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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A masterpiece that sings of despair. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
The lyrics are strikingly lonely, evoking the image of an adult child.
The contrast between Chihiro Onitsuka’s warm yet powerful voice and the delicate, ballad-like melody is superb.
Her clear, translucent vocals make this a song that pierces the heart.
a May flyRADWIMPS
Since RADWIMPS usually puts out lots of happy love songs for their beloved girlfriends and tender ballads, I think this song caused quite a shock among fans when it was released.
Try listening while focusing on the lyrics, comparing it with their other songs.
viviYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu featuring a melody full of individuality and captivating vocal processing.
While the lyrics are heavy and dark, the melody is beautiful and even seems to evoke a sense of hope.
It’s a masterpiece with profound lyrics that stirs a range of emotions every time you listen.
I thought about killing myselfNakajima Mika
Mika Nakashima has a song with such a shocking title that you can’t help but do a double take, wondering, “Did she ever have a song like this?” The lyrics are as dark as if you were standing on the brink of despair, yet it’s a mysterious track that somehow makes you feel at ease when you listen to it.
Despair BillyMakishimamu Za Horumon
This song, which was used as the ending theme for the anime DEATH NOTE, became the catalyst for making them widely known, especially among young people.
It’s one of their simpler and more well-known tracks, so it’s often covered by copy bands and the like.
despairMUCC
The title says “Despair,” and the song truly lives up to that phrase.
It features a heavy metal-style melody, and together with the lyrics, it’s packed with an underground vibe.
It’s a song that makes you feel uneasy as you listen.
The moon for youCocco
It’s one of Cocco’s more negative songs.
Its vibe is a bit different from her usual work, and the intense guitar makes the melody line feel as if it’s expressing raw, untamed emotions—it’s really cool.
The different atmosphere is captivating.