Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]

when the party’s overBillie Eilish50rank/position

Billie Eilish – when the party’s over

A song that steps back from the dazzling scene of a party to calmly reflect on a weary state of mind.

Released in October 2018 as the second single from the album “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?”, this piece sings of the complex emotions where loneliness and relief coexist at the end of a romantic relationship.

With nearly a hundred vocal tracks layered to create a rich sonic image despite the minimal use of instruments, its production is breathtaking.

The music video—featuring black tears streaming from the eyes—sparked conversation, and the serene performance at the Grammy Awards left a lasting impression on many.

For those who resonate with the moment of drawing boundaries to protect oneself while bearing the pain of accepting a relationship’s end, this is a work you should definitely hear.

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu51rank/position

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

This song, Yuzu’s “Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~,” was the set piece for the 80th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition in 2013.

As the title suggests, it’s also a staple graduation song.

Even for those long past their graduation days, it’s a moving track that brings back memories of old friends and fills you with nostalgia, wondering how they’re doing now.

For some, those friends have been a source of strength, helping them make it this far.

Listening to it will make you want to reach out to those friends from the past.

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utatane

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somedaySaucy Dog52rank/position

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

A straightforward, honest love song that brings the ache and poignancy of heartbreak right to your chest.

Through real-life scenes—like the deserted park at Tawarayama and the sloping road where you can see the starry sky—the memories woven together vividly portray feelings for a precious person you can never meet again.

Released in May 2017 as a track on the album “Country Road,” this piece gently embraces an unforgettable love with warm lyrics that blend in the local Shimane dialect.

Its softly resonant melody offers quiet comfort to those who want to hold their one-sided love close, and to those who can’t quite put an end to a past romance.

Maplesupittsu53rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

It’s one of Spitz’s signature ballads and an absolutely indispensable song when introducing bittersweet tracks.

The song was originally included on the March 1998 album “Fake Fur,” and was later released as a single.

It has been used as an insert song across eras, in dramas like “Over Time” and “silent,” so I think many people have heard it.

The lyrics convey a heartfelt resolve to keep moving forward while holding tight to memories of a beloved person one can no longer meet, and it really squeezes your heart.

Masamune Kusano’s soft, clear vocals and the band’s warm performance seem to gently permeate a sorrowful heart, while at the same time accentuating the loneliness embedded in the lyrics.

You Break Me FirstTate McRae54rank/position

Tate McRae – you broke me first (Official Video)

This is a heartbreak song by Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae that holds both strength and fragility.

It portrays the cold yet sorrowful feelings when an ex who once hurt you reaches out only when it’s convenient for them.

The line “You’re the one who broke me first” pushes them away, squeezing your chest as you hear it.

Behind those searing words, it feels as if there’s a deep sadness so intense that without saying them, her heart might fall apart.

For anyone who’s been through a painful love, it may resonate with that moment when you put on a brave face to protect yourself.

Her delicate vocals riding over a quiet beat gently wrap around that pain and bring you to tears.

Karakuri Pierrot40mP55rank/position

[Hatsune Miku (40mP)] Karakuri Pierrot [Original]

This is a Vocaloid song that makes you feel the pain of self-deprecation—calling oneself a clown for simply being strung along by the person they like.

It’s a track by 40mP, a prolific Vocaloid producer known for creating numerous masterpieces like “Torinoko City,” “Love Trial,” and “Eye Examination,” and it was released in 2011.

One of its features is a sound that’s lively and glamorous, yet tinged with sadness.

At first listen, you might think it’s a bright song, but if you unravel the lyrics, the true meaning of the arrangement comes into focus.

You can almost see the protagonist’s smile—and it brings you to tears.

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Araki Jakkan

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Until the day I can no longer rememberback number56rank/position

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

A masterpiece that beautifully portrays the inner landscape where the grief of losing a loved one intersects with the desire to hold on to their memories.

The gentle, humming-like melody, the understated guitar riff, and Iyori Shimizu’s wistful vocals all deepen the emotions of parting.

Released in October 2011, this song is included on the album “Superstar” and was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s music program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” Although the vocal range is fairly wide, the calm melodic line makes it a song you can sing while savoring the lyrics.