[Once More…] A lingering-attachment song: a song about a love you can’t forget
We’ve gathered a collection of classic “lingering-love” songs, packed with feelings you just can’t let go of.
Even if you part ways by mutual agreement, get dumped, or decide to give up on love yourself, when you’re alone you might realize, “I still love them after all…” and notice that lingering attachment within you.
The enormity of what you lost that only hits you after it’s gone; a love that grew until there was no going back.
In this article, we introduce songs that portray all kinds of lingering feelings toward past love.
These are tracks we especially want people to hear who think, “I know we can’t go back, but I still can’t forget them.”
- [Lingering Feelings and Regrets] A Love Song for You Who Can’t Forget Your Ex-Boyfriend
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- Songs to listen to when you want to get back together: love songs that will tie the red string again
- [No Going Back] A Love Song About Regret
- [Songs About Loving Yet Parting] Love songs for those who want to overcome heartbreak
- Masterpieces that sing of regret. Recommended popular songs.
- [Unattainable Love] A love song about two people who feel the same way but can’t be together
- [Songs of Infidelity] A collection of forbidden love songs about unattainable romance
- A Tearful Farewell Song: A Love Song About Parting with Someone You Love
- “I Want to See You”: A love song that makes you cry when you listen to it while you can’t meet
- [Menhera & Yandere Songs] A curated selection of love songs so devoted it hurts!
- [Heartbreak Songs] A selection of poignant love songs that pierce the heart of those with unrequited love
- Just listening makes my chest tighten... Breakup songs recommended for the Yutori generation
[One more time…] Songs of lingering attachment. Unforgettable love songs (71–80)
Happy Endingback number
This is a poignant song by back number that portrays a woman putting on a brave face at the moment of parting.
On the surface she tries to send him off with a smile, yet she cannot let go of her feelings for him, and the delicate depiction of her inner turmoil is deeply moving.
Written as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” released in December 2016, it also drew attention for its music video featuring actress Erika Karata, and was later included on the album “Encore.” If you find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to give up while still harboring feelings for someone you love, you may see yourself in this song.
It’s a soul-stirring track that will make you want to listen to it again and again through tears.
againKōda Kumi
The song that supports my heart on nights so heartaching my mind feels restless is “again.” It was released in 2019 by Kumi Koda, a singer who has led the J-pop scene since the 2000s.
Its orthodox melody line pulses over an R&B-style tempo.
The lyrics—about finding yourself thinking of someone dear even after a breakup—will make your heart flutter.
Her powerful, radiant voice will soothe your soul.
If there’s someone you wish you could meet just once more, give it a listen.
I miss you so much, I want to see you.Nishino Kana
It’s one of the signature songs by Kana Nishino, the songstress who led the J-POP scene in the 2010s! As you know, the track starts right from the chorus, and its lyrics made such an overwhelming impact that many listeners at the time were blown away.
While shocking, it perfectly captures the sorrow of a breakup and the feelings you have when you can’t shake off lingering attachment.
There are also many other lines that people with lingering feelings will relate to—like putting on a brave face in front of him, or knowing it’s over but being unable to get your heart to listen.
[One More Time…] A Song of Lingering Feelings: Unforgettable Love Songs (81–90)
Remember the Days ~Footprints with You~Hirai Dai
A memorable number sung by Dai Hirai, marked by the contrast between ukulele tones and wistful lyrics.
It conveys gratitude for cherishing the days spent with an irreplaceable person, alongside the frustration of not being able to go back.
Included on the mini-album “OHANA,” released in May 2011, this song is also known for its tie-in with a Nishi-Nippon City Bank TV commercial.
It’s such a beloved classic that it was later featured on the best album “LOVE+PEACE.” Holding the warm memories of those days close, this song will surely gently accompany your heart as you wish for a chance to start over.
Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA
This song, released in 2013, is one of AAA’s signature tracks.
It was featured in an Ito-Yokado commercial, and I think many people will recognize its catchy chorus melody.
Looking at the lyrics, they can be interpreted as depicting a relationship that’s more than friends but not quite lovers, or as portraying a man from a broken-up couple who still has lingering feelings and hopes to get back together.
If you take the lyrics in the latter sense, the words will probably hit especially hard for men who want to reconcile with their ex-girlfriends.
It might even give you the courage to ask that unforgettable ex to get back together.
lingering attachment; regrets; reluctance to let goDomura Riu
The song I recommend for those who can’t help checking for messages from someone they like is “Miren” (“Lingering Attachment”).
It was included on artist Riu Domura’s 2019 release, “Kono Kioku o Nukereba.” The rhythmic flow laid over a hip-hop-style track is striking.
With its deep, emotional sound, it’s perfect for a calm night.
You’ll likely find yourself relating to the lyrics that capture the subtle feelings between lovers.
I love you. ~100 Regrets~Sonar Pocket
When it comes to songs about lingering feelings, you just can’t leave this one out! Released in 2010, it’s written from a male perspective about the unresolved attachment he can’t shake toward his ex.
The chorus lyrics might be a bit shocking, but for anyone harboring lingering feelings, I think the words are highly relatable.
Since it came out in the heyday of flip phones, the lovers’ exchanges are via email, and there’s even a depiction of protecting the special messages so they get a little lock icon—details that make it a nostalgic track for the flip-phone generation.