Top 98 Saddest Meme Songs

Memes have become one of the biggest sensations on the internet. Much of the traffic on websites and social media is made up of meme posters, GIFs, and videos that reflect popular culture and social opinions.

Memes can be used to reflect all kinds of ideas and emotions. Some people might think that they’re only good for funny intellectual posters about politicians, celebrities, and movies. But memes can be used for so much more.

Sad songs might not feature a lot in memes. But there are some perfect sad songs to use in memes to express yourself when you’re feeling down and out. So, I decided to take a look at some of the saddest meme songs, starting with…

Top 98 Saddest Meme Songs

1

Bring Me To Life by Evanescence

Album: Fallen  

A nineteen-year-old Amy Lee wrote this song after a good friend of hers asked her whether she was happy. At the time, she was in an abusive relationship and was taken aback by this person’s ability to see through her outer facade. 

The song is about waking up to the things you’ve been missing for so long… 

If you endure unpleasantness for long enough, you become used to it. As a result, you stop believing that life can be fun and rewarding. In essence, “Bring Me To Life” is about becoming open-minded and letting yourself become susceptible to change. 

“Bring Me To Life” was the band’s debut single and remains one of their most enduring tracks to date. Initially, there wasn’t supposed to be a “rap” verse in the song. But, despite Amy’s protests, the management won the argument, and it was included. 

Amy’s vocals received a lot of acclaim from critics and fans alike… 

There’s an agonizing quality to it that makes the lyrical content shine through that much more. The male vocals were contributed by Paul McCoy of the band 12 Stones. 

The track falls perfectly within the Nu-Metal sound that was growing popular in the early 2000s. The surging guitars and 12-piece string section create an epic backdrop for the vocals. The song shot to worldwide fame after it was featured in the 2003 superhero film, Daredevil. 

2

Perfect Day by Lou Reed

Album: Transformer

The wonderfully melancholic sound of this piano ballad is sure to tug at the heartstrings of even the hardest listener. Within the simple lyrics, one can find a plethora of emotions and ideas. From simple romantic infatuation to a complex inner conflict, it’s a moving, sad meme song. 

The track was inspired by a day that Lou had spent with his then-girlfriend (and later wife) in Central Park in New York. We’ve all had at least one day like this. Nothing special or exciting happens, but in that simplicity, we find utter contentment with life. When we listen to this track, we can relive our “perfect day.” 

Most likely with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia…

The song features a beautiful string arrangement which was written by Mick Ronson, who also plays the piano on the recording. David Bowie is featured on keyboards and also handled production for the song along with Ronson. 

“Perfect Day” was released as a B-side for Reed’s mega-hit “Take A Walk On The Wild Side.” That meant it initially flew under the radar. But, it gained more popularity after being featured in the 1996 film Trainspotting. Eventually, it led to a gold certification. Whatever your interpretation may be, this is one of the saddest meme songs that’s sure to make anyone choke up a little.

3

Fix You by Coldplay

Album: X&Y

In 2002, Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, met actress Gwyneth Paltrow. This was only three weeks after the death of her beloved father. She and Martin listened to the band’s earlier album, Parachutes, together. This helped Gwyneth to process her father’s passing. In particular, the song “Everything’s Not Lost.” 

Martin and Paltrow married less than a year later…

Martin’s desire to further help his wife was the inspiration for “Fix You.” He wanted to base the track on a church organ. But, when he saw an unused synthesizer that Paltrow’s father had given her in her house, he decided to use that instead. Martin later stated that the track’s composition was influenced by “Grace Under Pressure” by the English alternative band Elbow. 

Whether the listener is aware of this background or not, “Fix You” is the kind of track that will unlock deep emotions within the first few bars. This makes it a great song to use in a sad meme. The first part is a low-key acoustic ballad that gives way to a very uplifting and anthemic second part. As a result, it’s a very dynamic composition. 

Here’s something you might not know…

An extended version of “Fix You” was used in the fourth episode of the hit series “The Newsroom.” And the chorus, “I’ll Try To Fix You,” was used as the title for the episode. Coldplay fans may be interested to know that Martin views it as “probably the most important song we’ve ever written.”

Martin has since written four other songs that are either for or about Paltrow. These are “Moses,” “Swallowed in the Sea,” “Magic,” and “Another’s Arms.” You never know, those might end up as ideal sad songs for memes as well.

4

Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright by Bob Dylan

Album: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan 

Dylan has been gracing the ears of listeners with beautiful songs for decades. And this is one of his best. Dylan was dating artist and activist Suze Rotolo when he recorded the album. She even appears on the cover photo of the album.

At one point, she went on a study trip to Italy and ended up staying a lot longer than originally intended. It is speculated that this continued absence is what inspired Dylan to pen “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright.” 

Like many of Dylan’s songs…

The song has to do with denial and pain being expressed most sincerely. There’s nothing but his voice and an acoustic guitar. And, if we’re being honest, what more could you want? Whether you’re sending a message to someone or trying to make yourself feel better, this track is perfect for setting a sad tone in a meme. 

When Rotolo and Dylan were living in Greenwich Village, they stayed next to a poultry supplier. They would often stay up all night and hear the roosters crowing in the morning. This is what inspired the line, “When your rooster crows – At the break of dawn – Look out your window – And I’ll be gone.” Talk about one of the best sad songs for a meme.

5

Untitled (How Could This Happen To Me) by Simple Plan

From the Album: Still Not Getting Any

Simple Plan is often associated with humorous tracks about teen angst. But they can get quite emotional when they want to, and this track is a perfect example. Tragedy sits at the heart of this song’s theme. And, for listeners who want to get into this song, the music video is a much watch. 

The song revolves around a drunk driver who drives his sedan into another driver’s pick-up, which results in the death of the other driver. It was inspired by a friend of the band who killed his best friend in a drunk driving accident. 

When tragedy strikes, it’s not just the individuals involved who are affected… 

It is usually the people close to them who are hurt the most. This truth is reflected in the song’s music video. The victim’s family is shown going about their normal business, like washing dishes, playing video games, and doing homework. At the moment of the crash, the family members are flung against the walls of their home, signifying the damage that is inflicted on those close to the victim. 

The song was relatively successful upon its initial release. But, in recent years, it’s become much more viral due to its use in hundreds of memes. From the sad piano melody in the intro to the highly emotional vocal performance by lead singer Pierre, this track is sure to put a lump in your throat. 

6

Say Something by A Great Big World (feat. Christina Aguilera)

Album: Is There Anybody Out There?

“Say Something” was originally recorded by A Great Big World for their debut album. Unfortunately, this track toiled in obscurity until it was featured on the hit reality show “So You Think You Can Dance?” Among the thousands of listeners who were exposed to the track, thanks to this appearance, was Christina Aguilera. 

Within a year, Aguilera’s management had reached out to the duo, and the re-recorded version was released. The track went on to sell over six million copies and topped the charts in the US, Belgium, and Australia. 

Lyrical versatility is what sits at the heart of its success as a meme song… 

The lyrics can so easily be applied to personal problems that have to do with yourself or others. No matter what it is that’s been making you sad, this track will make you feel like it was written just for you. 

Musically, the track is not very complex. A simple piano melody forms the bedrock upon which the two vocal performances rest. The slow development of the song through the verses is almost a metaphor for the growing desperation in the voices of the singers. Every chorus becomes more intense and angst-driven. Eventually, it envelopes the listener in the emotion expressed by the lyrics. 

There is no sad meme that will not benefit from having this track playing in the background. For extra effect, you can look at the music video, which features many touching scenes, such as an old man climbing into a hospital bed with his beloved. 

7

Only Time by Enya 

Album: A Day Without Rain 

“And who can say why – Your heart cries – When your love lies – Only time.” Enya’s long-time lyricist Roma Ryan penned these beautifully true lyrics. “Only Time” has been featured in so many films and ads that many people would have thought it’s outlived its usefulness. This has been proven false time and time again by the hundreds of funny and sad memes that have used this song.

At the heart of the song lies Enya’s ethereal voice and graceful performance. No one else can even come close to sounding like her. And, when you listen to this song, you get the idea that no other voice would have been able to do the words justice.

If you’re looking for one of the saddest meme songs, here’s a track that will fit into so many shades of sadness that you just can’t go wrong. 

8

Love by Daughter

Album: Wild Youth EP

The moment Elena starts to sing the first verse of this song, the hairs on the back of your neck will stand up. Listen to this one with headphones, and you’ll hear the subtle harmonics in her voice. It almost sounds like a baby crying far away.

The lyrics are directed toward a man who betrayed his girl’s trust or perhaps just left her for someone else. Choose the right video for this one, and you’ll have a meme that can wet some noses for sure. 

9

Skinny Love by Bon Iver

10

Hurt by Johnny Cash

11

The Night We Met by Lord Huron

12

All I Want by Kodaline

13

Mad World by Gary Jules

14

Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day

15

Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin

16

How to Save a Life by The Fray

17

Breathe (2 AM) by Anna Nalick

18

Don’t Cry by Guns N’ Roses

19

Goodbye My Lover by James Blunt

20

The Blower’s Daughter by Damien Rice

21

Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

22

Yesterday by The Beatles

23

The Scientist by Coldplay

24

Iris by Goo Goo Dolls

25

Fix You by Boyce Avenue (feat. Tyler Ward)

26

You’re Beautiful by James Blunt

27

Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O’Connor

28

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day

29

I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan

30

Home by Michael Bublé

31

Black by Pearl Jam

32

Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye (feat. Kimbra)

33

Stay by Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko)

34

One More Light by Linkin Park

35

Let Her Go by Passenger

36

Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton

37

Fix You by Vita Chambers

38

Hurt by Christina Aguilera

39

The Night We Met by Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford & Lord Huron

More 59 Saddest Meme Songs

40. 40. When You’re Gone by Avril Lavigne
    41. Never Say Never by Justin Bieber (feat. Jaden Smith)
    42. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John
    43. Homecoming by Josh Ritter
    44. Run by Snow Patrol
    45. I’m Not the Only One by Sam Smith
    46. Unsteady by X Ambassadors
    47. Amnesia by 5 Seconds of Summer
    48. Lost Boy by Ruth B.
    49. What About Us by Pink
    50. How to Save a Life by The Fray
    51. Beautiful Disaster by Kelly Clarkson
    52. Fix You by Boyce Avenue
    53. Breathe Me by Sia
    54. All I Want by Kodaline
    55. Ghostin by Ariana Grande
    56. Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
    57. Wish You Were Here by Avril Lavigne
    58. All of Me by John Legend
    59. So Far Away by Martin Garrix & David Guetta (feat. Jamie Scott & Romy Dya)
    60. Too Good at Goodbyes by Sam Smith
    61. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy
    62. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
    63. Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran
    64. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer
    65. The Heart Wants What It Wants by Selena Gomez
    66. Hate Me by Blue October
    67. Call Out My Name by The Weeknd
    68. Stitches by Shawn Mendes
    69. Gravity by Sara Bareilles
    70. Jealous by Labrinth
    71. Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi
    72. In the Arms of an Angel by Sarah McLachlan
    73. Skinny Love by Birdy
    74. Stay by Alessia Cara
    75. Almost is Never Enough by Ariana Grande (feat. Nathan Sykes)
    76. Goodbye My Lover by James Blunt
    77. One Last Time by Jaymes Young
    78. Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez
    79. All Too Well by Taylor Swift
    80. Back to December by Taylor Swift
    81. Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word by Elton John
    82. Un-Break My Heart by Toni Braxton
    83. I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt
    84. When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars
    85. This Love by Maroon 5
    86. True Love Waits by Radiohead
    87. Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paloma Faith
    88. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
    89. You Were Meant for Me by Jewel
    90. Iris by Goo Goo Dolls
    91. Don’t Speak by No Doubt
    92. The One That Got Away by Katy Perry
    93. Better Man by Robbie Williams
    94. Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) by Phil Collins
    95. She Used to Be Mine by Sara Bareilles
    96. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
    97. When You’re Gone by Bryan Adams
    98. Broken by Lovelytheband

Need More Sad Songs?

We have you covered, then check out our thoughts on the Best Sad Songs, the Best Sad Rap Songs, the Saddest Rock Songs, the Saddest Country Songs about Death, and the Saddest Tik Tok Songs for more sorrowful song selections.

Saddest Meme Songs – Final Thoughts

Want to express pain, grief, estrangement, hopelessness, or just plain loneliness? Well, there are bound to be at least three tracks that can be used to express it in a meme. And these are just some of the many sad songs for memes that could have been included. Are there any honorable mentions you would add? Let us know in the comments below.

Until next time, happy listening.