Tuesday Blues

Ever since I can remember, I have loved sad songs. I'm talking being 5 years old and listening to "Wind Beneath My Wings" while staring out a car window and balling. "Why are you crying, Haley?" my mom would ask. I'd come back with, "I miss Grandma." I never even met my Grandmother. She died before I was born. It's not that I enjoy being sad, I'm fairly certain no one enjoys that, but for some reason, unbeknownst to me, I am drawn to melancholy music. I think it's in my bones. It just strikes a tangible chord with me and I find myself empathizing with the artist. Don't get me wrong, I don't strictly only listen to debbie downers here. I love me an upbeat jam. I was just listening to a lot of sad songs today, ya know 'cause it was raining and all, and thought I'd share my favorite, go-to, depressing songs. Sounds fun, right? I know there are a million sad songs to choose from but I chose these because I literally have a hard time hitting the play button. Please remove all sharp objects out of your vicinity before listening.

Modest Mouse - "Little Motel"

This song is heavy, man. Literally, when it comes on and I hear those first few notes, I feel a weight on my heart. I've read that many people consider this a 'love' song but I would have to disagree. It's more of a 'breakup' song to me. This song is painfully sincere and honest and something about that, breaks my heart.

Sara Bareilles - "Gravity"

This one's easy. There is no question why I love this sad song. It's simply beautiful. Sometimes I can't bring myself to listen to it because it's really just too beautiful. Not only is it gorgeous, but I can relate to what Sara is saying. "The one thing I still know is that you're keeping me down." The way she drops that note...well, there are no words. Listening to this song is like taking a bullet to the heart and apparently, I love shooting myself.

Patty Griffin - "Let Him Fly"

I guess this song is aimed more towards the ladies and the men who like men. The song grabbed me by the proverbial balls the first time I heard it. I didn't take a breath for about 3 solid minutes. I love the simpleness of this song. It's just Patty Griffin's great voice belting out some "I know what that's like" lyrics and her guitar. Simple beauty.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse - "Cortez The Killer"

'Cortez' is the only song on my list of sad songs that I'm fairly certain is not about love or the loss of it. The music alone in the first 2 or 3 minutes makes my heart sink. Nothing about the lyrics give me that feeling. This song doesn't even need lyrics to evoke sadness, the guitar does it all. "Cortez, Cortez, what a killer."

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