20 Best Songs About Tears

Chelsea Cooke

It’s no secret that music can be a powerful force in our lives. It can make us happy, it can make us sad, and sometimes it can even express emotions and feelings that we might not be able to articulate in words. That’s where songs come in – they can express emotions and feelings that we might not be able to put into words.

While there are countless songs out there about tears, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of the best. These songs about tears range from heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat anthems, and they all capture the complex emotion that is crying. So whether you’re looking for a song to cry your eyes out too or one that will lift your spirits, we’ve got you covered.

By the way, if you’re looking for more songs about tears, you might find some good songs in our other articles, such as songs about cats, songs about confusion, songs about circles, songs about crying, and songs about emotions.

Cry Me a River – Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake - Cry Me A River (Official Video)

Justin Timberlake released “Cry Me a River” in 2002, and the song quickly became a hit. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been cheated on by his partner, and the song reflects the hurt and anger that he feels. Timberlake co-wrote the song with Scott Storch, and the production features a heavy bassline and eerie synth melody. The success of “Cry Me a River” helped to launch Timberlake’s solo career, and the song remains one of his most popular tracks.

Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton - Tears In Heaven (Official Video)

Tears in Heaven is a song by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings. The song was written about the death of Clapton’s four-year-old son, Conor. Clapton was distraught after his son’s death and found it difficult to cope. He turned to music as a way to express his grief and began writing the song shortly after Conor’s death. Tears in Heaven is a beautiful and moving tribute to Clapton’s son. The lyrics are full of emotion and speak of the pain and sorrow that comes with losing a child. The song has become one of the most popular mourning songs and has been covered by many artists. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope and light.

No Tears Left To Cry – Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande - no tears left to cry (Official Video)

No Tears Left to Cry is a song by American singer Ariana Grande. The song was released on April 20, 2018, through Republic Records as the lead single from Grande’s fourth studio album, Sweetener (2018). It was written by Grande, Savan Kotecha, Peter Svensson, and its producers Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh. “No Tears Left to Cry” is a dance-pop and R&B song with house, disco and trap elements. Lyrically, the song is about rebirth and overcoming struggles. The song debuted at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and entered the top ten in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and Japan. In the United States, it became Grande’s ninth top-ten single on the Hot 100.

The Tracks Of My Tears – Smokey Robinson

The Tracks Of My Tears

The Tracks of My Tears is a song written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin. The song was first recorded by The Miracles in 1965 and released as a single in September of that year. The song became a hit, reaching #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #2 on the R&B chart. The Tracks of My Tears has been covered by many artists, including Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Rivers, and Bruce Springsteen. The song is about a man who is trying to hide his tears from the world. He is afraid that if people see his tears, they will know how much he is hurting inside. Smokey Robinson’s lyrics are both sad and hopeful, and the song has become a classic example of the power of music to express our emotions.

Let Her Cry – Hootie & The Blowfish

Hootie & The Blowfish - Let Her Cry (Official Music Video)

Let Her Cry is a song by American rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, released in 1994 as the third single from their debut album, Cracked Rear View. The song was written by lead singer Darius Rucker and guitarist Mark Bryan, and it peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The lyrics of the song are about a man who is struggling to deal with his emotions after a breakup. He tries to convince himself that it is better to let his ex-girlfriend cry herself out than to try to comfort her. However, he eventually realizes that he still loves her and that he can’t just stand by and watch her suffer. The song ends with the man admitting that he still loves her and begging her to take him back. Let Her Cry is a powerful ballad about the pain of lost love, and its emotional lyrics have resonated with listeners for over two decades.

Not Gon’ Cry – Mary J. Blige

Not Gon' Cry (from Waiting to Exhale - Original Soundtrack)

“Not Gon’ Cry” is a song by American singer Mary J. Blige. It was written by Blige and produced by Danny Boy Styles for her debut album, What’s the 411? (1992). The song was released as the album’s fourth single in 1995. “Not Gon’ Cry” is a mid-tempo R&B ballad about heartbreak and tears. The song’s lyrics are written from the perspective of a woman who is trying to hold back her tears after her lover has left her. While the lyrics express sadness and pain, they also convey a message of strength and resilience. The song became one of Blige’s signature hits, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning her a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.

Crying In The Club – Camila Cabello

Camila Cabello - Crying In The Club (Official Video)

Crying in the Club is a song by Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello. The song was released on May 19, 2017, as the lead single from her debut solo studio album, The Hurting. The City. The Healing. The song peaked at number 46 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the US Mainstream Top 40 chart. It also became a top 10 hit in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The song is about tears; specifically, it is about the release of emotion that comes with crying. In the song, Cabello sings about how crying can be a cathartic experience, helping to cleanse oneself of pain and hurt. She also talks about how tears can be a source of strength, helping us to get through difficult times. Ultimately, the song is an ode to tears and their ability to help us heal both physically and emotionally.

The Tears Of A Clown – Smokey Robinson And The Miracles

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - The Tears Of A Clown (Lyric Video)

The Tears of a Clown is a song written by Smokey Robinson and produced by the group The Miracles. It was released in 1967 on the Tamla label. The song is about a clown who is sad but hiding his sadness behind a smile. The clown in the song is compared to other people who are able to hide their sadness and pain, such as actors and politicians. The song became a hit in the United States and United Kingdom, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK Singles Chart. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it as the 462nd greatest song of all time.

Teardrops On My Guitar – Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift - Teardrops On My Guitar

Teardrops on My Guitar is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The song was written about her experience with unrequited love and was inspired by a real-life boy who she was attracted to but never dated. The song is set in the key of D major with a moderate tempo of 104 beats per minute. Swift’s vocals range from F3 to C5. “Teardrops on My Guitar” received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the teenage perspective lyrics, while others believed the song to be “significantly better” than her debut single, “Tim McGraw”. The song peaked at number thirteen on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number thirty-seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it her first entry on both charts. In Canada, the song peaked at number forty-three on the Canadian Hot 100 chart. 

Tears Dry On Their Own – Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse - Tears Dry On Their Own

Amy Winehouse’s “Tears Dry on Their Own” is a song about the complicated emotions that come with heartbreak. The lyrics describe the feeling of being hurt and wanting to cry, but also the desire to be strong and move on. The song reflects the mixed feelings that many people experience after a breakup. The vocals showcase Amy’s trademark soulful style, and the production features a retro sound that hearkens back to the Motown era. “Tears Dry on Their Own” is both a heart-wrenching ballad and an uplifting anthem about moving on from a relationship.

Wasting All These Tears – Cassadee Pope

Cassadee Pope - Wasting All These Tears

Wasting All These Tears is a song by American singer Cassadee Pope. The song was released in 2013 as the lead single from her debut studio album, Frame by Frame. Written by Pope and produced by Dann Huff, “Wasting All These Tears” is a country pop ballad about a break-up. The song received positive reviews from music critics, many of whom praised Pope’s vocal performance. Commercially, the song was a success, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Country Songs chart and being certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

As Tears GoBy  – The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones - As Tears Go By (Official Lyric Video)

The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, and “As Tears Go By” is one of their most enduring hits. The song was originally written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards for Marianne Faithfull, and it appeared on her 1964 debut album. However, the version that is most familiar to audiences was recorded by the Stones themselves and released as a single in 1965. “As Tears Go By” is a classic ballad that features Jagger’s plaintive vocals and Richards’ signature guitar playing. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is struggling to deal with his emotions after a breakup. Though the song is more than 50 years old, its message of heartbreak and redemption resonate with listeners of all ages.

Tears – Clean Bandit

Clean Bandit - Tears (feat. Louisa Johnson) [Official Video]

“Tears” is a song by British electronic music group Clean Bandit. It was released on 21 November 2014 as the fourth single from their debut studio album, New Eyes (2014). The song peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart and became their second consecutive top five hit in Australia and New Zealand. “Tears” is an electronic ballad with a length of four minutes and seventeen seconds. The song’s instrumentation consists of “stuttering” synths, a “slick” bassline, and percussion. The song’s lyrics are about the sadness that comes with a breakup and the struggles of moving on. Critics have described the song as being “catchy” and “emotional”. “Tears” is one of Clean Bandit’s most successful singles, reaching the top five in several countries.

Never Make You Cry – Eric Clapton

Never Make You Cry (1999 Remaster)

Clapton’s song “Tears in Heaven” is a heartbreaking ballad about the loss of his young son, Conor. The lyrics express the deep pain and grief that Clapton felt after the tragedy, as well as his hope that he will one day be reunited with his son in heaven. The song became an instant classic when it was released in 1992, and its emotional power has made it a favorite of fans around the world. “Tears in Heaven” is a beautiful tribute to a lost child, and its message of hope and healing continues to resonate with people who have experienced loss.

Cry ’til My Tears Run Dry – Linda Ronstadt

Cry 'Til My Tears Run Dry (1999 Remaster)

“Cry ‘Til My Tears Run Dry” is a song written by Alex Harvey and recorded by Linda Ronstadt. It was released as a single in 1974, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Country chart. The song is about the pain of crying and the relief that comes with finally running out of tears. The lyrics describe the hurt that comes from crying, as well as the release that comes when the tears have run dry. The song is a personal ballad, with Ronstadt delivering a sincere and emotive performance. The simple, honest lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak or loss. “Cry ‘Til My Tears Run Dry” is a poignant reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for better days ahead.

Save Your Tears – The Weeknd

The Weeknd - Save Your Tears (Official Music Video)

The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears” is a song about the power of tears. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship that has ended, and how the protagonist is now using tears to their advantage. By crying, they are able to manipulate their former partner into feeling guilty and taking them back. The song is both sad and empowering, exploring the idea that tears can be used as a weapon. The Weeknd’s emotive performance conveys the heartbreak of the lyrics, making “Save Your Tears” a moving ballad about the power of tears.

Don’t Cry Out Loud – Melissa Manchester

Don't Cry Out Loud

Don’t Cry Out Loud is a song written by Peter Allen and Carole Bayer Sager. The song was first recorded by Melissa Manchester in 1977, and it has since been covered by many other artists. The lyrics of the song encourage the listener to keep their emotions in check, even when they are feeling sad or discouraged. The message of the song is that tears are a natural part of life, but they should not be allowed to take over. It is important to stay strong in the face of adversity, and crying out loud will only make the situation worse. The song has been interpreted in many different ways, but its overall message is one of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Don’t Cry Out Loud is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to overcome hardship if we just stay strong and keep our emotions in check.

We Cry – The Script

The Script - We Cry (Official Video)

The Script’s song “We Cry” is a moving ballad about the power of tears. The lyrics tell the story of a person who has been through a lot of pain and heartache, but has always kept their head up and fought on. However, there comes a point when they can’t hold back the tears any longer, and they finally let go and cry. The song is about the release that comes with tears, and how they can sometimes be the best medicine. It’s a beautiful and emotional song that will resonate with anyone who has ever needed a good cry.

Cry – Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore’s song “Cry” is a haunting ballad about the power of tears. Moore’s lyrics explore the idea that tears can be both a source of strength and a sign of weakness. On the one hand, tears can be a powerful force that can help us to release our sadness and pain. On the other hand, tears can also be a sign that we are struggling to cope with our emotions. Moore’s song reflects the complexities of the human experience and reminds us that it is okay to sometimes need to cry.

Whiskey Tears – Dierks Bentley

Whiskey Tears is a song about the heartbreak of lost love and the pain of regret. The song opens with the narrator looking back on a relationship that ended in tears, and wondering what might have been if things had gone differently. He recalls the happy moments they shared, and how he loved her with all his heart. But ultimately, the relationship fell apart and they both went their separate ways. The narrator reflects on how he sometimes still thinks about her, and how he wishes he could turn back time to when they were together. Though the song is sad, it ultimately has a message of hope, as the narrator realizes that he needs to move on and find new happiness.