybe I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an angel far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an angel, may you find some comfort here
So tired of the straight line and everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference, escape one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh, this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
In the arms of an angel far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
In the arms of an angel, may you find some comfort here
You're in the arms of an angel, may you find some comfort here
reply
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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JustMiaMakingStuff
The song time after time by cyndi lauper
came from how both songwriters were going through issues in their respective romantic relationships.
Hyman was coming out of a relationship, while Cyndi was having problems with her boyfriend and manager, David Wolff.
One of the first lines Rob wrote was suitcase of memories, which struck her, claiming it was a wonderful line, while other lines came from Cyndi's life experiences.
I feel like it should've (as I was excepting) been an honorable mention
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The song time after time by cyndi lauper
came from how both songwriters were going through issues in their respective romantic relationships.
Hyman was coming out of a relationship, while Cyndi was having problems with her boyfriend and manager, David Wolff.
One of the first lines Rob wrote was suitcase of memories, which struck her, claiming it was a wonderful line, while other lines came from Cyndi's life experiences.
I feel like it should've (as I was excepting) been an honorable mention
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superbluhedgehog
Gordon Lightfoot's ballad Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is another one I thought would be on the list. The 1976 song tells the final voyage of the 729ft ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald, as it battled a late-autumn maelstrom and sank with all 29 men on November 10, 1975. Lightfoot had the melody within a week, but it took an article about the tragedy in Newsweek to give him inspiration to write the lyrics, which he did take a few creative liberties with, but mostly kept the events as accurate as possible.
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Gordon Lightfoot's ballad Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is another one I thought would be on the list. The 1976 song tells the final voyage of the 729ft ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald, as it battled a late-autumn maelstrom and sank with all 29 men on November 10, 1975. Lightfoot had the melody within a week, but it took an article about the tragedy in Newsweek to give him inspiration to write the lyrics, which he did take a few creative liberties with, but mostly kept the events as accurate as possible.
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Heavymetallord1
Boomtown Rats I don't like Mondays written about the 16 year old girl who started shooting at a school from her appartment and when she was arrested and asked why she did it all she said was I don't like Mondays
Another one would be Harry Chaplin's Cats in the cradle the story of a man who was always too busy to make time for his son only to realize now his son is too busy to make time for him with his own life and that his boy has grown up to be exactly the man he was
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Boomtown Rats I don't like Mondays written about the 16 year old girl who started shooting at a school from her appartment and when she was arrested and asked why she did it all she said was I don't like Mondays
Another one would be Harry Chaplin's Cats in the cradle the story of a man who was always too busy to make time for his son only to realize now his son is too busy to make time for him with his own life and that his boy has grown up to be exactly the man he was
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Patrick
Hi there, Ms. Mojo, but now that you've given us 10 Heartbreaking Stories Behind Famous Songs By Men, howzbout giving us ten more by women? I've seen some suggestions below already (Billie Holliday's Strange Fruit for sure, and I would add Joni MItchell's Green, about giving her daughter up for adoption, and (although I know she's not famous enough to be included in these lists, Kate McGarrigle's Leave, about being dumped by Loudon Wainwright III for Suzzy Roche.
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Hi there, Ms. Mojo, but now that you've given us 10 Heartbreaking Stories Behind Famous Songs By Men, howzbout giving us ten more by women? I've seen some suggestions below already (Billie Holliday's Strange Fruit for sure, and I would add Joni MItchell's Green, about giving her daughter up for adoption, and (although I know she's not famous enough to be included in these lists, Kate McGarrigle's Leave, about being dumped by Loudon Wainwright III for Suzzy Roche.
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Emza5694
One song most people don't realise is based on a tragedy is I Don't Like Mondays by the Boomtown Rats, it was inspired by the 1979 school shooting at Clevendland Elementary School by 16 yr old Brenda Spencer.
She barricaded herself in her room and a journalist called her asking why she did it and she just responded with I don't like Mondays, this livens up the day
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One song most people don't realise is based on a tragedy is I Don't Like Mondays by the Boomtown Rats, it was inspired by the 1979 school shooting at Clevendland Elementary School by 16 yr old Brenda Spencer.
She barricaded herself in her room and a journalist called her asking why she did it and she just responded with I don't like Mondays, this livens up the day
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Kiara
Some other songs that have heartbreaking stories are
No More Drama by Mary J. Blige which talks about her history with being in abusive relationships
Father by Demi Lovato which talked about her difficult relationship with her birth father
Im Ok by Christina Aguilera talks about her tough childhood growing up with an abusive father
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Some other songs that have heartbreaking stories are
No More Drama by Mary J. Blige which talks about her history with being in abusive relationships
Father by Demi Lovato which talked about her difficult relationship with her birth father
Im Ok by Christina Aguilera talks about her tough childhood growing up with an abusive father
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Valerie
I get so tired of Amy Winehouse getting credit for Rehab! It is not an Amy Winehouse song! It was written and recorded by Etta James! Amy Winehouse just stole it and took credit for it. Maybe if she researched it a little more she would have picked a different song cause Etta James sang it right before she OD'd, except Etta survived.
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I get so tired of Amy Winehouse getting credit for Rehab! It is not an Amy Winehouse song! It was written and recorded by Etta James! Amy Winehouse just stole it and took credit for it. Maybe if she researched it a little more she would have picked a different song cause Etta James sang it right before she OD'd, except Etta survived.
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Kimiko
Drops of Jupiter by Train originated from his mother passing from lung cancer
Slipped Away by Avril Lavigne originated from not being able to say goodbye to her grandfather due to the fact that she was on tour
Pride (In The Name of Love) by U2 and If I Can Dream by Elvis both originated from the death of MLK
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Drops of Jupiter by Train originated from his mother passing from lung cancer
Slipped Away by Avril Lavigne originated from not being able to say goodbye to her grandfather due to the fact that she was on tour
Pride (In The Name of Love) by U2 and If I Can Dream by Elvis both originated from the death of MLK
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EmBee
And the disturb backstory behind Shiny Happy People made it going in the Florida scene in Marley and Me wrong. Or it could slightly hint to it going from a romantic comedy to a sad story.
After hearing the Let It Be backstory. Makes it make more sense to be in that specific scene in Across The Universe
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And the disturb backstory behind Shiny Happy People made it going in the Florida scene in Marley and Me wrong. Or it could slightly hint to it going from a romantic comedy to a sad story.
After hearing the Let It Be backstory. Makes it make more sense to be in that specific scene in Across The Universe
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Lancelin
Brendas got a baby, by Tupac Shakur. The song explores the life of an African-American girl who is impregnated at the age of 12, and the struggles she deals with from her family, and society around her. She eventually turns to prostitution to support herself and her child, but is then found murdered.
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Brendas got a baby, by Tupac Shakur. The song explores the life of an African-American girl who is impregnated at the age of 12, and the struggles she deals with from her family, and society around her. She eventually turns to prostitution to support herself and her child, but is then found murdered.
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Sarah
Although the lyrics to American Pie never 100% made sense to me, I always thought that there was something incredibly bittersweet about the tone and message. That last part always made me a little teary-eyed, despite me not really understanding the original story behind the lyrics.
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Although the lyrics to American Pie never 100% made sense to me, I always thought that there was something incredibly bittersweet about the tone and message. That last part always made me a little teary-eyed, despite me not really understanding the original story behind the lyrics.
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mistermatt
one of my favorite albums was st. elswhere, the debut by gnarls barkley. two of the biggest songs were crazy and just a thought. they sounded intensely personal to me, does anyone know if they were based on real events? if so, just a thought should definitely be on the list.
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one of my favorite albums was st. elswhere, the debut by gnarls barkley. two of the biggest songs were crazy and just a thought. they sounded intensely personal to me, does anyone know if they were based on real events? if so, just a thought should definitely be on the list.
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John
Two other songs that come to mind are: I Don't Like Mondays by the Boomtown Rats and Song For Guy by Elton John. Another heartbreaking song is What's the Matter Here? by 10, 000 Maniacs, but I don't know if the lyrics are based on specific actual events or just a generalization.
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Two other songs that come to mind are: I Don't Like Mondays by the Boomtown Rats and Song For Guy by Elton John. Another heartbreaking song is What's the Matter Here? by 10, 000 Maniacs, but I don't know if the lyrics are based on specific actual events or just a generalization.
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MissCamel
Well, seems like everyone is just adding whatever theyre feeling, so Id like to nominate Sara Bareilles & John Legend for their song A Safe Place to Land which is about all of the refugees being held in detainee camps at the American/Mexican border
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Well, seems like everyone is just adding whatever theyre feeling, so Id like to nominate Sara Bareilles & John Legend for their song A Safe Place to Land which is about all of the refugees being held in detainee camps at the American/Mexican border
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Sarah
Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran has me in tears as it was played at my mums funeral, Ed Sheerin is singing about his mum. Another song I thought of was advertising space by Robbie Williams singing it for Elvis presley after Marlon Brando died
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Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran has me in tears as it was played at my mums funeral, Ed Sheerin is singing about his mum. Another song I thought of was advertising space by Robbie Williams singing it for Elvis presley after Marlon Brando died
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Ash
wherever you will go by the calling was about a real-life old man who sent a love letter to his wife when he passed away. Saying wherever you will go I'll always be there with you and has inspired this huge hit in like the early 2000s.
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wherever you will go by the calling was about a real-life old man who sent a love letter to his wife when he passed away. Saying wherever you will go I'll always be there with you and has inspired this huge hit in like the early 2000s.
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Melissa
Considering the way things are nowadays you forgot one of the most important songs that was done to expose what kids go through Luca about a kid and his abuse. I think my name is Luca should have been on this list
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Considering the way things are nowadays you forgot one of the most important songs that was done to expose what kids go through Luca about a kid and his abuse. I think my name is Luca should have been on this list
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Sophia
When I read the videos title, I thought of 2 songs and amazingly neither of them are on this list, not even as a honorable mention:
Gone too soon by Micheal Jackson
Sound of silence by Simon & Garfunkel
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When I read the videos title, I thought of 2 songs and amazingly neither of them are on this list, not even as a honorable mention:
Gone too soon by Micheal Jackson
Sound of silence by Simon & Garfunkel
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CassiBlack
Tears in Heaven makes me ugly cry every time I hear it after losing my brother.
Lyle Lovetts song Family Reserve is another heartbreaker. It basically lists all the ways his various family members passed.
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Tears in Heaven makes me ugly cry every time I hear it after losing my brother.
Lyle Lovetts song Family Reserve is another heartbreaker. It basically lists all the ways his various family members passed.
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Joshua
I remember watching REM live in Hong Kong during the SARs crisis in 2003, which coincided with the invasion of Iraq. Their performance of Everybody Hurts affected everyone in the audience on all number of levels.
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I remember watching REM live in Hong Kong during the SARs crisis in 2003, which coincided with the invasion of Iraq. Their performance of Everybody Hurts affected everyone in the audience on all number of levels.
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Argos
Wrecked by Imagine Dragons tells the story of the band's lead singer's sister in-law who died from cancer in 2019. He mentions in the song how he thinks of her everyday. I still listen to this song to this day!
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Wrecked by Imagine Dragons tells the story of the band's lead singer's sister in-law who died from cancer in 2019. He mentions in the song how he thinks of her everyday. I still listen to this song to this day!
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Gwyn
I cannot believe that Elton Johns American Triangle, which is about the horrible murder and hate crime of Matthew Shepherd is not on the list. As a mother, that song rips out my heart every time I heart it.
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I cannot believe that Elton Johns American Triangle, which is about the horrible murder and hate crime of Matthew Shepherd is not on the list. As a mother, that song rips out my heart every time I heart it.
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fanjoy
No Abraham, Martin and John? By Dion? About the assassination of those 3 men. Or Heartbreak Hotel? By Elvis? About being so lonely after loosing a lover, goes to hotel to die/suicide. Not even a mention.
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No Abraham, Martin and John? By Dion? About the assassination of those 3 men. Or Heartbreak Hotel? By Elvis? About being so lonely after loosing a lover, goes to hotel to die/suicide. Not even a mention.
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Heather
Love Will Tear Us Apartis a song that no matter how many times I hear it, it feels like it's ripping out my heart. Yet I can't stop listening to it it's so poignant and darkly beautiful
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Love Will Tear Us Apartis a song that no matter how many times I hear it, it feels like it's ripping out my heart. Yet I can't stop listening to it it's so poignant and darkly beautiful
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Andrea
U2s song Bad is also about a friend who died of a heroin overdose. When you look at it in that context the line throw this lifeless lifeline to the wind becomes so haunting and beautiful
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U2s song Bad is also about a friend who died of a heroin overdose. When you look at it in that context the line throw this lifeless lifeline to the wind becomes so haunting and beautiful
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Jean
I don't know about anyone else, but I was miffed that Elton John repurposed Candle in the Wind. I felt he fell down on the job. Diana deserved her own song, not a recycled one.
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I don't know about anyone else, but I was miffed that Elton John repurposed Candle in the Wind. I felt he fell down on the job. Diana deserved her own song, not a recycled one.
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Kyle
No Wake Me Up When September Ends? Come on, its a tribute to Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrongs dad who died when he was 8 plus its a semi tribute to the victims of 9/11
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No Wake Me Up When September Ends? Come on, its a tribute to Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrongs dad who died when he was 8 plus its a semi tribute to the victims of 9/11
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Haley
I just went to see Elton John live where during Candle in the Wind he had a montage of videos of a woman who looked like Marilyn, didn't even make the connection until now
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I just went to see Elton John live where during Candle in the Wind he had a montage of videos of a woman who looked like Marilyn, didn't even make the connection until now
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