- "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. (1992)
- "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor (1990)
- "Fade to Black" by Metallica (1984)
- "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John (1973)
- "Hurt" by Johnny Cash (2002)
- "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen (1984)
- "Mad World" by Gary Jules (2003)
- "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel (1964)
- "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel (1970)
- "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston (1974)
These songs may be considered sad due to the emotional lyrics, melancholic melodies, or personal connections individuals may make with them.