Losing a close friend is a difficult challenge for anyone to endure.
The hurt of losing a cherished individual can be unbearable, and it’s not uncommon to feel as though no one understands your pain.
Music can be a form of solace, providing a means for you to cope with and express those intense emotions.
If you are looking for a way to express your emotions or just for songs that will make you feel better after losing a friend, here’s a list of the 30 best songs about losing a friend.
1. “What If I Never Get Over You” by Lady Antebellum
This song asks a common question most people ask after losing someone they love.
Although time is all we need to heal after losing a friend, the song asks, “And what if time doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do?”
It speaks about the death of a lover and describes the sadness caused by the death of a friend.
2. “Cul-De-Sac” by The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years released “Cul-De-Sac” in 2013, which was part of the band’s album, The Greatest Generation.
The song describes the pain that comes when a relationship is broken, especially when two people who were close drift apart and become strangers.
So, if you find yourself in a situation where your friendship is crumbling, and you don’t know how to handle it, this song might be the push you need to let go of that friendship.
3. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” is a song that has helped people deal with the death of a friend.
The song was released in 1970 and is considered one of his signature pieces.
In the song, Taylor describes the high and low moments of his life as he sings about everything he’s experienced and lost.
However, he says that he was not ready for the loss of his friend, despite all that he had gone through in life.
4. “People You Know” by Selena Gomez
This song is about how quickly friendships can end and how two close friends become strangers.
Selena Gomez goes on to sing about how losing a friend is heartbreaking, but it can also show how much or little you know about them.
5. “For a Dancer” by Jackson Browne
“For a Dancer” is a song that describes the emotions brought about by the death of a friend.
In the song, Jackson Browne expresses his confusion and uncertainty after losing one of his best friends.
This song is still remembered today because of its excellent storytelling and relatability.
As Jackson sings, “Everyone is confused about the death of a friend.”
6. “Dear Ex-Best Friend” by Tate McRae
Tate McRae’s “Dear Ex-Best Friend” reflects on the pain of losing contact and separating from a close friend.
In the song, McRae conveys a message of regret and longing as she contemplates whether her former friend thinks of her.
The song has lines like “we really messed up this time’ and “I wonder if my name has ever crossed your mind,” which effectively capture the emotional turmoil one can go through after losing a treasured friendship.
7. “Beam Me Up” by Pink
According to Pink, the meaning of “Beam Me Up” is very personal, and you can tell by the lyrics the song is about the death of a close friend.
8. “It’s Time to Go” by Taylor Swift
This song reflects on the different moments in our lives when it might be necessary to leave a friendship that is no longer healthy.
Taylor Swift sings about the pain and emotions that come once you make that decision.
However, she says that walking away or giving up a friendship is one of the bravest things you can ever do if you want to find the right path in life.
9. “You Should Be Here” by Cole Swindell
Cole Swindell released this song in 2015, and it became an instant hit.
Although most people might not relate to the song, it deserves a spot on this list because of the raw emotion and personal connection expressed by Cole to his lost friends.
Cole starts by describing one of the best days in his life, surrounded by his family and friends, before recognizing his lost friends.
10. “My Old Friend” by Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw’s “My Old Friend” has a fast beat and beautiful lyrics of a friend bidding farewell to his old friend.
While this song isn’t sad, its lyrics convey the message of losing a friend.
The song’s lyrics bring back memories of older friends and the good times you had.
11. “I’ll Always Remember You” by Hannah Montana
“I’ll Always Remember You” reflects Hannah Montana’s memories of a past relationship and the emotions of losing that friendship.
She admits that ending a relationship is one of the hardest things you can ever do, but she also appreciates the time they shared and the memories they created together.
This song encourages listeners to move on and embrace the future and the importance of appreciating our relationships and the memories we make in those relationships.
12. “I Miss My Friend” by Darryl Worley
“I Miss My Friend” is a song about lovers who were best friends.
In this song, Darryl sings about how he misses the closeness of love.
He also sings about missing his friend, who he confided in, and the one to whom he poured his heart out.
The song can be an emotional piece to listen to for someone who has lost the love of their life.
13. “Where Did You Go?” by Ashley Parker Angel
This beautiful song resonates with anyone who has lost a close friend and struggled with the feeling of having missed the opportunity to express their appreciation and love for that person.
Ashely sings about the human experience of grief and longs for an opportunity to go back and make things right.
The repetition of “It’s a shame” in the song’s outro depicts a sense of regret and sadness at a missed opportunity.
14. “Gone Too Soon” by Michael Jackson
“Gone Too Soon” is a very emotional song describing what it’s like to lose a friend too soon.
Michael Jackson sings, “Like a castle built upon a sandy beach,” as he describes how one feels after losing a friend.
15. “I Lost a Friend” by Finneas
“I Lost a Friend” is the perfect example of how Finneas uses music to convey emotions.
The song has a very catchy melody, and its lyrics are relatable as they describe the pain of losing a close friend.
The song’s chorus, “How the hell did I lose a friend I never had?” shows the emotions present in the song.
16. “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye
This emotionally charged track speaks about the challenge of moving on from a relationship.
Goyte also sings about the pain of feeling disconnected from someone you once treasured.
The song’s lyrics convey the emotions of a person struggling to let go of a relationship while the other person seems to have moved on and doesn’t care how their former partner feels.
The lines, “But you treat me like a stranger, and that feels so rough” and “But I’ll admit that I was glad it was over,” are highlights of this song.
17. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
This is one of the saddest and most emotional songs to be written about losing a friend who was like a family.
Charlie Puth wrote this song after the death of Paul Walker.
“See You Again” was released in 2015, and it became an instant hit, as it resonated with people who have lost someone they love.
18. “The Vent” by Big K.R.I.T.
This song starts with Big K.R.I.T. questioning certain things in his life, but he doesn’t reveal what’s on his mind until the song is mid-way through.
It seems like Big K.R.I.T. is dealing with the death of his closest friend, and he’s struggling to keep himself together.
Big K.R.I.T. sings, “I lost my friend this morning. I woke up screaming her name. You meant so much to me, and I’m scared I won’t be the same.”
19. “Feelings Fade” by Gnash
At times, it can be hard to accept when someone you care about starts to drift away, and you cannot do anything about it.
Gnash’s “Feelings Fade” is about the confusing and complicated emotions that come when you see someone you thought was your real friend change.
The song is relatable to someone who’s feeling down or trying to make sense of such a friendship.
20. “Everybody’s Changing” by Keane
This classic indie song speaks to people struggling to keep up with change.
People change as they grow up, which sometimes means losing friends they were once close to.
As Keane sings, “But Everybody′s Changing, and I don’t feel the same,” it reminds us that we are on a journey of discovering ourselves and finding new friendships.
Although it might be hard and painful to let go of the past, embracing growth is important if you want to move forward.
21. “Moments of Pleasure” by Kate Bush
In this song, Kate Bush pays tribute to friends and relatives who have passed away.
The song starts with Kate speaking about grief and how it feels to lose someone close to you before she starts speaking about specific friends she’s lost and the memories they created together.
In the song’s lyrics, Kate greets her friends and describes how life has been after they passed away.
22. “Why We Ever” by Hayley Williams
At times, it is hard to imagine how someone who was an important part of your life can drift away without any explanation.
“Why We Ever” is a raw and honest song about the end of a friendship you once valued.
The song’s lyrics talk about how parting with your friend can leave you feeling confused and lost.
This song also has a message of resilience and hope, as Hayley says she wrote it when she was at the lowest point of her life.
23. “See You Again” by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood says that although her friend has passed away, it’s not the end of their influence on her life.
She promises to carry her friend’s memory with her until they meet again in another life.
“See You Again” is more upbeat than most songs in this list, which shows Carrie Underwood’s optimism that she will meet her friend again.
Carrie Underwood confesses in the song that she feels as if her heart is breaking sometimes, but she promises to stay strong.
24. “Sonny” by New Found Glory
It’s not easy to lose a friend, and that’s what “Sonny” by New Found Glory speaks about.
The song explores the emotions we feel when we remember the good times we had with someone who’s no longer our friend.
This track has heartfelt lyrics, making it perfect for someone who wants to let their emotions out after losing a friend.
The song was recorded in 2002 and remained to be one of the most popular hits released by the band.
25. “Someone like You” by Adele
This is a popular ballad released in 2011 as part of Adele’s second studio album, 21.
The song became a worldwide hit, reaching the top of the charts in many countries, and has since been widely recognized as one of Adele’s most iconic and emotionally impactful songs.
“Someone like You” was performed by Adele at her lowest and most desperate moment, when she’s trying to reconnect with her former lover, but he’s already moved on.
Adele’s soulful vocals have resonated with listeners all over the world.
26. “I Miss You, I’m Sorry” by Gracie Abrams
Ending a relationship can be hard, whether with a lover or a friend.
It can leave you wishing whether there’s anything you could have done to save the relationship.
However, as Gracie Abrams sings in “I Miss You,” that can be a big challenge, especially if you know the relationship is irreparable.
Grace Abrams released this song in 2020, which is part of her new album, Rare, and describes the emotions of a girl yearning for her broken relationship.
27. “Light Years” by Pearl Jam
This song was written as a dedication to Diane Muus, who was a friend of the Pearl Jam band.
The song’s lyrics speak about losing someone you care about unexpectedly and not getting the opportunity to say goodbye.
“Light Years” was reworked from an original demo version titled “Puzzles and Games,” and it had several versions before the final studio version was released.
28. “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan wrote this song after her friend and fellow musician Jonathan Melvoin died.
Jonathan was a keyboard player in the legendary 90s band Smashing Pumpkins and died from a heroin overdose.
His death inspired Sarah to reflect on the need to numb the pain of losing a friend and how many people use drugs to escape the feeling of pain.
Sarah tells people to be kind to themselves when going through a rough time and help others grieve.
29. “Song for Josh” by Frank Turner
Frank Turner released this song after his longtime friend, Josh, passed away.
He says that he cannot understand why Josh didn’t reach out to him for help.
That’s why Frank asks, “Why didn’t you call? My phone is always on.”
30. “One More Day” by Diamond Rio
After a loved one passes away, we often wish we could get one last chance to hug and have a conversation with them.
That’s what Diamond Rio talks about in this comforting song about being granted that wish.
The song was released around the same time Dale Earnhardt died, making it one of the most emotional songs about losing a friend.
Songs About Losing a Friend – Final Thoughts
Despite the topic of losing a friend or loved one being personal to everybody, it’s amazing how artists have been able to write songs that resonate with our situations.
Each song offers listeners something unique, describing different relationships, situations, and feelings.
Some songs celebrate love and life, some pay homage, and some mourn.
But, regardless of your current situation, you can find a song that you can relate to in our list.
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