3 of Country’s Most Tear-Jerking Music Videos–from Brad Paisley, Cody Johnson, and More

Country music has never been afraid to tell a heart wrenching story. There are countless tracks that relay hard truths, bad circumstances, and broken hearts. Find three such songs–and their accompanying music videos–below.

[RELATED: Reviewing Every Must-Hear New Country and Americana Song for This Week]

3 of Country’s Most Tear-Jerking Music Videos–from Brad Paisley, Cody Johnson, and More

1. “Concrete Angel” (Martina McBride)

Martina McBride sings about the effects of an abusive childhood in “Concrete Angel.” The music video doesn’t shy away from that harsh reality. Intercut between visuals of McBride singing this powerful ballad are vignettes of a life lived without security. The viewer watches as a young girl is failed to be saved after her mother’s rage comes to a point. We’d be shocked if anyone had a dry eye after this video.

Through the wind and the rain
She stands hard as a stone
In her world that she can rise above
But her dreams give her wings
And she flies to a place where
She’s loved
Concrete angel

2. “Dirt Cheap” (Cody Johnson)

Those with sentimental hearts will find it hard to not well up while watching the music video for “Dirt Cheap.” Johnson tells the story of a man who vies to keep his house from being bought up by developers. His reasoning for not wanting the cash? There isn’t a sum big enough to justify the loss of his memories. The music video puts a visual to Johnson’s colorful story.

We got the subdivision all mapped out
It’ll sit right here on this land
And you can leave town a rich man”
And he said, “Boys, whatever you’re offerin’, it won’t be enough

3. “Whiskey Lullaby” (Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss)

Nothing stings like a broken heart. Everyone has their methods of dulling that sting. In Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss’ “Whiskey Lullaby,” the titular characters’ methods are deadly. The story follows two jilted lovers who meet an untimely end due to their addiction. In the end, they are buried next to each other underneath the willow tree they once danced under. The music video follows that storyline closely, prompting tears to well up in the viewer’s eyes.

He put that bottle to his head and pulled the trigger
And finally drank away her memory
Life is short but this time it was bigger
And the strength he had to get up off his knees

(Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)