26 Heartfelt Songs About Death to Remember Those We Lost

Table of Contents

Last updated on April 11th, 2023 at 01:25 am

Death is never easy. No matter your age or origin, losing someone you love hurts. Songs about death are powerful melodies that are written about the feelings of death.

Some songs about death discuss how we miss those who have died, while others talk about how unfair death is.

No matter what genre you enjoy listening to, we guarantee there are famous songs about death. We’ve made a list of 26 powerful songs about death across all genres to help you remember your lost loved ones.

26. “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley

Death is a difficult topic, but it is ultimately something everyone on this earth must face. Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton talk about death in the future tense in this song, immortalizing what we were all thinking.

25. “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry

Covered by hundreds of artists, “If I Die Young” is another song about a future death and no list of songs about death would be complete without it. There’s something haunting about the lyrics which reminds us all that our life is limited.

24. “My Immortal” by Evanescence

While this song wasn’t specifically written about death, the lyrics certainly describe what you feel like when left on earth after a loved one’s death. In an interview, Amy Lee revealed that while this song wasn’t about a specific death, she did lose her sister when she was a young girl and felt many of the emotions described in this song.

Amy Lee’s voice is hauntingly perfect, and this is a tune that will always bring tears to our eyes.

23. “Just a Dream” by Carrie Underwood

Death really does transcend all genres. In “Just a Dream” by Carrie Underwood, she tells a heart-wrenching story of a woman who lost her husband while he was serving the country. Even if you aren’t patriotic, this song is a heartbreaker.

22. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day

This classic punk rock tune is about how the lead singer of Green Day felt when his dad died. The pressure and emotions were so intense, he asked his mom to wake him up when the month was over.

21. “Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance

The best songs about death often come from the punk genre and this song by MCR is no exception. Explaining death to children is difficult. MCR puts it in simple terms. When you die, you’ll join “The Black Parade.”

20. “Let It Be” by The Beatles

Every list of songs about death needs at least one song from The Beatles, and there isn’t quite a song like “Let It Be.” One of the top Beatles hits, this song talks about accepting death when the time comes, even though the heartbreak will be difficult.

19. “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan was known for his way with words, and this song is no exception. His lyrics describe a man who is dying and how it feels to go. Covered by many artists in the years since, you can listen to a pop, metal, and even a country version of this tune.

18. “Lucy” by Skillet

Death is one of the hardest things in life we all must face. It’s even harder when the person who dies isn’t an adult. “Lucy” is about the baby the lead singer of Skillet thought he would have.

Unfortunately, he and his girlfriend had to terminate the pregnancy, and the emotions he felt as a result were worse than he ever imagined. No one can listen to this song without feeling the intense emotions expressed by the lead singer.

17. “Gone Too Soon” by Daughtry

When someone dies, it seems like you never have enough time with them. Daughtry examines these feelings in “Gone Too Soon” which explains what it’s like when a loved one’s birthday passes, and they are no longer here.

16. “Who Knew” by P!nk

Written about a friend who died of an overdose, “Who Knew” is one of those songs about death everyone can relate to. No matter how hard you may try, you can’t save someone you don’t know is struggling.

15. “Brenden’s Death Song” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Even being famous doesn’t excuse you from experiencing grief. “Brenden’s Death Song” was written by the Red Hot Chili Peppers to express how they felt about the man who gave them their career leaving this earth.

14. “Remember” by Deadmau5 and Kaskade

Even EDM songs about death exist, though we will say there are far fewer in this genre than others. Regardless “Remember” talks about remembering someone who has died, and how you will never forget someone you loved.

13. “Ready to Die” The Notorious BIG

Rap songs often discuss death more often than other songs. “Ready to Die” by The Notorious BIG is graphic, but it discusses how the famed rapper is ready to die after what he’s done. Sadly, these lyrics weren’t far from the truth as he was killed in 1997.

12. “Slipped Away” By Avril Lavigne

Death is even more difficult when you can’t be with your loved one for their final hours. “Slipped Away” was written by Avril Lavigne as she dealt with the regret of being on tour when her grandfather died.

11. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth

When a friend dies, sometimes you imagine you will see them again in the afterlife. Maybe it’s true. Either way, this song can help lift your spirits after a death. It’s a pop song, with rap interludes by Wiz Khalifa.

10. “American Pie” by Don McLean

“American Pie” is a famous song that discusses the death of three famous musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper”. This song was a top billboard hit in the 1970s and still discusses themes that are relevant today.

9. “Memories” by Within Temptation

Within Temptation is a Dutch gothic metal band, but their song “Memories” is a power ballad about the pain of losing someone you love. While the lead singer, Sharon Den Adel has never said who that person was, it is suspected to be a close friend or family member, by the name “Henry” which she whispers at the beginning of the song.

8. “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan

There isn’t anyone out there who doesn’t know the hit song “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan. This song was written about the death of Johnathan Melvoin who was the keyboard player of the band Smashing Pumpkins. He died of a heroin overdose in 1996.

7. “Visiting Hours” by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran sings this song about something we all wish was available. He talks about how he wishes he could visit heaven and keep his family member there up to date. Ed Sheeran says the song is about the death of his friend Michael Gudinski.

This singer has also written other famous songs about death, including “Supermarket Flowers” and “Happier.”

6. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton discusses the thoughts surrounding what would happen if he saw a loved one who died in heaven. This song has an excellent folk rhythm to it, making it unique when compared to the other songs on this list.

5. “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen

Next up on our list of songs about death, we have “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen. This song is said to be about how during the 80s and 90s, many people were lost to HIV and AIDS. It was written by Freddie Mercury after hearing another friend of his died from the disease.

4. “Marjorie” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift doesn’t write too many sad songs, but Marjorie was written about her grandmother who passed away, making it one of the most amazing songs about death in the pop genre.

3. “Ashes” by Celine Dion

“Ashes” by Celine Dion is a heartfelt ballad about the death of her husband. While it was written for the movie Deadpool 2, anyone who listens to this song will recognize the emotions she sings about that one feels after the death of a loved one.

Celine Dion, like Ed Sheeran, is known for her songs about death. She also has “My Heart Will Go On” and “Because You Loved Me.”

2. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John

“Candle in the Wind” is one of the most famous songs about death ever. There are two versions of this song, the 1974 one about the death of Marilyn Monroe, or the 1997 one about Princess Diana. Either way, this song is about a young life being snuffed out too soon.

1. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Better Milder

For our top song about death, we have selected none other than the song “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler. Made famous in the 80s hit film Beaches, this song is the tragic story about the death of a friend whom you used to lean on. There isn’t anyone on this earth who can get through this song without a few tears.

You May Also Enjoy: