[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.
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- [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!
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- Gently staying close to a wounded heart… A Reiwa-era heartbreak song
[Relatable Lyrics] Depressing Songs to Listen to When You're Stuck in a Breakup or Relationship Issues (11–20)
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
It’s a song marked by a beautiful piano tone and vocals.
Lyrics with a strong message can sometimes feel oppressive and bring you down, but Chihiro Onitsuka’s soaring, beautiful voice purifies them and becomes soothing instead.
How about listening to it on a quiet moonlit night?
As an ex-boyfriendMy Hair is Bad
The straightforward title sparks all kinds of imagined worlds even before you hear the song.
In this track, the narrator harshly criticizes his ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend.
What emotions are swirling beneath the surface of this man’s heart? Lingering attachment to his ex, regret, jealousy—whatever the case, despite the upbeat tempo, the song stirs a sense of urgency that conveys the feelings of a man who can’t accept the present situation.
Biting the second handzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
A striking debut by ZUTOMAYO, perfect for when you’re weighed down by a nameless haze you can’t put into words.
ACA-ne’s delicate yet energetic vocals and the addictive melodies co-written with Nuyuri, also known as a Vocaloid producer, give voice to complex emotions.
When the music video dropped in June 2018, it quickly became a sensation and has since surpassed 100 million views.
Its sound, fusing funk and rock, and lyrics that lay bare restless feelings are sure to pierce the listener’s heart.
When you’re struggling with relationships or the future and feel utterly lost, why not surrender yourself to this song?
cellsatou
This work by singer-songwriter Sato draws on the curious fact that the human body completely renews itself every few years.
Its message—like reexamining oneself in a changing city—is delicately woven together with the sound of an acoustic guitar.
Released in July 2024, it marked the finale of a seven-month run of consecutive releases.
It’s also included on the album “Like a Newborn’s Cry.” Sato is a rising figure known for the hit song “3%” and the anime theme “Rourou.” When you’re unsettled by changes in your environment or unsure of who you are, listening might just lighten your heart.
How about lending an ear alone on a quiet night?
Maybe it didn’t have to be you after all.yangusukinii
A rock number by Young Skinny that puts into raw words the end of an ambiguous relationship and the self-loathing that crashes over you after a breakup.
The lyrics spun by Kayu speak not in pretty platitudes but carve out the pain of love, likely striking deep in listeners’ hearts.
Included on their major-label 1st EP, “Donna Koto ni Demo Shiawase o Kanji Rukoto ga Dekita Nara,” released in September 2023, it also drew attention as the opening theme for the drama “When the Intercom Rings.” This track rides muddy, swamp-like emotions atop a driving guitar-rock sound, promising to gently stay close to you on nights when your feelings won’t neatly add up.
It’s a must-listen for anyone caught in a restless, unsettling romance or still nursing the wounds of heartbreak.
remainingYoshizawa Kayoko
A bittersweet number that highlights Kayoko Yoshizawa’s languid vocals.
Its delicate, film-like imagery stirs an indescribably profound feeling.
The protagonist’s memories of a mere “one day” seem to drift by along with the soothing melody.
It may not plunge you into despair, but it’s perfect for those times when you just want to linger in a pensive mood—a highly recommended track for such moments.
[Relatable Lyrics] Depressive Songs to Listen to When Heartbreak or Relationships Have You Stuck (21–30)
Even if it’s one of a kindkujira
That sudden sense of loneliness, the impatience that comes from comparing yourself to others.
KujiRa’s “Even If I’m an Only One” gives voice to those feelings that have nowhere to go.
Released digitally in July 2025, the track is also included as the coupling song on the CD single featuring the opening theme for the anime “Shabake.” The lyrics, which capture fragments of contemporary life, and the light yet somehow wistful melody slip right into your heart.
We all have those nights when we worry we’ll never become anyone at all, don’t we? In those moments, KujiRa’s distinctive choice of words is sure to gently loosen a heart grown stiff.