Top 10 Broadway Songs to Listen to When You're Sad
#10: “For Good”
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“Wicked” The contemporary Broadway hit with roots in L. Frank Baum’s classic novel has more than one sorrowful tune. While earlier numbers like Elphaba’s ballad “I’m Not That Girl” are also on the more depressing side, the duet between the two leads towards the end hits all the sad feels and some happy ones. The former roommates say goodbye to each other before going their separate ways to live conflicting lives. Their interwoven melodies express gratitude for each other’s friendship while admitting this meeting is probably their last. Similarly to how Elphaba and Glinda feel about the conclusion of their relationship, when the bittersweet song comes to an end we’re both sad that it’s over and happy that it happened.
#9: “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
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“Carousel” First written by composers Rodgers and Hammerstein for the 1945 show “Carousel,” this song’s influence reaches well beyond the world of musical theater. The classic show tune has been used as everything ranging from an audition song for a reality show to an anthem of support for medical personnel and first responders. Sung by the character Nettie to her cousin Julie, the song follows the death of Julie’s husband in a robbery gone wrong. Despite the tragic circumstances of Billy’s death and the realities of being a young single mother, Nettie assures her cousin she will never be alone. The song is reprised at the end of the show when Billy finally earns his place in heaven.
#8: “She Used to Be Mine”
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“Waitress” Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles brought her skills to the Broadway stage when she wrote the music for and later starred in the show “Waitress.” Based on a 2007 comedy-drama film with the same name, the musical’s contemporary score includes a heart-wrenching ballad during the second act. Pregnant, married to an abusive man, and having an affair with her doctor, the lead character Jenna recalls a previous version of herself. She reflects honestly on who she used to be, honoring both her strengths and flaws. With lyrics that are full of sadness and regret, the tune’s overall descending melody reflects the waitress’s perspective of her own life’s path. Voicing her feelings in song, however, provides a cathartic release for Jenna and the audience.
#7: “Maybe This Time”
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“Cabaret” While some film adaptations of musicals are extremely faithful to the source material, others take liberties with storylines, characters, and songs. For instance, the 1972 film “Cabaret” directed by Bob Fosse varies dramatically from the stage productions it’s inspired by. One difference is the inclusion of a song first released in the 1960s. “Maybe This Time” speaks to the frustration that comes with getting knocked down over and over, and the determination it takes to try again. There is a stubborn optimism in the song which empowers us even when we’re at our lowest. Considering Liza Minnelli’s iconic performance in the 70’s film adaption, it’s hard to imagine “Cabaret” without this soulful number.
#6: “What Would I Do?”
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“Falsettos” Composed of the last two parts from a series of three one-act shows by William Finn and James Lapine, “Falsettos” is a family drama and a love story. The protagonist Marvin navigates relationships with his ex-wife, son, and boyfriend Whizzer. Despite the complicated dynamic, the whole familial unit grieves when Whizzer passes away at the end of act two. Alone for a moment, Marvin considers the romance with his lost love and admits he would do it all again. Whizzer’s spirit eventually joins the protagonist on stage and the ballad becomes a duet. The song embodies what it feels like when something that is good ends too early.
#5: “I’ll Cover You (Reprise)”
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“Rent” As a reprise, this song calls back to a duet in the first act performed by the newly formed couple Angel and Collins. At Angel’s funeral several months later, Collins sings a slower and sadder version of the same tune. The heartbreak is undeniable as the philosopher dedicates himself to his late lover. At first, he is unaccompanied in his singing, but the rest of the cast eventually joins in with not one but two counter melodies to compliment Collins’s bass-baritone. Their vocal accompaniment represents the network of friends who also mourn Angel and support Collins. The group number is respectfully sad without feeling lonely.
#4: “It's Quiet Uptown”
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“Hamilton” Most of the songs on this list are ballads or duets, songs that are led by one or two people and articulate a singular feeling. This number by Lin-Manuel Miranda is a little more nuanced, performed by multiple people with moments of narration and action in addition to emotion. Following the loss of their son Philip in a duel, Alexander and Eliza Hamilton move further up Manhattan. Their relationship is already damaged by Alexander’s infidelity when the two lose their son, and grief complicates their marriage even more so. Other citizens, including Eliza’s sister Angelica, observe their behavior in the wake of their loss and the gradual process of healing. Eventually, Eliza comes to forgive her husband and the two find closure.
#3: “Not a Day Goes By”
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“Merrily We Roll Along” When it comes to human emotions being expressed through song, no composer’s melodies are as haunting as Stephen Sondheim’s. This ballad written by the famous composer expresses love, regret, and resentment. In its original show, the song is sung about protagonist Frank first by his ex-wife Beth and later in the show by his friend Mary. The women are ruled by their respective feelings for the up-and-coming New Yorker day after day. The song perfectly embodies the feeling of being stuck in an emotional rut. Since its release, the number has been a staple in the repertoires of musical legends like Bernadette Peters.
#2: “Still Hurting”
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“The Last Five Years” Jason Robert Brown’s somewhat autobiographical two-person show has a unique approach to storytelling that results in a heart-breaking opening number. The story is about a couple’s five-year-long relationship, with Jamie’s storyline being told chronologically and Cathy’s in reverse. The female lead opens the show with a ballad having just been left by her husband. Hurt and confused, Cathy defends their marriage and imagines how Jamie might be feeling. Her visceral reaction to her ex’s decision can be felt with or without the context the rest of the show provides. On its own, the number encapsulates the feelings of a breakup while setting the expectations for the following story. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“The I Love You Song,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Olive Imagines Chimerical Versions of Her Parents
“So Big / So Small,” “Dear Evan Hansen”
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“Some Things are Meant to Be,” “Little Women”
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Two Sisters Say Goodbye by the Sea Shore
“It All Fades Away,” “The Bridges of Madison County”
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“Say It To Me Now,” “Once”
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#1: “On My Own”
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“Les Misérables” With a title that means “the miserable ones,” more than one song from the musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel contends for the number one spot on this list. Characters Fantine, Cosette, and Marius for instance, all perform ballads articulating their struggles. In the end, though, Eponine’s song during her night-time stroll in the rain most resonates with us when we’re feeling low. The song has descriptive lyrics and a melancholic melody perfect for belting. Beautifully tragic, the tune is iconic in musical theater. Amidst the revolution, poverty, and death, it’s Eponine’s wistful pining over Marius that always gets the tears flowing.
