[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
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- [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] Depressive Songs to Listen to When Heartbreak or Relationships Have You Stuck (21–30)
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.
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.
Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo
Singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena, who enjoys immense popularity especially among women.
This song, one of her signature tracks, is—as the title suggests—packed to the brim with the aching tenderness the narrator feels for the man she loves.
Reading the lyrics, some people might think the love expressed is “a bit heavy,” but in reality, many of us feel this strongly about our partners.
It can be hard to convey those feelings exactly as they are, but when your emotions feel like they’re about to overflow, give this song a listen.
LonelinessMrs. GREEN APPLE
This track, included on the album ANTENNA released in July 2023, squarely asks how we confront loneliness.
It portrays the protagonist’s introspection as they try to take a step forward despite their weakness and sense of stagnation, with lyrics that are striking for the heartbeat that emerges not by rejecting loneliness, but by accepting it.
In live performances, it’s unveiled amid a spectacle of pillars of flame in the darkness, and despite being an album track, it instantly raises the venue’s energy with its commanding presence.
The sound—where dark emotionality coexists with the driving force of dance music—is truly one of a kind.
It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when you want to face yourself or when you want to confirm the feelings deep in your heart.
IslandRemioromen
A track by Remioromen that’s full of a different vibe than usual.
The intro features a slow, extended, and beautifully played passage, followed by a darker song.
Even though the lyrics can be read as backward-looking, the arrangement somehow conveys a sense of light.
The chorus feels wonderfully liberating, giving the impression of being led out from a dark place.
See you in the next life.8utterfly
Singer-songwriter 8utterfly, often called the queen of “yami songs.” This track also voices the feelings of a woman heartbroken after her boyfriend’s betrayal, and if someone is struggling in the very same situation, it’s sure to become a precious song that stays by her side.
Looking at the lyrics, you’ll find bravado, regret, gratitude, and lingering attachment… It portrays the many emotions a heartbroken woman carries, and there’s no doubt listeners will relate.
planetariumOtsuka Ai
Ai Otsuka, who had a major breakthrough in the 2000s and still continues to work energetically, is someone whose songs many longtime listeners can probably still hum along to today.
Thanks to her own personality, she’s often associated with bright, lively songs, but she also has tracks like this one that invite you to really listen—and they’re wonderful in their own way.
This song is said to be about a boyfriend who passed away, but of course it deeply resonates in more general heartbreak situations as well.
It’s a song I’d love anyone to hear when they’re feeling down after a breakup and carrying feelings they can’t quite let go of right away.