Songs About Grief have a unique ability to express the emotions that words alone often cannot.
Through powerful lyrics and moving melodies, these songs help us process loss and find comfort.
Music has long been a source of solace, allowing listeners to connect with shared experiences of love, pain, and healing.
In this post, we’ve curated a collection of Songs About Grief that touch the heart and offer hope during challenging times.
1. “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga (2019) – Perfect Pop Song About Grief
About this song:
- Album: A Star Is Born
- Released: 2019
- Artist: Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
- Genre: Pop
- Key Lyric: “Don’t want to feel another touch. Don’t want to start another fire.”
Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Never Love Again” serves as a dramatic conclusion to the film A Star Is Born, embodying raw heartbreak.
The song was written to mirror the emotional depth of the movie’s storyline and became an instant classic.
Its lyrics express the pain of losing a soulmate and the impossibility of moving forward after such a loss.
Lady Gaga revealed that she recorded the track shortly after the passing of a close friend, amplifying its genuine emotion.
With its powerful vocals and orchestral arrangement, the song resonates as a universal anthem for those grieving profound loss.
2. “My Immortal” by Evanescence (2003) – Best Emo Song About Grief
About this song:
- Album: Daredevil: The Album and Fallen
- Released: 2003
- Artist: Evanescence
- Genre: Emo
- Key Lyric: “When you cried, I’d wipe away all of your tears. When you’d scream, I’d fight away all of your fears.”
“My Immortal” by Evanescence is an evocative song that delves into themes of lingering pain and unresolved loss.
Released in 2003, it was part of both the Daredevil movie soundtrack and their debut album Fallen.
The song was written by Ben Moody and Amy Lee, drawing from personal experiences of grief and longing.
Its stripped-down instrumentation and haunting vocals enhance its raw emotional intensity.
This timeless track resonates deeply with those seeking solace in the face of heartache.
3. “Visiting Hours” by Ed Sheeran (2021) – Recommended Folk-pop Song About Grief
About this song:
- Album: =
- Released: 2021
- Artist: Ed Sheeran
- Genre: Folk-pop
- Key Lyric: “Can I just stay a while and we’ll put all the world to rights? The little ones will grow and I’ll still drink your favourite wine.”
Ed Sheeran’s “Visiting Hours” was written in honor of his late mentor and close friend, Michael Gudinski.
The track was first performed during Gudinski’s memorial service, making its release deeply personal.
Its lyrics reflect a longing to have more time with a departed loved one, seeking advice and connection.
Sheeran’s gentle acoustic performance adds a layer of warmth and intimacy to this heartfelt tribute.
The song’s introspective nature and universal themes have made it a comforting piece for many experiencing grief.
4. “marjorie” by Taylor Swift (2020) – Awesome Indie Song
About this song:
- Album: evermore
- Released: 2020
- Artist: Taylor Swift
- Genre: Alternative/Indie
- Key Lyric: “What died didn’t stay dead. You’re alive, you’re alive in my head.”
Taylor Swift’s “marjorie” is an intimate and deeply personal track dedicated to her late grandmother.
Released in 2020 as part of her evermore album, the song merges nostalgia with tender reflections on memory and loss.
The lyrics are a poignant reminder of the enduring presence of loved ones in our thoughts.
Swift included actual audio recordings of her grandmother’s voice, creating a moving tribute.
Its poetic storytelling and minimalist production capture the bittersweet nature of grief beautifully.
5. “Hurt” by Christina Aguilera (2006) – Remarkable Pop Song About Grief
About this song:
- Album: Back to Basics
- Released: 2006
- Artist: Christina Aguilera
- Genre: Pop
- Key Lyric: “Oh, I’m sorry for blaming you. For everything I just couldn’t do.”
Christina Aguilera’s “Hurt” is a deeply emotional ballad addressing the regret of unspoken apologies after a loved one’s passing.
The song was co-written with Linda Perry and Mark Ronson, drawing from themes of personal loss and reflection.
Aguilera delivers a poignant performance, channeling grief into lyrics that speak to unresolved feelings.
Its powerful orchestral backing complements Aguilera’s soaring vocals, creating an intensely moving experience.
This track remains a standout for its ability to articulate the pain and longing associated with saying goodbye too soon.
6. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton (1991) – Stunning Soft Rock Song
About this song:
- Album: Rush: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack
- Released: 1991
- Artist: Eric Clapton
- Genre: Soft rock
- Key Lyric: “I must be strong. And carry on.”
Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” is a hauntingly personal ballad that reflects his grief after the tragic loss of his four-year-old son, Conor.
Written in 1991, the song first appeared on the soundtrack for the movie Rush, where it gained critical acclaim.
Its poignant lyrics delve into the pain of loss while expressing hope for a reunion in the afterlife.
The song’s delicate acoustic arrangement complements its raw emotion, making it universally relatable.
Over the years, “Tears in Heaven” has become a symbol of resilience and healing through grief.
7. “Blackbird” by The Beatles (1968) – Excellent Folk Song About Grief
About this song:
- Album: The Beatles
- Released: 1968
- Artist: The Beatles
- Genre: Folk, Folk rock
- Key Lyric: “Blackbird singing in the dead of night. Take these broken wings and learn to fly.”
The Beatles’ “Blackbird” is an acoustic masterpiece that subtly addresses themes of loss and hope.
Written by Paul McCartney in 1968, it was included in The White Album during a time of societal unrest.
The song uses the metaphor of a blackbird to symbolize resilience and finding strength in adversity.
Inspired by the civil rights movement, McCartney crafted lyrics that speak to universal struggles, making it a deeply emotive piece.
Its timeless message and simple melody continue to resonate with those facing grief and healing.
8. “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry (2010) – Wonderful Country Song
About this song:
- Album: The Band Perry
- Released: 2010
- Artist: The Band Perry
- Genre: Country, bluegrass
- Key Lyric: “If I die young, bury me in satin. Lay me down on a bed of roses.”
The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” reflects on mortality and the emotional impact of a life cut short.
Released in 2010, it was the breakout single from their self-titled debut album.
The lyrics juxtapose acceptance of fate with the grief of loved ones left behind, creating a bittersweet narrative.
Singer Kimberly Perry explained that the song was inspired by poetry and the desire to explore life’s fleeting nature.
Its poetic structure and heartfelt delivery make it a poignant anthem for reflection and remembrance.
9. “Ronan” by Taylor Swift (2021) – Ideal Soft Rock Song About Grief
About this song:
- Album: Red (Taylor’s Version)
- Released: 2021
- Artist: Taylor Swift
- Genre: Soft rock
- Key Lyric: “We’re gonna fly away from here. You were my best four years.”
Taylor Swift’s “Ronan” is a tearful tribute to a young boy who passed away from cancer, inspired by his mother’s blog.
Originally released as a standalone charity single, it was later re-recorded for Red (Taylor’s Version) in 2021.
The lyrics are based on words written by Ronan’s mother, capturing the profound grief of losing a child.
Swift wrote the song to bring awareness to childhood cancer while honoring Ronan’s legacy.
Its stripped-back arrangement and emotional delivery have touched listeners around the world.
10. “Slipped Away” by Avril Lavigne (2004) – Amazing Rock Song
About this song:
- Album: Under My Skin
- Released: 2004
- Artist: Avril Lavigne
- Genre: Rock, Pop
- Key Lyric: “The day you slipped away. Was the day I found.”
Avril Lavigne’s “Slipped Away” is a heartfelt song written about the loss of her grandfather.
It was released in 2004 on her second studio album, Under My Skin, showcasing her vulnerability.
The lyrics express raw emotions of regret and the longing to have more time with a loved one.
Lavigne wrote this deeply personal track during a period of reflection and mourning.
Its mix of poignant lyrics and rock instrumentation resonates with anyone who has experienced loss.
Conclusion
Songs About Grief remind us that we are not alone in our feelings of loss and longing.
Each melody and lyric offers a space to reflect, heal, and find strength.
These songs serve as companions, helping us navigate through the complexities of grief with understanding and empathy.
Let these Songs About Grief bring comfort and a sense of connection during your journey of healing.