Sarah McLachlan's "When She Loved Me" stands as a poignant centerpiece of her 1988 debut album, Surfacing. The track exemplifies the singer-songwriter's signature style, blending acoustic guitar with ethereal vocals to explore themes of heartbreak and longing. Released during a pivotal era for alternative rock, the recording captures the raw emotional vulnerability that defined McLachlan's early career. While the song often appears in compilations and covers, its original placement on Surfacing established it as a defining work of her catalogue. The composition remains a staple in her discography, frequently performed live and recognized for its melodic simplicity and lyrical depth.