11 Carrie Underwood Sad Songs: Tears & Tunes

Hey there, fellow music lovers and DJs! It’s TBone here, the heart and soul behind Level Tunes.

With over 20 years in the music industry, I’ve seen and heard it all, but there’s a special place in my heart for the soul-stirring power of country music.

Today, I want to share with you something close to my heart: a list of 11 sad songs by the incredible Carrie Underwood. Why sad songs, you ask?

Because they touch us deeply, resonate with our own experiences, and Carrie’s voice brings out the emotion in a way few can. I’ve chosen these songs not only because they showcase her phenomenal talent, but also because they’ve moved me and many others in profound ways.

Whether you’re a DJ looking to bring emotional depth to your sets or a music lover seeking solace in song, this list is for you. Let’s dive into the heartache and beauty together.

Here are the Carrie Underwood sad songs that you can check out:

List Of Carrie Underwood Sad Songs

Carrie Underwood sad songs in a list format:

“Just A Dream”

From her 2007 album “Carnival Ride,” released under Arista Nashville, “Just A Dream” is a heart-wrenching ballad about a young widow who has lost her husband in the war. The song’s narrative style, combined with Underwood’s powerful vocals, paints a vivid picture of loss and denial. I chose this song because it showcases Underwood’s ability to convey deep emotions, making the listener feel the protagonist’s pain and disbelief. The way Carrie transitions from softer verses to the powerful chorus is both haunting and beautiful. It’s a masterful storytelling that captures the tragedy of loss too soon.

“Temporary Home”

This track is from Carrie Underwood’s third studio album, “Play On,” released in 2009 by Arista Nashville. “Temporary Home” is a poignant reflection on life’s transient nature, told through the eyes of different characters, including a foster child and a dying man. The song’s message, that our current struggles and places are just temporary stops on the way to something better, resonates deeply. Underwood’s emotional delivery, paired with the soft, acoustic instrumentation, makes this song a touching narrative on hope amidst sorrow. It’s her ability to connect with universal themes of human experience that makes this song stand out.

“See You Again”

Featured on her 2012 album “Blown Away,” under Arista Nashville, “See You Again” mixes themes of loss with an uplifting message of reunion. It’s a tribute to loved ones who have passed away, promising that the separation is only temporary. The blend of a reassuring message with a melancholic melody captures the bittersweet feeling of missing someone dearly while holding onto hope. I love how the song builds up to a powerful climax, enveloped in Carrie’s soaring vocals. It’s a testament to her range, both vocally and emotionally, making “See You Again” a hopeful anthem for anyone dealing with loss.

“I Know You Won’t”

“I Know You Won’t” is a deeply emotional ballad from Carrie Underwood’s 2007 album “Carnival Ride,” released by Arista Nashville. The song delves into the pain of unrequited love and the resignation of knowing that promises made by a loved one will remain unfulfilled. Carrie’s vocal performance is raw and vulnerable, conveying the depth of longing and disappointment. What strikes me most is the simplicity of the arrangement, allowing her voice to take center stage and deliver every nuance of heartbreak. This song showcases Carrie’s ability to express complex emotions with grace and intensity.

“Starts With Goodbye”

“Starts With Goodbye,” from Carrie Underwood’s debut album “Some Hearts” in 2005, under Arista Nashville, tackles the difficult decision to walk away from a relationship for personal growth. The song is a powerful narrative about endings leading to new beginnings. Carrie’s delivery of the song’s message, that sometimes goodbyes are necessary for us to find our own path, is both empowering and somber. The emotional weight of the song is balanced with an optimistic outlook on the future, making it a unique take on the theme of loss. I admire the song’s honesty and the strength it encourages in listeners facing similar crossroads.

“What Can I Say”

Featuring Sons of Sylvia, “What Can I Say” from the 2009 album “Play On,” released by Arista Nashville, is a duet about the aftermath of a breakup and the struggle to move on. The interplay between Carrie and Sons of Sylvia creates a dynamic and emotional dialogue, emphasizing the complexity of feelings involved in letting go. The song’s arrangement, with its haunting melody and harmonies, complements the narrative of unresolved love and regret. I chose this song for the way it captures the essence of a conversation that many have had but few can articulate as beautifully as this.

“Don’t Forget to Remember Me”

This track from her debut album “Some Hearts” in 2005, under Arista Nashville, touches on the universal experience of leaving home and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Carrie Underwood’s heartfelt performance reflects the mix of excitement for the future and nostalgia for the past. The song resonates with anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to their childhood home, making it a poignant reminder of the passage of time. The emotional depth Carrie brings to “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” showcases her ability to connect with listeners through shared experiences.

“The Night Before (Life Goes On)”

Another gem from “Some Hearts,” released in 2005 by Arista Nashville, “The Night Before (Life

Goes On)” delves into the feelings of uncertainty and anticipation that come with major life changes. The song narrates the story of a young woman on the brink of a new chapter, reflecting on the changes that lie ahead. What makes this song stand out is its ability to capture the complex emotions of leaving behind the familiar to embrace the unknown. Carrie Underwood’s vocal delivery perfectly encapsulates the mix of fear, excitement, and hope that characterizes such transitions. I chose this song because of its relatable message and Carrie’s ability to make the listener feel every word of the journey.

“Wine After Whiskey”

From the album “Blown Away” released in 2012 by Arista Nashville, “Wine After Whiskey” uses the metaphor of alcohol to describe a relationship that once burned brightly but has since faded into something less intoxicating. The song’s melancholic melody and Carrie’s emotive voice paint a vivid picture of longing for the passion that has been lost. This track stands out for its lyrical depth and the way it musically captures the feeling of nostalgia for a love that was once all-consuming. I appreciate how Carrie’s performance conveys a sense of loss and yearning that is universally understood.

“You’re Looking at Country”

Though technically more upbeat, “You’re Looking at Country” from the “Play On” album (2009) contains an undercurrent of sadness when placed in the context of Carrie’s discography. It’s a cover of a classic Loretta Lynn song, and Carrie brings a modern sensibility to the track, celebrating the roots of country music while also hinting at the loneliness and heartache that often accompany life on the road. Her ability to bridge the old with the new, while still conveying the song’s inherent melancholy, showcases her versatility as an artist and her deep respect for the genre’s traditions.

“Forever Changed”

“Forever Changed” is a deeply moving track from “Blown Away” (2012), which talks about a woman going through life’s significant moments until she faces her final days, suffering from an illness that takes her memories away. This song is particularly poignant because of its gentle melody paired with Carrie’s tender, empathetic vocal delivery. It touches on the themes of love, loss, and the inevitable changes that life brings. I chose this song for its powerful storytelling and the emotional weight Carrie brings to the narrative, making it a touching tribute to those who have faced or are facing similar situations in their own lives.

Fun Facts: Carrie Underwood Sad Songs

Just A Dream

“Just A Dream” was not only a commercial success, hitting the top of the country charts, but it also received critical acclaim for its storytelling and Underwood’s vocal performance. The music video adds another layer of narrative, visually depicting the song’s emotional journey, and won several awards for its direction and impact.

Temporary Home

“Temporary Home” is inspired by a chapter from the book “A Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, which Carrie Underwood has mentioned influenced her. This song stands out for its deep spiritual message, reflecting Carrie’s personal faith and her desire to convey messages of hope and resilience.

See You Again

Originally, “See You Again” was considered as a potential song for the 2010 film “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.” However, it found its perfect place in Underwood’s album “Blown Away,” becoming a fan favorite for its uplifting message about reunion and faith.

Don’t Forget to Remember Me

This song holds a special place in Underwood’s heart, as it reflects her own experiences of leaving home and stepping into adulthood. The track features background vocals by Vince Gill, adding an extra layer of country authenticity and emotional depth to the song.

Wine After Whiskey

“Wine After Whiskey” is praised for its metaphorical lyrics that compare lost love to the transition from the intense flavor of whiskey to the milder taste of wine. This song showcases Underwood’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful comparisons.

Diving into Carrie Underwood’s saddest songs reveals the depth of her musical talent and emotional range. These tracks not only showcase her powerful voice but also her ability to touch our hearts, proving why she remains a beloved figure in country music and beyond.

Thanks for reading.

TBone