[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] Depressing Songs to Listen to When You're Stuck after a Breakup or Relationship Issues (41–50)
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?
[Relatable Lyrics] Depressing Songs to Listen to When You're Stuck in Heartbreak or Relationships (51–60)
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.
scattered; in pieces; all over the placeHoshino Gen
The idea that everyone can become one, or should become one, is just a misconception.
People are alone—and that’s okay.
This song carries that message.
It’s an early track by Gen Hoshino.
Although he’s strongly associated with upbeat music, some of his early works also express a rather brooding, introspective side.
excuseSha ran Q
It was the theme song for a drama about an affair.
The song rhythmically portrays the sorrowful feelings of a man who’s being toyed with by the woman he loves.
It’s painful when you realize you’re serious and the other person is just playing around.
Singing it at karaoke when you’re feeling lonely might help blow some of that loneliness away.
Write it as “regret,” read it as “future.”mafumafu
A rock ballad by Mafumafu that gently resonates with the hearts of those carrying sorrow and despair.
Through delicate lyrics and an emotional melody, it portrays the inner cries of a protagonist tormented by anguish so deep they wish for death, yet lacking even the courage to end their life.
Released in January 2021 and included on the album “Yoaiseki Universe,” the song was written for the smartphone rhythm game “Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE! feat.
Hatsune Miku.” It is a track that tenderly embraces those who are exhausted by living or burdened by pain they cannot share with anyone around them.