Why do we listen to depressing songs when sad/depressed?

Because Americans love wallowing in sorrow?

Because it reflects our mood and shows that we aren’t the only ones feeling the pain.

EDIT: This sounded a whole lot better in my head.

We like to wallow in our own misery. I suppose it has a lot to do with the mourning period we have to all go through. And so we listen to depressing songs, songs which we can identify with and go, “Yeah. I’m feeling you.. You get what I say..”

because it makes us feel better when we hear about other peoples depression

Because sometimes, if we can’t express it ourselves, we need someone else to.

It makes perfect sense. It is a resonant cycle. Music reinforces our moods and psyche. It’s only destructive when you cannot plug that powerful sucking wound. Music, again can aid in restorative healing and empowerment to a new beginning. One cries thinking about those who are trapped in a fear / recovery /fear cycle.

I say walk it off. Cry it out. And bounce right back.

I don’t know; I don’t do that. I tend to listen to sentimental or happy music when sad. “Sentimental” is kind of a vague term, but I use it to refer to music that’s in between happy and sad. Sentimental is characterized by frequent switching from major to minor; whereas sad is minor and happy is major (in general). This is evident in plenty of music I have.

Edit: Because of this question, I was listening to Ravel’s Le Jardin Feerique, the most sentimental piece I could imagine, and right as the song was ending (the most exhilarating part—gives me chills each time) something awesome happened (through text message) and I just experienced one of the greatest highs ever…non drug-induced. Just wanted to share that. :P I don’t think I’ve ever had goosebumps last that long.

It helps to know that others have felt similar pain, and it helps having words put to our feelings.

@DominicX Oh I know very well of the tingles that music can give me. Salut D’amour has given my tingles plenty of times. Plus, what ever could’ve happened through text messaging to give you extra chills? ;)

Because we want to know there are other people that feel as we do.

reaffirmation that one’s feelings are justified.

I guess it is the same reason people drink when they are depressed. But I personally listen to positive happy music when I am upset. I do it because I never know what song is gonna make me get up, and make a fool of myself. Then I feel better.

It’s like having to act cheerful when you’re sad or angry: it just doesn’t work. When you’re in a certain mood, well, you’re not in the mood for music that doesn’t fit that mood. I find that music can make emotions stronger, but it can’t make you switch emotions. (Well, actually sometimes it does, but rarely.)

@pinkparaluies I do that too, as a non-American :)

being able to relate. for most (sorry @shego ) happy music is only going to make someone feel worse because they aren’t able to relate to the emotion conveyed in that song.

@smack it’s all good. Everybody is different.

I do not do this. Many people do and I can’t understand why. If I’m sad, I blast disco. Does the trick.