Maybe someday scientists will explain why it feels so good to cry while listening to sad love songs. They might even decide it's bad for us. Until then, we'll keep listening to our favorite tear-jerking love songs. Some are a reminder that no matter how bad life gets, it can always get a little worse. Others illustrate exactly what we've gone through with a spouse, an ex-lover or current flame.

In selecting the saddest country love songs to include on this list, we reached back to find those that have endured years or even decades. Hits by George Jones and Hank Williams find their way to the top of this list, as do more modern sad love songs by Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Joe Nichols. All 10 have a high probability of sending one to find a tissue or, in the case of some men, fake an allergy.