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.

• Mike & The Mechanics – “The Living Years

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  "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.

• Eric Clapton – “Tears In Heaven”

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  Actually, "Tears in Heaven" is another devastating father/son song. 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.

• John Lennon – “Imagine”

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  A beautiful ode to world peace, "Imagine" still tugs on the heartstrings nearly 50 years after its release
• Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here”

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  An ode 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.

• Elton John – “Candle In The Wind” (1997)

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  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.

• Bruce Springsteen – “Ghosts”

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  Springsteen recently released this new song, which is featured on his upcoming 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.
• R.E.M. – “Everybody Hurts”

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  C'mon! Just read the lyrics and NOT cry!

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