[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 (121–130)
Until your night breaks (into dawn)Kasamura Tōta
This is one of Tota Kasamura’s signature works, beginning with a question posed to a broken world and a mistaken world.
The sorrow of losing a loved one and the aching wish to meet them again resonate deeply.
The melody, woven to accompany the listener’s emotions, and the lyrics, imbued with profound love, are beautifully harmonized.
Released in January 2019 and included on the February 2021 album “How to Become a Wonderful Adult,” this piece—together with its counterpart, “Lily of the Endless Night”—is highly regarded as one of Kasamura’s representative Vocaloid songs.
It is a gem that offers comfort and healing to those facing the grief of losing someone dear, as well as to anyone who loves someone deeply.
FINAL DISTANCEUtada Hikaru
A heartrending breakup song sung by Hikaru Utada.
It conveys the sorrow of losing someone precious and an unwavering love for that person.
The lyrics delicately capture the distance between lovers and the feelings deep within the heart, leaving a strong impression.
Released in July 2001, the song was created in the wake of a tragic event, yet it also carries a sense of strength to keep moving forward.
It’s a song that will surely resonate with those who have experienced parting from someone important or who are currently in the midst of grief.
Drawing #2: Spring LightPorunogurafiti
The two-piece rock band Porno Graffitti made a splash on the J-pop scene with their debut single “Apollo,” and have continued to release numerous hit numbers ever since.
“Dessin #2 Shunkō,” included on their second album foo?, was created as the second installment in the Dessin series carried over from their previous work.
The lyrics, written by guitarist Haruichi Shindō around the theme of his late father’s death, evoke both the immense love he received and a profound sense of loss.
Set to piano and guitar, the sentimental melody is a lyrical number that moves the heart.
Sakura ~I’m glad I met you~RSP
Just reading the comments on video sites brings me to tears—this is a song that gives you the push to overcome sorrow and keep going.
It’s the sixth single from RSP, a dance unit known for their strong hip-hop and R&B.
The lyrics, which can be heard as “You’re no longer here; I’ll live on for both of us,” look forward even from the brink of despair and have resonated with many.
RSP’s smooth, upbeat delivery only doubles the sadness.
If you haven’t heard it yet, please do!
[Bereavement Songs] To you whom I can no longer meet... Tear-jerking songs about death (131–140)
Watercolor MoonHata Motohiro
This piece was written by Motohiro Hata as the theme song for the film “An” (Sweet Bean).
Its gentle yet heartrending melody and lyrics that evoke a longing for lost love resonate deeply.
The questioning tone of the lyrics conveys both the sorrow of losing someone dear and the strength to keep looking forward.
Released in June 2015, the song is also included on the album “Aoi no Koukei” (Scenes of Blue).
A simple arrangement centered on piano and strings beautifully captures the film’s quiet, profound worldview.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who has experienced parting from a loved one or wants to reflect on the meaning of life.
Instead of goodbyeTUBE × GACKT
TUBE and GACKT’s “Sayonara no Kawari ni” is a song that, with a melody that resonates in the heart, poignantly yet powerfully expresses feelings for someone lost.
Since its release on February 28, 2024, it has moved many people, offering the courage to face farewells positively while holding onto the aching wish for reunion.
GACKT’s delicate vocals blend with TUBE’s comfortable sound to create a track that speaks to listeners’ emotions.
Its subtly nostalgic melody is one that anyone who has experienced the pain of parting can relate to.
NatsuneGLAY
A song that wistfully looks back on a past love and a dearly departed one, set against the backdrop of summer blue skies and starry nights.
With GLAY’s signature beautiful melody and profound lyrics, it resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in September 2006 as the A-side track of the single “Natsune / Hen na Yume 〜THOUSAND DREAMS〜,” it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was also used as the theme song for the TBS variety show “Koisuru Hanikami!” This work portrays universally relatable emotions—memories with a lover overlapping with summer scenery, and the regret of unspoken feelings.
It’s a song that brings healing to those feeling the pain of heartbreak or who have experienced parting with someone precious.