Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs.
I’ve put together a generous selection of negative, melancholy songs with the theme of “despair.” Whether it’s heartbreak from unrequited or impossible love, or setbacks in life, the shades of despair vary, with each artist’s individuality and emotions on full display.
When you just want to sink into your feelings, why not listen closely and let yourself fully experience despair, all the way to the very bottom? Some songs even let a glimmer of hope shine through the despair.
Savor that deep despair, then switch gears and get back to enjoying life!
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Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs (41–50)
There was no meaning to being born.mafumafu
This song is striking for its delicate vocals that surface from the darkness of the heart and its deep lyrics that dwell on nihilism and loss.
While it sings of losing the meaning of life and feeling alienated from society, it also conveys a will to move forward, giving it a philosophical depth.
Released in August 2019 and included on Mafumafu’s album “Kagurairo Artifact,” the piece showcases his finely tuned sensibility and expressive power to the fullest.
The composition is masterful, unfolding from a quiet piano intro into a grand band sound, where elements of emotional rock and balladry fuse in exquisite balance.
It’s a song that lets you feel the presence of someone who shares the same loneliness and sense of emptiness when you’re tormented by them.
Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs (51–60)
Nothing I do goes well.meiyo
It’s an addictive song that lays bare the muddled thoughts and days when nothing goes right.
Released by meiyo in January 2022, it unfolds a distinctive sound that deftly weaves together humor and relatability.
Packed with contemporary themes—self-loathing, comparing oneself to others, and the struggle with social media validation—it’s sung in a self-addressing tone that leaves a strong impression.
The music video also portrays everyday “not going well” moments—like failing to split disposable chopsticks cleanly, or finding chopsticks included with a pudding—creating a unique, offbeat world.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you can’t sort out your feelings or when you feel unable to move forward.
It’s a completely rotten life.takayan
A searing song that gently stands by listeners who feel despair in life.
It’s a track by Takayan, released in September 2019 and included on the album “Zenbu Kudara nee” (“Everything’s Worthless”).
The lyrics candidly pour out the struggle of living, paired with an emotional melody line.
It lays bare the worries of young people who don’t quite fit into society’s mold, and many will likely find it relatable.
It’s a song that resonates when you feel stuck in your own life or worn out by your relationships with others.
Samezame-ooYOAKE
A poignant song by YOAKE that portrays deep despair and a sense of being at a loss.
Centered on the complexity of romantic feelings and inner turmoil, it delicately expresses the sense of lost love and the emotional upheaval that comes with it.
Released in October 2021, the track features striking lyrics that seem to symbolize the sorrow of unfulfilled desires and dreams.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or the loss of love and feel as though they’re about to break.
Instead of carrying it all alone, why not listen to this song and realize, “I’m not the only one”? It might just make things feel a little lighter.
reincarnationboku no ririkku no bouyomi
Rinne Tensei is a song that condenses feelings of impatience, despair, and resignation.
Released in 2018 by Boku no Lyric no Boyomi—known on Niconico under the name Shigaisen—it starts off with a subdued atmosphere, then swells powerfully into the chorus, offering comfort to a downcast heart.
It’s the kind of track you’ll want to listen to alone with your eyes closed when helpless emotions swirl amid repetitive days.
Highly recommended with headphones or earphones.
He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon
It’s a soul-stirring song that confronts the weight of life.
Released as Aimyon’s ambitious major-label debut in November 2016, it layers warm, heartfelt lyrics over stark despair to question the preciousness and sanctity of living.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV drama “Is Kichijoji the Only Place You Want to Live?”, its fresh yet powerful vocals resonated deeply with listeners.
Blending elements of folk and pop rock, the song is carried by the gentle tone of an acoustic guitar.
The lyrics, which stand beside those who have felt loneliness or the difficulty of living at least once, quietly echo in the listener’s heart.
When you’re feeling down or troubled, try listening to it alone in silence.
A night that makes me want to dieRen
There are times when something sad happens and you feel like throwing everything away, right? That feeling is portrayed vividly in “A Night That Makes Me Want to Die.” It’s a track released by the new-generation artist REN.
While it’s a laid-back R&B song, the flow accelerates as the protagonist’s despair deepens, which gives the piece an even more immersive feel.
Then, in the latter half, it gradually returns to a slower tempo, and the song ends with a single line of dialogue.
