[No Going Back] A Love Song About Regret
You might have regrets too—like breaking up with someone you loved, or giving up before confessing your feelings.
People often say “There’s no use crying over spilt milk,” but once it’s over, you can’t help thinking, “I should have done this,” or “I wish I’d done that.” In this article, we’re introducing love songs about regret that we hope you’ll listen to.
We’ve gathered many tracks—from songs that express a heart weighed down by regret to ones that try to move forward despite the remorse—so give them a listen if you’d like.
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- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
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- [Tearjerker Guaranteed!] A Heartbreak Song Told from a Male Perspective
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- [Adultery Song] A forbidden song about an affair that sings of an impossible love
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- Just listening makes my chest tighten... Breakup songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- A song of forbidden love. A heartrending, sorrowful love song.
[No Going Back] Love Songs of Regret (1–10)
Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta
We swore to love each other forever, yet now I’m all alone.
Even in this aching situation, I can’t let go of my gratitude and tender feelings for you.
This work, which sent shockwaves through the J-POP scene, is a masterpiece that portrays memories that keep shining even after a breakup, and a strong bond that can’t be cut.
Released as a single in May 2009 and also included on the album “Ring,” this song marked the beginning of the MiliShow era—a collaboration between Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.
On lonely nights, I put on a brave face, but deep down I just want to cry.
Listening to it in moments like that can help you regain your honest feelings.
It’s a song for anyone who wishes they could start over.
SaudadePorunogurafiti
The fourth single by Porno Graffitti, titled with the Portuguese word for “homesickness” or “longing.” Written from a woman’s perspective, the lyrics capture a premonition that her partner’s heart is drifting away, along with the aching inability to let go.
Released in September 2000 as their fourth single, it topped the Oricon weekly chart.
The song was featured as the theme for TBS’s mini-drama Wonderful, used in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercials, and served as an ending theme for the UHF anime ReLIFE.
Incorporating Latin-style arrangements for the first time, this track became the foundation of the band’s signature sound.
A wistful number recommended for anyone grappling with the fear of a change of heart.
The summer you gave meieiri reo
This is a celebrated song by Leo Ieiri that became a massive hit as the theme for the Monday 9 p.m.
drama Koinaka.
Overlapping with the drama’s heartrending story starring Sota Fukushi and Tsubasa Honda, it’s a song that surely tightens many listeners’ chests.
Released in August 2015 as her 10th single, the track delicately depicts the sweet yet bittersweet emotions—from the pure beginning of a romance, to the frustrating drift of hearts without noticing, and the regret upon realizing there’s no going back.
Leo Ieiri’s clear, powerful vocals highlight the fleeting nature of summer and love.
It’s a beautiful, wistful summer song that makes you suddenly remember someone you loved, someone you may never see again.
[No Going Back] A Love Song of Regret (11–20)
Cold fireworksKami ga nokoshita yume o kuu.
This song is a heartbreaking breakup ballad that overlays the dazzling burst of fireworks with a love coming to an end.
Though they stand side by side, their hearts no longer connect.
That frustrating relationship is portrayed against the backdrop of a late summer night.
The emotional vocals convey the painfully raw feeling of wanting to cling to memories while knowing there’s no going back.
It resonates deeply with anyone carrying an unforgettable love.
You’re not here.Saucy Dog
A number by Saucy Dog that resonates with the heart in the summer twilight.
This song sets the protagonist’s aching feelings—holding on to unforgettable memories of love and a longing that can’t reach its destination—to a driving, exhilarating melody.
The emotions wavering between scenes of joyful days and the reality that can never be reclaimed tighten the listener’s chest.
The sentiment, akin to resignation, of “I can’t believe in forever” deeply resonates.
Released in July 2021, the track is also included on the mini-album Lazy Sunday.
It served as the ending theme for Iwate Menkoi TV’s music program BEATNIKS in September 2021.
Give it a listen on a summer night when you want to feel a little sentimental, or when you’d like to quietly reflect on a past love.
It will surely stay close to your heart.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
It’s a song by aiko that portrays a delicate heart: identifying with an insect that protects itself with a hard shell yet is fragile inside, and acting tough precisely because it’s in love.
Like that insect that cannot survive the winter, the song foresees the end of love, yet its deep affection moves you as it tries to accept even the sadness as a cherished memory.
Released in November 1999, it was also used as the ending theme for TBS’s CDTV.
If you’ve ever found yourself putting on a brave front in front of someone you like, you’ll understand this all too well! As you listen, may you embrace that awkwardness as a part of yourself and find the courage to step forward into tomorrow.
Never again…BENI
“I just want to hear your voice one more time, but I can’t.” This is BENI’s renowned ballad that sings of a heartbreakingly painful wish.
The lyrics, torn between lingering feelings for an unforgettable lover and the resolve to tell oneself there’s no going back to the past, will squeeze the hearts of anyone bearing the same pain.
There’s even an anecdote that BENI herself unexpectedly shed tears during the music video shoot, which speaks to the depth of emotion poured into this piece.
Released in December 2008 and tied in with a MBS-affiliated TV program, its memorable melody—marked by piano and strings—surely lingers in many listeners’ minds.
Also included on the album “Bitter & Sweet,” this song might be the perfect one to let a few quiet tears fall to.