Valentine’s Day means something different for everyone. However, one unanimous feeling is that it is no fun being spent alone. And what makes it worse is when you see another couple coddling and living in each other’s good graces. That in particular can be infuriating and can potentially remind someone of what they simply don’t have—A significant other. If you are someone who will fall under that category don’t worry, because Cupid created a coping mechanism, country music.
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So, if you’re caught up on being alone and saving a couple hundred bucks on dinner reservations, then give these three sad country songs a go. They will remind you that you aren’t the first to feel heartbreak, and you certainly won’t be the last.
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
The title says it all. George Jones‘ 1980 break-up anthem has often been declared as one of the saddest country songs of all time. With verses such as He kept her picture on his wall / Went half crazy now and then / But he still loved her through it all / Hoping she’d come back again, it is no surprise that this song acts as a dirge for estranged lovers.
We seemingly aren’t the only ones who agree with the previous claim, as the masses helped this song reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country Charts following its release in 1980. Frankly, there might not be a better heartbreak song than this one. Though, that is up to you to decide.
“Like A Summer Thursday” by Townes Van Zandt
Townes Van Zandt lived a romantic life of heartbreak, hence, he was one of the best songwriters to sing about the lonely disposition. Released in 1969, Van Zandt’s melancholic tune perfectly encompasses the feelings of heartbreak, and that my friends is an understatement.
An understatement given that lines such as, If only she could hear my songs / About the empty difference ‘tween rights and wrongs, are deserving of a Pulitzer Prize in poetry. When it comes to Townes Van Zandt, heartbreak never sounded so sweet.
“I Fall To Pieces” by Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline could sing a song about rainbows, babies, and ice cream and it would still sound sad. However, in her single, “I Fall To Pieces,” Cline’s demanding voice urges listeners to fall to pieces alongside her. Accompanying Cline’s intrinsically melancholic voice, are poignant lines such as You tell me to find someone else to love / Someone who love me too (love me too) / The way you used to do.
Released in 1961, Cline’s loveless cry peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart and at No. 12 on the Billboard Pop chart. It might have done incredibly well for itself back then, but to this day, it is still breaking hearts and easing those who already have one.
Photo by Frans Schellekens/Redferns
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