A bittersweet song that trended on TikTok. A heart-wrenching ‘setsuna’ song.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of bittersweet songs—the kind that have trended on TikTok or are often used there.
Songs that bare honest feelings: true “setsuna” tracks.
Not only do the lyrics resonate with a wistful heart, but the overall emo vibe is sure to captivate you.
There are plenty of songs so heartrending they make your chest tighten.
Focusing mainly on love songs, we’ve picked out a variety of tracks.
Listening might vividly bring back memories, and they’re great choices for lyric videos, too.
Be sure to take your time and listen.
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A bittersweet song that went viral on TikTok. Heart-wrenching “setsuna” songs (1–10)
shutterYuuri
It’s a striking song featuring realistic lyrics that vividly conjure the scene after a breakup, along with Yuuri’s emotionally charged vocals.
“Shutter” was originally a track Yuuri wrote for a project on his official YouTube channel, specifically for his friend, photographer JUN MIYASAKA.
Knowing it was created with a dear friend in mind—someone who had gone through a painful heartbreak—doesn’t it make you feel not only the sorrow of the breakup itself, but also the beautiful friendship in sharing that pain together?
Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai
A ballad included on the mini-album “A View on Lambda” by the four-piece rock band Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai (God Does Not Roll Dice).
It’s a heartrending breakup song about longing for a girlfriend whose heart has drifted away.
Have you ever felt that the love you receive from someone is thinner than the feelings you have for them? Loving someone while sensing that difference in temperature can be pretty tough.
It’s only natural that you can’t forget the person you loved even after breaking up.
Rather than forcing yourself to forget, you might actually feel more refreshed if you let yourself sink fully into the sadness while listening to this song.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
A gemlike love song woven from evanescent yet beautiful poetic expressions and a crystal-clear singing voice.
While skillfully depicting scenes from nature, it delicately conveys the feelings of thinking about someone dear.
When Tota posted it on social media in June 2021, it quickly sparked a huge response.
In December 2022, it was selected as the tie-in song for a Pure Gummy web commercial, and the full version was released in February of the following year.
Recommended for those who want to face everyday reality while feeling the sorrow of losing someone precious and the strength to keep looking forward.
A heartbreaking song that went viral on TikTok. Heart-wrenching 'setsuna' songs (11–20)
Dried flowersYuuri
With over 500 million streams, this mega-hit song solidified Yuuri’s popularity.
The poignant lyrics liken the gradually fading days of memories to dried flowers that slowly lose their color.
People say time heals heartbreak, but the truth is it’s hard to forget.
Comparing it to dried flowers that retain their shape even as they fade may suggest that no one can ever completely forget.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
This is a song by Koresawa, a popular singer-songwriter known for her pop melodies, realistic lyrics, and cute singing voice.
The heartrending love song “Tabako” (“Cigarette”) is especially memorable for its lyrics that vividly capture the emptiness right after a relationship ends.
It’s been a fan favorite since her indie days and has been highly praised by major artists like Suga Shikao and Enon Kawatani.
Even though the other person won’t come back no matter how much you regret what you said or did, you end up repeating those meaningless thoughts—something that can happen not only in love but in many different situations.
piercingKubota Kai
This is a song by Kubota Kai, a singer-songwriter trending on TikTok.
The title “Pierce” symbolizes the emotional wounds and holes that everyone carries.
The song portrays a aching desire for someone who can fill that emptiness like a piercing.
When you’re struggling with loneliness or anxiety, having someone by your side feels so warm and reassuring.
Even if you think “just for now is enough,” once you experience that moment of happiness, it’s only human to find you can’t let it go.
After the nightadieu
This is a poignant breakup song sung by actress Moka Kamishiraishi, who performs under the name adieu.
It portrays the painful feelings of a woman who, even while realizing that her partner’s feelings have drifted away, still goes along with what he wants—something many people, regardless of gender, can likely relate to.
One-sided love wears you down the longer it goes on and only takes you further from happiness.
As the end of the song suggests, perhaps the only solution is to let go of your feelings for the other person and set yourself free.