[Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
There are times when something tough or sad happens and you just feel down, right?
In those moments, listening to overly positive songs like “Keep your head up!” or “You can do it!” can actually make things harder for some people, surprisingly.
So in this article, instead of upbeat tracks, we’ll introduce songs with a darker mood that gently sit with your more negative feelings.
By intentionally listening to songs with heavy or heartbreaking lyrics, you might find your feelings become just a little easier to bear.
- [Melancholy] For when you want to sink all the way. Masterpieces that depict various kinds of gloom.
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- Songs that hit home when you're feeling blue: masterpieces of Japanese music
- Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs.
- [For High School Students] Melancholy Songs That Stay Close to Your Feelings [Tough Times]
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Yami Song] A mental breakdown track that sings the true feelings of a melancholic heart
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Hidden gems of yami songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing a loved one. Tracks to listen to while thinking of someone dear
- [Bereavement Song] To you whom I can no longer meet... Tear-jerking songs about death
- [Relatable Lyrics] Emo songs to listen to when you're stuck after a breakup or relationship troubles
[Dark Songs] A carefully selected list of deeply dark or heartrending tracks that empathize with painful feelings (71–80)
I don’t mind being unhappy for the rest of my life.mafumafu
Sung by singer-songwriter Mafumafu, this piece candidly portrays profound despair and self-denial.
The lyrics include expressions like apologizing for being born and an unending loop of nightmares, resonating deeply with listeners.
For Mafumafu—who returned in June 2022 after about a year-long hiatus—this song holds a special meaning.
It’s a track especially worth hearing for those who have been hurt by heartbreak or relationships, or who are struggling to find their own worth.
chernobylTHE NOVEMBERS
An incredibly beautiful song by THE NOVEMBERS.
Kobayashi’s vocals, crying out in anguish, tighten my chest.
The chorus line “I want to return to the sea, I want to return to the womb” is especially striking.
I find myself drawn into the thought-provoking, profound lyrics.
street tree(s)Ozaki Yutaka
It was included on Yutaka Ozaki’s fourth original album in 1988.
While the lyrics convey a certain sense of hope and don’t necessarily feel all that dark, the melody is extremely somber.
Because of that, it ends up sounding like a very dark song.
[Dark Songs] A curated selection of deeply dark or heartrending tracks that resonate with painful feelings (81–90)
HappinessSyrup16g
This song stands out for its thought-provoking lyrics and is cherished by fans as one of syrup16g’s masterpieces.
With acoustic guitar melodies, gentle vocals, and a sentimental, heartrending tune, it’s a bittersweet track that makes you feel as if you’re watching the sunset from a train.
oni; demon; ogre; spirit (depending on context)kuriipuhaipe
The aggressive guitar riff is so cool! It’s a song by the rock band CreepHyp.
It was released in 2016 as their 10th single.
It became a hot topic when it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “And Then There Were None.” The lyrics revolve around infidelity, and the drama-style music video created to match them is a must-see.
It’s addictive rock ’n’ roll.
ETERNAL BLUEMinami
A song I’d like people carrying unbearable feelings to listen to is “ETERNAL BLUE.” It was created in 2022 by the singer-songwriter Minami.
The sound has an ambient atmosphere, and the acoustic guitar woven into it leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics, which convey passionate emotions with a touch of irony toward society, are irresistibly relatable.
Her singing is achingly beautiful and soothing.
It’s a grand ballad that stays close to the anxiety and loneliness everyone carries.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling down.
nonsenseHitsuji Bungaku
Some of you may be exhausted by everything and have lost interest in anything.
“Kudaranai” is a song that captures that kind of apathy and emptiness.
It’s a work by the rock band Hitsujibungaku.
The first half has a quiet melody that feels like sinking; in the second half, the addition of the bass drum makes it a bit more rhythmic, creating an impression of urgency.
That said, the overall tempo is relaxed.
Also, be sure to pay attention to the chorus, which is based on their real-life experiences.
