As much as we love the ‘holly jolly’ vibe of Christmas music, there’s no denying that there’s a big market out there for sad Christmas songs too.
In fact, some of the most beautiful festive songs ever written have heartache as the main theme.
Here are eleven incredible songs that are guaranteed to make us shed a tear when they’re played over the airwaves…
1. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues
The opening chords get us every time!
2. Last Christmas – Wham!
Unrequited love at Christmas is the worst!
3. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Karen Carpenter
‘I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.’ The lyrics plus that unforgettable voice equals major weeping.
4. Christmas Lights – Coldplay
This melancholic tune tells a sad tale of someone trying to get through the holidays after a breakup.
5. It’ll Be Lonely This Christmas – Mud
The title says it all.
6. Every Year Every Christmas – Luthor Vandross
This lesser known Christmas song is absolutely beautiful and packs a real emotional punch.
7. Please Come Home For Christmas – Charles Brown
This Christmas classic is perfect for anyone who’s missing their loved ones abroad or feeling lonesome at this time of year.
8. Christmas Shoes – NewSong
This song has divided opinion on Christmas FM for years! It’s so unbelievably heartbreaking that it almost feels over-the-top. Still, if you listen to the lyrics, we defy you not to shed a tear…
9. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland
The title suggest that this should be a happy song but the minor key and lyrics are more about getting through the holidays as best we can in the hopes that next year ‘all our troubles will be miles away’.
10. The Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth) – Bing Crosby and David Bowie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9kfdEyV3RQ
Two giants of the music industry got together and produced one of the loveliest ‘mashups’ ever recorded. They’re both sadly missed but their beautiful music lives on.
11. Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid 1984
This epic number highlights the plight of those in developing countries and implores us, not only to help others, but to be grateful of everything we have.
Um…Merry Christmas! By the way, if you need cheering up, here are the best Christmas songs to get you on the dance floor.
