by Halsey has become one of the most popular pop artists of the last decade thanks to her raw and emotionally honest lyrics. While she is capable of upbeat pop anthems, some of Halsey’s most impactful work delves into darker themes of love, loss, and personal struggles. Her vulnerability allows listeners to deeply connect with the emotions she conveys through song. Let’s take a closer look at 5 of Halsey’s saddest songs that showcase the depth of feeling in her music.
Graveyard (2015)
One of Halsey’s earliest hits, “Graveyard” comes from her debut studio album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. The song paints a vivid picture of lingering heartbreak through its haunting lyrics and melody. Over a minimalist piano line, Halsey’s vocals convey a sense of emotional numbness and detachment.
She sings of being “lost in the graveyard of [her] goodbyes,” unable to fully process or move on from a past relationship. The graveyard metaphor represents being stuck in the aftermath, unable to bury the memories of what was. Halsey captures that feeling of being trapped replaying old moments, trying to find closure that remains elusive.
Musically, the song builds in intensity to match the rising tide of emotions. As the instrumental swells, Halsey’s delivery becomes more impassioned. She belts the climactic lines “I’m so lost, if I’m lost/In the graveyard of your love” with raw anguish. Listeners feel her turmoil through the powerful songwriting and vocals. “Graveyard” set the stage for Halsey to explore deeper emotional waters through her music.
Hurricane (2016)
Released as a single in 2016, “Hurricane” taps into one of the most painful emotions – watching the person you love move on to someone else. Over a driving beat and guitar line, Halsey’s vocals ooze frustration and longing. She sings of being “left in the hurricane” as her ex finds new love elsewhere.
The hurricane metaphor represents the chaos and turbulence of watching from the outside as their relationship ends. Halsey captures that feeling of helplessness, being buffeted by emotions as her world is turned upside down. She wants to lash out, singing “I wanna scream back at the hurricanes.”
Musically, the song builds to an anthemic rock chorus that matches Halsey’s anguished delivery. Her raw vocals soar as she pours her heart out over the instrumental crescendo. Listeners feel every bit of desperation, jealousy, and anger through Halsey’s passionate performance. Few songs capture the specific pain of unrequited love so viscerally. “Hurricane” showed Halsey’s talent for rendering complex emotions in simple yet powerful lyrics.
Sorry (2019)
Released as part of her third studio album Manic, “Sorry” offers a more introspective look at heartache and regret. Over sparse piano chords, Halsey sings of apologizing not just to an ex, but to herself. She tackles heavy themes of self-loathing, guilt over past mistakes, and the struggle to forgive her own flaws.
Halsey gets rawly personal, singing “I’m so sorry I’m not her/I’m so sorry but I’m just me.” She conveys feeling inadequate for not being someone else, as well as regret over past actions. The lyrics delve into a deep well of self-criticism, as Halsey tries to make amends for who she is.
Musically, the song is pared down to let the emotional lyrics shine through. Halsey’s vulnerable vocals are bare and unadorned. Listeners feel like they’re being let in on her deepest insecurities. The intimacy and honesty in “Sorry” showed a new level of emotional maturity in Halsey’s songwriting by 2019. She continues to bravely share personal struggles through her music.
929 (2015)
Also from Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, “929” tackles the universal pain of loss through deeply affecting lyrics and melody. Over piano, Halsey sings of mourning a loved one who passed at the young age of 29. She captures the confusion, grief, and longing that follows such a tragic event.
Halsey sings hauntingly of the “empty space where your laugh used to be.” Simple images like this cut to the core, conveying what it’s like to be left with ghostly memories rather than a living person. Musically, her vocals swell to match the rising tide of emotion. The song builds to an anguished climax as Halsey belts “I miss missing you now and then” with raw vulnerability.
Few songs capture the rawness of processing death with such emotional honesty. Halsey taps into a deep well of pain to relate to anyone struggling with loss. Her ability to render complex feelings so simply yet powerfully made “929” a standout track on Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. It showed her gift for emotional storytelling through song from an early stage in her career.
Angel On Fire (2021)
Halsey’s 2021 album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power took her artistry in a darker, more cinematic direction. The lead single “Angel On Fire” serves as a centerpiece, exploring themes of self-destruction and the struggle to maintain control. Over a dramatic, orchestral soundscape, Halsey sings of being an “angel on fire” tearing herself apart.
The lyrics represent battling inner demons and the temptation of chaos. Halsey belts passionately about being the “only rain” that can douse her own flames. She captures the anguish of wanting to burn it all down while also craving stability. Musically, the song swells and crashes like waves of emotion, matching Halsey’s tour de force vocals.
Few pop songs have rendered mental health struggles so vividly. Halsey taps into shadows many face but few feel comfortable addressing so openly. She continues using her platform to start important conversations and make dark feelings less taboo. “Angel On Fire” showed a new level of artistry and bravery in tackling personal demons through cinematic songwriting.
Enduring Impact
These are just a sampling of Halsey’s extensive catalog of emotionally affecting songs. Across five albums, countless singles, and various side projects, she continues bravely baring her soul. Halsey’s willingness to vulnerably share personal struggles resonates deeply with listeners who face their own battles.
Her raw lyrics serve as a comfort to those who feel alone in darkness. Fans find solace in Halsey’s music, knowing others have walked similar paths. She normalizes discussions of mental health, relationships, and self-discovery – topics many artists shy away from. Halsey’s emotional honesty is a gift that will cement her legacy for years to come. As long as heartbreak, loss, and inner demons plague humanity, her music will continue to soothe and empower.
