[So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
A feeling like your chest is being tightly squeezed…
Heartbreak, parting from someone precious, the daily pains…
Here are some heartbreaking songs that will bring tears to your eyes when you listen.
We’ve gathered tracks for those who want to have a good cry or be comforted by songs that share the same feelings.
From timeless classics to the latest releases, we’re covering a wide range—so be sure to read to the end.
Even with sad songs, finding ones you can relate to helps you realize you’re not alone.
By the time you finish listening, your sadness and heartache might just turn a little more positive.
Let these wistful songs guide you, and allow yourself to honestly let out your weakness and pain as your emotions lead you.
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[Tearjerkers] Songs so heartrending and sad they make your chest tighten (51–60)
On nights when I’m too lonely to sleepAimer
It’s a single released by Aimer in 2011.
The choice to use only piano accompaniment is bold, and it highlights Aimer’s distinctive vocals while also conveying the song’s message more clearly.
As the title suggests, the sound and singing powerfully evoke the loneliness of a solitary night and the pain of not being able to see someone important.
Whether it’s overthinking that keeps you awake, or sleeplessness that leads to overthinking—this song captures that imagery and expresses the anguish of such feelings.
passing by each otherSoala
The delicate nuances of love expressed by the up-and-coming singer-songwriter Soala are deeply moving.
Released in 2023, “Sureshigai” (“Passing Each Other By”) is a song that traces the feelings of a woman who’s been told it’s over.
The track became a hot topic on social media and resonated with many, poignantly depicting lovers whose hearts miss each other’s mark.
The subtle lyrics that color the verses seep into your soul, and in the chorus, her emotionally rich vocals strike right at the listener’s heart.
It’s a song that stays by your side in those moments when your own feelings start to overlap with the story and tears begin to flow on their own.
Anyone who has tasted the pain of heartbreak will find themselves in tune with the emotions woven into the lyrics.
blinkback number
This is a song released by back number in 2017 as their 17th single.
It was used as the theme song for the film “The 8-Year Engagement.” The lyrics say that happiness isn’t about a string of dazzling moments, but about being able to gently reach out your hand when sadness befalls someone you love.
It’s a song that makes you think deeply about what “happiness” truly is.
Everyday Revolutionneguse.
On long nights spent facing a breakup—or when you’re looking for an outlet for feelings you’ve tucked away—Neguse’s “Nichijou Kakumei” (Everyday Revolution) is just what you need.
Released in September 2022, this song’s warm melody and lyrics pierce deeply into the listener’s heart.
It opens with recollections of happier days and gradually shifts toward the sorrow of lost love.
With fresh, vivid emotion, it traces how small changes in everyday life can lead to a heartbreaking farewell.
In the music video, memories flash by like a revolving lantern, emotionally portraying the loneliness of joyful times slipping away.
The blend of tenderness and sadness in this song will loosen your tear ducts before you know it.
[So Moving It Brings You to Tears] Songs So Bittersweet and Sad They Make Your Chest Tighten (61–70)
Sakura Lovemosao.
Singer-songwriter Mosawo, who sings love songs from a woman’s perspective and has been gaining empathy and attention.
Her new work “Sakura Koi” was created based on stories from high school girls.
Many tales of unrequited love were sent to Mosawo, and she wove those words into the lyrics.
Because it’s grounded in real experiences, you can truly feel the ache in your chest.
The melody, overflowing with wistfulness, also draws you in and lets the lyrics sink in effortlessly.
You’ll likely find parts that overlap with your own experiences, so let yourself cry your heart out.
somedaySaucy Dog
A song that stays close to your heart when you’re hurting from a breakup.
Released by Saucy Dog in 2017, this track is a poignant number that delicately portrays memories with a former lover.
Concrete scenes—the sloping road, the starry sky, the moment of holding hands—press close to the chest.
Its warm melody and Shinya Ishihara’s emotive vocals stir the soul.
The song was also chosen as the ending theme for AbemaTV’s AbemaPrime in March.
Even while carrying the pain of heartbreak, the lyrics give you the courage to look ahead—“until the day we meet again”—and you’ll surely find yourself relating to them.
Because you are hereUru
Speaking of Uru, she’s a singer-songwriter known for uploading vocal performance videos of various songs to her YouTube channel even before her debut.
She has released many wonderful tracks such as “Prologue” and “Kiseki,” but it was “Anata ga Iru Koto de” that brought her breakthrough.
The song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Theseus no Fune.” Many listeners were deeply moved by the lyrics, which resonate with the story’s depiction of bonds with loved ones.
It’s a gentle ballad, yet her overwhelming vocal prowess gives the piece a powerful emotional impact.
