Sad songs?

Question

I’ve never understood the concept of wanting to listen to depressing rock music when you’re already feeling depressed. Now I know we’re all wired differently but my logic is you’d want to listen to something to make yourself feel better instead of bringing you down further. Being the sunny optimist that I am, this poses the question of why would anyone want to listen to sad songs? Is it because it makes you feel better to know there's someone more miserable than yourself? Or is it because you wouldn’t want to listen to sad songs when you’re in an upbeat mood, so you get them in when you can?

Answer 1

When I am sad..which isn't often... I feel very alone. Sad music kind of reminds you that you aren't alone... someone else has went through those feelings. It's a connection thing.

Answer 2

And it's times like these when we all need to hear the radio
`Cause from the lips of some old singer
We can share the troubles we already know

Turn them on, turn them on
Turn on those sad songs....

Sorry if I just got that stuck in your head...But I think that Mr. Taupin captured the sentiment well. It's comforting when you feel that down to know that you're not the first person to ever feel that way, nor will you be the last. And sometimes, if you get something depressing enough, you can just have a good cry, get all the sad out and then go on with life.

I guess it's a misery loves company thing....

Answer 3

I can listen to a sad song if I'm in a good mood or a sad mood, just as long as I'm in the mood for the song. I can appriciate a sad song when I'm happy, because the song can still be touching...much like a sad movie. But the last time that I was so sad that it was difficult for me to listen to a song was when I was 17. I suppose I listened to sad songs so that I knew I wasn't alone in feeling what I did, but ultimately those songs made me dwell in my misery. I'm not sure why, but whenever people are sad or angry, it seems they aren't up for improving their mood.

Answer 4

I do like sad songs. When I'm depressed I just can't listen to something like "Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows" without wanting to gag. Listening to upbeat music when I'm sad or in a bad mood just makes me feel worse. I'd rather listen to some sad music, have a good cry and get it out of my system.

Answer 5

Jawbreaker - choose Rites Of Spring - Deeper Than interior Husker Du - broken domicile, broken coronary heart include - previous Envy - Crusaders upward push up little ones - Shorty Glenn Pakendasen - Tongue With A Gun Jets To Brazil - Lemon Yellow Black Jimmy consume worldwide - call It in the Air Joyce Manor - known pal Knapsack - decorate The backbone Mineral - Slower Moss Icon - Hate In Me Orchid - And The Cat became To Smoke Saetia - One demise wish Samiam - do no longer injury Me Sunny Day actual assets - purple Elephant Texas Is the clarification - Blue Boy

Answer 6

It just helps to know that someone is more miserable than you........ I don't purposely listen to sad songs, but I find that some of them are the most beautiful pieces of music you can listen to. Sometimes they can put into words what you can't express to anyone else. For a four minute period of time you can connect with something deeply. It can be a coping method, a catharsis, if you will..........then you can move on and for the lack of a better phrase....get over it.

Answer 7

This is a horrible quality, but when I am upset, I like to drown in self-pity. I listen to the saddest songs I can find, and I wallow. I guess it kind of helps things run its course through my mind but maybe I'm just wired different.
I can see why you would want to listen to upbeat songs, and I know I should do that. Maybe I'll try it sometime instead of crawling in a hole of depression.
Good question though...

Answer 8

I understand Givn's point. And I agree. But personally, when I feel sad I like to listen to very aggressive music. Channel the emotions to something I can use to be more productive. For instance, I'll get aggressive then go to the gym and start sparring.

Answer 9

Listening to a sad song is like comiserating with a friend. They're expressing what you are going through and helps the healing process. It helps let the pain out.

Answer 10

Nothing gets Me down, nothing breaks Me. If I listen to sad music it's because I like the song or artist. besides, they're is true beauty to be found in sadness

Answer 11

I heard some people on here say they like songs to match the mood their in. But I'm with you, I don't want songs that are sad when I'm sad! I listen to my comedians' albums.