205 Songs About Grieving

Mourning Someone Special: Healing and Peace Through Music

Grief is like an unwelcome stranger who invites himself into your life and often stays too long. He sets his own pace, cannot be hurried along. You must suffer his poor company until Acceptance arrives to replace him.

If you're reading this because you've lost someone special to you, I am sorry for your loss. Know that you are not alone. During the times when I have lost people close to me, I have often found solace in music. Songs connect us to others who have experienced the same feelings. They spark memories of lost loved ones and creatively distract from the pain of the moment while expressing hope in tomorrow.

Make yourself a playlist to soothe your sorrow. These pop, rock, and country songs express the mix of emotions involved in mourning the loss of a dear friend or relative. I hope they help bring you healing and peace.

1. "See You Again" by Carrie Underwood

Although sad that her loved one has passed away, the narrator in this power ballad from 2013 finds strength in knowing that they will someday reunite in the everafter. Until then, she carries their memory with her, finding hope and comfort in an eventual reunion.

2. "Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran

Although this touching 2017 pop ballad describes the aftermath of a mother's death from the perspective of her adult son, Ed Sheeran actually based it upon the death of his beloved grandmother.

The narrator gathers her get well cards, stuffed animals, supermarket flowers, and other items that well wishers had showered upon the woman in her waning days. He folds her nightgowns, tidies up the space she used to inhabit, and talks lovingly to her spirit:

So, I'll sing Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down you'd be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go, when God takes you back
He'll say, "Hallelujah, you're home."

3. "Wake Me Up When September Ends" by Green Day

The death of a friend or loved one can sit with you like a dark cloud for months or much longer. As you wait for the sadness to lift, you may feel the need to simply retreat from the world through sleep.

The frontman of Green Day wrote this 2005 rock release about the death of his father from cancer when the singer was a child. The song has also become symbolic of the loss that people experienced with the September 11 attack and with Hurricane Katrina.

4. "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.

Having experienced loss, you may sometimes feel like giving up. This 1992 rock single identifies with your pain and grief while encouraging you to hang on. It emphasizes that tragedy is a common part of the human experience, and you are not alone in your suffering.

5. "Who You'd Be Today" by Kenny Chesney

Dying young seems to violate the natural order of our universe. There are few things more tragic as a person who has died before their time.

The narrator in this 2005 country tune laments his loved one's death. Concentrating on their unrealized potential and all of the good things they never got to experience, he wonders what their life would look like if it hadn't been cut short:

It ain't fair; you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you.

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6. "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera

Written in honor of the songwriter's late father, this 2006 pop track expresses the protagonist's regret that she wasn't forgiving of mistakes when he was alive. Rather than try to bridge the divide between them, she unfortunately used blame and rejection.

Although she seeks reconciliation, now it's too late to make their relationship right. She realizes that her choices have only hurt herself.

7. "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" by Steve Wariner

The man in this tender country song recounts the story of losing his grandmother when he was a child then his young wife as an adult. The thread that connects both sad events is the belief that his loved ones are in heaven watching over him, wishing that they could be together.

8. "When I'm Gone" by Joey + Rory

There is such heartbreaking irony in this 2012 country tune which takes the perspective of a dying woman addressing her lover. She tenderly reassures him that although they will miss one another after she passes away, he will find the strength to endure without her and be okay.

In a tragic twist of fate, Joey Feek (the female half of this husband/wife country music duo) was diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer in 2014, just four months after giving birth to the couple's daughter. She died in 2016 at age 40, and her husband, Rory, temporarily retired from singing and writing music.

9. "Dancing in the Sky" by Dani and Lizzy

Do yourself a favor by listening to this heartrending pop song. In 2016, these twin sisters from Canada became a viral sensation after posting this song on Facebook and YouTube. One of the girls (Lizzy) wrote it to honor a deceased friend.

Filled with bittersweet longing as well as hope, the song features a grieving narrator who asks her loved one what heaven is like and whether the fear and pain has subsided.

10. "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" by Alan Jackson

Where were on that fateful day, September 11, 2001? How did you react? I was with my toddler as she watched Barney cartoons, both of us unaware of the events unfolding until my husband called. I changed the channel and saw the devastation. For months, my little girl uttered, "Castles fell," referring to the skyscrapers. And even she wanted to know why.

This Grammy Award-winning country song from 2002 explores a variety of responses that people had as well as where they were when they found out that the world had been changed forever.

11. "There You'll Be" by Faith Hill

Thinking back on her relationship with a loved one who is now gone, the woman in this 2001 country song considers herself blessed. She reflects on what he taught her and how she will always carry him with her in her heart.

12. "A Long December" by Counting Crows

The anniversary of a death or other tragic event in one's life can spark sad memories, and that's what this 1996 rock song is about. The friend of one of the songwriters was run over by a car one December, and he spent several stressful weeks visiting her in the hospital as she recuperated. It felt like a blur, and when the next December rolled around, the feelings of sadness and loss came rolling back to him. He hopes that this year will be better than the last.

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13. "Heaven Was Needing a Hero" by Jo Dee Messina

The protagonist in this 2010 country song reminiscences about the last time she saw her now-deceased loved one, wishing she could have held on longer. Looking to make sense of their death, she concludes that heaven needed a hero.

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14. "Gone Too Soon" by Michael Jackson

This simple but poetic pop ballad from 1993 was written by Michael Jackson as a tribute to Ryan White, an Indiana teenager who was expelled from school for having contracted HIV through a tainted blood transfusion. The song draws a number of comparisons to short-lasting wonders such as rainbows and comets.

Later, it was also sung in memory of Princess Diana in 1997 and by Usher in 2009 at the funeral of Michael Jackson.

15. "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion

As the theme song to the Titanic, this 1997 pop song expresses both sadness and resilience in the face of loss. The protagonist has been touched deeply by love, but his life has been cut short. She pledges to honor the memory of both her lover and their relationship by carrying on with her life.

16. "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor

This sorrowful song from 1970 was written after the death of James Taylor's childhood friend whose death was kept secret from him by others because they believed it would distract him from his career. It also describes his struggles with drug addiction and fame.

The classic song expresses his reflections on these crises:

I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again.

17. "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa (Featuring Charlie Puth)

The narrator in this 2015 pop song reflects on his friendship with someone close to him who has died, and he hopes that they are in a better place. He recalls the good times they shared and looks forward to one day reuniting with him.

18. "The Greatest Man I Never Knew" by Reba McEntire

If you have a stoic father, then this 1992 country song will really register emotionally. This song is one of regret as well as mourning.

The narrator describes growing up with a father who buried himself in his work. Although he loved her, he couldn't find the words to express it, and he rarely hugged her. They grew apart over the years until he died, and she learned too late that he thought the world of her.

19. "One More Day" by Diamond Rio

Dreaming that he could wish for anything, the narrator in this 2000 country number wouldn't wish for riches but instead one more day with the person he has lost. He imagines how he would spend that precious time together. Make sure you say everything you need to say to those you love so that you don't look back in regret.

20. "Not a Day Goes By" by Lonestar

In this heartfelt country song from 2001, the narrator mourns the loss of someone important to him. We don't know whether she's gone due to a break-up or death, but he misses her fiercely.

He carries a picture of her around in his heart, and her memory is still seared into his soul. On the outside he tries to convey that he's doing fine, but inside it's a different story.

Even More Songs About Grief

© 2017 Elaina Baker

Comments

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on September 05, 2020:

Ava Bruno - Thanks for the suggestions. I added "I Miss You."

Ava Bruno on September 04, 2020:

I Miss You by Miley Cyrus or I’ll Always Remember You by Hannah Montana

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on August 30, 2020:

Ryan M Swift - Thank you for the song suggestion.

Ryan M Swift on August 30, 2020:

Hi. Lovely article. ‘Gods’ by In Isolation is a moving track about the passing of a father.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on August 23, 2020:

Cris - That's a good one. Thanks for the recommendation.

Cris on August 23, 2020:

Dad's Old Number by Cole Swindell

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on August 09, 2020:

Millie - Thank you for recommending this song. I am adding it. Be safe in this difficult time.

Millie on August 07, 2020:

amazing collection wow. just like to recommend a more recent song that really hit hard - two of us by Louis Tomlinson - released earlier this year after the passing of his mother.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on July 24, 2020:

Linda Hawkins - I'm sorry for the loss of your dear daughter.

Linda Hawkins on July 24, 2020:

It was song called Breathe by Lee Hi It was dedication of my daughter when she died because of Coronavirus outbreak at 51 year old even my grandchildren missed her

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on July 13, 2020:

Charles Lin - I'm sorry about your loss. I hope your principal had a happy life and knew that he was appreciated, valued, and loved by many in his community as well as his family.

Charles Lin on July 13, 2020:

I was played Shinee Our Page last week I know it was dedicate to my principal of my highschool who was passed away around June 18 2019 at the age of 87 because this song is good

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on June 10, 2020:

Shyron, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband. I wish you health and healing and offer you a big hug from across the internet, sweet lady. I've added the suggested song to the playlist Songs About Waiting for Someone You Love.

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on June 09, 2020:

Flourish, thank you so much for these healing hubs, I know a lot of people who listen to songs for the soothing effects, I know I do. I am still trying to get through this funk, I have been in after losing my Hubby.

I did not see Hello Darlin by Conway Twitty, I do think you would like it.

Blessings my friend.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on June 07, 2020:

Lou Davis - Thank you for this suggestion which I have added. I am sorry for your loss.

Lou Davis on June 06, 2020:

The End by Linkin Park This song is about deticate to older my brother who was passed away in 2018 when he was 72 years old because my nephew likes this song and same with my kids and my grandchildren too

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on May 27, 2020:

AC - Thanks for the song recommendation which I added.

AC on May 22, 2020:

How to save a life by The Fray

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 20, 2020:

Peggy - Thank you. I do get some heartbreaking Q&As on various topics and try to provide thoughtful responses.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 19, 2020:

In that Q & A, you are offering some excellent advice for those still suffering from the grief of lost loved ones. I also liked many of your suggestions for ways to honor loved ones. Songs can often tug at our heartstrings, particularly if they are associated with our loved ones. Obviously, many songs have addressed this subject.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on April 04, 2020:

Diana - I'm so sorry about your dad's passing. Please remember the good times and how much I am sure he loved you.

Diana on April 04, 2020:

After my father was passed away from from colon cancer I am just remember about my dad's life especially I am going to listen Day By Day by Bigbang Goodbye by 2NE1 Super Junior Its You and BTS One Spring Day

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on March 18, 2020:

Justin - I'm sorry about your loss.

Justin on March 17, 2020:

I knew about my college classmate's death from the accident what i learn about letting go and have fun especially i am focus in playing Fortine to dealing the death

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on February 10, 2020:

Bob - You honor their memories through your positive spirit and by keeping them in your heart. I'm sorry for your losses. Thank you for sharing.

tom from Yuma, AZ on February 09, 2020:

I have had several loved ones pass but the 2 that hurts the most re my brother Bob 54 Ion feb. 6, 2017 Going to honer him June 19, 2020 by going to see the last band in concert we went to Brit Floyd and taking some of his ashes with me when the play wish you were here going to spread them around my seat ( yes my brother would approve. and more recently was my mother Dec. 20, 2019. I am going to honer her in a few ways one is to continue walking annually for the alzheimer's foundation, placing some of her ashes in a horse necklace and wear it always, and last and most importantly continue my recovery after a 40 year drug addiction

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on February 03, 2020:

Liz - I am so sorry for both your loss and your health issues. Take your time in grieving your mother's dealth and be easy on yourself. (Your mother's kitty is grieving her death as well.) Reach out to others for help, whether your brother, other relatives, friends, neighbors, etc. Try to stay busy, even if it's volunteer work. Get dressed and leave your house every day so that you have human contact with others. If you can afford it, get a massage on occasion because it will soothe and relax your muscles and with your mom gone you're missing the important power of touch. Also, seek out counseling as this will help you process all that has happened and will help you make a positive plan for your future. While this seems like a very lonely, sad time right now, and no one can ever replace your mother, perhaps there are some steps you can take for yourself that will help you get to a peaceful, content place in life. I am wishing you all the best.

Liz on February 01, 2020:

My mom died about 5 months ago while i was in the hospital. I had a tracheotomy and was on a ventilator for 3 weeks. Some of my family thought my mom should not see me like that cause she was in the hospital too. Sometimes i blame myself for her down turn into death becuase i wanted to see her before surgery just in case something went wrong. While i was recovering from that surgery with a trach she past a way and i didn't get to see her or touch her before she died. I did get a chance for her to hear my voice though from the nurses phone at the hospice she was at and then a few hours later she died. I could not groeve at the time due to health issues and having to deal with stuff after someone dies. I was still healing at the time and was waiting for a nother surgery cause they found cancer in my thyroid during the first. I had to have my thyroid removed. It took another 2 months before i got home to a lonely house cause i had lived with my mom to help each other out since i dropped out of college when my grandma died. I have sense been going through her stuff and cleaning house while trying to heal. Im also taking care of her cat who just had to have emergency surgery. I don't let others know just how much im hurting and i cry almost all day on the weekends. I feel so alone most days though my brother checks on me most days. It is so hard some days, it had been mostly just me and my mom for so long. I miss her so much and it feels like i cant fully grieve cuase it makes my health issues meaning my trach worse. I know she is in a better place free of pain and hurt she suffered through most of her life but it is painful with out her.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on January 27, 2020:

Patrick - Such a poignant song! Thanks for suggesting it!

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on January 27, 2020:

Justin24 - I miss him too.

Patrick on January 26, 2020:

One song that is the most beautiful I have ever heard is To Build A Home by Cinematic Orchestra

Justin24 on January 26, 2020:

Its good about playing music I knew i missed Kobe Bryant because his dead from the plane crash with is daughter No matter what it is ok to deal with the death people especially playing with sports for good idea

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on January 22, 2020:

JamieDoe - I am so sorry for your loss. I understand the loss of suicide but can't fathom what it would be like to lose a child to suicide. I 100% agree with your sentiments. I encourage anyone who is hurting to reach out for help without delay to a resource listed, 911, or a mental health resource in their own community.

JamieDoe on January 21, 2020:

My son just died by suicide. I want to tell anyone contemplating suicide that you might think everyone is better off without you, or so desperately sad that you don’t even stop to think about what it will do to the ones you leave behind. It will rip a bloody hole in their heart that will always bleed and will never heal. You are more loved than you even know. Your life is so much more valuable than you can even imagine. I tell you that no matter how horrible your life is or how sad you feel “This too will pass”..... it will pass. It’s a season of your life but one season moves into the next... they always do. You will be so grateful that you called someone to help you or you went for help. I don’t know you but I care that you keep breathing whoever needed to hear this. I’d give anything if someone had told my son that and I could hold him now.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on December 18, 2019:

Anna - Thank you for these song suggestions. I have added some of them here and others on the playlist Songs About Breakups, Heartbreak, and Divorce or Songs About Missing Someone You Love.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on December 18, 2019:

Livthebest - What a heartrending choice. A big hug to you from across the internet. I'm sure she looks over you and wishes she could be with her family. I'm sorry for your loss.

Livthebest on December 18, 2019:

The thing I remember most about my mom was that she had chose to not do chemo to save my baby brother. The options were 1. Do chemo and have the baby die but you have a better chance of living. Or 2. Don’t do chemo save the baby and you have more ove a risk of dieing. She chose 2. I was about to turn 9 and my baby brother was 3 months old when she died.

Anna on December 14, 2019:

I listed some more suggestions here, I hope they're helpful.

Kodaline - All I Want

Shannon Lay - Coast

Lou Doillon - ICU

Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism

Death Cab For Cutie - Title And Registration

Tom Rosenthal - Go Solo

Tom Rosenthal - It's Ok

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here

Alex Hepburn - Broken Record

Coldplay - The Scientist

Kaleb Jones - Till The World Stops Turning

Rihanna - Close To You

Birdy - I'll Never Forget You

Tom Odell - Heal

Lana Del Rey - Coachella

Oasis - Talk Tonight

Snow Patrol - New York

Ian Fisher, Present - Regret

Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound If Silence

Bon Iver - Holocene

Bleachers - Like A River Runs

Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven

Tame Impala - Solitude Is Bliss

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on December 06, 2019:

T J Mays - Thanks for stopping by.

T J Mays on December 06, 2019:

Great song list for palliative care families.

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on November 03, 2019:

Trisha - Thanks for these song suggestions.

Trisha on November 01, 2019:

I am still like Lee Hi's Breath and Shinee's Our Page because we remember about the death of Shinee's Jonghyun and of course Remember Me from Coco

Elaina Baker (author) from USA on September 19, 2019:

Garry - Thank you for the song suggestion.

Garry on September 18, 2019:

Niagara by Inspiral Carpets should be on the list. It's hauntingly good.