11 Songs to Support Someone after Losing a Loved One
Grief can be such a complicated, personal journey. Music, with its therapeutic properties, often becomes a source of solace during such challenging times. It gives you the opportunity to cope with your emotions, remember your loved ones, or just cry.
Here’s a closer look at some profound songs that may provide some comfort during the mourning phase.
1. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
If ever a song captured the profound pain of losing a child, it’s this one. Eric Clapton penned “Tears in Heaven” after the tragic loss of his 4-year-old son, Conor, who fell from a New York apartment building.
Behind the Song: What makes this song exceptionally touching is its sincerity. Clapton questions the mysteries of the afterlife and wonders if he’ll be reunited with his son there. The song isn’t just about loss but also about hope and the possibility of reuniting with loved ones in another realm.
2. “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran
In this deeply personal song, Ed Sheeran reflects on the passing of his grandmother. The song captures the aftermath of the funeral, the little reminders of a loved one that linger in the most ordinary places.
Behind the Song: The title “Supermarket Flowers” refers to the bouquets commonly brought to funerals. Sheeran uses these as a symbol to paint a picture of the moments right after saying goodbye. The lyrics, “A heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved,” epitomizes the essence of loss – it hurts because it mattered.
3. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Originally created as a tribute to the late Paul Walker, this song resonates with anyone who has ever lost a friend. It’s about brotherhood, memories, and the hope of meeting again.
Behind the Song: Charlie Puth’s soulful chorus combined with Wiz Khalifa’s verses encapsulates the bond between close friends. It emphasizes that, while physical presence is lost, memories and love persist.
4. “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry
This country song, with its melancholic yet soothing tune, brings forth the theme of life’s unpredictability. It’s a bittersweet reflection on a life cut short, yet lived fully.
Behind the Song: The lyrics talk how, sometimes, the youngest, brightest flames are the first to be extinguished. While it touches on the theme of premature death, it’s also about finding peace in whatever life offers.
5. “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, and 112
Created as a response to the tragic death of rapper Notorious B.I.G., this song transcends genres to resonate with anyone who’s experienced loss. The chorus, sampled from The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”, is especially poignant.
Behind the Song: What’s touching about this tribute is its rawness. Puff Daddy’s verses, interspersed with Faith Evans’ soulful chorus, captures the void left by a loved one. It’s a testament to friendship, and the indelible marks people leave on our lives.
6. “One More Light” by Linkin Park
Few songs can capture the piercing pain of loss like this one. Linkin Park, known for their evocative lyrics, outdid themselves with this heart-wrenching number.
Behind the Song: The title track of their last album with Chester Bennington, the song’s poignant question, “Who cares if one more light goes out? Well, I do,” speaks of the irreplaceable void left by each individual. Following Bennington’s own tragic passing, this song became an anthem for everyone who’s ever grieved a loved one.
7. “The Show Must Go On” by Queen
Although not directly about death or loss, this song is a profound reflection of Freddie Mercury’s own battle with illness. It speaks of strength and bravery in the face of death.
Behind the Song: Sung with intensity by Mercury, even as he was extremely ill, the song captures his spirit and determination. His powerful performance stand as a testament to living one’s life to the fullest, even when faced with imminent death.
8. “Holes in the Floor of Heaven” by Steve Wariner
This country ballad is about losing loved ones and feeling their presence during significant life events. Whether it’s the passing of a grandparent or a spouse, the song captures the sentiment that they’re always watching over, even from heaven.
Behind the Song: The recurring theme of rain symbolizes the tears from heaven, a touching metaphor that adds depth to the song. It’s a comforting reminder that our loved ones never truly leave us.
9. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash (Nine Inch Nails cover)
While originally penned by Nine Inch Nails, Johnny Cash’s rendition took the song to new emotional depths. It’s about reflection, regrets, and confronting one’s own mortality.
Behind the Song: Cash, nearing the end of his life when he recorded this, brought a raw vulnerability to the song. The accompanying video, which features snippets from his younger days, juxtaposes the past’s vitality with the fragility of old age, making it a powerful musing on life and the inevitable end.
10. “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan’s soft, haunting voice makes this song an instant tearjerker. It’s about finding solace and comfort, even in the most challenging times.
Behind the Song: McLachlan wrote “Angel” as a tribute to musicians who fell victim to heroin addiction. It has since resonated with anyone seeking solace and comfort during tough times. Its message is clear: in our darkest moments, there’s always a beacon of hope.
11. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
Dedicated to those who have been our silent pillars of strength, this song is an ode to the unsung heroes in our lives.
Behind the Song: The song beautifully captures the gratitude we often feel but struggle to express towards those who’ve supported us silently. It reminds us to cherish and acknowledge those whose love and support give us the strength to soar.
