Do you ever feel like expressing your inner sadness through music, but find it hard to locate the perfect song to express your emotions? Allow us to point you in the right direction! Easy sad piano songs provide an emotional outlet with their haunting and soothing melodies. These pieces offer personal expression and allow listeners a greater understanding of their own feelings. Whether its familiarity or complexity of chords that draws one’s attention, easy sad piano songs have something for everyone. Come take a journey inside as we explore some of the best easy sad piano songs out there today!
Easy Sad Piano Songs
1 – Kiss the Rain – Yiruma
This melancholic piece is a great way to let your emotions flow. It has an ethereal quality that captures the essence of sadness and expresses it through the piano.
2 – Let Her Go – Passenger
Released in 2012, Passenger’s ‘Let Her Go’ is an acoustic piano ballad that tells the heartbreaking story of a love that has ended. This melancholic tune has been covered countless times by other artists, and was even featured in the 2014 movie The Fault In Our Stars. Its simple but sad melody will evoke all kinds of emotions in the listener. With its powerful lyrics and honest emotion, this beautiful song is sure to have you feeling lost in reflection. And if you’re brave enough to listen along with your own thoughts, it can bring out some really deep feelings – so prepare yourself!
3 – Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
Released in 2020, The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ is a piano ballad with electronic elements. It expresses the feelings of longing for someone who has gone away. With its strong emotion and catchy chorus, it quickly gained popularity amongst listeners all over the world. Its soulful melody paired with its haunting lyrics will make you feel like you’re falling into a deep chasm of sorrow. This song can bring out some powerful emotions – so be ready to tap into your deepest sadness when you listen to this one! [1]
4 – Gymnopédie No. 1 – Erik Satie
The Gymnopédie No.1 by Erik Satie is a piece of piano music composed in the late 1800s. This beautiful, melancholic composition evokes feelings of nostalgia and sadness. The simplicity of its melody lends itself to gentle improvisation, allowing for a unique experience each time it is performed or heard. Despite being written over 120 years ago, the Gymnopédie No.1 remains one of the most instantly recognisable pieces of sad piano music today and continues to touch listeners everywhere with its simple elegance and sorrowful tones.
5 – I’ll Never Love Again – Lady Gaga (A Star is Born)
The Oscar-winning song from the movie “A Star is Born”, I’ll Never Love Again sung by Lady Gaga is one of the most heartbreaking ballads of recent times. The piano accompaniment mirrors the lyrical content perfectly; it starts out slowly, gradually gaining in intensity as the story unfolds until it reaches a powerful climax. This sad piano piece captures both the pain and despair of unrequited love with its sweeping melodies and heartfelt lyrics, making it an ideal choice for those looking for easy but emotionally charged sad piano songs.
6 – All of Me – John Legend
John Legend’s “All of Me” is a beautiful and heartfelt piano ballad that speaks to the enduring power of love. The song beautifully captures the emotion and depth of a relationship, telling its story through an optimistic yet melancholic tone. With its simple but powerful melody, it has become a classic in the world of easy sad piano songs. Perfect for when you want to express your love in an intimate way, this is one piece that will tug at your heartstrings every time you hear it.
7 – Nuvole Bianche – Ludovico Einaudi (Intouchables)
This piece from the soundtrack of the 2011 French movie “Intouchables” is an incredibly moving and heartfelt piano ballad. The melody is melancholic and evocative, and its gentle yet powerful sound will take you away to a place of emotions and nostalgia. Ideal for when you need to express your feelings in a peaceful way, this song will help soothe your soul.
8 – Heather – Conan Gray
‘Heather’ by Conan Gray is a heartbreakingly beautiful piano ballad. This song speaks of the pain of watching someone you once loved become somebody new, and how it feels to be left behind in the wake of their transformation. The somber chords are accompanied by Gray’s gentle yet powerful vocal performance, creating an atmosphere of melancholy that will leave you feeling both sorrowful and hopeful. Whether you’ve gone through a similar experience or just need something to cry your heart out to, this song is sure to fill your soul with emotion. So sit back, relax, and let yourself feel all the hurt and longing that ‘Heather’ has to offer. [2]
9 – Married Life – Michael Giacchino (Up)
If you’re looking for a piano song that will make your heart heavy with emotion, then ‘Married Life’ from the movie Up is the perfect choice. Composed by Michael Giacchino, this powerful piece of music tells the story of Carl and Ellie’s relationship through gentle yet sorrowful notes. From its cheerful beginning to its melancholic end, ‘Married Life’ is sure to evoke bittersweet memories in listeners of all ages. Whether you need something to help you reminisce about an old relationship or just want some background music while you get lost in your thoughts, this tune is sure to do the trick.
10 – Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence – Ryuichi Sakamoto (Furyo)
This melancholic, yet beautiful piece from Ryuichi Sakamoto is the perfect example of sad piano music done right. The song was featured in the 1983 movie ‘Furyo’ and has since become a popular choice for funeral services around the world. The slow tempo and somber melody will surely bring tears to your eyes as you listen to it. It’s definitely one of those pieces that will stay with you for a long time after hearing it. This heartbreaking song is sure to make you feel contemplative and reflective on life and death. If you are looking for an easy-to-follow sad piano song, this is definitely it!
11 – Loneliness – Yasuharu Takanashi (Naruto)
This sorrowful piano piece from Yasuharu Takanashi is a great choice if you are looking for an emotionally powerful song. It was featured in the popular anime series Naruto and has since become a staple in funeral services worldwide. The slow tempo and gentle melody is sure to evoke emotions of sadness, despair, loneliness and loss. This somber piece can easily be paired with pictures or videos to create a beautiful yet heartbreaking memorial tribute. If you want to bring tears to your eyes as you listen to a sad piano song, this one will do that for sure!
12 – Glasgow Love Theme – Craig Armstrong (Love Actually)
This beautiful yet heartbreaking song from the movie Love Actually is composed by Craig Armstrong. The Glasgow Love Theme, also known as “The Story of Us”, is a piece for solo piano that has become widely popular over the years. The melody conveys a deep emotion and longing associated with unrequited love, making it one of the most recognizable sad piano songs out there. Whether it’s used in a film scene or performed on the piano alone (like in this version), it never fails to evoke powerful emotions. It’s an amazing piece of music to learn if you want to practice expressing yourself through your playing. Even if you aren’t particularly proficient on the instrument, its simple structure makes it easy to learn and can be a great way to explore your own musicality. [3]
13 – My Immortal – Evanescence
Evanescence is a band that has crafted some of the most iconic and memorable rock songs out there. But they also have plenty of wonderfully atmospheric piano pieces, such as My Immortal. The melancholic tone of this song comes through crystal clear in the softer moments where Amy Lee’s vocals are accompanied only by a simple arpeggiated figure on the piano. As with all their music, it conveys deep emotion and longing that can be interpreted in various ways depending on who hears it. As far as easy sad piano songs go, My Immortal ranks near the top for its sheer beauty and simplicity. It’s an excellent piece to learn if you want to try your hand at creating meaningful music with only a few notes.
14 – Je l’aime à mourir – Francis Cabrel
French singer-songwriter Francis Cabrel’s melancholic ballad “Je l’aime à mourir” is one of the most popular piano songs of all time. The touching lyrics and somber melody creates a sense of deep sorrow that resonates with audiences around the world. With its simple yet emotionally charged structure, Je l’aime à mourir is a timeless classic that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Whether you are trying to capture the emotion of heartache or just want to express your feelings through music, this song is perfect for any pianist looking for an easy but effective sad song to play.
15 – Liability – Lorde
Lorde’s “Liability” is a heartbreaking yet empowering ballad about accepting and embracing one’s flaws. The simple piano accompaniment perfectly complements her raw, emotional vocal performance, creating an atmosphere of overwhelming sadness. Whether you are looking for a song to convey your own struggles or just want to add some emotion to your piano playing, Liability is an excellent choice that will definitely tug at the heartstrings.
16 – The Sound of Silence – Simon and Garfunkel
This classic and famous song is a great addition to any sad piano list. The gentle and yet poignant melody, combined with the heartfelt lyrics provides a beautiful backdrop for anyone looking to explore their emotions on the piano. This piece is best suited for intermediate-level pianists as it requires some skill in the keys. Those who are able to master this piece will be rewarded with one of the most iconic piano songs ever written.
17 – Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
This soulful song from Bill Withers always hits home with listeners, no matter the genre. The gentle and slow tempo of the piece allows for melancholic exploration into our emotions. Although not particularly difficult to master, intermediate-level pianists will benefit from attempting this classic tune. Those who successfully play this gem will be rewarded with one of the most recognizable tunes in popular music history. [4]
18 – Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
This classic song by Eric Clapton has a hauntingly beautiful melody and touching lyrics that make it perfect for playing on the piano. The song is about Clapton’s son, Conor who tragically passed away in 1991. It will be sure to bring you to tears as you play it. If you’re looking for an easy but powerful sad piano piece then this one should definitely be at the top of your list.
19 – Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
This classic song by Leonard Cohen has been covered many times but remains one of the saddest songs ever written. The melancholic melody is perfect for playing on the piano and it will leave you feeling emotional as you finish each note. If you’re looking for an easy to play piece that still packs a punch, then this might be a great choice.
20 – Imagine – John Lennon
This iconic song from John Lennon is a classic melody that every piano player should know. It’s beautiful, simple and evocative, making it a great choice for a sad piece. Its poignant lyrics about peace and understanding make for an emotionally powerful experience when played on the piano.
21 – Every Breath You Take – The Police
This song by The Police is a popular choice among piano players for its melancholic melody and haunting lyrics. It’s an easy piece to learn as it only requires a few chords, making it perfect for beginners. Its slower tempo also makes it easier to play than some other songs, while still conveying its powerful message of longing and nostalgia.
22 – Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
This classic power ballad from Metallica is a sad piano song that strikes an emotional chord with listeners. The slow, melancholic melody of the piano is complemented by the powerful lyrics about being lost in a world without meaning or purpose. The message behind this song has given many comfort in times of sorrow and difficulty; it’s a reminder to keep going no matter what life throws at you. Perfect for those looking for some solace in dark times, Nothing Else Matters by Metallica is sure to provide some much-needed inspiration and hope.
23 – River Flows in You – Yiruma
This Korean composer’s piece has become a modern classic in the piano repertoire. With its gentle, melancholic melody and simple yet beautiful harmony, River Flows in You is sure to evoke feelings of longing and sadness. The dream-like atmosphere created by this composition makes it perfect for those looking for an easy sad piano song to listen to while reflecting on their own melancholy emotions. [5]
24 – Song From A Secret Garden-Secret Garden
This beautiful melody is a great choice for anyone looking for some easy sad piano songs. Composed by Secret Garden, it has been featured in many films and soundtracks over the years. Its gentle yet melancholic sound makes it perfect for those moments when you need to let your emotions out through music. It starts off slow with a steady rhythm and then increases gradually to its peak where the melody will be sure to touch your heart. The song is full of emotion and will bring comfort to anyone that listens. With its simple structure, this piece is an ideal choice for beginners who are just starting out on their journey as a pianist.
25 – The Crisis-Ennio Morricone
This classic piece from Ennio Morricone’s score to the film The Crisis is an often overlooked but beautiful choice for easy sad piano songs. It starts off with a gentle yet melancholic melody, as the song progresses it builds to its climax where the emotion will really become evident. This song may be more complex than some other pieces on this list, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed by any level of player. Its slow and steady build-up throughout the song makes it great for listeners who are looking for something to truly feel. [6]
FAQ
What is the saddest note on piano?
The saddest note on the piano is the low E-flat. It has a long, drawn out sound that can evoke feelings of sorrow and sadness in listeners.
What are some easy sad piano songs?
Some of the most popular and well-known easy sad piano songs include “River Flows In You” by Yiruma, “All of Me” by John Legend, and “Someone Like You” by Adele. Other notable sad piano songs include “Beauty and the Beast” by Celine Dion, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, and “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. All these songs have simple melodies that are easy to play even for beginner pianists yet still produce a strong emotional impact.
What makes a piano song sad?
It’s often the combination of a minor key, melancholic lyrical content, and a slow tempo. While some songs may make you feel instantly sad just by hearing it, others can evoke more subtle emotion. Here are some easy piano songs that will tug at your heartstrings and bring out those bittersweet feelings:”River Flows in You” by Yiruma is a melancholy piece featuring soft arpeggios and gentle melodies. The minor key gives the song an overall somber atmosphere with flashes of hope throughout. The iconic “Fur Elise” by Beethoven is one of the most recognizable piano pieces around. Even though it has been remixed and used to accompany many light-hearted scenes, its original version is a slow, sorrowful song with a melancholic melody. “Someone Like You” by Adele is another popular choice for piano players. It’s a heartbreaking ballad made up of simple chords and powerful lyrics that capture the pain of heartache. The gentle yet uplifting sound of “Say Something” by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera will hit you right in the feels. With its emotive melodies and poignant lyrics, it’s no wonder this song has touched so many people around the world.
What is a piano song with no words?
“Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven is one of the most famous instrumental piano pieces. Its first movement has a slow tempo and an ethereal, melancholic feel that will take you on a journey through sadness. The second and third movements are slightly more upbeat, yet still hold onto the sorrowful mood of the piece. No matter what emotional state you’re in, playing sad piano songs can be therapeutic. These easy pieces will help you express your emotions while providing comfort at the same time. Whether it’s for a moment of reflection or simply to unwind, these tunes are sure to bring out those bittersweet feelings.
What is the easiest tune to play on piano?
It can be hard to find easy piano songs that sound great but don’t require too much technical skill. Fortunately, there are a few timeless classics that are well-suited for beginners. Here is a list of some of the best easy sad piano songs to learn:1. “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy – This beautiful piece has been beloved by pianists for over a century. Its slow and melancholic melody makes it ideal for those just starting out on the instrument. 2. “Für Elise” by Ludwig van Beethoven – This is probably the most popular classical piece ever composed for solo piano. It’s a fun yet challenging song that will make you feel like a real pianist. 3. “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven – This is another famous piano composition that has been covered by countless artists over the years. Its mournful melody will be sure to tug at your heartstrings, even if you only know how to play the basics. 4. “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin – To conclude this list, here’s a tune that’s upbeat but still easy enough for beginners to tackle. The ragtime classic will make you feel like an accomplished pianist in no time!
Useful Video: Piano Songs That Will Make You CRY
Conclusion
There are a variety of easy sad piano songs to explore. These pieces evoke an array of emotions, from nostalgic sadness to melancholic longing. Whether you’re looking for something simple and heartfelt or complex and powerful, these pieces provide plenty of opportunities to express yourself through the beauty of music. With their haunting melodies and heartbreaking lyrics, they will take you on an emotional journey that’s sure to stay with you long after the last note fades away. So why not grab your instrument and give one (or several) of these songs a try? Who knows what stories and feelings await you in the world of easy sad piano music!
References:
- https://wanderingtunes.com/easy-sad-piano-songs
- https://www.musicnotes.com/blog/10-easy-sad-songs-to-play-on-piano/
- https://www.flowkey.com/en/sad-piano-songs
- https://sublimelody.com/easy-sad-piano-songs/
- https://latouchemusicale.com/en/sad-piano-music/
- https://blog.playgroundsessions.com/10-sad-piano-songs-every-beginner-should-learn/