Sad Songs Say So Much

Recently I saw a reel on instagram where a little boy begged his mom to sing “You are My Sunshine.” She resisted at first, because she knew he’d cry when she sang the song. But he insisted and finally, she sang the song. And he began to cry. Not gentle tears, but a sobbing that took over his whole body.

He needed the emotional release and knew that his mother singing that song would give him one.

Why do we reach for sad songs?

Music has an uncanny ability to tap into our emotions, acting as a conduit for feelings we might not fully understand or know how to express. Among the various types of music that resonate with people, sad songs hold a special place. Many of us find ourselves reaching for these sorrowful tunes, especially during challenging times. 

We need the emotional catharsis, the process of releasing strong or repressed emotions. Listening to sad music allows us to experience the emotions expressed by the artist, facilitating a release of our own pent-up feelings. When we listen to a sad song, we are not just passive recipients; we actively engage with the music, projecting our own experiences and emotions onto the lyrics and melody. This engagement can lead to a sense of relief and emotional cleansing, akin to the feeling one might have after a good cry. It’s especially helpful when we can’t put our feelings into words yet, because we’re “borrowing” the song’s lyrics.

Listening to sad songs help us because we hear lyrics that mirror our own struggles and pain. We feel understood and helps us feel less isolated, reassuring us that we are not alone in our suffering and that our feelings are valid. 

So the next time you need a sad song, remember that it’s not just about the music - it’s about the emotional journey and the healing that accompanies it.

Here’s a link to a sad song about a son getting ready to say goodbye to his father. I love his plaintive plea, wondering how he could possibly ever say goodbye. Give a listen and let me know what line resonates with you.