[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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- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
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- A song about losing a friend: bereavement, betrayal, and separation.
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- [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
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- [Thank You] A classic song expressing gratitude to one’s parents. A number loved across generations.
[Songs of Bereavement] Songs for those who have lost someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one (41–50)
globeYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu, known for his unique background starting as a Vocaloid producer and for tie-ins with films and TV, released the single “Spinning Globe” on July 26, 2023.
It was created as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film “The Boy and the Heron.” The song centers on memories of those who have passed away or things that have been lost, as well as hope for the future, expressing Yonezu’s gratitude for the influences he received since childhood and through his own music.
Its melody and lyrics convey not only a sense of loss but also strong resolve and the courage to forge one’s own path.
Recommended for those striving to face forward after grief and for anyone seeking hope in the future.
[Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one (51–60)
I long to see you now.MISIA
This is a song by MISIA, notable for her powerful vocals that sound like she’s desperately trying to deliver her feelings to somewhere out of reach.
Written as the theme song for the drama “JIN,” it was created around the theme of “life,” inspired by the portrayal of a doctor confronting life itself in the story.
The song feels like a message sung to a beloved person one can no longer meet, and emotions like regret and sorrow are palpably conveyed through both the lyrics and her resonant, powerful voice.
Anytime Anywheremilet
A song by milet woven with a heart-touching voice on the theme of parting with a loved one.
Released in January 2024 as the ending theme for the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, this piece gently embraces the feeling of trying to move forward while cherishing memories of someone you’ve lost forever.
The message that “memories of those who have passed away become part of your very being and a source of strength to live” carries strong conviction.
Seamlessly aligning with the anime’s worldview while also resonating with each listener’s own memories of someone precious, this work is a gentle song that softly accompanies those who bear the sorrow of losing a loved one and those who wish to face those memories.
366 daysHY
HY’s “366 Days” is a work that expresses the heartbreak of lost love and the strength to keep looking forward, conveyed through a melody that is both delicate and powerful.
Since its 2008 release, it has continued to be beloved by many listeners, and its influence is immeasurable—having also been chosen as the theme song for the film “Threads of Destiny” (Akai Ito).
For those who have experienced heartbreak or the loss of someone dear, this song can serve as a source of empathy and comfort.
By listening while reflecting on your own experiences, you may find a way to beautifully honor the love you lost and discover the courage and hope to take a new step forward.
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.
One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
A classic by singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki, whose soul-stirring acoustic guitar and vocals strike straight to the heart.
Though it was first released back in 1997, it was re-released in 2007 as the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s animated film “5 Centimeters per Second.” Many people may have discovered the song through that connection.
The refrain—subtly changing the words as it goes, “there’s no way you’d ‘be’ here, no way you’d ‘come’ here, no way it would ‘exist’ here”—is sung with quiet intensity and heightens the sense of loss.
Despite its sad theme, it remains a beautiful song that has been cherished for over two decades.
futureKobukuro
Kobukuro, a musical duo known for moving lyrics and melodies, released their song “Mirai” on December 16, 2015.
It also drew attention as the touching theme song for the film “orange.” Filled with anxieties and hopes for the future, deep affection, and the bond with a loved one, this song is especially recommended for those who want to stay positive while remembering someone precious they have lost.
As you take in the heartfelt message conveyed through their warm vocals, why not reflect on the days you spent with someone important to you?