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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.

A heartbreaking song that went viral on TikTok. Heart-wrenching 'setsuna' songs (11–20)

A song about being cheated on but still in love.riria.

A song about being cheated on but still in love. [Original]
A song about being cheated on but still in love.riria.

“Was I the only one who was single-heartedly in love?” A song by singer-songwriter Riria that lays bare the aching feelings of a girl who discovers her partner’s infidelity.

Anyone who has gone through the pain of a betrayal in love won’t be able to help but relate.

In today’s world, where you can find any information on social media, many of us have had the experience of stumbling upon something we never wanted to know.

If that “something” turns out to be affectionate moments between the person you love and another woman, the sadness and anger can surge until you can hardly stand it.

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video
I became someone else's girlfriend.wacci

This is a song by the pop-rock band wacci that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a woman who, while still holding on a little to her feelings for an ex, has begun to move into a new relationship.

According to vocalist Yohei Hashiguchi, it’s “a song about someone who chose to love for themselves and took a step forward, glancing back just a little.” The lyrics, which feel like she might be pushing herself a bit, are achingly tender and really tighten your chest, don’t they? The fact that the track has surpassed 100 million total streams shows just how many people resonate with it.

Midnight Girlimase

[imase] Midnight Girl (Music Video)
Midnight Girlimase

With its laid-back beat and faintly nostalgic melody, it feels like it melts into the stillness of the night.

Crafted by imase—an artist gaining attention at home and abroad after breaking out on TikTok—this track is a groovy number with a touch of R&B.

Its bittersweet, wistful worldview quietly reflecting on a past love really strikes a chord.

The gentle vocals further underline the sentimental mood.

Released in January 2024, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Chaser Game W: My Power-Harassing Boss Is My Ex-Girlfriend,” and was later included on his debut album, “Bonsai.” It’s a chill track that softly untangles the heart—perfect for nights when you want to drift into thought at the end of the day.

Cinderella BoySaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Cinderella Boy” Music Video <5th Mini Album “Lazy Sunday” Released on 2021.8.25>
Cinderella BoySaucy Dog

Written from a female perspective, this song is a heartfelt love ballad that portrays unrequited feelings and the turmoil of betrayal.

Paralleling the story of Cinderella, it poignantly captures the moment when, like magic fading after midnight, she notices her lover’s true self beneath the idealized image.

Self-deception in turning a blind eye to betrayal, and the complex emotions of anger and dependence, are conveyed over a wistful melody.

Included on the mini-album “Lazy Sunday,” the track was released digitally in August 2021.

It debuted on Music Station in 2022 and ranked second in the annual karaoke charts.

It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling with one-sided love or feeling hurt by a complicated relationship.

Agate Caressed by NightAyase

Yoru Naderu Agate / Ayase (self cover)
Agate Caressed by NightAyase

Composed by Ayase, best known for YOASOBI, this track—originally released in 2019 featuring Hatsune Miku on vocals—was later followed by Ayase’s own self-cover.

Together, the two versions have amassed around 15 million views on YouTube.

The lyrics, which depict a farewell on a train platform after the last train has gone, delicately trace unspoken gratitude, lingering regret, and a gentle wish for the other person’s happiness.

Its bittersweet, wistful melody also went viral on TikTok, where related hashtags have surpassed 24 million views, earning overwhelming support from younger audiences.

Included on the EP “Ghost City Tokyo,” this piece is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear or carries feelings they were never able to put into words.

So it wasn’t me, huh.riria.

riria. / So it wasn’t me. [Music Video]
So it wasn’t me, huh.riria.

Singer-songwriter Riria gained popularity after posting self-accompanied performance videos on TikTok and YouTube.

Known for love songs from every perspective, her 2021 release “Watachi Janakattan Da Ne” (“So It Wasn’t Me”) expresses the bittersweet feelings toward someone who sends mixed signals.

Many listeners will relate to the lyrics that capture the frustration of staying in a more-than-friends, less-than-lovers relationship that never quite comes together.

Paired with her conversational vocal style, it’s a breakup song that closely mirrors the emotions of young people.

Give it a listen—it’s frequently used in TikTok videos themed around poignant love stories.

A heartbreaking song that trended on TikTok. Heart-wrenching ‘setsuna’ songs (21–30)

rendezvousshaitoopu

A heartbreaking breakup song, “Rendezvous.” This track was released by Shy Toad, a rock band hugely popular among teens and people in their twenties.

It went massively viral on TikTok, so many of you may already know it.

The song portrays the inner feelings of a man who’s gone through a breakup.

Its scenarios are abstract, so listeners can overlay their own experiences and still enjoy it.

Also, the rhyming in the title phrase adds an extra emotional touch.