Music wields a remarkable power to heal, and these songs exemplify its therapeutic influence.
Music’s healing prowess isn’t mystical; it’s grounded in science. Research from 2017 found that 94 percent of individuals consciously turned to music while mourning, while a 2013 pilot study suggested that music could alleviate grief. Moreover, there’s a field known as music therapy, guided by certified professionals as recognized by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). AMTA provides resources to help people locate a music therapist, and there’s no shame in seeking their assistance. Yet, for those who have found solace in amplifying their emotions while navigating the intricate, diverse, and occasionally unpredictable terrain of loss, informal listening sessions serve as a valuable form of self-care.
The question arises: what should you listen to? Grief is an intricate journey, unique to each individual’s experience. You may grapple with anger, confusion, denial, or profound sadness, and all these emotions are valid. This playlist offers a selection of music featuring songs about death, loss, and grief, providing solace and a sense of connection during these trying times.
1. “Supermarket Flowers” – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran – Supermarket Flowers [Official Audio]
The closing track of Ed Sheeran’s album ÷ (2017) serves as a heartfelt tribute to his late grandmother’s memory. If this song brings tears to your eyes, that was precisely the intention.
2. “Heaven Was Needing A Hero” – Jo Dee Messina
While often associated with contemporary military funerals, this country ballad holds a universal message applicable to those mourning the loss of someone they deeply admired. “I guess heaven was needing a hero/Somebody just like you/Brave enough to stand up/For what you believe/And follow it through/When I try to make it make sense in my mind/The only conclusion I come to/Is heaven was needing a hero/Like you” are just some of the touching lyrics in the song.
3. “Tears In Heaven” – Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton – Tears In Heaven (Official Video)
Eric Clapton co-authored this poignant song as a means of coping with the heartbreaking loss of his 4-year-old son, Conor, who tragically fell from the 53rd floor of a New York City apartment building. The song was featured on the soundtrack of the film “Rush” (1991) and earned Eric Clapton Grammys for both Record and Song of the Year.
4. “I’ll Never Love Again” – Lady Gaga
I’ll Never Love Again (from A Star Is Born) (Official Music Video)
Lady Gaga delivers a heart-wrenching performance of this song in the movie “A Star Is Born” after her character, Ally, comes to terms with the tragic passing of her husband, Jackson (portrayed by Bradley Cooper).
5. “Drink A Beer” – Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan – Drink A Beer (Live Performance Video)
Country artists have a unique way of expressing grief, and Luke Bryan’s 2013 single “Drink a Beer” is no exception. This emotionally charged ballad will deeply resonate with anyone grappling with a recent, unexpected loss.
6. “Last Kiss” – Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam – Last Kiss (Official Audio)
This heartbreaking song narrates the story of an individual who loses their girlfriend in a devastating car accident, but not before sharing one final kiss.
7. “Flicker” – Niall Horan
Niall Horan – Flicker (Official Acoustic)
Niall Horan’s “Flicker” is a soulful and heartfelt song that can resonate with anyone navigating the complexities of grief and loss. This beautiful track offers solace and understanding during times of emotional turmoil. “Then I look in my heart/There’s a light in the dark/Still a flicker of hope that you first gave to me/That I wanna keep/Please don’t leave/Please don’t leave”
8. “If I Die Young” – The Band Perry
The Band Perry – If I Die Young
In 2010, The Band Perry’s chart-topping hit from their self-titled album clinched two CMT Music Awards for Song and Single of the Year in 2011.
9. “Who You’d Be Today” – Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney – Who You’d Be Today (Official Video)
Kenny Chesney, the architect of “No Shoes Nation” and renowned for his easygoing melodies that perfectly complement beach days, showcased a different facet of his artistry with this song, which reflects on the untimely passing of someone dear.
10. “Who Knew” – Pink
P!nk – Who Knew (Official Video)
According to Pink, this track from her 2006 studio album, “I’m Not Dead,” is a tribute to friends she lost to the devastating effects of drug abuse. The pop song was prominently featured during the promotion of the ABC series “October Road,” which aired for two seasons starting in 2007.
11. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” – Green Day
Green Day – Wake Me Up When September Ends [Official Music Video]
Lead singer Billie Joe wrote “Wake Me Up When September Ends” as a heartfelt tribute to his father, who tragically succumbed to esophageal cancer when Billie Joe was just 10 years old. This song served as the fourth single from Green Day’s seventh studio album, “American Idiot” (2005). Over the years, it has provided solace to those grieving losses during events like Hurricane Katrina and the September 11, 2001 attacks.
12. “See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Wiz Khalifa – See You Again ft. Charlie Puth [Official Video] Furious 7 Soundtrack
This song was composed as a touching tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in November 2013. Featured on the Furious 7 soundtrack and included as a bonus track on Charlie Puth’s debut album “Nine Track Mind,” it spent an impressive 12 weeks (non-consecutive) atop the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, tying it with Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” for the second-longest reign at No. 1 for a rap single. (The record is held by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.”)
13. “Ashes” – Celine Dion
Céline Dion – Ashes (from “Deadpool 2” Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Featured on the soundtrack of the movie Deadpool 2 (2018), this song encapsulates the film’s narrative, revolving around a superhero facing an “existential crisis.” Yet, its lyrics, such as “And when I pray to God all I ask is/Can beauty come out of ashes?” can resonate deeply with anyone striving to find a glimmer of hope amid the throes of grief.
14. “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift – Bigger Than The Whole Sky (Lyric Video)
From Taylor Swift’s 2022 album “Midnights,” fans speculate that this song conveys the emotional journey of a miscarriage.
15. “Slipped Away” – Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne-Slipped Away Music Video
Concluding Avril Lavigne’s album “Under My Skin” (2004), this song reflects the moment when the pop-punk singer received the news of her grandfather’s passing.
16. “Marjorie” – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift – marjorie (Official Lyric Video)
Featured as the 13th track on “Evermore” (2020), “Marjorie” is a touching tribute to Taylor Swift’s late grandmother, Marjorie. In this song, Swift fondly recalls her grandmother’s wisdom and grapples with the regret of not having known her better.
17. “Ghost” – Justin Bieber
“Ghost” (2021) by Justin Bieber carries multiple layers of meaning. Co-written with Jon Bellion, who penned it in memory of his late grandmother, the song also resonated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the absence of physical connection made us rely on cherished memories.
18. “Fix You” – Coldplay
In 2005, Chris Martin penned “Fix You” with the intention of providing support to his then-partner Gwenyth Paltrow as she coped with the loss of her father, Bruce Paltrow, who had passed away in 2002.
19. “Brendan’s Death Song” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Brendan’s Death Song [Extended Music Video]
The fifth and final single from “I’m With You” (2011) pays homage to Brendan Mullen, the owner of LA’s iconic pop-punk club, The Masque, who tragically passed away due to a stroke in 2009.
20. “Gone Too Soon” – Daughtry
Daughtry – Gone Too Soon (Official)
The lyrics of this song have held deep significance for individuals who have experienced the heart-wrenching loss of a pregnancy or an infant. “Would you have been president/Or a painter, an author, or sing like your mother?/One thing is evident/Would’ve given all I had/Would’ve loved you like no other”
21. “It’s Quiet Uptown” – Hamilton
This song unfolds during the second act of the Broadway sensation, “Hamilton,” as Alexander and Eliza mourn the loss of their child.
22. “I’ll Cover You (Reprise)” – Rent
In this rendition of the song, the mood takes a more solemn turn compared to the earlier performance in the Broadway play. It serves as a poignant tribute during the funeral of the beloved character, fittingly named Angel.
23. “Places We Won’t Walk” – Bruno Major
Bruno Major – Places We Won’t Walk (Official Audio)
The meaning of this track from Bruno Major’s “A Song For Every Moon” (2017) remains open to interpretation. However, its lyrics resonate with those who have recently endured the loss of a relationship or a loved one and are grieving the irreplaceable moments of the past. “Sunlight dances off the leaves/Birds of red color the trees/Flowers filled with buzzin’ bees/In places we won’t walk.”
24. “Goodbye England’s Rose (Candle In The Wind)” – Elton John
Elton John – Candle in the Wind/Goodbye England’s Rose (Live at Princess Diana’s Funeral – 1997)
Initially composed as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, Elton John adapted the song for a legendary performance at the funeral of his friend, Princess Diana, in 1997. This heartfelt rendition earned John a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1998.
25. “Just a Dream” – Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood – Just A Dream
This song follows the journey of a young woman who experienced the loss of the love of her life while he was serving as a soldier in a war.
26. “Whiskey Lullaby” – Brad Paisley ft. Allison Kraus
Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss – Whiskey Lullaby (featurning Alison Krauss)
A profoundly emotional song that tells the story of a woman who breaks a man’s heart, leading to his tragic demise. Overwhelmed by grief, she grapples with alcohol misuse and eventually meets a similar fate.
27. “I’ll Be Missing You” – Sean Combs ft. Faith Evans and 112
Puff Daddy [feat. Faith Evans & 112] – I’ll Be Missing You (Official Music Video)
This song samples the often-misunderstood breakup song “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. In contrast, “I’ll Be Missing You” truly addresses the theme of death, specifically the loss of Christopher Wallace, “The Notorious B.I.G.,” who was tragically murdered in 1997. The song earned a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
28. “Welcome To The Black Parade” – My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance – Welcome To The Black Parade [Official Music Video] [HD]
As the opening single of the rock opera album “The Black Parade,” this song embarks on a journey through the experiences of a patient who is aware of their impending battle with cancer.
29. “One Sweet Day” – Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men – One Sweet Day (Official Video)
This track from Mariah Carey’s “Daydream” (1995) evokes the sentiment of patiently waiting for a reunion with a beloved individual who has passed away.
30. “When I Get Where I’m Going” – Brad Paisley ft. Dolly Parton
Brad Paisley – When I Get Where I’m Going (Featuring Dolly Parton)
Released in 2005 as part of Brad Paisley’s album “Time Well Wasted,” this song conveys the anticipation of what lies beyond life and encourages listeners not to mourn for the speaker in the world below.
31. “My Immortal” – Evanescence
Evanescence – My Immortal (Official Music Video)
A melancholic piano ballad, “My Immortal” delves into the struggle of coming to terms with and coping with a profound loss.
32. “Everytime” – Britney Spears
Britney Spears – Everytime (Official HD Video)
Although primarily addressing the end of a romantic relationship, possibly with Justin Timberlake in Spears’ case, the lyrics resonate with those contending with the loss of a loved one. “Every time I see you in my dreams/I see your face/It’s haunting me/I guess I need you, baby”
33. “American Pie” – Don McLean
Don McLean – American Pie (Lyric Video)
Released in 1971, this epic 8-minute song delves into the 1959 plane crash that tragically claimed the lives of early rock and roll icons Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens.
34. “Angel” – Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan – Angel [Official Music Video]
While it may be most recognized for its role in ASPCA commercials, “Angel” was originally composed in response to the tragic death of musicians like Smashing Pumpkins keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin, who passed away from a heroin overdose in 1996.
35. “Visiting Hours” – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran – Visiting Hours [Official Performance Video]
Included in Ed Sheeran’s 2021 album “=”, “Visiting Hours” stands as a tribute to the late Australian music promoter Michael Gudinski. Sheeran delivered a heartfelt performance of the song at Gudinski’s funeral following his peaceful passing in 2021.
36. “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Bette Midler
Bette Midler – Wind Beneath My Wings (Official Music Video)
Originally written as a love song, “Wind Beneath My Wings” has become a popular choice for contemporary funerals. It serves as a poignant means of honoring the memory of someone who left an enduring impact on your life.
37. “Ronan” – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift – Ronan (Taylor’s Version) (Lyric Video)
Taylor Swift drew inspiration from the blog of Maya Thompson, who tragically lost her three-year-old son, Ronan, to neuroblastoma in 2011. Swift wrote and performed this poignant song, releasing it as a charity single in 2012, with all proceeds dedicated to causes raising awareness about cancer.
38. “When It Rains” – Paramore
Paramore – When It Rains (Official Audio)
Delving into the thoughts of someone who succumbed to suicide, this song offers solace and understanding to those left behind during the bewildering aftermath.
39. “Father” – Demi Lovato
Similar to “Hurt,” “Father” reflects Demi Lovato’s feelings surrounding the loss of her father to cancer in 2013. Lovato has openly shared the complexity of her relationship with her late father.
40. “For Good” – Wicked
#OutOfOz: “For Good” Performed by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel | WICKED the Musical
This song, featured in the second act of the iconic Broadway production, serves as a touching farewell as Elphaba and Glinda bid each other adieu. However, the song also offers solace for those grappling with the impending loss of a friend or loved one facing a terminal illness.
“So, let me say before we part/So much of me/Is made of what I learned from you/You’ll be with me/Like a handprint on my heart.”
41. “Hurt” – Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera – Hurt (Official Video)
Life, death, and grief often manifest in complex, messy ways. Christina Aguilera encapsulates these intricate emotions in her 2006 release from “Back to Basics,” titled “Hurt.” The song, inspired by the passing of songwriter Linda Perry’s father, portrays a protagonist seeking reconciliation with the loss of someone who had caused them pain.
Listen to the Playlist on Spotify
Find Hope
In the realm of music, emotions find their voice, and grief is no exception. These songs, each with its unique story and message, stand as powerful reminders of the universality of human experiences. From the heartache of personal loss to the complex relationships that don’t always neatly resolve, these songs offer comfort, catharsis, and connection to those who turn to music in their moments of sorrow. These songs remind us that grief is a journey with many paths, and that, even in the depths of despair, there is always a way to find solace and healing in the power of song. In the end, music is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering hope and understanding in the face of loss.
Are you dealing with grief or loss? At Angel Wear, we help unite those who have lost loved ones through inspiring clothing items and gear. Be a part of the brand that gives to the people who have lost. Find hope and comfort with the Angel Wear community.