10 Best Songs With The Word 'Tears' In The Title

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Tears have always held a duality in rock and roll, embodying both heartbreak and triumph, sorrow and reflection. The word itself has served as a powerful symbol across decades of music, inspiring songs that traverse genres, emotions, and interpretations. In this article, we explore 10 Best Songs With the Word ‘Tears’ in the Title, a collection that highlights how artists have infused their personal artistry into this universal motif. From original masterpieces to transformative covers, these songs showcase how “tears” have become more than just a word—they are a vessel for storytelling and emotion.

Notably, many of the songs on this list demonstrate the power of reinterpretation, with artists reinventing legendary tracks into versions that stand on their own. Joss Stone’s sultry rendition of “Teardrops” from The Soul Sessions Vol. 2 injects modern soul into a beloved classic, while Garland Jeffreys’ cover of “96 Tears” on Escape Artist transforms the garage rock anthem into a gritty, textured exploration of artistry. Similarly, Linda Ronstadt’s take on Smokey Robinson’s “The Tracks of My Tears” is a testament to her unparalleled ability to channel emotion through her voice, creating a version that is as memorable as the original. Marianne Faithfull’s haunting interpretation of “As Tears Go By” strips the song to its emotional core, offering a raw, evocative take that redefined the Rolling Stones’ early ballad.

This list also pays homage to iconic originals. Stevie Wonder’s “Joy Inside My Tears” stands as a masterpiece of lyrical introspection and musical ingenuity, while Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ “The Tears of a Clown” pairs buoyant melodies with melancholic themes in a way only Motown could deliver. Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” captures unparalleled personal grief, becoming an anthem of resilience and reflection. Jackson Browne’s “Here Come Those Tears Again” delivers an honest reckoning with loss, blending folk-rock sensibilities with heartfelt storytelling. Amy Winehouse’s “Tears Dry on Their Own” showcases her singular voice and unmatched ability to weave personal pain into universal anthems.

As we delve into these songs, it becomes evident that the word “tears” is more than a lyrical choice—it’s a bridge connecting artists to their listeners, a reminder of music’s power to heal, provoke, and endure. These tracks, whether original or reimagined, reflect the versatility and depth of rock and roll, proving that “tears” are as much a part of the genre’s DNA as the chords and melodies themselves.

# 10 – Teardrops – Joss Stone

The Soul Sessions, Vol. 2 (Deluxe Edition)

Joss Stone’s rendition of “Teardrops,” from her 2012 album The Soul Sessions Vol. 2, showcases her soulful interpretation of the Womack & Womack classic. The album was recorded primarily at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, with additional work done in studios across the U.K. and U.S. Produced by Stone in collaboration with Steve Greenberg, the album revisits Stone’s roots in classic soul, offering a modern take on tracks that resonate with her distinctive vocal style. The session featured a stellar lineup of musicians, including Ernie Isley on guitar, Henry Hirsch on keyboards, and Jack Daley on bass, all contributing to the song’s rich, authentic sound. The album itself debuted at No. 6 on the U.K. Albums Chart, marking a successful return to Stone’s musical roots.

Read More: Top 10 Joss Stone Songs

# 9 – Joy Inside My Tears – Stevie Wonder

“Joy Inside My Tears” is a deeply emotional and reflective track from Stevie Wonder’s seminal 1976 double album, Songs in the Key of Life. Recorded at Crystal Sound Studios and The Record Plant in Los Angeles, as well as The Hit Factory in New York City, this track exemplifies Wonder’s ability to blend profound lyrics with rich, multilayered compositions. Wonder produced the track himself and performed lead vocals, keyboards, and drums, with Nathan Watts on bass and Ben Bridges contributing guitar. The song stands as a testament to Wonder’s innovative artistry during what is widely considered the pinnacle of his career.

Read More: Top 25 Stevie Wonder Songs

# 8 – Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton

“Tears in Heaven” is one of Eric Clapton’s most emotionally resonant and widely acclaimed songs, appearing first on the Rush film soundtrack in 1992 and then a mesmerizing version released on the Unplugged album. The song was written by Clapton and Will Jennings as a heartfelt tribute to Clapton’s four-year-old son, Conor, who tragically passed away in 1991. Recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles, the track features Clapton’s poignant acoustic guitar performance, showcasing his ability to channel personal grief into universal expression. The production, handled by Russ Titelman, adds a gentle touch to the track, allowing the raw emotional weight of Clapton’s lyrics and performance to take center stage.

The song became an immediate commercial and critical success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning three Grammy Awards in 1993, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

Read More: Top 10 Eric Clapton Love Songs

# 7 – Tears Dry On Their Own – Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse’s “Tears Dry on Their Own” stands as one of her most memorable tracks from her critically acclaimed second studio album, Back to Black (2006). The song, written by Winehouse and Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson (for its prominent interpolation of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”), was recorded at Daptone Records in Brooklyn and produced by Mark Ronson. Known for its seamless blend of Motown-inspired soul with contemporary R&B, the track became a standout moment on the album, reflecting Winehouse’s distinctive sound and unparalleled ability to combine raw emotion with musical innovation.

Upon release as a single in 2007, “Tears Dry on Their Own” achieved commercial success, charting within the top forty in the UK and several other countries. Critics praised Winehouse’s vocal performance and the song’s fusion of classic and modern styles. Within the context of this list, the track provides a sharp contrast to selections like Eric Clapton’s introspective “Tears in Heaven.” While Clapton’s work dwells deeply on loss, Winehouse offers a perspective of strength and recovery, reminding listeners that even through sorrow, there’s a path forward. This duality of grief and hope cements “Tears Dry on Their Own” as a defining moment in Amy Winehouse’s celebrated legacy.

Read More: Top 10 Amy Winehouse Songs

# 6 – Here Come Those Tears Again – Jackson Browne

“Here Come Those Tears Again” is a deeply personal track from Jackson Browne’s The Pretender album, released in 1976. Co-written with Nancy Farnsworth, the mother of Browne’s late wife Phyllis Major, the song channels the artist’s profound grief and resilience following her tragic passing in 1976. Recorded at The Sound Factory in Los Angeles and produced by Jon Landau, the track exemplifies Browne’s talent for crafting emotionally charged music that connects universally while reflecting deeply personal experiences. The song reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 5 – Tears On My Pillow – Little Anthony And The Imperials

“Tears on My Pillow,” performed by Little Anthony and the Imperials, is a classic doo-wop ballad that has stood the test of time since its release in 1958. Written by Sylvester Bradford and Al Lewis, the song became an instant hit, showcasing the group’s exceptional vocal harmonies and the heartfelt delivery of lead singer Anthony Gourdine. Released as the debut single for Little Anthony and the Imperials under End Records, it quickly climbed the charts, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and establishing the group as a prominent force in the burgeoning doo-wop scene.

# 4 – As Tears Go By – Marianne Faithfull

“As Tears Go By,” first recorded by Marianne Faithfull in 1964, is a poignant ballad that has become one of the defining songs of the 1960s. Written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, the song marked a significant departure from the typical rock and blues focus of Jagger and Richards’ early songwriting. It was one of the first compositions by the duo tailored for an artist outside of their band, showcasing a more introspective and tender lyrical style.

Upon its release, “As Tears Go By” became a commercial success, reaching number nine on the UK Singles Chart and introducing Faithfull to a global audience. It was also one of the earliest instances of a rock artist breaking into the pop ballad genre, paving the way for the Rolling Stones themselves to later record their own version of the song in 1965.

Read More: Top 10 Marianne Faithfull Songs

# 3 – 96 Tears – Garland Jeffreys

Garland Jeffreys - Escape Artist - Epic - EPC 84808, Epic - EPC 9600

Garland Jeffreys’ cover of “96 Tears,” originally written by Rudy Martinez and made famous by ? and the Mysterians in 1966, delivers a fresh, gritty reinterpretation of the garage rock classic. Jeffreys included his rendition on his 1981 album Escape Artist, an album known for its genre-defying blend of rock, reggae, soul, and punk influences. Jeffreys’ take on the song stands out for its raw energy and spirited execution, underscoring his ability to reinterpret iconic tracks with his distinctive artistry.

Escape Artist was recorded in New York and London, produced by Garland Jeffreys alongside Roy Cicala, Bob Clearmountain, and David Spinozza. The album featured an impressive lineup of musicians, including Adrian Belew on guitar, David Johansen on backing vocals, and Steve Jordan on drums.

# 2 – Tracks of My Tears – Linda Ronstadt

Prisoner in Disguise by Linda Ronstadt (2014-04-15)

Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “The Tracks of My Tears,” originally written by Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, and Marvin Tarplin and famously recorded by The Miracles in 1965, is a soulful interpretation that highlights her vocal power and emotional depth. Ronstadt included the song on her 1975 album Prisoner in Disguise, which further cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile and accomplished vocalists of her era.

Read More: Top 10 Linda Ronstadt Albums

# 1 – Tears of a Clown – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

Originally released in 1967 on Make It Happen, “The Tears of a Clown” became one of the most iconic tracks by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Written by Smokey Robinson, Hank Cosby, and Stevie Wonder, the song combines poignant lyrics with an upbeat musical arrangement, creating a striking contrast that resonates deeply with listeners. The track was re-released as a single in 1970 and achieved tremendous success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, solidifying its place as one of Motown’s most enduring hits.