[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 carefully selected list of deeply dark and heartrending tracks that empathize with painful feelings (21–30)
Sleeping Townkujira
This song weaves together Kujira’s production and yama’s translucent vocals in perfect harmony, creating a melancholic soundscape.
Delicately portraying the solitude of a world fallen asleep, it was included on the album “Nerenai Yoru ni Curtain wo Akete,” released in October 2020.
Wrapped in sadness and poignancy yet suffused with a gentle warmth, its tones offer quiet comfort.
In April 2024, a live performance video celebrating the 5th anniversary of yama’s activities was released, captivating fans.
For nights spent alone, moments when the heart feels heavy, or when thinking of someone—this is a song that stays close during those quiet times, becoming a source of support for many listeners.
youyuzuki
It’s a song used frequently in various scenes as an insert track in both the game and anime of Higurashi: When They Cry.
Since it’s also a very famous anime song, many people have probably heard it at least once.
The gentle vocals contrast starkly with the despair in the lyrics.
[Dark Songs] A curated selection of deeply dark and heartrending tracks that resonate with painful feelings (31–40)
to liveMizuno Atsu
Set to a calm piano melody, this delicate piece candidly expresses the struggles and conflicts of life.
Released by Atsu Mizuno in July 2021, it exists in two versions: one sung by the artist themself and another sung by the VOCALOID character Kafu.
Carefully portraying the feelings of a protagonist who shies away from society’s expectations and love while still possessing the strength to believe in their own potential, the song resonates with those who, despite carrying their own weaknesses and anxieties, strive to find meaning in living.
Its poetic imagery—seeing the stars in the night sky and the light of the moon as proof of one’s existence—is also noteworthy.
On that night that couldn’t become the futureamazarashi
Amid a string of pessimistic lyrics, this is a track that makes you strain your ears, seeking some kind of salvation, and find yourself drawn in.
Though striking keywords pop up here and there, overall the weight of the song can feel crushing.
It’s a recommended tune for those times when you can’t be positive—and for you, if that’s how you feel right now.
HitchcockYorushika
At first glance, the words seem flat and matter-of-fact, but they actually hit you right in the heart—Yorushika’s “Hitchcock.” This track is included on the 2018 mini-album “No Encore for the Loser.” The everyday thoughts everyone keeps inside, the questions we all carry—the stuff you wouldn’t bother to say out loud or ask—this song feels like it lays all of that bare.
It gives a comforting sense that others think the same things even if they don’t say them, and it makes me feel just a little stronger knowing I’m not alone.
seems like (just) my imaginationChōchō P
Singing a heartrending cry alongside beautiful melodies woven by piano, violin, and band.
It was originally a Vocaloid song, but this version adds new arrangements.
It’s a song of despair that conveys the message, “Being treated kindly makes it harder.” Experience the shock felt by a protagonist who believed they had no heart, only to be touched by human warmth.
Ruru-chan’s suicide livestreamShinsei Kamattechan
An internet pop-rock band known on YouTube and Niconico.
Commonly called Kamattē-chan, or SKC.
Despite its poppy melody, this song overflows with extreme lines about jumping in front of trains and livestreaming suicide.
The more you listen, the darker it feels—beyond pitch-black, you might say.
If you get the chance, be sure to watch the terrifying music video as well.