[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 after a Breakup or Relationship Issues (41–50)
Unfit to be a loverKoresawa
“Unfit to Be a Lover” is an answer song to Koresawa’s track “Tabako.” It was originally written for Miyuhan, a singer-songwriter from Kagawa Prefecture, and later self-covered by Koresawa.
The song portrays lovers drifting apart, as the narrator reminisces about a former partner.
Although she was the one who initiated the breakup, memories of both the disliked and cherished aspects of her ex keep flooding back.
They say the past gets romanticized, and this song poignantly captures the regret that sets in after a relationship ends.
applausechiaki naomi
It clearly depicts the protagonist, who left their hometown lover to become a singer, feeling utterly lost after that lover’s death.
You can’t help thinking things like, “Why couldn’t I be there?” and yet they still have to carry on with their job as a singer as usual—that’s really tough, isn’t it?
It’s not that I want to die.Asanomachi
A song whose fleeting, translucent vocals almost bring you to tears.
Its lyrics—like the soft words that slip out in the stillness before sleep—gently embrace a lonely heart.
Asanomachii’s delicate production and KAFU’s crystal-clear voice blend beautifully, creating a work that deeply moves its listeners.
Released in August 2024 and included on the album “Yoi no Machi,” this track quietly stays close to those who feel life is hard or who struggle to find where they belong, and to those whose hearts are worn out by modern society.
It’s a song to lean on when you don’t want to force yourself to look ahead, but instead wish to face your feelings just as they are.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
A singer-songwriter beloved for relatable, down-to-earth lyrics, Koresawa delivers a piercing song of regret.
The protagonist is portrayed desperately trying to recover the warmth of lost days from the small personal items their partner left behind.
The depictions of miscommunication—“If only I’d paid more attention to them,” “If only they had cared more about me”—will resonate painfully with anyone who has parted ways with a long-time partner.
Released in March 2017, this work is marked by its acoustic sound.
For those who feel their own shortcomings led to the breakup, this song may quietly sit with you and allow you to shed your tears.
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
The theme song of the morning drama Toto Nee-chan.
From the tie-in and the title, some people might imagine it’s a cheerful song, but it was dedicated to a deceased mother while preparing her for her final appearance.
It’s a tearjerker that conveys the honest feelings of the family left behind.
existenceTENSONG
This is a heart-stirring song by TENSONG that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.
Released in December 2020, the track was created by guitarist Takuman based on his real-life experience, carefully depicting the emotions of being trapped in memories while trying to take a new step forward.
Vocalist Takabo’s high-tone voice expresses those feelings beautifully, and the deeply resonant melody line leaves a strong impression.
The music video is an animated piece created by an illustrator who was their classmate and reached 1.8 million views in eight months.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of a broken heart or who’ve experienced parting with someone important; we recommend listening to it alone on a quiet night.
ETERNAL BLUEMinami
This is a song by Minami that portrays the pain of being hurt by the cold, harsh words that overflow in the world and a rebellious spirit toward a difficult-to-live-in society.
From the quiet sound centered on the acoustic guitar, you can feel the instability of a heart where suffering keeps piling up.
Her uniquely deep, resonant voice overlaps with the sorrowful sound, powerfully expressing the tormenting desire to disappear from this place.
Many listeners will likely relate to the anguish of being tossed around by others’ words and the gradual loss of one’s true self.
