[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.
- [Bereavement Song] To you whom I can no longer meet... Tear-jerking songs about death
- 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 (51–60)
To my belovedMoriyama Naotaro
A ballad by Naotaro Moriyama imbued with thoughts for a dearly missed loved one.
Sung over a gentle, beautiful melody, the poignant lyrics convey the longing to search for someone you love and the wish to meet them once more.
Released in May 2004, it captured many hearts when it was used as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “To the One I Love,” which aired the same year.
This piece offers solace to those grieving the loss of someone precious and gives time to reflect on memories with that person.
Why not look up at the sky and let your thoughts drift to the one you love?
Love Funeral feat. majikokeichan
Kei-chan is a talented pianist and track maker born in 1996.
His piece “Aisou feat.
majiko” explores themes of deep emotion and yearning for lost love.
Released in December 2023, the track beautifully fuses Kei-chan’s delicate piano with majiko’s emotive vocals.
It particularly portrays, with nuance, gratitude and lingering attachment toward someone precious who has been lost, as well as the pain of bereavement, resonating deeply with listeners.
It is especially recommended for those trying to overcome feelings of loss and love, or those who wish to revisit cherished memories from the past.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
This song was written as the theme for the drama “Unnatural,” which portrays a forensic pathologist striving to uncover unnatural deaths.
It is one of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature tracks and is highly popular; many of you may know it, as it frequently ranked near the top of various charts, including karaoke.
As a song for a drama that deals with death, it expresses feelings for a beloved person who has been lost.
What I particularly want to draw attention to is the part that likens the sense of loss felt after leaving a loved one behind to the scent of a lemon.
Yonezu’s sensibility in expressing such sorrow and helplessness so beautifully is truly astonishing.
budKobukuro
This song, one of Kobukuro’s signature tracks, was written by Kentaro Kobuchi as a tribute to his late mother.
Reading the lyrics, you can see how it portrays a mother who was always working hard for her family.
You can also feel his gratitude toward her for supporting his dreams.
It’s a masterpiece that expresses feelings for a deceased mother, carried by a profoundly beautiful and moving melody.
The choice of the word “Tsubomi” (bud) is also wonderful—it feels as though all of his feelings are contained within it.
[Songs of Bereavement] Songs for those who have lost someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one (61–70)
I can’t put it into wordsOda Kazumasa
“Kotoba ni Dekinai” (Words I Can’t Say), a signature song by singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda—who has been active on Japan’s music scene since the 1970s—was released in 1979.
The song poignantly yet warmly portrays feelings so deep they defy words, and the tender thoughts we hold for those we love.
Its powerful message, capable of moving the hearts of all living beings, led to numerous media tie-ins and broad acceptance across diverse audiences.
Listening to this track may bring to mind a dearly departed loved one and give you strength to overcome the sorrow of loss.
It’s highly recommended for anyone seeking healing, or for those who want to spend a quiet moment reflecting on gratitude for someone they love.
the scent of flowersMr.Children
Mr.Children’s “Hana no Nioi” (“The Scent of Flowers”) was released in 2008 and served as the theme song for the film I Want to Be a Shellfish.
This is a song I want those who have lost someone dear and are struggling to move forward through deep sorrow to hear.
Listening to it, I think you’ll realize that sometimes a presence can be felt even more strongly after someone has passed away.
The lyrics also teach us that sadness and loneliness can transform into a shining light.
By the time you reach the end, you’ll likely feel empowered with a new perspective.
It’s a highly recommended song that will fill you with gratitude as you remember the departed.
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada’s song Hanataba wo Kimi ni (A Bouquet for You) became widely loved across generations, partly because it was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Toto Nee-chan.
It’s also said to be a song she dedicated to her late mother.
Listening with that in mind, you can understand the lyrics as a kind of funeral song—words sung to someone who is no longer here.
Rather than dwelling on sadness, the piece powerfully conveys a desire to express gratitude to a loved one.
