The 2000s delivered some of country music's stone-cold saddest songs, ever.

Want proof? Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss' "Whiskey Lullaby" — one of country music's defining heartbreak ballads, and a staple of the format's modern era — only clocked in at No. 2 on this list of sad country songs from the decade.

In terms of weepers, the 2000s provided a little bit of everything. Heartbreak is well-represented here. So are songs about fallen war heroes and young love cut tragically short by a war casualty. On this list, you'll also find songs about cancer, death, abuse and more tough topics.

But the saddest songs of the '00s also included a handful of great tracks that are bittersweet: Either because they describe the pain of a natural, positive life change, or because they're reminders to live each day to the fullest.

Read on for a round-up of heavy-hitting modern-day classics, from great artists like Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, Martina McBride, Johnny Cash and many others.

The 20 Saddest Country Songs of the 2000s

The 2000s delivered some of country music's stone-cold saddest songs, ever. Read on for Taste of Country's round-up of the biggest and best weepers of the decade.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

More From KIXS FM 108