“I Want to See You”: A love song that makes you cry when you listen to it while you can’t meet
We’ve put together a collection of songs overflowing with “I miss you,” perfect for someone you like, an ex you’ve broken up with, or a partner in a long-distance relationship.
They’re all tear-jerking tracks that stay close to a aching heart, so you’re sure to find a song that resonates with your feelings.
Listening to sentimental music when you’re lonely might seem like it will only make things harder, but letting yourself sink into the sadness with a song can help you sort out your emotions and maybe even look forward again.
Find the tracks that speak to your heart, and take your time listening to your inner voice about what you want to do with that “I want to see you” feeling inside you.
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[I Want to See You] Love Songs That Make You Cry When You Listen While You Can’t Meet (41–50)
Even if we’re far apart (feat. WISE)Nishino Kana
Released in 2009 as her fifth single, Kana Nishino’s “Tookutemo.” The song features hip-hop musician WISE and was created after Nishino approached people on the street for a TV program and interviewed a real couple in a long-distance relationship.
It vividly portrays the emotional sway between the anxiety of not being able to meet because of the distance and the overpowering love that surpasses that anxiety.
With feelings of “I really like you” and “I love you,” we want to overcome the uncertainty, don’t we?
[I Want to See You] Love Songs That Make You Cry When You Listen While You Can't Meet (51–60)
Little StarOku Hanako
Beyond her beautiful voice, many women probably find themselves moved and relatable to Oku Hanako’s love songs with their heartrending lyrics.
The song “Chiisana Hoshi” (A Small Star) is a poignant love song that was released in 2006 with new arrangements from her indie days.
The anxiety of not knowing how the other person feels, and the way long distance or busy schedules keep you from meeting and only intensify that anxiety—many listeners will surely feel these emotions as if they were their own and be brought to tears.
It’s also a song that will undoubtedly resonate with those who have experienced heartbreak.
Dried flowersYuuri
Dry Flower is a song that depicts the after-story of Yuri’s masterpiece Kakurenbo, which was a huge hit in 2020.
It’s a gem that rivals Kakurenbo in its own right.
This time, the lyrics are from a woman’s perspective, expressing the heartbreaking feelings of someone who chose to break up while still in love.
Many listeners may relate—loving someone but finding no other choice than to part ways.
Although she chose the breakup herself, she still desperately wants to see him.
It’s a beautifully sad love song that’s perfect for those moments.
WithIkuta Rira
“With,” chosen as the inspiration song for the screen adaptation of Takeshi Kitano’s novel Analog, is performed by Ikuta Rira, the vocalist of YOASOBI, and was released in 2023.
Its lyrics center on the sincere feeling of “wanting to see the one you love,” intertwining with a beautifully expansive, grand melody.
Carried by her clear, transparent vocals, it’s a ballad that evokes everyday moments spent with someone precious.
When love or life isn’t going smoothly, let this song’s message be a source of comfort.
Dear daysHirai Ken
“Beloved Days” portrays the feeling that one’s love for a cherished person never changes, no matter how much time passes.
Singer-songwriter Ken Hirai released it in 2011.
The song expresses the aching desire to see a loved one at the moment of parting.
You can feel the emotion through the sound centered on his warm, heartfelt vocals.
Set against the beautiful tones of strings and synths, this ballad resonates with straightforward affection.
Let yourself be soothed by a track that gently stays close to your sense of helplessness.
catDISH//
This song, one of the signature tracks by the band DISH// fronted by Takumi Kitamura—who’s also active as an actor—tells a story from a male perspective about being unable to let go of a former lover.
The lyrics and music were written by the popular singer-songwriter Aimyon, and her unique viewpoint makes the lyrics both heartbreaking and catchy.
“Even if my ex-girlfriend had turned into a cat, I’d still want to see her again…” If you can relate to the protagonist’s desperate feelings, this song is sure to strike a chord.
Blue BenchSasuke
A music duo that rose to popularity through street performances, Sasuke is best known for their signature song “Aoi Bench” (“Blue Bench”).
Alongside a lively acoustic guitar, warm choral harmonies unfold.
The song beautifully portrays the helplessness and sense of loss when someone you love is no longer by your side.
The melancholy harmonica woven into the melody also conveys a poignant sadness.
It’s a number that gently accompanies the universal feeling of “If only I’d said this back then…”—be sure to give it a listen.