[Relatable Lyrics] Emo songs to listen to when you're stuck after a breakup or relationship troubles
Heartbreak, relationships, work, school—sad and painful things can happen in so many parts of life.
You might find yourself hating someone, lamenting your bad luck, or even feeling self-destructive at times.
Here are some “dark” songs to listen to in those moments.
Because these lyrics are written and sung by artists who have been through a lot, they’re raw and real enough to sit with your feelings—and I’m sure you’ll relate.
I’d be happy if listening to the songs I’m about to introduce helps lift your spirits, even just a little.
- [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
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- [Yami Song] A mental breakdown track that sings the true feelings of a melancholic heart
- [For High School Students] Melancholy Songs That Stay Close to Your Feelings [Tough Times]
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Trash Songs] A carefully curated selection of tracks about the lowest, worst kind of loser—and hidden gems!
- My heart aches with bittersweet pain! Breakup songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Female Heartbreak Song] A soul-stirring song dedicated to you, who loved with all your heart.
- A breakup song with great lyrics. A beautiful message that lingers in the heart.
- For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
- Gently staying close to a wounded heart… A Reiwa-era heartbreak song
[Relatable Lyrics] Depressing Songs to Listen to When You’re Stuck in Heartbreak or Relationships (61–70)
I don’t have an umbrella.Inoue Yosui
It talks about incidents happening in society, but in reality, one’s own day-to-day life is what truly matters.
To be honest, I’m only interested in myself.
It’s a song that satirically portrays such postwar modern people.
Though it’s a Showa-era song, doesn’t it fit perfectly with the present day as well?
Fruit of SandNakatani Miki
This is a Japanese cover of Ryuichi Sakamoto featuring Sister M’s “The Other Side of Love.” Miki Nakatani’s fragile, slightly unsteady vocals leave a strong impression.
Since the original was the theme song for a TV drama about a stalker, a dark inner world is laid bare.
Revolveryonige
A song that has moved past sadness, regret, and self-loathing, and is trying to move forward steadily, little by little, using a past love as nourishment.
Even after the breakup, it feels like the narrator is cheering themselves on while wishing that the other person is doing well somewhere.
The “revolver” in the title refers to a gun’s trigger, but it’s unclear whether the protagonist is pulling that trigger to shoot something down, or if the barrel is pointed at themselves.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
This is a WANIMA song that has continued to be loved as an anthem for life.
Its uplifting message and energetic sound blend beautifully, powerfully moving everyone who listens.
While facing painful experiences from the past and uncertainties about the future, the lyrics are filled with the courage and hope to keep looking forward and moving on, resonating with many hearts.
Released in August 2016, this meaningful track also carries the band’s feelings for their hometown of Kumamoto, which was struck by an earthquake.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to those who are trying to move forward despite setbacks and anxieties, and to anyone who wants to express gratitude to someone important.
The holeKing Gnu
A ballad that gently accompanies those carrying loneliness, loss, and wounded hearts.
It begins with a serene piano melody, then unfolds into a deeply poignant soundscape woven from strings and reverb-laden drums.
The lyrics, crafted by Daiki Tsuneta, express profound empathy for people bearing emotional scars and a powerful desire to protect the ones they love.
The music video, directed by filmmaker Takuya Uchiyama, beautifully portrays the shifting dynamics of a couple’s love.
When you want to take time alone to face yourself, or when your heart feels unsettled, this work offers quiet healing along with deep resonance.
7 daysphatmans after school
This song delicately portrays the feeling of nearly losing sight of life’s meaning and one’s sense of worth, told through the course of a week’s everyday life.
Within its calm, narrative tone, a loneliness and isolation—like not being needed by anyone—quietly seep through, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released to the world as a track on phatmans after school’s double A-side single “FR/DAY NIGHT” in July 2015, it is also included on the band’s second album, “Unchronicle.” When you’re struggling in life and feel stuck, this song will surely stay close to your heart.
It’s a piece we hope those who feel doubt or anxiety about living will listen to.
MindsetKamikita Ken
A ballad that evokes deep empathy, woven from tranquil acoustic guitar and delicate vocals.
In this piece, Ken Kamikita turns inward, expressing the emotions and conflicts that lie deep within his heart.
It portrays a heartfelt plea to have one’s existence acknowledged, the anxiety and confusion of searching for the meaning of life, and the complex state of finding a kind of solace in the world’s indifference.
Released in April 2017 on the mini-album “LAYERED” and unveiled alongside a concept book, the work drew attention as an ambitious project that fused music and literature.
When you face hardship and feel on the verge of losing your sense of purpose, this song will stay close to your heart and give you the courage to confront yourself.