[Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one.
A collection of songs themed around the loss of loved ones—partners, family, friends, and others dear to you.
There are songs steeped in deep sorrow, songs that express gratitude for the time shared in life, songs that look back on memories, and even songs told from the perspective of those who have passed away.
Though presented from many angles, all of them overflow with love for the departed and for those left behind.
If you are suffering from a sense of loss, or wish to sort through your feelings for someone precious who has gone on ahead, please give these a listen.
We cannot forget the reality of parting, but as you listen, you will likely find yourself able to look back on the days you spent together with a calmer heart.
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- [Memorial Song] A moving classic and love song dedicated to a beloved person embarking on a journey to heaven
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Music Funeral] BGM to Remember the Deceased | Spotlight on Requiems and Dirges Praying for Peace
- A song about losing a friend: bereavement, betrayal, and separation.
- Songs to Play at My Own Funeral: Timeless Gems to Make Farewells Uniquely My Own
- Songs that Teach the Value of Life | A Collection of Masterpieces Celebrating the Wonder of Living
- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
- A Tearful Farewell Song: A Love Song About Parting with Someone You Love
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- A classic song that sings of gratitude to one’s parents. Thank you, Dad and Mom!
[Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing a loved one. Tracks to listen to while thinking of someone dear (1–10)
I miss youRADWIMPS
A song by RADWIMPS released in March 2021, marking 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Its heartrending lyrics, which portray the feelings of those who lost loved ones in the disaster, deeply move many listeners.
Some will surely be brought to tears by the lines filled with powerful longing for those who have passed away.
The track is included on the concept album “2+0+2+1+3+1+1= 10 years 10 songs.” As a message to keep the memory of the disaster from fading, it resonates not only with survivors but with countless others.
It’s a song we especially hope those who have experienced parting from someone dear will listen to.
Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu filled with deep sorrow and love.
Released in June 2019 as the theme song for the film Children of the Sea.
Through images like an empty room and a chair imbued with the scent of the sea breeze, it expresses lost connections and the fragility of happiness.
Lyrics that sing of memories of stars falling in the night sky and the hope of reuniting with a loved one, paired with a grand melody, resonate deeply with listeners.
The track recorded over 250,000 downloads in 2019 and received Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
It’s a song that stands beside those grieving the loss of someone precious and gives them the courage to look forward together.
lampSakiyama Soshi
The ending theme that Soshi Sakiyama released in July 2023 for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death” is a song that evokes deep loneliness and introspection.
Its lyrics, woven with regret, swirling emotions, and also hope and love, express the complexity of the human heart.
The piece was reportedly created with thoughts for the character Suguru Geto from the anime.
Sakiyama carefully studied the original work and crafted a song that matches the anime’s worldview.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who has experienced parting with someone important or who wants to confront themselves.
[Songs of Bereavement] Songs for those who have lost someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of your loved one (11–20)
Once moreTani Yuuki
A heart-stirring, gem-like ballad imbued with a powerful desire to reclaim a lost love.
Tani Yuuki’s gentle vocals and the warm, tender melody further highlight the feelings toward someone precious.
Released in September 2022, the song was well received on streaming charts, and its music video—featuring grand CG visuals themed around cells—also drew attention.
Its message resonates: overcoming the loneliness and anxiety everyone can relate to, joining hands, and opening a path to the future together.
It’s a perfect track for those who want to face memories of a loved one and the emotions that follow a farewell.
cradlesaji
A heart-stirring ballad woven from memories of the singer’s real grandmother, where poignancy and warmth intersect.
Yoshida Takumi, vocalist of saji, delicately portrays relationships with family that everyone experiences—from nostalgic childhood memories, to the regret of acting cold during adolescence, and the sorrow of parting.
The song is included on the June 2022 album “Eureka,” and its music video, starring actor Ojiro Maeda, drew attention for its moving, drama-like narrative.
It is sure to offer genuine comfort to those who want to express gratitude to their family or who have experienced the loss of someone dear.
Beyond sorrowAimer
A deeply emotional ballad sung by Aimer as the commercial song for iichiko’s shochu “iichiko NEO.” It portrays the feelings for a beloved person who has been lost and the strength to seek light beyond sorrow.
With a fragile yet powerful voice, the song expresses lingering smiles, memories, and wishes that cannot come true.
Included on the single “SPARK-AGAIN,” released in September 2020, it moved many listeners.
This is a song that offers comfort to those bearing the grief of losing someone dear or wishing to remember the departed.
A heartwarming piece that suggests there is hope even within sadness.
Clouds and GhostsYorushika
This song portrays the sorrow and poignancy of losing a loved one from the perspective of a protagonist who has become a ghost.
It delicately expresses the feelings of longing for a distant lover and the memories of places they shared, resonating deeply with listeners.
Included on Yorushika’s first mini-album, “Summer Grass Blocks the Way,” released in June 2017, it is a significant track that also inspired the band’s name.
The music video depicts the journey of a boy who has become a ghost through translucent, evocative animation.
It’s recommended for times when you want to be close to the grief of losing someone important or reflect on memories of the departed.
If you listen while looking up at the sky, it will surely seep into your heart.