Mike Rutherford celebrates his birthday today (October 2), and in addition to all of his work with Genesis, he also co-wrote one of the best tear-jerker songs of all time.

“The Living Years” is many things. Besides being one of the most majestic songs ever about a guy not talking enough to his dad before he died, it was Mike & The Mechanics’ biggest hit.

And you’d hard-pressed not to get emotional when you hear it

Of course, it’s not the only song that makes reach for a tissue. Scroll through the gallery below for more songs that will make you cry.

• 10. John Lennon – 'Imagine'

  A beautiful ode to world peace, “Imagine” still tugs on the heartstrings over 50 years after its release.

• 9. Bruce Springsteen – 'Ghosts'

  This song is off of Springsteen’s 2020 album ‘Letter to You.’ The song pays tribute to late E Street Band members Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici, as well as Springsteen’s former assistant Terry Magovern.

   

• 8. Led Zeppelin – 'All My Love'

  In the realm of songs about loss, this one doesn’t get enough of its due. A tribute to Plant’s 5-year-old son, Karac, who died from a stomach virus, “All My Love” is as beautiful as it is crushing.

• 7. Elton John – 'Candle In The Wind' (1997)

  Sir Elton’s 1997 re-working of “Candle In The Wind” honoring Princess Diana has sold over 33 million copies worldwide. How John was able to keep his composure while performing the song at her funeral is still unreal.

• 6. David Bowie – 'Rock 'n' Roll Suicide'

  A heartfelt track about love, life and powering through mental challenges, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” can be interpreted in a number of ways. However, the best interpretation shows one person reaching out to another. (“I’ve had my share, I’ll help you with the pain/You’re not alone.”)

• 5. Pink Floyd – 'Wish You Were Here'

  A tribute to Syd Barrett, “Wish You Were Here” is certainly one of Pink Floyd’s most-memorable songs and one that can conjure up feelings for anyone going through loss.

• 4. R.E.M. – 'Everybody Hurts'

  C’mon! Just read the lyrics and NOT cry! What a stunning ballad that is also uplifting even when you’re at your lowest.

• 3. Mike & The Mechanics – 'The Living Years'

  “Cat’s in the Cradle” often is thought of as the definitive sad father/son song, but “The Living Years” is definitely up there, too.

• 2. Eric Clapton – 'Tears In Heaven'

  Clapton wrote it following the tragic death of his four-year-old son, Conor. The song would net Clapton Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1993.

• 1. Harry Chapin – 'Cat's in the Cradle'

  Is it an obvious choice for number one? Maybe, but this tune is just devastating. It’s cyclical trauma in the form of a pop song.

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