Do sad songs make you cry?

I listen to slow songs, filled with rather sad lyrics. Why? I have no idea why. I guess I go for the melody. So, why do people listen to sad songs?

This question came up last week when I was in Kuala Lumpur attending a course. And there were all sorts of answers, or half-answers. Then, a young man (maybe in his early 20s) offered this answer: "Because People Are Sad." It is not so much about the words that he used, but the way he said it. He was so convinced that people are sad. He said it with conviction. He was sure of his answer.

I still dont have an answer for that question. Maybe you know?