Sad songs do say so much about a person's heart

Another Susan Boyle performance is now making it's way around the web,with her choice of song being "Memories" from Cats. While some people may think that she's overrated at this point,I have to tell you folks that I was just as moved by this rendition as I was for the one that started the ball rolling for her.

I haven't written about this before,mainly because everyone else out there already said plenty as it is,but to those who doubt her talent,let me say this. I've seen Cats twice on Broadway,plus heard numerous singers perform this song. It's pretty much become a standard go-to song to get those tears a-jerkin'.

Yet,none of those versions has made me actually need a box of tissues on hand until now. Susan Boyle sings with true heartfelt emotion,a skill that can't be taught. You either have it or you don't. So,don't hate her because her soul is beautiful,folks:



With that having been said,here are a few of my personal favorite sad songs. What they say about me,you can judge for yourself(especially if a couple of them are on your hit parade as well). It's not good to play too many sorrowful tunes but once in a while, your blue mood can be best offset by a great heartrending number:

AND I AM TELLING YOU: Jennifer Hudson's Oscar winning performance is still amazing,no matter how many times you hear or see it. No disrespect to Jennifer Holliday intended, but Hudson set the bar up for this song on such a high level that any other singer needs a fireman's ladder to reach beyond it to excellence:



LIKE WE NEVER LOVED AT ALL: Country music is the all time champion of sad songs,but this duet by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw has enough empathy embedded in it to stretch over to fans on the pop music side of the table. In my opinion,this lyrical ode to the loss of a loved one can also apply to non romantic situations as well(with a few lines taken out,that is):



MISTER CELLOPHANE: While the ladies of Chicago(not to mention Richard Gere's sleazy lawyer character)took up much of the acclaim,John C. Reilly's work as the neglected simpleton husband Amos was somewhat lost in the shuffle. He does give the most sincere musical performance in the film,being the only character who is truly sincere throughout the whole media song and dance:



OUT HERE ON MY OWN: Irene Cara is best known for singing the theme song to Fame,but I always was touched by this tune,particularly the refrain. It's hauntingly beautiful and yet not self pitying in the least:



THE ROSE: Bette Midler was a major diva influence in my youth and the power of this song,even today,is proof positive that some standards never go stale:



Sad songs are a necessary evil,they provide those who can't find the right words or way to express their true feelings to do so. They may be sneered at or mocked mercilessly for their sentiment but they sure do come in handy when a certain time or person in your life is in serious need of closure. Sap may be sticky however it has real strength and holding power: