[Bereavement Song] To you whom I can no longer meet... Tear-jerking songs about death
I thought it was only natural for you to be by my side, but one day you suddenly disappeared…
If you’ve experienced the death of someone dear, you probably can’t help but feel, “No matter how much time passes, I can’t forget,” and “I wish I could see them once more.”
At the same time, you might be trying to move forward by putting a lid on your grief and forcing yourself to face ahead.
In this article, we introduce songs themed around “death,” told from a variety of perspectives.
Surely there will be a song that stays close to your sorrow.
When times are hard, please give them a listen.
- [Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one.
- [Memorial Song] A moving classic and love song dedicated to a beloved person embarking on a journey to heaven
- A song I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Songs to Play at My Own Funeral: Timeless Gems to Make Farewells Uniquely My Own
- A song about losing a friend: bereavement, betrayal, and separation.
- [Music Funeral] BGM to Remember the Deceased | Spotlight on Requiems and Dirges Praying for Peace
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- “I Want to See You”: A love song that makes you cry when you listen to it while you can’t meet
- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
- A classic song that sings of gratitude to one’s parents. Thank you, Dad and Mom!
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
[Bereavement Songs] To You Whom I Can No Longer Meet... Tear-Jerking Songs About Death (71–80)
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya
Tatsuya Kitani is a singer-songwriter who also performs as the bassist for sajou no hana and serves as a support member for Yorushika.
His digital-only single “Ao no Sumika,” released on July 7, 2023, was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death.
The lyrics evoke a state of mind trapped by feelings for a precious person one can no longer meet—something that may make the hearts of those with similar experiences ache.
In contrast to the shadowy lyrics, the refreshing rock sound lingers in the ears, making it a striking number.
If you wish for a miracle…JUJU
Among JUJU’s songs, “If You Wish for a Miracle…” is known as a real tearjerker.
It was released in 2006 as her third single.
The music video portrays a woman who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and her partner, and it’s a song that will likely bring anyone who has lost a loved one to illness to tears.
In the lyrics, it feels as though the woman’s feelings and the man’s feelings are expressed in turn.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you can’t face your grief.
Eternal Beingpigstar
This song served as the opening theme for the PC game “Period.” With powerful guitars and drums, it’s an energetic track.
The lyrics, woven around the theme of life, are deeply philosophical.
Losing someone dear is truly heartbreaking and painful.
But listening to this song can inspire a hopeful feeling—that life is always connected, and you can meet again anytime.
[Bereavement Songs] To you whom I can no longer see... Tear-jerking songs about death (81–90)
Missing YouMirei Touyama
Mirei Toyama is a singer-songwriter who is also active in the United States.
Missing You is a project she created jointly with Hiroki Terai, a producer known for promoting therapeutic crying (“ruikatsu”).
The song portrays the sorrow and loneliness of a girl who has lost her beloved mother.
Be sure to watch it together with the “tear-jerking music video” produced by Hiroki Terai—it will help you visualize the scenes depicted in the lyrics more vividly.
Also, since the lyrics don’t specify a particular relationship, listeners can interpret them in various ways and relate it to different people.
lamplightYuga
This is a song by singer-songwriter Yuga, written specifically as the theme for the drama “Tsuma, Shogakusei ni Naru” (My Wife Becomes an Elementary School Student).
Its uniquely floating, gentle sound and her warm, layered vocals come together to evoke a deep sense of love.
The lyrics seem to portray the emotions felt when parting with someone precious, looking back on the time spent together while savoring the love that was given.
You can also feel a resolve to carry those memories in one’s heart and move forward with strength.
HitotsuboshiKOH+
KOH⁺ is a musical unit with lyrics and composition by Masaharu Fukuyama and vocals by Kou Shibasaki.
They created “Hitotsuboshi” as the theme song for the film Silent Parade.
The song is sung from the perspective of someone who has passed away, expressing gratitude and love for those left behind, and a wish for them to keep looking forward.
Its powerful sound paired with the delicate vocals creates a truly one-of-a-kind style.
First, give it a listen and experience how amazing it is for yourself.
DearNakajima Mika
A song by Mika Nakashima that sings of feelings for a beloved person who has been lost.
The lyrics, woven with her gentle, translucent voice, are filled with deep love for someone she can never meet again and the memories they shared.
Released in April 2011, it also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Rebirth” (Youkame no Semi).
After about half a year of hiatus, this track became a new starting point for Nakashima.
When you want to face the sorrow of losing someone dear, try listening while looking up at the sky.
It will surely stay close to your heart.