Music is the universal language. It can say more than words ever could. And when someone you love dies, it’s hard to find any words at all. That’s why music becomes so important for grieving people: it provides a sense of comfort and familiarity that may be missing from their lives as they re-adjust to an empty space in their hearts.
There are many songs out there that have been written about loss and grief, but here are 20 of the best ones. From heartbreak to death, these tunes will help you get through your darkest moments with some hope for tomorrow shining through them like stars in a dark sky.
By the way, if you’re a fan of songs for grieving, you might also enjoy songs about heaven, songs about losing faith, songs about surrender, songs about thunder and lightning, and songs about tragedy.My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
“My Heart Will Go On” is a song recorded by Canadian singer Celine Dion. It was written by James Horner and Will Jennings, and produced by David Foster and Horner. The song is a power ballad about love and loss, sung from the perspective of a person who is left behind after the death of their loved one.
The song was released on December 8, 1997, as the lead single from the soundtrack to the blockbuster film Titanic. “My Heart Will Go On” became Dion’s biggest hit, and one of the best-selling singles of all time. It topped charts around the world, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Fire And Rain – James Taylor
“Fire and Rain” is a song by James Taylor. The song was released in 1970 and it was the first single from his second album, Sweet Baby James. The song is about Taylor’s struggles with depression and drug addiction. The song was written after the suicide of his good friend and bandmate, Danny Kortchmar.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Kelly Clarkson, who recorded it for the soundtrack to the 2009 film My Sister’s Keeper.
Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
One of the most iconic songs about grief is Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven. The song was written about Clapton’s son, Conor, who died tragically at age 4. Clapton has said that the song is about the “eternal cycle of life and death”.
The song is a slow ballad with a peaceful melody. It’s a perfect song to listen to when you’re feeling overwhelmed by sadness and loss. The lyrics are incredibly moving, and they speak to the universal experience of grieving for a loved one.
I Will Follow You Into The Dark – Death Cab For Cutie
Death Cab for Cutie’s “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” is a haunting ballad about the inevitability of death and the accompanying sadness. But the song also has an uplifting message, reminding us that though we will lose our loved ones in the end, we will be together again someday. This makes it a perfect song to listen to when grieving the loss of a loved one. Its lyrics are about as touching, and heartbreaking, as they come.
Live Like You Were Dying – Tim McGraw
When someone you love dies, it can be difficult to cope with the pain. One way to remember them and keep them close to your heart is to live like you were dying. That means to make the most of every day and not take anything for granted. This song by Tim McGraw is a beautiful tribute to someone who has passed away. It encourages people to celebrate life and live in the moment. Its lyrics are about making the most of your time on Earth and not taking anything for granted.
If I Die Young – The Band Perry
If I Die Young by The Band Perry is one of the best songs for grieving. The lyrics are powerful and heartbreaking, and they perfectly capture the feelings of loss and sadness that come with losing a loved one. The song is sad but also hopeful, reminding us that those who have passed are still with us in spirit. It’s a beautiful song that is sure to touch anyone who listens to it. Its lyrics are about a young person who is facing death, and they are incredibly powerful.
One More Day – Diamond Rio
One More Day is a beautiful song about two people who are in love and facing the end of their relationship. The lyrics are incredibly sad, but also incredibly beautiful and touching. The song is about how the couple doesn’t want to say goodbye, and they wish they could have just one more day together. It’s a perfect song for grieving the loss of a loved one. Many songs by Taylor Swift are perfect for grieving, as her lyrics often explore the pain and heartache that come with losing someone. Her song Haunted is about a relationship that ended in tragedy, and the lyrics are incredibly powerful.
I’ll Fly Away – Gillian Welch & Alison Kraus
When someone dies, it’s hard to say goodbye. But even as we mourn, we can find some solace in the memories of the good times we shared. One of the best ways to remember a loved one is by listening to their favorite songs. For many, that music will be some of your favorite tunes as well.
Gillian Welch and Alison Kraus’ “I’ll Fly Away” is a beautiful song about parting ways. It’s about carrying the memories of someone you love with you always, and knowing that you’ll see them again someday. The song is a reminder that even though someone is gone, they’re never really far away.
(I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight – Cutting Crew
“I Just” Died In Your Arms Tonight is a haunting love song by the British rock band Cutting Crew. The song was written by lead singer Nick Van Eede, and produced by Terry Britten. Released in 1986, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including U2 and INXS.
The lyrics of the song are about a man who is grieving the death of his lover. He recalls all of the good times they shared together, and how much he misses her. The song is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and how it can help us through difficult times.
I Can Only Imagine – MercyMe
I Can Only Imagine is a song about the power of faith and how it can help us through tough times. The song was written by Bart Millard, who lost his father to cancer when he was just a child. Millard says that the song is about the moment that he met his father in heaven and how wonderful that moment was.
The song has become a popular Christian rock song and has been featured on several Christian compilation albums. I Can Only Imagine was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song in 2001.
Remember Me – Miguel
Remember Me is the perfect song for grieving. The lyrics are about holding onto memories of someone who has died, and the melody is hauntingly beautiful. It’s a song that will make you feel all the emotions of losing someone you love, but it will also remind you of all the good times you shared. Its lyrics are about “holding on to love” and “remembering you smile.”
Hurt – Johnny Cash
One of the most heartbreaking songs about grief is Hurt by Johnny Cash. The song speaks to the feeling of being abandoned and left behind after a loved one dies. It’s a perfect song to listen to when you’re feeling lost and alone. Many songs by Taylor Swift are about heartbreak and loss, and they can be perfect for grieving. Her song All Too Well is about a relationship that ended suddenly and unexpectedly, and it captures the feeling of being in shock after a loved one dies.
Until The Day I Die – Story Of The Year
Saying goodbye is never easy. Memories are all you have left of the person who’s gone and, as hard as it may be, it’s important to cherish those memories. One way to do that is by listening to their favorite songs.
Until The Day I Die by Story of the Year is one of those songs that perfectly captures the feeling of grief and loss. It’s a song about holding on to the memories of someone you love, knowing that you’ll never see them again. But it also has a message of hope, reminding us that we’ll meet our loved ones again one day.
Gone Away – The Offspring
Gone Away is a song by The Offspring. It was released as a single in 1997 and was featured on the album Ixnay on the Hombre. The song is about a relationship that has ended and the protagonist’s feelings of loss and pain.
The lyrics of the song are written from the perspective of someone who is struggling to come to terms with a breakup. They reflect on all of the good times that they shared with their partner and how much they miss them. The song is about accepting that the relationship is over and moving on.
I Will Not Say Goodbye – Danny Gokey
When someone you love dies, it’s natural to want to hold onto every memory and good feeling from your relationship with them. One of the best ways to do that is listening to their favorite tunes, which may very well be your favorite music as well.
One such song is “I Will Not Say Goodbye” by Danny Gokey. The song is about holding onto the memories of a loved one and refusing to let them go. It’s a powerful reminder that even though the person is gone, they’re never really far away. The song is a great way to honor a loved one who has died and keep their memory alive. It’s also a great way to remind yourself that they’re still with you in some way.
Fade To Black – Metallica
Fade to Black is Metallica’s best-known song. It was released in 1984 as the fifth track on their debut album, Kill ‘Em All. The song is about the death of a friend of the band, Cliff Burton. Burton was killed in a bus accident while the band was on tour in Sweden.
The lyrics of the song are written from the perspective of someone who is dying. They reflect on all of the good times that they had with their friend and all of the things that they will miss. The song ends with the line, “My friend, I’ll see you in hell”.
Whiskey Lullaby – Brad Paisley ft. Alison Kraus
Whiskey Lullaby is a song by Brad Paisley and Alison Kraus. The song was originally recorded by Paisley as a demo. It was then given to Kraus, who recorded the vocals for the song. The song is about a man who is struggling with the death of his wife. Many songs have been written about grieving, but this one is a particularly beautiful example of how to capture the feeling of loss and heartache.
Angel – Sarah McLachlan
Angel is one of the most poignant and beautiful songs about grief I’ve ever heard. It’s about a person who has lost someone they love, and all they can do is mourn their loss. The lyrics are incredibly moving, and the song is a great comfort for anyone who is grieving. Its lyrics are about the idea that the person who has died is now an angel, and they are watching over the person who is left behind. Many songs about grief focus on the idea of loss and mourning, but this song takes a more positive approach, which can be incredibly comforting for those who are grieving.
Beloved – Mumford & Sons
Mumford & Sons are one of the most popular folk rock bands in the world, and their song “Beloved” is one of their most emotional tracks. The lyrics are written from the perspective of someone who has lost a loved one, and the song reflects the pain and longing that comes with that loss. If you’re grieving a loved one’s death, this song will undoubtedly speak to you. Many songs by Taylor Swift are perfect for grieving, as her lyrics often delve into heartache and loss. “All Too Well” is one of her most heartbreaking ballads, and its lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of being unable to forget someone who has died.
Slipped Away – Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne’s song “Slipped Away” is about the death of her grandfather. The song is a very personal and emotional account of the grief that she felt after his death. In the song, Lavigne sings about how her grandfather was always there for her, and how his death has left a hole in her life.
The song is a beautiful tribute to her grandfather, and it is a great way to express the pain and grief that you feel after losing someone close to you.
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