[Bereavement Song] To you, my precious one 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 a loved one. Tracks to listen to while thinking of someone dear
- [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
- [Thank You] A classic song expressing gratitude to one’s parents. A number loved across generations.
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
[Bereavement Songs] To you, my dear one I can no longer meet. Tear-jerking songs about death (151–160)
Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya
A song sung by Mariya Takeuchi that conveys the preciousness of life.
While questioning the meaning of life, it delicately depicts bonds with the people around us and the joys of everyday living.
The lyrics, carried by gentle piano tones, resonate deeply with listeners.
It was created in 2008 as an insert song for the NHK morning drama “Dandan,” and was later released in 2012 as a single by Takeuchi herself.
It’s often performed at life milestones such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.
Recommended for those who have lost someone dear or who wish to feel the sanctity of life.
Beyond sorrowAimer
A ballad sung by Aimer, filled with deep emotion.
It portrays the feelings for a beloved person who has been lost and the strength to seek out light beyond sorrow.
With a voice that is both fragile and powerful, the song expresses unforgettable smiles, cherished memories, and wishes that cannot come true.
Included on the single “SPARK-AGAIN,” released in September 2020, it moved the hearts of many listeners.
This is a song that offers comfort to those grieving the loss of someone dear or wishing to remember the departed.
It is a heartwarming piece that lets you feel the presence of hope even within sadness.
apoptosisOfisharu Higedan Dism
Human cells are constantly renewing themselves, and it’s said that each cell’s death is programmed.
This grand, floating-feel track overlays the death and regeneration of cells with the finite span of human life.
Its content, which makes you ponder how to face the inevitable farewell drawing ever closer and what you can do until that moment, is heart-wrenching.
The way the timbre shifts—from an unreal, electronic sound in the first half to a more organic, band-driven sound in the latter—also evokes the image of someone gradually accepting that farewell.
Parting Flowersurii
Srii, a singer-songwriter also known as a Vocaloid producer, wrote “Wakarebana” after experiencing the loss of someone dear to him.
This song expresses gratitude and longing for someone you can no longer see.
Despite its sorrowful theme, the melody is upbeat—listen for that contrast as well.
By the way, “wakarebana” refers to the flowers placed in a coffin at a funeral.
Keeping that in mind will help the song’s message resonate even more.
stepsPakuyuna
Ayumi (Steps) portrays someone trying to move forward while thinking of the person who has supported their heart.
It was created in 2022 by singer-songwriter Park Yuna, who is active mainly on social media such as TikTok and YouTube.
The song is imbued with her feelings for her dear friend who has passed away.
The lyrics unfold a dialogue between two people who spent their youth together, evoking scenes of them talking about their dreams and hopes.
Her clear, translucent vocals convey genuine emotion.
Please receive the message overflowing with love and gratitude for a cherished friend she can no longer see.
existenceWANIMA
This is a gem-like ballad by WANIMA, woven with deep gratitude and love for a grandmother.
Inspired by member KENTA’s experiences of being raised by his grandmother from childhood, the song vividly depicts memories from a seaside town.
Its mid-tempo melody and heartfelt vocals richly express warm feelings toward someone precious.
Released in March 2025, the track was written for Flower Gift Service “Hana Cupid” and used as the theme song for their Mother’s Day campaign commercial.
The CM featuring Shohei Miura drew attention as well, and the song has garnered notice as the band’s first ballad-style track.
It’s a piece I wholeheartedly recommend to those carrying the sorrow of losing someone dear or wishing to convey gratitude to the precious people in their lives today.
[Bereavement Songs] To you, my precious one whom I can no longer see. Tear-jerking songs about death (161–170)
good nightEvery Little Thing
Every Little Thing’s “good night” delves deeply into a parting and the emotions that follow, offering listeners both empathy and comfort.
This moving ballad portrays the process of overcoming a farewell and the feelings toward a lost future.
Although several years have passed since its release, it remains beloved by many for its universal themes and relatable lyrics.
Embracing sorrow while celebrating hope and the endurance of love, it is especially recommended for those striving to overcome the painful experience of an “eternal farewell” to someone they love.