[Old Love Songs] Love songs that recall a love that has ended
There are loves that are still ongoing, and loves that have ended but can’t be forgotten.
In this article, we’re introducing “songs of past love.”
They’re songs that make you remember and feel nostalgic about old romances—sometimes even bring you to tears with a passion that hasn’t cooled.
We’ve gathered a variety, from bright, breezy tracks that feel completely refreshed to bittersweet love songs where the wounds still don’t seem to heal.
If you’re looking for love songs that bring back memories of past relationships, be sure to give these a listen.
Take your time and lose yourself, alone, in the memories of a nostalgic love.
- [Once More…] A lingering-attachment song: a song about a love you can’t forget
- [No Going Back] A Love Song About Regret
- [Lingering Feelings and Regrets] A Love Song for You Who Can’t Forget Your Ex-Boyfriend
- Classic songs that sing about the past. Recommended popular tracks.
- A love song that feels like youth. Love songs you want to listen to—and remember—during your adolescent years.
- Bittersweet love songs to listen to when the person you like already has a girlfriend or boyfriend
- A love song that reminds those in their 60s of a forgotten romance
- Breakup songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of classic tracks that capture heartbreaking feelings
- A heartbreak song that resonates in the chest of a man in his 60s: memories of youth woven by classic Showa-era masterpieces
- Bittersweet feelings come rushing back! Recommended love songs for the Yutori generation
- [Remembering the Pain of Love…] Breakup Songs Recommended for People in Their 60s
- From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs
- Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 70s. A collection of classic Showa-era breakup masterpieces.
[Old Love Songs] Romance songs that recall a finished love (21–30)
Oh, my former lovermatsuri
This heartwarming song by Matsuri gently portrays the feelings of a woman who, while reminiscing about a former lover, tries to move forward.
Released in March 2024, it weaves together lingering attachments to someone who comes to mind late at night and a positive resolve to take a new step.
With vocals that embrace the listener and carefully chosen words, it offers solace to those hoping to recover from heartbreak.
Included on the album “Someday, It Became Part of Life,” its music video presents a worldview themed around a “journey through memories.” It’s recommended for anyone who relates to the complex emotions after a romance ends or who needs the energy to move on.
Because I fell in loveaimyon
Don’t you feel like Aimyon’s breakup songs don’t have that damp, gloomy vibe? You can sense the lingering feelings, but there’s also this upbeat “I’ll keep moving forward!” attitude.
The way she sings things like “Because I loved you, I got to know you” feels so quintessentially Aimyon in how she embraces it.
If it’s this kind of lingering attachment, you almost want to cherish it, don’t you?
ex-darlingkuriipuhaipe
CreepHyp’s latest work warmly depicts lingering attachment to a lost love and days gone by.
With its soft tones and gentle melody, it’s a song that tenderly colors the memories of an unforgettable lover.
The straightforward expression of feelings for an ex-partner will quietly resonate with listeners.
Released in April 2022, this track is a re-recording to commemorate the band’s 10th major-label anniversary.
Listening while holding dear your precious memories may give you the courage to take a new step forward.
I miss youBEGIN
It’s an old song, but it really has a soothing feel, doesn’t it? The straightforward lyrics and relaxed rhythm bring back all kinds of memories.
The lyrics that show regret are truly moving.
It’s a bittersweet and beautiful song, I think.
wedge (kusabi)Oku Hanako
You can’t easily forget the happy days you spent with your lover, can you? “Kusabi (Wedge),” a song that gently stays close to the hearts of those who feel lonely, was released in 2015 by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku.
She has performed it since her indie days, and it has earned strong popularity among fans.
Its piano sound, resonant with majestic strings, is striking.
The poignant lyrics, which bring back memories of someone precious, are sure to bring tears.
It’s a dramatic piano ballad especially for those who feel, “I can’t help wanting to get in touch with that person…”
Happy Endingback number
This is a poignant song by back number that portrays a woman putting on a brave face at the moment of parting.
On the surface she tries to send him off with a smile, yet she cannot let go of her feelings for him, and the delicate depiction of her inner turmoil is deeply moving.
Written as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” released in December 2016, it also drew attention for its music video featuring actress Erika Karata, and was later included on the album “Encore.” If you find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to give up while still harboring feelings for someone you love, you may see yourself in this song.
It’s a soul-stirring track that will make you want to listen to it again and again through tears.
lingering loveKitatani Ruki
A song by Ruki Kitaya that delicately portrays lingering attachment and bittersweetness after a love has ended.
The protagonist’s emotions, as they try over and over in dreams to start again, are deeply moving.
Their search for the reason behind the “change of heart,” and the inability to forget the final moment, come across almost painfully.
Released in January 2023, this piece showcases the depth of Kitaya’s musicality.
While holding the pain of heartbreak, it gently encourages those who are trying to move forward.
It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone who has just gone through a breakup or is feeling the loneliness of losing someone important.