OT: songs that draw a tear or make your cry

Submitted by WindyCityBlue on August 13th, 2022 at 10:48 PM

I’m just trying to get in as much OT action before the season begins. So what songs cultivate a strong emotional reaction with you? Weather that’s a few tears to full on crying. 
 

Mine are:

1. Mother - Pink Floyd

2. Give me Something to Believe in - Poison

3. Philadelphia - Neil Young

I’m skipping several, but wanted to get the input from the MgoGlitterati.
 

So what say you MgoBoard?
 

 

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contra mundum

August 14th, 2022 at 11:24 AM ^

I am not a country fan, but Brad Paisley/Dolly Parton's "When I get where I'm going". I'm not emo either, but for very personal reasons relating to my eldest daughter "Lua" by Bright Eyes. 

Joined: 09/01/2008

MGoPoints: 512

fishgoblue1

August 14th, 2022 at 11:44 AM ^

I Loved her First - Heartland

Tough Little Boys - Gary Allen (father/daughter dance and my daughter's wedding)

One Wing in the Fire - Trent Tomlinson (reminds me of my flawed dad and I miss him)

 

 

Joined: 11/16/2015

MGoPoints: 14774

Rubberband

August 14th, 2022 at 11:48 AM ^

I couldn't get through all the comments, so these may have already been named but my top three are these:

  1. My Wish by Rascal Flatts - I'm a father that loves his children and the message in the song is one I am always trying to live up to and convey to my children.
  2. In Color by Jamie Johnson - My grandfather was my hero and this song reminds me of him every time I hear it.
  3. Don't Take the Girl by Tim McGraw - The song has no relation to a life event except to say that it reminds me of how important my wife and children are to me.

Great OT, pretty deep topic and it brought a tear to my eye just thinking about these songs.  I was surprised how quickly these songs came to mind and they are all country songs.  I am a fan of all types of music from Heavy Metal to Frank Sinatra but I'm obviously a sucker for a country song story.

Joined: 05/10/2011

MGoPoints: 535

Wendyk5

August 14th, 2022 at 11:54 AM ^

Songs have to be attached to personal events for me to cry. Example: dropping my son off at college his freshman year and then hearing "She's Leaving Home" by the Beatles on the drive home. That killed me. 

Joined: 11/20/2008

MGoPoints: 68430

Blue Vet

August 14th, 2022 at 1:31 PM ^

Oh, yeah. I commented earlier that, though I'm sentimental, this post's prompt didn't appeal to me. 

But your comment reminds me that it's the occasion more than the song itself that grabs me.

Your comment also brings a Beatles song—and occasion—to mind. I'd always liked their song, "Here Comes The Sun." The Army started tough for me, ripping me from my former life, and though things got better, I still felt alone, and that song could make me feel better. 

Then came my discharge. Naturally, the Army made me wait. Arriving when the office opened at 9AM sharp, I had to sit around while they looked for my paperwork. Finally at noon, I was out. Getting in my grey VW, my first car, I headed west. After an hour driving with my thoughts alone, I turned on the radio. The first song I heard was that song and, surprising myself, I cried. I was free.

Little darling
It's been a long cold lonely winter

...

Little darling
The smiles returning to the faces
Little darling
It seems like years since it's been here

Here comes the Sun
Here comes the Sun and I say
It's all right

Joined: 05/08/2012

MGoPoints: 71930

Bosch

August 14th, 2022 at 12:12 PM ^

1. Cat's in the Cradle

2. The Living Years

My relationship with my father was fractured for a good portion of my young adulthood. Although we reconnected, I never felt particularly close to him. He then passed due to cancer about 12 years ago. He was only in his mid fifties. My kids were pretty young at the time and now barely remember him, especially my youngest. I had a great relationship with my mother's father and I am sad that my kids don't have that same kind of experience with a grandfather (my wife's dad is still around and is a good guy but they live far enough away that we don't see them more than a couple times a year).

Joined: 04/03/2009

MGoPoints: 8194

Toasted Yosties

August 14th, 2022 at 1:00 PM ^

Can I ask if you have any regrets or whether would have done things differently with your dad? Completely understand if that is too personal, especially with an internet stranger. I only ask because my 70+-year-old and me are barely talking, and I know he won’t be around forever. He has done some reprehensible things, specifically to my mother recently, and dragged our family through a particularly hellish year, on top of having some of his core beliefs I cannot tolerate, and he presses them. I’ve tried to work through this with him for years now, but he just digs in deeper into his ways. Even though I’ve put more effort in trying to rectify it than I probably should have, still I worry, I’ll be remorseful we didn’t fix things before he’s gone. It’s hard to stomach a bad ending with my dad who once was also my best friend. /oversharing.

Joined: 06/05/2013

MGoPoints: 9261

Bosch

August 14th, 2022 at 2:11 PM ^

My dad experienced some emotionally disruptive events growing up that haunted him for a long time.  His mother committed suicide when he was 12.  He was in the Navy at the end the of the Vietnam War. He ended up developing dependencies with drugs and alcohol soon after the war.  He was never abusive to me and, as far I know, he wasn't abusive to my mother when they were together.  He just went on a downward spiral and my mom had to leave him when I was only 2 years old. I would see him on occasional weekends when I was younger but he hit rock bottom when I hit my teens and I lost contact with him for several years. We didn't really start communicating regularly again until I was in my upper 20's and after he cleaned himself up. I don't have bad feelings towards him but that time apart made it difficult to feel any type of bonded connection, especially since he was a different person than I knew growing up... different in a better way certainly, but still a stranger.  My kids may not remember him well, but he got to experience them as toddlers and was able to do it sober, which was great for both him and my kids. I think he and I might have eventually grew closer if health issues wouldn't have shortened his life.  My regrets:  Not trying to do more with him after he reconnected with me.  I was busy with a new job and growing a family of my own, but I could have tried harder.  I also should have tried to stay close to my dad's side of the family.  When I lost connection with him, I also lost connection with them.  I do see and talk with them occasionally now but it feels like we are acquaintances and not family.  And, I regret not telling him sooner than I did that I forgave him.  When I eventually did, I could tell that it was a big weight off his shoulders.

I don't know how to best advise on your situation other than to try to figure out what kind of closure you are looking for with him and pursue that before it is too late.  Perhaps it isn't forgiveness, but maybe it is a conversation. 

Joined: 04/03/2009

MGoPoints: 8194

Other Andrew

August 14th, 2022 at 12:15 PM ^

Technically none get me all the way there, but the ones that come closest…

Three on their own merits:

”Ohio” - Neil Young

”Pride” - U2 (I know, cheesy as hell)

”Only These Words” - Chris Cornell, just because of how things ended up for him. More on that here.

Three that I personally feel connected to:

”Kingdom” - Richard Buckner

”Hummer” - Smashing Pumpkins

”You’re All I Need to Get By” - Marvin and Tammi

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 7732

ruthmahner

August 14th, 2022 at 12:20 PM ^

When I was 13, it was Shannon by Henry Gross.  A few decades later, most of the afore-mentioned options seem to do it, but especially Funeral For A Friend by Elton John.

Joined: 03/04/2014

MGoPoints: 8047

907_UM Nanook

August 14th, 2022 at 12:22 PM ^

OP nailed the song "Philadelphia". Great film, Neil's song is a 10 emotionally and then you've got Springsteen with the epic theme song. I'd also offer another Neil tearjerker album, "Are You Passionate"...esp. the title song.

The theme song to the movie Platoon, by Samuel Barber. Always shed a tear when I hear it.

Lastly "Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits. Nuff said

Joined: 04/01/2018

MGoPoints: 15524

Blue Balls Afire

August 14th, 2022 at 12:59 PM ^

"The Fire Thief" --Hem

"My" --Sophie Zelmani

"You Are My Sister" --Antony and the Johnsons

"Sacrifice" --Lisa Gerrard & Peter Bourke

"Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby" --Cigarettes After Sex

"Bros" --Wolf Alice

"Without You" --Perfume Genius

Edited to add:

"In a Box II--The Labyrinth Song" --Asaf Avidan

"Majesty" --Madrugada

Joined: 12/17/2013

MGoPoints: 8208

Blue Vet

August 14th, 2022 at 1:21 PM ^

It's curious. I can get sentimental easily, maybe easier than most, and songs can do it to me. But this post doesn't lure me for some reason.

But it's been a pleasure reading the responses, especially those that discuss the subject.

Joined: 05/08/2012

MGoPoints: 71930

King Tot

August 14th, 2022 at 2:12 PM ^

Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin

Last Kiss by Wayne Cochran

Supermans Dead by Our Lady peace.

I am sure there are others but these are the first I thought of.

Joined: 11/29/2016

MGoPoints: 19372

WolveJD

August 14th, 2022 at 3:00 PM ^

“A Beginning Song” by the Decembrists.  
 

Check it out (and check out the lyrics).  Less of a sad song than more of a “take stock of what you have while you have it” song.  When I need perspective, it’s a good tune to listen to.  

Joined: 09/08/2009

MGoPoints: 1243

WolveJD

August 14th, 2022 at 3:09 PM ^

Two more:

 

1.  Why Should I Cry For You? by Sting.  His attempt at describing grief after losing his father.  
 

2.  Till Kingdom Come by Coldplay.  Only because I associate it with meeting my adopted son for the first time.  The lyrics work for that moment. 

Joined: 09/08/2009

MGoPoints: 1243

True Blue Grit

August 14th, 2022 at 3:39 PM ^

Without a doubt for me it's He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother by the Hollies.   It reminds me of my dear older brother, who was disabled from birth and we had to help him around in his wheelchair throughout his childhood.  He never made it to 30, passing at 29 after a lifetime of health challenges.  I never complained once about having to help him do anything, as he made me feel grateful what I had.  

… The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where, who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

… So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there

… For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

… If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

… It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share?

… And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

… He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

Joined: 01/21/2011

MGoPoints: 32483