[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 curated selection of deeply dark and melancholy tracks that resonate with painful feelings (91–100)
VALON-1Salyu
Your eyes are really drawn to the distinctive MV in the first half.
Footage from bygone eras has a way of capturing the heart, doesn’t it? Salyu’s uniquely natural, immersive vocals and the melody fit so well, and that slightly wistful atmosphere is irresistible.
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.
There isn’t, right?meiyo
Singer-songwriter meiyo is a new-generation artist who made his major debut after posting videos on TikTok.
Among his songs, “Nee yo na” has gone viral.
It’s a track that quietly sings about anger toward society.
The way it delivers a diss without using harsh words is likely one reason it resonates with so many people.
By the way, it’s a self-cover.
You might discover something new if you compare it with the original.
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.
If I Had Two LivesInoue Yosui
Released in 1972, this is Yosui Inoue’s “re-debut” song.
The part about reminiscing offers a bit of solace, but otherwise it’s filled with depictions of aging parents, and as you listen, you can’t help but start thinking about “aging.” It’s a strikingly impactful song.
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.
All My Homies [Prod. BACHLOGIC / Dir. Himatsu]ZORN
![All My Homies [Prod. BACHLOGIC / Dir. Himatsu]ZORN](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IyMjsbSxl2U/sddefault.jpg)
A song steeped in darkness that opens with an emotional guitar intro.
It sings about the hardship of living in modern society.
As you try to make it in a big city, the people around you keep changing with time.
The message is, “We’re all living without any real answers, and each of our battles never ends.” It’s dark and heavy, but if you’re over 30 and going through a rough time, listening to it can give you a bit of encouragement.