Top 10 Songs That Make Us Happy Cry

The use of the gentle piano in this tune is calming and calls on us to settle in for a sweet story told through song. This particular story follows and explores the feelings of a man as he goes through his life, hitting certain milestones with each verse. And the song is instantly relatable. We’ve all been in situations like the ones mentioned throughout the song. We all fear or look forward to the next moments in life. Perhaps that’s why the tears start to form when we hear it. But we can also just blame that darn piano.

Here is another beautiful use of piano. This time though, it is used to softly drive home a point and a dream. The lyrics are simple and straightforward in nature, getting their point across right from the start. While John Lennon sings a wish for a better tomorrow, we can’t help but want to see that wish coming true. It‘s also easy to shed a tear or two for this song because of the tragedy that befell its singer, but we like to think there’s a hopeful tear for the future that Lennon and so many others wanted.

We've all been there, struggling for a while to try and overcome whatever it is that's in our way. We've all felt like giving up at least once or twice in our lives. This song dares to ask us what life is really about though. Is it about that potential happy ending? Or is it about the lessons and happiness you learn and earn along the way? This tune pushes us to remind ourselves that it's definitely the latter. It's the climb itself that matters the most. Thanks for the tears, Miley!

This song is worthy of a smile and a tear for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the cause the song was written for: African famine relief. Secondly, it brought together singers of various genres - like Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Loggins, and Michael Jackson - to sing for that single, selfless cause. Most importantly though, this ballad reminds us that we aren't just our own planets, and that no country stands alone. Each of us is connected, even across oceans. It's a lesson we all need every now and then, don't you think?

When you feel down and out, it's always nice to be reminded that the sun will shine again. This catchy ditty shows us the other side of those bad days, and says that the winters of our lives will eventually melt away. You, too, can push forward to those sunnier days, this song happily whispers. Despite or perhaps because of its bright and beautiful melody, or the happy and upbeat tune, the song could bring a hopeful tear to the eye of anyone who's just overcome some pretty serious obstacles in their lives.

There's no denying that John Legend's voice is magical. And that alone could bring anyone to tears. “All of Me,” though, holds a certain place in all of our hearts, particularly since the tears we shed during this song are joyful ones. This beautiful ballad is one that can be played in any moment that you want to tell your loved one just how much they are, in fact, loved. It is dripping with affection for another, and if played for your significant other at any point in your relationship, we’re sure they'll feel that emotion and break down in tears with a smile on their face.

This incredibly sweet song is another love ballad that almost always gets the waterworks flowing. The guitar plays out a gentle tune, and the lyrics are heartwarming, intended to calm and support a fellow traveler. We all have demons and baggage in our lives, be it literal or metaphorical. Despite all of this, anywhere can be home, if you let it be. And if that thought doesn't bring a tear to your eye, we don't know what will.

Once upon a time, in the early 2000s, this one-hit wonder was played on every radio station – country or otherwise – making almost every listener tear up a little at its message. Even if it is a little – or even a lot – cliché, it’s the purity of the song that makes us smile while fighting back tears. The singer simply hopes that, in life, we will always choose taking a chance over “sitting it out.” While these wishes are likely from a parent to a child, don’t we all wish our closest friends and family these kinds of things too?

2017 saw Hollywood coming to terms with how far abuse against women had gone. And luckily, many of those abused finally found their voice and spoke up. Kesha was one of those many, and her entire album, “Rainbow”, is about overcoming the wrongs done in her life. “Praying”, in particular, quickly became an anthem for those hungry for a change. But what makes this song so beautiful is not just the relatable verses, but the fact that the refrain goes so far as to taking the higher road and almost forgive the abuser, hoping that he finds his “peace”.



Before we listen to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.




“Same Love” feat. Mary Lambert (2013)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis





“Who Says” (2011)

Selena Gomez & The Scene





“Heal the World” (1991)

Michael Jackson

Suicide is an unfortunately common problem throughout the world, leaving families and friends heartbroken, confused, and even angry. This song wants to help those approaching the idea that taking their lives might be the answer and offers a helping hand. The phone number the song is titled for is evidence enough of that – it’s the US National Suicide Hotline. But then the lyrics, telling us that even when we are feeling the most alone, there is always someone who can relate and someone who wants you to still be alive. You can try not to cry at that message, but it would be futile.