Rock is such a versatile genre. Some rock songs will get your blood pumping, and others will turn you into a blubbering mess with their emotional lyrics. Let’s take a look at four incredibly emotional rock songs that are still major tear-jerkers today.
1. “Tears In Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Death is inevitable. Its mere existence makes love that much stronger and life that much more worth living. “Tears In Heaven” by Eric Clapton is a delicate yet genuine exploration of that notion. Written after the sudden death of his son, Clapton put all of the grief he had into this ballad. It’s not an easy listen, but it’s definitely a worthwhile one.
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2. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash
When one thinks of emotional rock songs, one rarely thinks of country singers. However, this country music legend took what was originally an industrial rock song and turned it into something incredibly vulnerable and raw.
“Hurt” is a highlight of Cash’s later career works, as well as his collection of covers. Cash’s voice is older, more tired, and dripping with somber wisdom. You just cannot beat this song.
3. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Few folk rock songs are an existential punch in the gut quite like one of Stevie Nicks’ greatest contributions to Fleetwood Mac, “Landslide”. It’s a song about getting older and reflecting on the past, and it’s pretty shocking that Nicks was only in her 20s when she wrote the tune.
Plenty of kids grew up listening to this song on the radio, only to really listen to and internalize the lyrics as they came of age. It’s both nostalgic and heartbreaking all at once. Time never stops trucking on, after all.
4. “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” by Pink Floyd
Emotional rock songs are usually known for their rough subject matter, but this song by Pink Floyd is all the more emotional due to its incredible instrumentation. Though, the subject matter is still heartbreaking on its own.
“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” was written about founding Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett, who had to leave the band in 1968 due to mental health problems. It’s a tribute to him that has become even sadder in the years since Barrett’s death in 2006.
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