9 Sad Songs For The Inner Pessimist | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

9 Sad Songs For The Inner Pessimist

To listen to for any occasion

4501
9 Sad Songs For The Inner Pessimist
Huffington Post

Sad songs are my jam.

Anyone who knows me will attest to that fact. In my opinion, there's a sad song to fit any occasion. Wedding? Sure. New puppy? I've got one. Had a bad day? Pull up this playlist.

Before we get into the playlist, I would like to clear up a misconception. I'm really happy. I'm an optimistic person who can see the best in pretty much every situation. I have a friend who has called me a "Disney Princess" on multiple occasions. However, I just see a lot of beauty in sad music. The notes, the lyrics, the emotions all speak to me some way or another.

Without further ado, I introduce my top sad songs to listen to on any occasion.

1. "Travelin' Soldier," Dixie Chicks (2002)

As you may or may not know from some of my recent articles, I have a boyfriend in the Army. But, I've loved this song since it was released which was long before we got together. Every time I hear the soft twang of the Dixie Chicks, I start to feel a little wistful and can place myself in the scene with the girl they're singing about. This song paints such a good picture that you can imagine yourself watching this girl go through all these emotions and situations.

2. "I Know It's Over," The Smiths (1986)

It was hard find a sad song since The Smith's are such a happy band (please not the sarcasm). This has to be my favorite one, though. How can the listener not feel instantly mournful when the very first line, "Oh, mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head," starts to play?

3. "Hope There's Someone," Antony and the Johnsons (2005)

I've always taken this song to be about someone pining for someone they love. I don't feel like the singer was ever in a relationship with the subject -- but everyone has their own interpretations.

4. "Piledriver Waltz," Alex Turner (2011)

Fun fact for all my music friends out there: this song is in 3/4 time which is also commonly used in a waltz. The whole song isn't in 3/4, only the chorus, but it's pretty interesting to hear the time signature change.

5. "I Can't Make You Love Me," Bonnie Raitt (1991)

This has to be the paradigm of breakup songs. It has everything you need to make a sad song; there's sad lyrics, a soulful voice, mentions of not loving someone and a piano playing softly in the background. It's perfect.

6. "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room," ohn Mayer (2006)

I have a John Mayer playlist that I constantly listen to because all his songs are sad. That might be an exaggeration but not by much. Hello, Daughters? Sad. Heartbreak Ware fare? Sad! Slow Dancing in a Burning Room is, however, the saddest of them all. "I was the one you always dreamed of/You were the one I tried to draw/How dare you say it's nothing to me? Baby, you're the only light I ever saw" just speaks to me on a soulful level. It tugs on my heartstrings and I can't let this song go.

7. "Lately," Stevie Wonder (1980)

You know this song is about a cheating woman even though Stevie Wonder never comes out and say it. This song is like a narrative; you follow Stevie's story as his lady is getting dressed up, as she leaves and then as he's lamenting his own inadequacies. I also think the juxtaposition of the romantic-sounding piano music in the background with the sorrowful lyrics really drives the point home.

8. "Unhappy Birthday," The Smiths (1987)

Oh, nice to see you again, The Smiths. What you would think would be a more joyful song by the title is actually really melancholy. Go figure (more sarcasm).

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1774
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1081
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200291
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20938
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments