Welcome to the holiday season, where festive cheer and twinkling lights abound. But for many, this time of year can also bring sadness and loneliness.
And what better way to embrace those emotions than by listening to some of the most popular depressing Christmas songs?
From heart-wrenching ballads to melancholic carols, indulge in a mix of bittersweet melodies that will have you both singing and sighing along.
So, let’s explore the top hits that will surely tug at your heartstrings this holiday season.
1. “I Want To Come Home For Christmas” by Marvin Gaye
“I Want to Come Home for Christmas” by legendary soul artist Marvin Gaye is a sad and poignant tune that captures the longing to be home for the holidays.
With his smooth and velvety vocals, Gaye paints a vivid picture of a person far away from their loved ones during Christmas, unable to celebrate with them.
The lyrics are raw and deeply emotional, expressing the sadness and emptiness of spending this memorable holiday apart from family.
2. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” by Bing Crosby
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is a classic Christmas song sung by the legendary Bing Crosby.
While it may seem cheerful and heartwarming, the lyrics reveal a more somber and melancholy tone.
The song narrates the longing of someone away from home during the holiday season, wishing to be back in their familiar surroundings surrounded by their loved ones.
It reflects the bittersweet reality that not everyone can make it home for Christmas and how this time of year can highlight loneliness and homesickness.
3. “Christmas Eve Can Kill You” by The Everly Brothers
“Christmas Eve Can Kill You” by The Everly Brothers may not be your typical cheerful holiday song, but it captures the sad reality for some people during Christmas.
The haunting harmonies of the brothers’ voices and the slow strumming of the guitar create a somber atmosphere as they sing about the loneliness and sadness that can accompany this festive time of year.
Their lyrics depict someone spending Christmas alone, with no one to share the holiday spirit with.
4. “Every Year, Every Christmas” by Luther Vandross
“Every Year, Every Christmas” by Luther Vandross is a heart-wrenching ballad that captures the pain and loneliness of spending Christmas without a loved one.
The song begins with nostalgic memories of past holidays together but quickly brings the listener to the reality of being separated.
Vandross’ smooth and soulful voice conveys the sadness and longing in each lyric, making it hard not to feel empathetic.
He sings about missing the warmth and joy of having someone special by his side during this festive time of year.
5. “Please Come Home For Christmas” by Charles Brown
“Please Come Home For Christmas” is a sad yet soulful Christmas song sung and composed by the legendary Charles Brown.
The song showcases the longing and sadness experienced by those separated from their loved ones during the festive season.
Its subtle jazz influences and smooth vocals tug at our heartstrings and make us ache for that special someone to return home.
Brown’s emotive delivery captures the essence of missing someone so profoundly during a time when families should be together.
6. “Christmases When You Were Mine” by Taylor Swift
“Christmases When You Were Mine” by Taylor Swift is a heartfelt song that captures the bittersweet memories of spending Christmas with someone no longer in our lives.
With her signature storytelling style, Swift vividly depicts the cherished moments she shared with her ex-lover during the holiday season.
The jingle bells and twinkling lights only serve to remind her of the emptiness she feels without him by her side.
As she sings, “I’ll keep holding on to you, darling,” it’s impossible not to feel a tug at your heartstrings.
The melancholy lyrics and haunting melody make this song a must-listen for anyone who has experienced a breakup or loss during the festive season.
7. “Christmas Lights” by Coldplay
“Christmas Lights” by Coldplay may not be your typical holly jolly holiday tune, but it captures the sad feelings that can arise during the season.
The opening chords and Chris Martin’s haunting vocals immediately set a somber mood as he sings about being alone on Christmas Eve.
As the song progresses, we are taken on a journey of memories and regrets, with lyrics like “I’m so tired of this lonely Christmas,” evoking a feeling of sadness and longing.
However, when we think we’ve fully immersed ourselves in this depressing tone, the chorus bursts in with a glimmer of hope: “Like stars, we burn away the dark,” reminding us that amidst our loneliness, there is still light and love to be found.
8. “Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas Without The One You Love” by The O’Jays
“Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas Without The One You Love” by The O’Jays is a heartfelt and bittersweet song that captures the emotions of missing someone special during the holiday season.
The soulful voices of The O’Jays deliver lyrics that express the emptiness and sadness of spending Christmas without the one you love.
The sad melody and somber tone perfectly encapsulate the longing for someone not with you on this holiday meant for togetherness.
It serves as a reminder that no matter how many gifts are under the tree or how festive the decorations may be, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas if you’re not surrounded by the ones you love.
9. “Ringing The Bells For Jim” by Johnny Cash
“Ringing The Bells For Jim” is a poignant and melancholy Christmas song by the legendary Johnny Cash.
With his deep, gravelly voice and passionate lyrics, Cash tells the story of a man who has lost his friend, Jim, during the holiday season.
The bells are ringing all around him, but he can’t shake off the sadness that consumes him.
As he walks through the snow-covered streets, memories of their laughter and celebrations flood his mind. Despite trying to find solace in the Christmas spirit, he can’t help but feel alone without Jim by his side.
10. “Even Santa Claus Gets The Blues” by Marty Stuart
“Even Santa Claus Gets The Blues” by country artist Marty Stuart is a sad yet relatable take on the holiday season.
In this song, Stuart vividly depicts Santa struggling with sadness and loneliness amidst Christmas’s joy and cheer.
It’s a refreshing departure from the typical merry tunes we hear this time of year.
11. “What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas” by The Emotions
“What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas” by The Emotions is a sad and soulful Christmas song that highlights the feelings of loneliness during the holiday season.
The haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics capture the emotions of someone spending Christmas alone.
It talks about the emptiness and longing of not having loved ones to celebrate this particular time with.
The song beautifully portrays the reality of many people who may feel isolated and forgotten during this time, as everyone around them is celebrating with family and friends.
12. “Another Lonely Christmas” by Prince
“Another Lonely Christmas” is a heartbreaking Christmas song by the iconic artist Prince.
Released in 1984, it tells the story of a man spending another holiday season without his lover, who has passed away.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the loneliness and sadness that comes with this time of year for someone who has lost a loved one.
The sad melody and haunting vocals capture the emotional turmoil perfectly, making it one of Prince’s most underrated songs.
13. “Xmas Time” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
“Xmas Time” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones is not your typical upbeat holiday tune.
This song takes a different approach and delves into the darker emotions of Christmas time.
The band captures the feelings of loneliness and sadness that often accompany this festive season, which is often portrayed as nothing but joy and happiness.
With lyrics like “Santa’s not making much sense to me, I’m all alone on Xmas Eve,” the song paints a picture of someone who feels isolated and disconnected from the rest of society during this time of year.
14. “Christmas Carol” by Skip Ewing
“Christmas Carol” by Skip Ewing may be considered a slightly sad and melancholic Christmas song at first listen.
However, upon closer inspection, it reveals a more profound message about the true meaning of the holiday season.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lonely man who spends his Christmas alone, reminiscing about happier times with loved ones who are no longer around.
Despite the initial sadness, the song ultimately reminds us to hold onto cherished memories and cherish the time we have with those we love.
15. “7 O’Clock News/Silent Night” by Simon And Garfunkel
“7 O’Clock News/Silent Night” by Simon and Garfunkel is a hauntingly beautiful song that uniquely captures the essence of the holiday season.
The duo’s soothing voices blend with the somber background of news broadcasts to create a powerful commentary on the contrast between joyous celebrations and the world’s harsh realities.
As we listen to snippets from various news stories, ranging from war and violence to political scandals, we are reminded of the harshness and injustice present in our society.
But amidst all this chaos, there is one moment of peace – when the familiar tune of “Silent Night” starts playing.
16. “Someday At Christmas” by Stevie Wonder
“Someday At Christmas” by Stevie Wonder is a poignant and thought-provoking Christmas song that speaks to the harsh realities of our world.
With its powerful lyrics and soulful delivery, this song paints a vivid picture of the struggles and injustices many face during what is supposed to be the most beautiful time of the year.
It highlights issues such as poverty, war, and discrimination, reminding us that not everyone gets to experience the joy and magic of Christmas.
17. “The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot” by Nat King Cole
“The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot” by Nat King Cole is a heart-wrenching and melancholic Christmas song that tells the story of a young boy forgotten by Santa Claus on Christmas Day.
The lyrics paint a picture of this poor boy living in poverty and loneliness as he watches other children receive gifts from Santa while he is left with nothing.
Nat King Cole’s soulful voice adds a touch of sorrow to the already sad lyrics, making it one of the most depressing Christmas songs ever written.
18. “Christmas Makes Me Cry” by Kacey Musgraves
Christmas is usually associated with joy, love, and celebration. However, Kacey Musgraves’ song “Christmas Makes Me Cry” tells a different story.
In this heart-wrenching tune, she expresses the bittersweet emotions that come with the holiday season – feelings of loneliness and longing for loved ones who are no longer around.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of nostalgia and melancholy as she reminisces memories spent with those who are now gone.
Musgraves’ soft yet powerful vocals add to the emotional depth of the song, making it impossible not to feel a lump in your throat or shed a tear while listening.
FAQs
What is the darkest Christmas song?
The darkest Christmas song is often considered “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl.
This popular 1987 tune tells the story of a couple struggling with alcoholism and poverty on Christmas Eve in New York City.
Why do I cry at a depressing Christmas song?
You cry at a depressing Christmas song because it stirs up a mixture of emotions.
The holiday season is supposed to be filled with joy and happiness. Still, on the other hand, many people also experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, and sadness during this time.
When you hear a sad Christmas song, it reminds you of all these conflicting emotions.
It also makes you reflect on how the year has gone by, the ups and downs you have experienced, and the challenges you have faced.
The thought of another year passing by without achieving specific goals or without being able to spend time with loved ones can be overwhelming.
Is it OK to cry on Christmas?
Is it okay to cry on Christmas? Absolutely. It’s important to remember that feeling overwhelmed or emotional during this time of year is normal and healthy.
Is it OK to not do Christmas?
The holiday season is upon us, and the pressure to participate in Christmas celebrations comes with it.
However, there are many valid reasons why someone may not want to celebrate this holiday.
Some may have different religious beliefs, have had negative experiences associated with Christmas, or prefer not to partake in the gift-giving and commercialization that often accompanies it.
Whatever your reason, remember that it is entirely okay not to do Christmas.
You should never feel obligated to conform to societal norms or traditions that do not align with your values and beliefs.
What is the oldest Christmas song ever?
Did you know that “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is believed to be the oldest Christmas song ever recorded?
This traditional hymn dates back to the 8th century and was initially written in Latin as a part of the Catholic Advent liturgy.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that the song was translated into English and became popularized as a Christmas carol.
Conclusion
While Christmas is typically seen as a joyful and festive time, it’s essential to acknowledge that the holidays can bring up feelings of sadness and loneliness for some people.
That’s where these popular depressing Christmas songs come in – they serve as a reminder that it’s okay not to be filled with cheer during this time of year.
So this year, let’s embrace all aspects of Christmas music and remember to show love and support to those who may not feel merry and bright. Happy Holidays.
