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

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  Elton only played "Candle in the Wind" live, once.

• Bruce Springsteen

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  “The Boss “The Boss” tried to fight high ticket prices. and scalping
• R.E.M. – “Everybody Hurts”

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

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