[Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing a loved one. Tracks to listen to while thinking of someone dear
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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- A song I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to
- [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
- [Thank You] A classic song expressing gratitude to one’s parents. A number loved across generations.
[Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one (161–170)
A world without goodbyesŌhashi Torio
A medium-tempo ballad woven from a gently soul-soothing voice and richly expressive strings.
The melody spun by Ohashi Trio seems to tell us that, while parting from someone dear is unavoidable, there is a world without “goodbyes” that spreads within our hearts, where memories continue to shine forever.
Listening to this song, some of you may have quietly pictured someone you can no longer meet.
Released in September 2022, this work colored the story as the theme song for the drama “Sayonara no Mukougawa.” Rather than overcoming the sorrow of farewell, it tenderly stays close to those who wish to embrace their goodbyes as warm memories and keep living with them.
squallMONGOL800
It’s a grand, dramatic slow ballad.
Unstoppable tears are likened to incessant rain, depicting deep sorrow and a sense of loss.
The lyrics are marked by profound feelings for a loved one and the sadness that comes with that love.
Included on the album “Daniel,” released in August 2006, it was MONGOL800’s first new work in about two and a half years.
Recommended as a song that gently accompanies those who are experiencing deep grief after losing someone precious.
Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu
An inspiring story from Macaroni Empitsu that captures the landscapes of people’s hearts, carried by a melody that gently nestles close.
The lead track from their August 2023 album “Adult Tears” delicately depicts fleeting feelings found in daily life and farewells with family.
Hattori’s clear, translucent vocals and the gently unfolding melody resonate deep within the listener.
The music video, directed by Yoshihito Mori—known for the Netflix film “We Couldn’t Become Adults”—also drew attention.
Through the perspective of the protagonist played by Shota Sometani, it asks what life means and underscores the preciousness of life itself.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to share in feelings for someone dear or soothe the emotions they hold quietly within.
my starRozarīna
A heart-touching song by Rosalía themed around parting with someone precious.
It portrays, through her warm vocals, the sorrow of suddenly losing a loved one and the strength to keep moving forward while holding onto the light they left behind.
Released in August 2023, the track was chosen as the ending theme for Season 2 of the TV anime EDENS ZERO.
It’s a song that will surely resonate with those who have experienced saying goodbye to someone important, or who continue to cherish a loved one in their hearts.
It is an anthem of encouragement for everyone who, even while carrying sadness, strives to face forward with the light that person left within them.
Hide-and-seekBIGMAMA
A sense of loss over a loved one, conveyed through childhood games.
It’s a gentle, consoling song that softly asks “Ready or not?” to someone precious who has vanished from before your eyes.
Set to a beautiful violin melody, it portrays—with a clear, pure vocal—the relationship with someone who has closed their heart, and the lonely feeling of having lost sight of their emotions.
This piece is included on the album “and yet, it moves: The Proper Way to Turn the Earth,” released in November 2009.
It will deeply resonate with those who have experienced sudden farewells or loss, or who feel a distance growing in their hearts.
In conclusion
We introduced some classic Japanese songs about bereavement. Each track really resonated deeply, didn’t it? Parting is equally painful for those who leave loved ones behind and for those who are left. Even if the sadness never completely heals, I hope that someday we can face it while holding our memories close to our hearts.