The Good In Listening To Sad Songs

Heartbreak. End of a friendship. Loneliness. Or just a bad day.

There is something about listening to sad songs during bouts of melancholy that is comforting to our soul. It’s why the Internet and music streaming sites are full of sad song playlists and why so many can listen to the same sad song over and over and focus on the exceedingly tragic lyrics. 

For us, a few songs by Elliott Smith and The Smiths get us out of a rough patch.

Research shows the positive aspects in listening to sad songs.

A pair of German researchers surveyed people in Europe, North America and Asia about why they played sad songs. Not surprising, the respondents reported listening to music when they were in distress because it provided comfort and they liked that dark feelings could have a creative outlet.

The report also asked participants to name their favorite melancholy work and we were impressed with their sophisticated choices. There is not a Smiths tune in the top three, instead the most popular songs are: Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata; “Moon Reflected in the Second Spring,” by Chinese composer Ah Bing; and Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.”

What do you think? What music do you listen to when you’re sad?

---

Interested in lessons? Learn more! | Questions? Contact us

Music Junction offers private one-on-one music lessons with talented and caring music teachers at our music school in Burbank, CA. Study your choice of piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, violin, drums, woodwinds, strings. Virtual lessons are also available.