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[Feeling Despair] Classic Showa-era Songs with Dark Lyrics
There are many so-called classic songs from the Showa era, and these days you often hear them making a comeback on social media.
Among those Showa classics, I’ve gathered ones with especially dark lyrics and somber melodies.
They range from songs about heartbreak to lyrics steeped in despair about life, and even those that lament one’s upbringing—the shades of darkness vary widely.
Some are even a little frightening, perfect for those who want a bit of a chill.
When you feel despair and hit rock bottom, the only way left is up.
Sometimes it’s important to let yourself sink deeply into those feelings and fully immerse yourself.
[Feeling Despair] Classic Showa-Era Songs with Dark Lyrics (1–10)
red bridgeAsakawa Maki
One song that has inspired a wealth of interpretations because of its suggestive lyrics is “Red Bridge.” This track was released by Maki Asakawa in 1972.
Set to a simple sound, it unfolds a damp, distinctive worldview.
Its theme is that people who cross the bridge disappear.
What awaits on the other side of the bridge? I hope you’ll listen while imagining that for yourself.
Incidentally, it’s also said that this song is deeply connected to Japanese history and culture.
Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko
For many people, introducing her as “Utada Hikaru’s mother” is more immediately recognizable than calling her Keiko Fuji.
Lately, Hikaru Utada has come to resemble her mother not only in appearance but even in her singing voice.
This song, together with Fuji’s previous release Onna no Blues, dominated the Oricon charts for two consecutive weeks, taking first and second place.
The lyrics—“I can’t bloom like an ordinary flower; I am a flower of the night”—speak to her ill-fated circumstances and, resonating with Fuji’s vocal timbre, struck a chord with many listeners.
Covered by illustrious artists such as Chiharu Matsuyama and Koji Tamaki, it is a classic steeped in the alluring atmosphere of the Showa era.
Sometimes like a child without a motherKarumen Maki
One song that has been drawing renewed attention after being featured in the 2022 Hollywood film “Bullet Train” is “Tokiniwa Haha no Nai Ko no Yō ni.” It’s a ballad released by Maki Carmen in 1969.
Repeating the titular phrase, it portrays a woman’s loneliness and sense of despair.
It may not be obvious at first glance, but if you listen to the sampled sound at the end, the overall story comes into focus.
If you’re curious, check out how it’s used in the film as well.
Nozomi, Kanae, TamaeKinniku Shoujo Tai
The title of Kinniku Shōjo-tai’s last indie album was also Nozomi Kanae Tamae.
Seeing that the back cover is captioned “The Dark Side of the Force, so-called Nozomi Kanae Tamae,” it might be a track the band themselves are particularly fond of.
The story that begins with “A girl sank into a swamp; a god of reticles was watching” feels like both a church mass and a black magic ritual, and as you listen, it inevitably becomes frightening.
The switch into the metal-mode chorus is a must-hear.
It’s a song of despair I want not only metal fans but everyone to listen to.
night after nightKurahashi Yoeko
Yoeko Kurahashi is known for a style that blends jazz with Japanese popular ballads.
Her song Yonayona Yona portrays her tossing and turning at night, lost in troubling thoughts.
The psychological state is depicted quite realistically, so anyone who’s had similar experiences will likely feel it’s speaking directly to them.
Her uniquely distinctive vocal delivery is also a highlight.
It’s unlike any other singing style, so please give it a listen yourself.
Although the song expresses despair and may initially feel unsettling, it gradually becomes addictive.
I bear a grudge.Nakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima, who also served as a radio show host, is actually very cheerful and full of humor.
Still, I can’t help but think that the image some people have of her as “dark” might come from this song.
Even with the dot in the title, Urami・masu is essentially “I resent you,” making it a groundbreaking approach both as a song title and a lyrical motif.
The lyrics—“I was dumped in a terrible way, so I will resent you until I die”—leap beyond the realm of poetry and even have a frightening edge.
It’s a track where you should pay attention to Nakajima’s tremulous vocal delivery.
Orie’s SongYamazaki Hako
Another song I recommend for savoring a profound drama is Orie no Uta.
It’s a piece Hiroyuki Itsuki wrote specifically, inspired by the film The Gate of Youth.
It’s sung by Hako Yamazaki.
The story is set in 1970s Fukuoka, and the lyrics are written in the local dialect.
Another notable feature is the frequent appearance of personal and place names.
Simply knowing the place names will surely deepen your understanding of the lyrics.
And if you’re interested, check out the original film—the characters with the same names as in the song appear in it.