The 25 Most Exquisitely Sad Songs in the Whole World: No. 13

'Naked as We Came'
Iron & Wine (2004)
The Breakdown: Indie folkie Sam Beam's brutally sweet love song acknowledging that one always has to die before the other, plus a plug for cremation.
The Waterworks: "If I leave before you, darling/Don't you waste me in the ground."
Casualty Count: Your better half.
Listen to 'Naked as We Came'
Buy it on iTunes
Posted by Spinner Staff
Filed under: Songs, The Hit List











Reader Comments(1 of 2)
Gregat 5-05-2007
What is sad about this song is how a no-name band with a lackluster tune ranked #13 and beat out some truly amazing songs by truly skilled artists.
Jesiat 5-05-2007
Just because YOU haven't heard of them, Greg, doesn't mean they are a "no-name" band. Iron & Wine is very famous amongst people who actually listen to a lot of music, rather than just the same old crap they play on the radio.
Jonat 5-05-2007
Iron & Wine is an amazing band, that has totally changed how I look at music (i tend to listen to hardcore music and underground hip-hop). Definately not a lackluster song. This is one of my favorite songs out there.
Sonneyat 5-05-2007
I'm cool with women hittin' me up at iiikingtom@aol.com and I love women for free, too!!!
SWM 6' - 1" 220 lbs of Love Machine in Marion, Illinois of America.
This song wouldn't play, btw.
SCat 5-05-2007
Sam Beam and has a good thing going for "sadness factor" with the subject, but I'm going to say my choice for this indie-folk genre would be Lori Carson's "Down Here" from her 'Where it Goes' album.
jordanat 5-06-2007
first of all, if you're an artist and making money you're skilled. and more often than not "no-named" bands are a billion times better than the crap on the radio. iron & wine rules.
Lindaat 5-06-2007
I've never heard of this group before but as a real music lover of many different genres, I appreciate the "indie folkie" style and the pureness in his voice as he sings about a subject close to my heart...loved it.
Lindseyat 5-06-2007
agreed with jesi... iron & wine is a VERY known indie band. good song pick... greg, maybe you should broaden your musical horizons and discover life beyond the radio?
Kevat 5-06-2007
I love Iron & Wine and this song cuts me to the core. So sweet so sad and personal. I can't resist the imagery.
Hectorat 5-06-2007
a question to Greg: "...truly amazing songs by truly skilled artists" ...like who?
Iron&Wine are amazing.
Dougat 5-06-2007
This is one of those perfect songs that feels as though it always existed and was just waiting to be found by a band like this.
Kitat 5-06-2007
"One will spread our ashes round the yard." God, that is sad! Beautiful song, though. Going in my favs.
Jasonat 5-06-2007
Sodom, South Georgia is a much sadder song and also very good. Iron and Wine's songs are not sad so much as touching.
roger ninerat 5-07-2007
this song isn't sad to me. i find it rather romantic. if you love someone enough to be with them forever, you're bound to realize more than likely one will go and one will stay. that realization should be the basis of true love. and they will both be together in death, eventually.
Valat 5-08-2007
This is an alright song, but in the top 25? I don't think so. And "exquisite"? It's just a acoustic guitar and quiet/subtle singing, but not exquisite. Save this one for the Top 25 Sad Songs Most Likely to make it into the next Zach Braff film.
JANEAN BAHRat 5-08-2007
THIS SONG HIT ME ON A PERSONAL LEVEL. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE IN THE AGE GROUP THAT THIS SPEAKS ABOUT.
I CRIED THE FIRST 6 TIMES I LISTENED TO IT. THIS IS SUCH A VIVED AND TRUE STORY. EYES WIDE OPEN, NAKED AS WE CAME. IT HITS HOME.
JANEAN BAHRat 5-08-2007
THIS SONG REALLY HIT HOME WITH ME. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE IN THE AGE GROUP THAT THIS COULD APPLY TO. I CRIED THE FIRST 6 TIMES I HEARD IT. SO MANY OF YOU ARE SO YOUNG, YOU FEEL IT DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU. WAIT A FEW YEARS AND LISTEN TO IT AGAIN. EYES WIDE OPEN,NAKED AS WE CAME.
MaThewat 5-09-2007
I had never heard of this band or song before today, but couldnt resist listening to it after reading "the breakdown", and being in a relationship, where this very topic actualy has haunted us before, i brke into tears! i cant beleive it, it really hit me!!!
Emmaat 5-09-2007
I'm not surprised that Iron&Wine is on here; they have the saddest music! The melody in my opinion doesn't sound that sad but the lyrics really strike a chord.
Great song
BLSat 5-11-2007
8. I agree that "Sodom South Georgia" is a better choice.
I think you almost have to listen to Iron and Wine with headphones on because Sam's voice just penetrates your brain that way.