Powerful/moving songs

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 249 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, May 15, 2023 6:22 PM

There's a lot of stupid, meaningless music out there, and that is perfectly fine. I'm a big fan of silly pop/country/rock music that has no real meaning. But I definitely prefer music with a message, and I feel like most of my favorite artists tend to be very good songwriters. 

Post your favorite song(s) that aren't just feel-good fluff songs. Bonus points if it moves me to(wards) tears.

This one is at the top of my list right now. Fantastic music, and devastating lyrics. Iris DeMent is so underrated, I'd honestly be surprised if anyone on here is familiar with her stuff. She did a few duets with John Prine, who also has a few songs I'll be posting.


justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 249 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, May 15, 2023 6:36 PM

John Prine - Sam Stone

MontyBrunswick Senior Member
1,065 posts 17 reps Joined Mar 2015
Mon, May 15, 2023 6:39 PM

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 249 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, May 15, 2023 6:42 PM
posted by MontyBrunswick

33,369 posts 133 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, May 15, 2023 6:43 PM

Especially having a son… Harry Chappin’s Cats in the Cradle. 

Clapton - Tears in Heaven.

Rod Stewart - Forever Young

Van Morrison - Into The Mystic

Cat Stevens - Where Do The Children Play


Maybe not the most powerful, I’d have to scroll and think. But these ones have personal connections to me as well, and I love them all, so top of mind.

Ironman92 Administrator
56,729 posts 168 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, May 15, 2023 7:24 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP-Sxfntdb4


Not a huge Kenny fan but god damn this song was written about me, every damn verse…and almost perfect timing to go with it. 

Dr Winston O'Boogie Senior Member
3,345 posts 36 reps Joined Oct 2010
Mon, May 15, 2023 9:30 PM

White Buffalo “Wish It Were True” is one that’s been with me a lot recently.


https://youtu.be/d-8eHYpLzok

Gardens35 Senior Member
5,888 posts 39 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, May 15, 2023 9:42 PM

Muskrat Love


"Nibblin' on bacon, chewin' on cheese" gets me in the feelz every time.

majorspark Senior Member
5,459 posts 39 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, May 15, 2023 10:23 PM
posted by Laley23

Especially having a son… Harry Chappin’s Cats in the Cradle.

How old is your son?
33,369 posts 133 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, May 15, 2023 11:32 PM
posted by majorspark
How old is your son?

4. Not to the points in the song that would shape him, but just projecting on random nights when I’d put it on. Especially the opening lines of planes to catch.

When he was born, I was still traveling (talking 45+ weekends a year). I did just about 18 months of that before we (me and wife) hit a breaking point where I had to quit or get a new position at company. This song, consciously or unconsciously definitely played a role for me. 


CenterBHSFan 333 - I'm only half evil
7,259 posts 55 reps Joined Nov 2009
Tue, May 16, 2023 3:59 AM

Daughter - Pearl Jam 

Really one of the coldest songs about a severe rift in a mother/daughter relationship. I don't know if I've ever heard another such a song akin to that topic.



birddog23 Senior Member
1,173 posts 8 reps Joined Aug 2010
Tue, May 16, 2023 7:55 AM

Hurt - Nine Inch Nails

Letters From Home - John Michael Montgomery (hits home for those that have loved ones serving)

Mess Is Mine - Vance Joy

Slow Down - Nichole Nordeman (don't watch in public if you have kids...you will cry) 


33,369 posts 133 reps Joined Nov 2009
Tue, May 16, 2023 8:29 AM
posted by CenterBHSFan

Daughter - Pearl Jam 

Really one of the coldest songs about a severe rift in a mother/daughter relationship. I don't know if I've ever heard another such a song akin to that topic.

I always wondered what made Eddie Vedder write/sing a song about dyslexia and child abuse. 

ernest_t_bass 12th Son of the Lama
26,698 posts 204 reps Joined Nov 2009
Tue, May 16, 2023 2:56 PM

Clair de Lune - Claude Debussy

It is at the end of Ocean's 11.  Hit me in the feelz every time.  Every time. 

jmog Senior Member
7,737 posts 52 reps Joined Nov 2009
Tue, May 16, 2023 3:46 PM

The Dance - Garth Brooks


American Pie - Don McLean


I hate to be "that guy" but nearly anything by Evanescence with Amy Lee singing. Her rock ballad voice is just angelic.


Sound of Silence - Disturbed's edition


Cats in the Cradle - Harry Chaplin (having 3 boys, 2 of which are grown...and I travel a lot for work...so yeah read the lyrics if you don't know)


Clapton - Tears in Heaven


On the religious side...

Thank You For Giving to the Lord - Ray Boltz



Nearly anything by Casting Crowns but especially Scars in Heaven


8,788 posts 20 reps Joined Nov 2009
Tue, May 16, 2023 4:27 PM

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks. 

Thought it was just a typical pop song and then read the lyrics...

It really hits home given the past few years in my family. The last verse always gets me. 

brutus161 The Navy Guy
1,688 posts 25 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, May 17, 2023 9:32 AM
posted by birddog23

Hurt - Nine Inch Nails

Johnny Cash's version is much more haunting and meaningful
brutus161 The Navy Guy
1,688 posts 25 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, May 17, 2023 9:39 AM

He Stopped Loving Her Today - George Jones

Black - Pearl Jam

They are two of my favorite heartbreak songs of all time


Lovely Day - Bill Withers

The Greatest - Kenny Rogers

On the other side, these are two of my favorite songs about positivity and optimism.

jmog Senior Member
7,737 posts 52 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, May 17, 2023 9:49 AM

I Can't Make You Love Me- Teddy Swims Cover

CenterBHSFan 333 - I'm only half evil
7,259 posts 55 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, May 18, 2023 8:13 PM
posted by Laley23

I always wondered what made Eddie Vedder write/sing a song about dyslexia and child abuse. 

I think a lot of artists were just sick of the happy excesses of the 80's and decided to veer into the depressing side of things lol

TedSheckler Emporium Entrepreneur
4,023 posts 48 reps Joined Nov 2009
Fri, May 19, 2023 7:16 AM

The Star Spangled Banner - Francis Scott Key

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