Music in Minnesota
Top 26 Heartfelt Songs About Death to Remember Those We Lost
By Staff
April 05, 2023
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 10 powerful songs about death across all genres to help you remember your lost loved ones.
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 Bette Midler
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.
