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What's the saddest song ever? Science knows...

by Victoria Revay | December 12, 2006 at 11:02 am

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Depending on the sad day, I'm either listening to Bonnie Raitt's I Can't Make You Love Me or The Beatles' Yesterday..or Willie Nelson's version of You Were Always on My Mind...to feel better -- or is it to feel sadder? (I can't get buy the first line in either of those songs without choking-up.) Sad songs are sad for a reason, and now there is a scientific explanation as to why they make us so sad. British scientist, Dr. Harry Witchel who is an expert in physiology and music measured the "trigger quotient" in sad songs. It seems they slow down heart rate, breathing and skin temperature is also altered. According to his study the numero uno, #1 saddest song of all time being measured by the above factors is......The Drugs Don't Work by the Verve. Robbie Williams' Angels and Elton John's Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word came runners-up.

Saddest song suggestions to add to the list?

Mana -- Vivir sin Aire
Patsy Cline -- Crazy
Perfect Circle -- Sleeping Beauty
The Eagles -- I Can't Tell You Why

What's your saddest song ever?

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Actual News Geezer

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 11:21 on December 12th, 2006

At NowPublic, this is high praise from NowPublic editors! Your story is now on the home page for awhile, and everywhere else the “good stuff” box shows up. Many thanks for your great work.