12 Songs About Losing Someone That Will Help You Grieve

Losing someone we love is one of the most painful experiences in life. The grief that follows can be overwhelming, and it’s a process that takes time, patience, and support to navigate. Music can be a powerful tool in helping us process our emotions and find solace in difficult times. Songs about losing someone that will help you grieve are an essential part of the healing process. They can provide a space for us to reflect on our feelings, validate our emotions, and find comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone.

These songs come in various genres, from heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat tunes that celebrate the life of the person we lost. They can help us honor the memory of our loved one and navigate the stages of grief, from denial and anger to acceptance and hope. Whether we’re listening to them alone or with others, these songs offer a way to express our feelings and find a sense of connection and support. Some of the most beloved and poignant songs about losing someone include classics like Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven,” James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain,” and Luther Vandross’s “Dance with My Father.” More recent hits like Taylor Swift’s “Soon You’ll Get Better” and Khalid’s “Saved” also offer a modern take on the genre, with lyrics that speak to the complexity of the grieving process. No matter what our musical preferences are, there is a song out there that can help us find solace and healing in the face of loss.

1.‘You’re Gonna Be Okay’ – Brian & Jenn Johnson

“You’re Gonna Be Okay” by Brian & Jenn Johnson is a hopeful and uplifting song that offers comfort and encouragement to those who are going through difficult times. The song features a blend of acoustic guitar, piano, and strings, creating a soft and soothing atmosphere. Brian & Jenn’s vocals are heartfelt and emotive, delivering a message of hope and assurance that no matter what you may be going through, things will get better. The song is a reminder that in the midst of life’s struggles, there is always hope and that we are not alone.

2.‘Ocean Breathes Salty’ – Sun Kil Moon

“Ocean Breathes Salty” by Sun Kil Moon is a melancholic and introspective song that explores themes of mortality and the impermanence of life. The song features a simple acoustic guitar melody, with Mark Kozelek’s distinctive voice delivering the poignant lyrics. The song’s title is a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and the constant ebb and flow of the ocean. The lyrics reflect on the passing of time and the inevitability of death, but also offer a sense of acceptance and peace. The song’s introspective and reflective nature make it a poignant and moving piece of music.

3.‘Long Live The Queen’ – Frank Turner

“Long Live the Queen” by Frank Turner is a poignant and emotionally charged song that tells the story of a woman who is battling cancer. The song features a powerful and driving acoustic guitar rhythm, with Frank Turner’s distinctive voice delivering the heartfelt lyrics. The song describes the woman’s battle with the disease and the impact it has on her family and loved ones. The chorus “Long live the queen, we’ll miss you more than you know” is a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The song is both a celebration of her life and a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

4.‘Beloved’ – Mumford & Sons

“Beloved” by Mumford & Sons is a haunting and melancholic song that speaks to the pain of losing someone you love. The song features Marcus Mumford’s signature raspy vocals, with a backdrop of acoustic guitar, piano, and strings creating a mournful atmosphere. The lyrics speak to the pain and sorrow of losing someone close to you, but also offer a sense of hope and a belief in the power of love to endure beyond death. The song’s powerful emotions and poignant lyrics make it a moving and memorable piece of music.

5.‘Who You’d Be Today’ – Kenny Chesney

“Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney is a tender and heartfelt song that reflects on the loss of a loved one and the pain of not being able to see them grow and live their life. The song features a gentle acoustic guitar melody, with Chesney’s emotive vocals delivering the poignant lyrics. The song speaks to the universal experience of loss and grief, and the feelings of regret and sadness that come with it. The chorus “Sunny days seem to hurt the most, I wear the pain like a heavy coat” captures the raw emotions of loss and the struggle to move on. The song is a beautiful tribute to those who have passed and a reminder to cherish the time we have with those we love.

6.‘Tears In Heaven’ – Eric Clapton

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton is a powerful and emotional ballad that speaks to the pain of losing a child. The song was written by Clapton following the tragic death of his young son, and it reflects the singer’s grief and sorrow. The song features a simple yet beautiful melody, with Clapton’s gentle vocals delivering the poignant lyrics. The song asks the poignant question of whether we will see our loved ones again in heaven, and it captures the raw emotions of grief and loss. The song’s honesty and vulnerability make it a moving and powerful piece of music.

7.‘Only One’ – Kanye West

“Only One” by Kanye West is a heartfelt and emotive tribute to his late mother, Donda West. The song features a simple yet beautiful piano melody, with West’s auto-tuned vocals delivering the poignant lyrics. The song speaks to the unique bond between a mother and child, and the feelings of loss and grief that come with the passing of a loved one. The chorus “Hello, my only one, remember who you are” is a reminder of the importance of identity and the power of memory. The song is a touching tribute to West’s mother and a reminder of the enduring bond between a mother and child.

8.‘I’ll Be Missing You’ – Puffy Daddy, Faith Evans & 112

“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, and 112 is a moving tribute to the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. The song features a sample of the Police’s “Every Breath You Take” and includes vocals from Evans and 112, with Puff Daddy’s rap verses offering a powerful tribute to his friend and colleague. The song speaks to the feelings of loss and grief that come with the passing of a loved one and offers a tribute to the legacy of Notorious B.I.G. The song’s emotional lyrics and powerful vocal performances make it a memorable and poignant piece of music.

9.‘Airplanes’ – Local Natives

“Airplanes” by Local Natives is a dreamy and atmospheric song that speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. The song features a swirling melody of guitars, percussion, and keyboards, with the band’s harmonious vocals delivering the poignant lyrics. The song speaks to the feeling of being swept up in the chaos of life and the desire to escape from it all. The chorus “I want to live where soul meets body, and let the sun wrap its arms around me” captures the sense of longing and the search for meaning and purpose. The song is a beautiful reminder to cherish every moment and to live life to the fullest.

10.‘Fire and Rain’ – James Taylor

‘Fire and Rain’ is a folk rock song by American singer-songwriter James Taylor, released in 1970. The song is a reflection on Taylor’s struggles with depression, addiction, and the suicide of his friend, Suzanne Schnerr. The song’s opening line, “Just yesterday morning, they let me know you were gone,” is often regarded as one of the most poignant in music history. With its gentle acoustic guitar melody and heartfelt vocals, ‘Fire and Rain’ has become one of James Taylor’s most iconic songs, a classic of the singer-songwriter genre, and a reminder of the power of music to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.

11.‘Dance with My Father’ – Luther Vandross

‘Dance with My Father’ is a soulful R&B ballad by the late American singer Luther Vandross, released in 2003. The song pays tribute to Vandross’s father, who passed away when the singer was a child. In the song, Vandross sings of his longing to dance with his father once again and relive the cherished memories they shared. With its smooth, heartfelt vocals and gentle piano melody, ‘Dance with My Father’ is a touching tribute to a lost loved one and has become a staple at weddings, funerals, and other special events. The song won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Song of the Year, and has cemented Vandross’s legacy as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time.

12.‘Missing You’ – Diana Ross

“Missing You” is a soulful and emotional tribute to the late Marvin Gaye by American singer and actress Diana Ross. The song was released in 1984, a year after Gaye’s tragic death, and became an instant hit, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song’s lyrics express Ross’s deep sorrow and longing for Gaye, her close friend and collaborator, and her desire to honor his memory through music. The song features a powerful vocal performance by Ross and a catchy, memorable chorus that has made it a classic of 1980s pop music. “Missing You” is a poignant and heartfelt tribute to a music legend and a reminder of the enduring power of friendship and love.