[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.
- Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs.
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- [Melancholy] For when you want to sink all the way. Masterpieces that depict various kinds of gloom.
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- A spine-chilling, terrifying song. Japanese music that evokes madness and horror.
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- A masterpiece that sings of loneliness. Recommended popular songs.
- Hidden gems of yami songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Just listening makes my chest tighten... Breakup songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- A spine-chilling scary song: masterful tracks that evoke fear and eerie recommended songs
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
[Feeling Despair] Classic Showa-Era Songs with Dark Lyrics (11–20)
Our FailureMorita Doji
Among songs that evoke a sense of despair, there are also some that carry a certain warmth.
With that in mind, I’d like to introduce “Bokutachi no Shippai” (“Our Failure”).
This song was released by Doji Morita in 1976.
It sings of the sadness and regret of a couple who had been living together but ended up breaking up.
However, because it also conveys a deep love, it may feel warm at the same time.
Incidentally, the lyrics include many phrases that can serve as gateways to learning about 1970s culture.
If you come across anything unfamiliar, try researching it.
See ya.Naoko Ken
One kind of despair many people experience is heartbreak.
The deeper your love for the other person, the greater the shock, right? That’s why I want you to listen to “Abayo.” It’s a song performed by Naoko Ken, written for her by Miyuki Nakajima.
It portrays a woman who, though heartbroken after being dumped by the love of her life, puts on a brave face.
The expressive power that delicately conveys this woman’s complex feelings is breathtaking.
The story grows sadder as it progresses toward the end, so please listen closely.
If I Had Two LivesInoue Yosui
Have you ever felt like you wanted to start your life over? If so, there’s a song I’d love you to hear: “If I Could Live Twice.” It’s a track from Yosui Inoue’s first album.
Sung from a young man’s perspective, it wonders what meaning his aging father’s and mother’s lives have had, and whether they harbor regrets.
The raw guitar sound seems to reflect the turmoil in the young man’s heart.
Also, pay attention to a certain audio moment near the end—it’s enough to bring a lump to your throat.
The bee Musashi is dead.Hirata Takao to Serusutāzu
Takao Hirata and the Cel Stars have produced numerous masterpieces that will go down in the history of Japanese pop.
Inspired by the poem “Hachi no Miyamoto Musashi wa Shindanda” (Miyamoto Musashi the Bee Is Dead), they created the song “Hachi no Musashi wa Shinda no sa” (Musashi the Bee Is Dead).
At first listen, it might seem like a song with a bee as its protagonist.
However, it actually satirizes the social climate of the 1970s.
With that in mind, you can start to see the various messages embedded in the lyrics.
Many artists have covered the song, so be sure to check those out as well.
Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirō
Sakura and Ichiro is a musical duo by Ichiro Tokugawa and Sakura Yamaoka.
Their best-known song is “Shōwa Kare Susuki.” Its lyrics depict a husband and wife struggling to survive in harsh circumstances, with one of them broaching the subject of parting while thinking of the other.
It also offers a glimpse into the social climate of the time.
It’s classic enka, so if you like the genre, be sure to check it out.
Their harmonies and powerful vocals are highlights—you’ll be amazed by their expressive performance.