[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.

Playlist

[Feeling Despair] Classic Showa-era Songs with Dark Lyrics
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	red bridgeAsakawa Maki		Maki Asakawa’s “Red Bridge” is a mysterious song.
2	Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko		A classic song by Utada Hikaru’s mother, Keiko Fuji
3	Sometimes like a child without a motherKarumen Maki		A classic song gaining renewed attention through the film—a song of loneliness and disappointment
4	Nozomi, Kanae, TamaeKinniku Shoujo Tai		The masterpiece of despair and hope by Muscle Girl Band
5	night after nightKurahashi Yoeko		Yoeko Kurahashi’s “Yona Yona Yona,” a song that stirs the heart
6	I bear a grudge.Nakajima Miyuki		The shock of Miyuki Nakajima’s song “Urami-masu”
7	Orie’s SongYamazaki Hako		A moving enka song with lyrics by Hiroyuki Itsuki, sung by Hako Yamasaki.
8	curseYamazaki Hako		A scary masterpiece themed around curses: “Curse”
9	See ya.Naoko Ken		A masterpiece that portrays the sorrow of heartbreak and a brave facade
10	Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)sadamasashi		A song depicting Masashi Sada’s half-life
11	Our FailureMorita Doji		A classic by Doji Morita where sorrow and love intertwine
12	Showa BluesZa Burūberu Shingāzu		Blues of a Man Discontented with His Lot
13	If I Had Two LivesInoue Yosui		A youth song by Yosui Inoue that reflects on the lives of his parents
14	The Woman of MetamorphosisTogawa Jun		Mad love, a devotion like a curse
15	Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirō		The classic hit by Sakura and Ichirō, “Showa Withered Susuki (Silvergrass).”
16	The bee Musashi is dead.Hirata Takao to Serusutāzu		A masterpiece of social satire, the metaphor of the bee