R.E.M’s hit ‘Everybody Hurts’ has been named the song most likely to make men cry, according to a new survey.

Eric Clapton’s ‘Tears In Heaven’ came second, while ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen was third.

The study, conducted by PRS for Music, polled more than 1,700 people on tearful songs.

‘Everybody Hurts’ was written by R.E.M’s drummer Bill Berry and originally released as a single in 1993.

It was also re-recorded earlier this year with a list of star-studded guest vocalists to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Ellis Rich, chairman of PRS for Music, said: “A well-written tear-jerker is one that people can relate to and empathise with.

“It is this lyrical connection that can reach deep down emotionally and move even the strongest of men.’”

The top-5 was completed by ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ by Sinead O'Connor and U2’s ‘With Or Without You’.

(by Jason Gregory)