[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 someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one.
- [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 curated selection of deeply dark and melancholy tracks that resonate with painful feelings (91–100)
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.
Buy with revolving payments.Tajyusaim boyz (LB-RUG,Young SEX,M.A.G,PizzaLove)
This is a song about the dangers of revolving credit payments in an increasingly cashless world.
The revolving feature is convenient—you can buy this and that.
But if you don’t use it carefully, you’ll end up struggling with repayments and have no cash left.
And the reality is, few people warn you about this.
If you overuse it without knowing, what awaits you is hell.
This song faithfully portrays that darkness of modern times.
loadTHE toraburyū
Released in 1993.
It became a hot topic right after it went on sale and sold over 2.2 million copies.
The song was created after George Takahashi received a fan letter, which served as the inspiration.
A film was also made based on this song.
It consists of a total of 13 chapters.
Showa Karésusukisakura to ichirō
Released in 1974.
It became popular after being used as an insert song for “Jikan desu yo Shōwa Gannen,” reaching number one on the singles chart.
Rereading the lyrics, I’m struck by how dark they are.
In 1975, a film inspired by this song was also produced.
Azure Daysplenty
Even when you give it your all, your efforts don’t always pay off.
In times like that, the song I want to introduce is “Aoki Hibi.” It portrays the despair you feel when you pour yourself into something and it still ends in failure.
There are various interpretations, but the title is said to refer to the days when you were working hard with excitement and anticipation.
It’s a track overflowing with a sense of futility, yet in the final chorus it gently gives you a push forward.
If you like it, be sure to check out the music video featuring an a cappella performance.
Live.Suiyōbi no Campanella & yahyel
The title carries a powerful yet simple message.
This is a collaborative track by Wednesday Campanella and yaehel.
It contains graphic expressions, so please be cautious if you’re sensitive to such content.
The song was created based on a real scene Kom_I encountered at Shinjuku Station: a person jumping onto the tracks.
The somewhat mysterious melody signifies life and death, and the looping structure represents a cycle of suffering.
It’s heavy, but overwhelmingly beautiful, with outstanding artistic quality.
Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa
For when you’re feeling hopelessly blue, ReoNa’s “Ikiteru Dake de Erai yo” gently brings you light.
Included on the 2021 single “Nai Nai,” this song was written and composed by Vocaloid producer Tota Kasamura.
It portrays someone trying to push on through a haze of gloom, failing to make headway, and spiraling into thoughts like, “There are people worse off than me—so why am I like this…?” Yet, by the end, the lyrics offer words that rescue both the protagonist and you—someone whose heart has sunk just as deeply.
Please listen to the end and let yourself cry it all out.
