‘The Living Years’ & 6 Other Songs That’ll Make You Cry
Mike Rutherford celebrates his birthday today (October 2), and in addition to all of his work with Genesis, he also co-wrote one of the best tear-jerker songs of all time….
Mike Rutherford celebrates his birthday today (October 2), and in addition to all of his work with Genesis, he also co-wrote one of the best tear-jerker songs of all time.
"The Living Years" is many things. Besides being one of the most majestic songs ever about a guy not talking enough to his dad before he died, it was Mike & The Mechanics’ biggest hit.
And you'd hard-pressed not to get emotional when you hear it
Of course, it’s not the only song that makes reach for a tissue. Scroll through the gallery below for more songs that will make you cry.
Mike & The Mechanics – “The Living Years
Andrew Redington/Getty Images"Cat's in the Cradle" often is thought of as the definitive sad father/son song, but "The Living Years" is definitely up there, too.
Eric Clapton – “Tears In Heaven”
Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesActually, "Tears in Heaven" is another devastating father/son song. Clapton wrote it following the tragic death of his four-year-old son, Conor. The song would net Clapton Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1993.
John Lennon – “Imagine”
Evening Standard/Getty ImagesA beautiful ode to world peace, "Imagine" still tugs on the heartstrings nearly 50 years after its release
Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here”
MJ Kim/Getty ImagesAn ode to Syd Barrett, "Wish You Were Here" is certainly one of Pink Floyd's most-memorable songs and one that can conjure up feelings for anyone going through loss.
Elton John – “Candle In The Wind” (1997)
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesSir Elton's 1997 re-working of "Candle In The Wind" honoring Princess Diana has sold over 33 million copies worldwide. How John was able to keep his composure while performing the song at her funeral is still unreal.
Bruce Springsteen
Jemal Countess/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 06: Bruce Springsteen performs at the 7th annual "Stand Up For Heroes" event at Madison Square Garden on November 6, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
R.E.M. – “Everybody Hurts”
Scott Gries/Getty ImagesC'mon! Just read the lyrics and NOT cry!
