Sad songs can make miserable people feel better

The heart-wrenching sounds from tracks such as Neil Young's Only Love Can Break Your Heart can actually help lift spirits because they act as a sympathetic friend during times of trouble.

Eric Clarke, a University of Oxford music professor, told the Unexpected Elements podcast: "There's been some really interesting work going into why it is that people like sad music when they're feeling sad.

"People often describe music as being like a friend.
"And if you were feeling really down in the dumps, you want someone who's going to be sympathetic to your situation or to empathise with you."

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