Top 10 Most Heartbreaking Stories Behind Famous Songs

These famous songs came from some heartbreaking places. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most well-known tracks with sad origins story behind their creation. Our countdown includes "Candle in the Wind," "Loser," "Jeremy," and more! Which song broke YOUR heart with its backstory? Let us know in the comments!

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#Songs #Music #Heartbreaking #Backstory #Sad

[sheilapasquini]

Eric Clayton's "Tears in Heaven" is by far the most beautiful and poignant song ever written. He wrote the song after losing his 3 yr old son in a horribly tragic way. I will forever be moved by this simple haunting melody.

[nenarosebud]

"Strange Fruit" written by Lewis Allen was about the lynching of Black Americans during the Jim Crow era. Sung by Billie Holliday, it's one of the most haunting and disturbing but beautiful (beautiful because of Billie's voice) songs I've ever heard.

[SetokunsLullaby]

I'm shocked that Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day wasn't mentioned. A lot of people don't understand how this song was written about the lead singer losing his dad iirc.

[roxy]

This list was so wonderful. Another song that had a heart breaking backstory was Ariana Grande's 2018 smash hit "No Tears Left to Cry". It came after 22 people were tragically and brutally killed at the end of her Dangerous Woman Concert in Manchester in May 2017. This song was a tribute to the victims of the attack as it helps you fall back on hard times and moving past tragedy.
Also Queen's "These are the Days of Our Lives" the backstory was not as tragic but it was the last music video of Freddie Mercury months before his death in November 1991.
And R.E.M's "Everybody Hurts" a song that represents stopping depressed people from taking their own lives and you feel the same way when you listen to it. We all go through rough times in life and that song speaks to you.

[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

[CassiBlack]

“Tears in Heaven” makes me ugly cry every time I hear it after losing my brother.

Lyle Lovett’s song “Family Reserve” is another heartbreaker. It basically lists all the ways his various family members passed.

[Kathleen.R]

I'd add Seether's Rise Above this, written about depression and suicide and written right before lead singer Shaun Morgan's teenage brother committed suicide.

[jasminejohnston]

Detroit Rock City is pretty sad when you realize it’s about a real life KISS fan who died in a crash on his way to a concert…

[Jaded_underrated]

American pie is so catchy but the reminder of the rock stars we lost makes it bittersweet

[MMOBAIH]

Rest in Peace, Conor Clapton ❤️ Forever 4 years old 💫
"Tears in Heaven"

[ConnorMiller]

Luke Bryan’s “Drink a Beer.” The song was written after he lost a family member and it was so emotional to listen to.

[paulakaysmith]

'Tears In Heaven ' is featured in the film "Rush", starring Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jason Patrick! Partly filmed in my hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas. That song will always hold a very special place in my heart! 🙏💔

[Areniapixie]

Ah dang it, first song and I’m crying. I remember watching Elton live on tv after princess Diana passed. Still can’t listen to the song without crying 💔

[clarasalinassanchez]

I would have chosen “Polly” by Nirvana, it’s about a kidnapping (and more) of a 14 year old girl. I think that is as heartbreaking as “something in the way”and a more creepy story than it.

[arwenwinn]

I wish they did “Wake me up when September ends” by Greenday
In case you didn’t know what it’s about: Billie Joe Armstrong’s (lead singer) father passed away on September 1st, 1982 from cancer. At the funeral, Billie couldn’t 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.

[starcommunicator]

Martika's "Toy Soldiers" is about her friend's drug addiction, and the fear of being the next victim of drug abuse.

[andrealenze]

U2’s 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

[coreytomison]

I would have also included "Come Dancing" by The Kinks on this list. Knowing that Ray Davies wrote the song in memory of his late sister makes the song more poignant than it first seems.

[christinesentman]

Nirvana rendition of Where do you sleep by Lead Belly was chilling because it was the last song Kurt Cobain and the band ever did live.

[gwynramos]

I cannot believe that Elton John’s 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.