7 types of sad songs: tear-jerker tracks for every scene

Love is litrokudenashi

Rokudenashi “The Flame of Love” / Rokudenashi – The Flame of Love [Official Music Video]

Set to a gentle piano melody, this song features striking lyrics that stay close to hearts burdened with loneliness and anxiety.

Centered on the theme of tender, glowing love, it conveys the will to overcome life’s hardships.

Released in February 2023, the track was born from a collaboration between vocalist Ninjin and Vocaloid producer MIMI.

Many listeners relate to the lyrics, which offer the courage to face forward without forgetting even a small warmth, even after experiences that leave the heart feeling empty.

It will surely resonate with those enduring difficult days or those who have gone through farewells with someone dear.

junkYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Junk

A bittersweet farewell song that portrays the resolve to keep living while carrying sorrow for what’s broken and can’t be reclaimed.

Written as the theme song for the film “Last Mile” and released in August 2024, this piece gives you the courage to face forward while accepting your imperfections.

It’s a song that stands with those who are hurting from heartbreak or who have lost something precious.

Yonezu’s distinctive melodies and profound lyrics deliver a moving resonance that stays with you.

Even if I forget somedayback number

back number - Even if I someday forget

A breakup song by back number that has captivated many with their love songs.

It’s a track included on their first album, “Ato no Matsuri.” I want to become someone who, even just once, would make the person I broke up with think, “I don’t want to forget you.” We may part ways now because we’ve grown distant or started to dislike each other, but being someone that the other person doesn’t want to forget—a presence they want to keep in their life—there’s a kind of pride in that, isn’t there? Whether I can become that kind of person, I want to be… back number has a way of singing those faint, earnest feelings in a completely straightforward way.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

I wonder if they have a boyfriend/girlfriend.NEW!PLUE

PLUE / Do They Have a Lover? Official Music Video

This piece portrays the struggle of being unable to give up your feelings even though you know the other person already has a partner.

While facing the reality that the one you love stands beside someone who suits them, a clumsy hope leaks through, quietly waiting for your own turn somewhere in your heart.

Knowing it won’t come true, yet being unable to suppress your love—this situation will likely resonate deeply with those experiencing unrequited love.

The gentle melodies of PLUE, a rock band from Nagoya, and the warm yet heartrending vocals of Masayuki Mizukawa embrace those timid emotions.

When you’re worn out from loving, why not surrender yourself to this song?

freesiaMarushii

Marcy – Freesia (Official Music Video)

Marcy is a rock band that continues to move hearts with relatable, down-to-earth lyrics and melodies.

This song delicately portrays the frustrating feelings of a woman who can’t leave a relationship she knows is nearing its end—a heartfelt rock ballad.

Ukyo Yoshida’s emotionally rich vocals intertwine with beautiful string arrangements, and the rising intensity toward the chorus is sure to tighten the listener’s chest.

Released as a single in April 2025, it was also selected as the theme song for the short film channel “Shunkan seju.” It is included on the album Flavors, released in November of the same year, and is gaining recognition as one of the band’s new signature tracks.

Why not listen to it when you’re struggling with unrequited love or on a night when you just want to let the tears flow?

one grainwacci

wacci “Hitotsubu” Music Video

This is a tearful ballad themed around the end of love, portraying the wavering heart of the one who chose to say goodbye.

As piano and strings gently resonate, the lyrics delicately weave together the complex feelings carried by each falling tear.

They convey not only the pain of a lost everyday life, but also a will to protect the future that once seemed possible—words that strike listeners deeply.

Released in October 2025, the song was created as a counterpart to “Even Though She Won’t Be My Girlfriend” from September of the same year.

The words crafted by vocalist Yohei Hashiguchi, who wrote and composed the piece, are especially memorable.

The music video depicts three couples each facing their own parting in the rain.

It’s a masterpiece to sink into alone on nights when your emotions refuse to be neatly resolved.

youHayashi Kazuki

Kazuki Hayashi “you” Official Music Video

This is a track included on the album “to,” which was entirely self-produced by Kazuki Hayashi, who also performs as a vocalist for DOBERMAN INFINITY.

Released in December 2025, the work is marked by a mellow sound rooted in R&B that’s uniquely his, and lyrics that vividly capture the emotions at the moment of parting.

The atmosphere of the morning when the key is returned, the room still bearing traces of the two of them—these depictions of lingering attachment mixed with gratitude toward a love that has ended are sure to stir listeners’ memories.

The true feelings hidden behind the lie “I didn’t love you” cut painfully deep, making this a track that’s impossible to hear without tears.

It’s a beautiful ballad best enjoyed alone on a night when you want to soothe the wounds of a broken heart, as his sweet, aching vocals seep gently into your soul.