What makes depressing songs so depressing?

If you can relate to the song or have been through a similar situation then it can trigger depressing thoughts. Even if you were listening to a certain song when something bad happened. If you have no connection to a depressing song then listening to it shouldn't make you sad.

I would have to say that when I'm sad I pay closer attention to the lyrics in songs than I do anything else. But, the songs I generally listen to when I feel that way have a sad tone and sad lyrics... I think it is the tone and the mood that the singer and the rest of the band bring into the the song that makes the song depressing.

I think it's the words because even if your not depressed at the time, if here a song that you heard when you WERE depressed about something, and it'll bring back those memories and make you sad again. It doesn't even have to be a "depressing" song...if your sad over a break up, and you hear ya'lls "song" played, then that makes you sad too...it's mainly just how you personally emotionally connect with the song.

Not the words because I've heard many a song by The Cure or The Smiths that the lyrics would be depressing but the music is groovin along. It's the music for sure along with the lyrics secondly.

How am I feeling today? Crank That; Soulja Boy How do my friends see me? Poker Face; Lady Gaga What is my best friend's theme song? Closer; Ne-yo What is the story of my life? Buy You A Drank; T Pain What is the best thing about me? Single Ladies; Beyonce What is today going to be like? Summer of 69; Bryan Adams What is in store for this week? Livin La Vida Loca; Ricky Martin What song describes my mom? From The Bottom of My Broken Heart; Britney Spears What song describes my dad? How We Do; The Game To describe my grandparents? Early Morning; Britney Spears How is my life going? Not That Kinda Girl; Jojo What song will they play at my funeral? Right Now (na na na); Akon How does the world see me? A Public Affair; Jessica Simpson Will I have a happy life? Better Off; Ashlee Simpson What do my friends really think of me? Before He Cheats; Carrie Underwood How can I make myself happy? Everytime; Britney Spears What should I do with my life? White Horse; Taylor Swift What is some good advice for me? Because You Loved Me; Celine Dion How will i be remembered? Say You'll Be There; Spice Girls What is my signature dancing song? Red Red Wine; UB40 What is my current theme song? GNO; Miley Cyrus What does everyone else think my current theme song is? Do Somethin'; Britney Spears LIFE STORY: Opening Credits: The Way You Move; Outkast Waking Up: Kill The Lights; Britney Spears First Day At School: Leavin'; Jesse McCartney Falling In Love: For You I Will; Teddy Geiger Fight Song: Blurry; Puddle Of Mudd Breaking Up: Four Walls; Cheyenne Kimball Prom: All Star; Smash Mouth Life's OK: Bartender; T Pain Mental Breakdown: Showdown; Britney Spears Driving: We Fly High; Jim Jones Flashback: Mannequin; Britney Spears Getting Back Together: Mad; Ne-Yo Wedding: Lace And Leather; Britney Spears Birth of Child: The Day Has Come; Cheyenne Kimball Final Battle: Sugar; Flo Rida Death Scene: Rehab; Rihanna Funeral Song: Love Today; Mika End Credits: See You Again; Miley Cyrus What song describes my mood right now? Shake It; Metro Station What song do I listen to when Im depressed? I Think I'm In Love; Jessica Simpson Happy? Overprotected; Britney Spears Scared? Untouched; The Veronicas Bored? I Wanna Love You; Akon

Depression.

When you can relate your feelings with the words of the song you feel more of a connection, therefore it makes you sad. The same will happen with happy music.

yes death & minor keys, but also the cadence, the song can also have sad or love torn lyrics. the best love songs are the ones that reach deep into our hearts and project those very real feelings we all have. it is definatly a form of using our soul as as communication.-blurey

the lyrics, the minor key that the song is in, yeah

and obviously if the lyrics have to do with exactly the stuff thats depressing you, its just gonna push you further off the edge

Just the melody and dramtic tones... plus sad singing always helps it... Rascal Flatts always sing sad songs...