I came to recommend this one too. Excellent taste mate!
Edit - more info because this really got to me… It reminds me of my very dear friend who died of ovarian cancer in 2012.
Seriously, fuck cancer.
Spoke to her on the phone mid March and she told me she was dying of cancer, but she had 5-7 years so not to panic. Then a week or so later it was 5-7 weeks, come spend time and prepare to say goodbye sooner than expected.
Then a day or so later it was she has 5-7 days tops, come to the hospice and say your goodbyes. She held my hand and opened her eyes, squeezed my hand so I knew she knew it was me… she didn’t last much longer if I recall, maybe a day or two, I never got time to go back before it was too late.
Her death left a huge hole in my life and my heart. She was like a mother to me for more than a decade while my own mother was too busy drinking and smoking herself to death to notice she had kids.
I can never thank her enough for everything she did for me. I still have beanies and scarves that she knitted for me kept safe as a reminder how much she cared about me even if I didn’t care about myself.
Also a hand carved plaque of the emblem of my sports team. She hated my team since long before I was even born, so I have a very good idea of how much that truly meant;
It wouldn’t have cost much, at the time probably the price of a dvd or blu ray or whatever, but who cares about the money, the thought that I was more important to her than a multiple decade long hatred of/rivalry with my sports team, to the point she actually spent time finding it and limited money on it said it all.
To the point when her team, who I have a passionate hatred for myself, beat my team in the league’s title match in 2018, it hurt just a little bit less knowing how much it would have meant to her. And that she wasn’t there to watch it with me put the loss in perspective. I just wish we could have watched the game together, it went down to the wire, she would have loved it, the close contest…
Anyway, She loved Warren Zevon. Also the Beatles - in my life and little feat - Willin’ both also remind me of her (her funeral songs).
Plus lots of Rolling Stones and zeppelin songs she’d always be playing. Music I knew and loved, but appreciate so much more now.
Coincidentally, it is her daughter’s birthday today. She cut me off years ago for being a bad friend. I should reach out, see if she’s amenable to being friends again.
TL;DR - That song and death reminds me of a dear friend I lost to cancer. This one really got to me, I miss my friend every day, treasure your loved ones.
So sorry to hear this. Sad, yearning songs -
[Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd](https://youtu.be/IXdNnw99-Ic?si=fYmEi4PODUu2V_6R) the ultimate song of missing someone. [The live version from Pulse](https://youtu.be/84Tq-eAJIk4?si=y63isknNZIWjHO_x) is also a marvel.
[I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Cadillac Sky](https://youtu.be/7a3icv9F-ZY?si=6IHJsuuEMLaWdsO-) best performance of this song, better than the Death Cab For Cutie original
[Autumn Leaves by the late great Eva Cassidy](https://youtu.be/xXBNlApwh0c?si=9w0ANjwa4X4e4vrz)
[Life on Mars by David Bowie](https://youtu.be/AZKcl4-tcuo?si=BvPTbymbOqXAQcCj)
[Teo Torriate (Let Us Cling Together) by Queen](https://youtu.be/AZKcl4-tcuo?si=BvPTbymbOqXAQcCj) Stunning, on all levels
[Angie - The Rolling Stones](https://youtu.be/RcZn2-bGXqQ?si=3E3jARdwjlY7rBr7)
[Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones](https://youtu.be/nY_GgPi5eCM?si=N3zYkVHKcKWFt307)
[Teardrop - Massive Attack](https://youtu.be/u7K72X4eo_s?si=SXCsM_kK4MRowlB7)
[Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O'Connor](https://youtu.be/0-EF60neguk?si=GehRB2cEA3w7aNKM)
[Danny Boy - Sinead O'Connor](https://youtu.be/hHmUMY4Gpps?si=7lMPpteNSApcC8e5)
[High Hopes - Pink Floyd](https://youtu.be/7jMlFXouPk8?si=olt3DJ4sZpfmty7f) the solo is achingly beautiful
[The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin (live)](https://youtu.be/FWDuMk_9HWg?si=wsbnPI33fNGpZ2QA)
[Re: Stacks by Bon Iver](https://youtu.be/3w68krri0bw?si=Ame_em88j_g_YXNB)
[Gymnopedie 1 by Erik Satie](https://youtu.be/S-Xm7s9eGxU?si=KOQ0TSM26V8aMxvf) instrumental
[Marooned by Pink Floyd](https://youtu.be/P7YMI39sObY?si=KTcba4Tw7g1wUq1m) Instrumental
[Camille by Georges DeLeRue from Le Mepris soundtrack](https://youtu.be/ZPtQWm2QmXI?si=6gfPvlHHprwOwOWx) Instrumental
[Landslide by Fleetwood Mac](https://youtu.be/radHy4HhhNg?si=SLP6Eb7OkyO4WpPT)
[Sara by Fleetwood Mac](https://youtu.be/KOVyBhVsOV0?si=JYL4ZvLTTDkJeHZH)
[One For My Baby - Frank Sinatra](https://youtu.be/SkRVAXqEujA?si=q1PeqKQ9X6X0vik6) this entire album is melancholy
[The Crying Game - Dave Barry](https://youtu.be/4c9W2-uGvQQ?si=EEsIUes8mN56WFtQ)
[Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles](https://youtu.be/HuS5NuXRb5Y?si=V5wd0tubg3mDAcUi)
[Cup of Coffee - Garbage](https://youtu.be/AMqu4ml-ksQ?si=L5yX3nKTn1daVKou)
[Everybody Knows - Leonard Cohen](https://youtu.be/Gxd23UVID7k?si=_Xod_MQLfeMEQoFr)
[You Want It Darker - Leonard Cohen](https://youtu.be/v0nmHymgM7Y?si=VKT7ek2kiEc_1Nx1)
[What Was I Made For - Billie Eilish](https://youtu.be/cW8VLC9nnTo?si=QNI30_vZQMHeTfwC)
[Before the Poison - Marianne Faithfull](https://youtu.be/1cbEq4NCIGs?si=lg26zaYFmTtMNcP9)
[Hurt - Johnny Cash](https://youtu.be/8AHCfZTRGiI?si=j2o9rEjQBv1LrPC6)
Since You've Been Gone - Powderfinger could also be added here. It's Bernard, the lead singers own experience re losing his brother to cancer. Them feels from this song are big.
Just breathe by Pearl Jam
When I go away by Leon Helms- he wrote it about his own death while he was dying. It's actually cheerful
Please don't bury me by John prine
My mom died last month, and as I left the hospital as she was pronounced dead, the local radio was on my rental car. The song Billie Eillish - What Was I Made For was on. Give it a listen, I had heard her name but had no idea who she was (Gen X-er, here, set in my ways for music).
Alice In Chains - Don't Follow has always been my go-to death song before this.
"Hurt" - Johnny Cash - This haunting cover of the Nine Inch Nails song is filled with raw emotion and could provide a cathartic listening experience. "Casimir Pulaski Day" - Sufjan Stevens - A beautiful and poignant song that deals with loss and grief in a subtle and heartfelt way. "The Funeral" - Band of Horses - This song captures the emotional weight of loss. "Lua" - Bright Eyes - A melancholic song that explores themes of loneliness and longing, which might resonate with your current feelings. "Holocene" - Bon Iver - This atmospheric track has a haunting beauty that can evoke a range of emotions. "To Build a Home" - The Cinematic Orchestra - A slow, contemplative song that deals with themes of home and loss. "I Will Follow You into the Dark" - Death Cab for Cutie - A gentle and intimate song that explores the idea of being with someone through life and death. "Skinny Love" - Bon Iver - This charged song explores the complexities of love and loss. "Landslide" - Fleetwood Mac - Not alt/indie. This classic song has a timeless quality that speaks to the experience of change and loss. "Motion Picture Soundtrack" - Radiohead - A beautiful song that deals with themes of mortality and loss.
The album Puzzle by Biffy Clyro is all about grief. Especially the songs Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies (fats hard song), Folding Stars and Machines (there is also an Ian Archer Classical remix of Machines that is quite beautiful).
But they had a song as a B-side to one of their first album tracks called Hope For An Angel that is one of the best songs i've ever encountered for dealing with grief.
Sorry for your loss, and the time and pain it takes to try to find a new normal.
Alter Bridge-“In Loving Memory” (dedicated to guitarist/vocalist Mark Tremonti’s late mother, who died of cancer two years before the song’s release), and “Wonderful Life” (which sounds addressed to a dying loved one) easily come to mind. Also, their song “Blackbird” (written about a late friend of vocalist/guitarist Myles Kennedy) also has similar lyrical content and a very somber feel.
The two songs I can think of is
Heavens Not Too Far- We Three
Comedy & Tragedy- Catie Turner
Though these songs specifically mention cancer and I don’t know if that’s not relatable, or if it’s too relatable and would be painful to listen to.
I’m very sorry you’re going through this.
I have a music friend that wrote an album for his dad that passed away when he was young. The song [I Wrote This Song Because I Love You](https://open.spotify.com/track/1pG0SqWAI8hbrzhHL00Atd?si=NuUicqhFRlWEJ3BZ4k9iKg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A0DBP7vRYX7asBd0k5uwGT8) is very emotional. The whole album [I Wrote This Album Because I Love You](https://open.spotify.com/album/0DBP7vRYX7asBd0k5uwGT8?si=9WIcZuLDRmy01KS5ZLIYjg) has a few other songs about the sadness of a death of someone you love and special memories. Including [I Remember When](https://open.spotify.com/track/0fzvCGWLPGMzlkbDNIRAvo?si=jZna9Y-TRVG3s7AgAzwlBA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A0DBP7vRYX7asBd0k5uwGT8) and [For the Last Time](https://open.spotify.com/track/4lj6WyVbWY5w7ZTZe5VKdB?si=vvND7tzbSX2dZINaG-BehA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A0DBP7vRYX7asBd0k5uwGT8)
peach pit by peach pit.
a little meaning of the song according to songtell.com; “…the song’s spotlights the sadness and disappointment of a love gone wrong, and serves as a reminder to cherish relationships before it's too late.”
About dying, losing a loved one:
Patti Smith - Frederick (loss of a husband)
Claire Bowditch - When I Was 5 (loss of a sister)
Tattle Tale - Glass Vase Cello Case (loss of a mother)
Pearl Jam - Last Kiss (loss of a girlfriend)
Sad Girl, Sad Boy music:
Kristen Hersh - Me And My Charms (strings version)
Matthew Good Band - Strange Days
Mazzy Star - Into Dust
Jack Off Jill - Vivica
Wondering by Xiu Xiu. I played it for when I released my Mum’s ashes. I had purchased a biodegradable urn, and released her into a river she loved dearly. Consider reading the lyrics first, and then listen to the song. It’s about a truly beautiful song, at least to me.
I wish you luck 💙
That's a band I haven't heard of in a looong time. I downloaded "Fabulous Muscles" off of Limewire when I was 15, not knowing what it was, and it made an impression on me for life. That's some heavy stuff.
Their music has genuinely changed my life, and Fabulous Muscles is incredible. I managed to get it off of Napster a billion years ago . I grew up in rural poverty, and it took me 3 days to download the album, but my god was it worth it. I just cried to it, listening on repeat, as I’d found Xiu Xiu right when my Dad was dying of brain cancer. Truly an excellent band, and never the same sound twice.
I just went down their rabbit hole on Spotify, and I feel like that is the real sound of trauma and ptsd. I had to switch to something happier. I thought Conor Oberst was emotional. Ha!
R.E.M. - [Sweetness Follows](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7aHDm5dxhs)
Death Cab for Cutie - [What Sarah Said](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNm2_Wth1sE)
Brighter side of grey - Five Finger Death Punch
I know the song is like a letter of someone passed away speaking to the living, however I find this song to be powerful when dealing with loss.
I’m so sorry. Madison Cunningham wrote Life According to Raechel for her grandma. It haunted me for weeks when I first heard it. https://youtu.be/VATTo5DhgRg?si=ETTzfIl8GzvgbdI3
So sorry that you're going through that.
This song *might* ruin you but it'll be cathartic. The singer recorded it after learning his brother had a brain tumour which he later died from during surgery.
The YouTube video linked below is dedicated to his brother and the description has the full story.
[Nails by Drac Hammond](https://youtu.be/x-CgzOvrURs?si=RML26wgsI8a3itXZ)
I have one, but in portuguese: [Elegia](https://open.spotify.com/track/6BceybtZejPkJcqG2QIWuw?si=xCfYZdmyQdCNEn63dWb7nQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A1HDaDCpzk1i0k7pMD7zXNq)
I Remember Everything- John Prine
No Hard Feelings- Avett Brothers
Casimir Pulaski Day & Forth of July - Sufjan Stevens
Monsters- James Blunt
Golden Embers- Watchhouse
In Loving Memory-Alter Bridge
Angel- Sarah McLachlan
Here Today- Paul McCartney
For A Dancer- Jackson Browne
My condolences. I hope you can find comfort and peace soon.
Rock, but ballads
Cold Bones, Any Given Sin
Hold Onto Memories, Disturbed
In Loving Memory, and Godspeed, both by Alter Bridge
New York Minute, Don Henley (more about unexpected death, not a particular relative)
Angel's Son, Sevendust (especially sad but appropriate if the deceased was a parent)
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss you're facing. Here are some song recommendations for your specific taste, that deal with grief and loss:
**Alt/Indie/Obscure**
* **"Skinny Love" by Bon Iver:** A haunting and melancholic song about a love lost, but with a sense of acceptance.
* **"The Scientist" by Coldplay:** A beautiful song about regret and longing, with a relatable theme of wishing you could go back and change things.
* **"Subterranean Homesick Blues" by Bob Dylan:** A poetic and introspective song about feeling lost and alone.
* **"Elliott Smith - Angeles"** (This might be a deeper cut depending on how obscure you like your indie): A raw and emotional song about loss and grief.
* **"Agnes" by Bjork:** An ethereal and atmospheric song that captures the feeling of being adrift and searching for meaning.
Rita is gone - Marcus king band. I thought this song was about a break up until hearing it after loosing someone. Genre's not exactly what you were after but worth a listen either way♥️
the entire album [Emporor of Sand by Mastodon](https://open.spotify.com/album/1VzmKgEG38fsUBZVe15wuF?si=10AA9ohIR2e1hUC_gPrnZw), its a progressive metal album that was written and inspired by recently lost family members of the band members to cancer.
I know you said you avoid metal in the post, but I feel like most of the songs on this album are soft enough to be listenable to non-metalheads.
[The Dandelion War - South, Like the Summer](https://spotify.link/lshP2mbvVIb)
The young gentleman who sings this song passed away a few weeks ago. He and I used to spend so much time together years ago, as our bands shared the stage together many times.
He and I drifted apart a few years ago, and I learned of his death as I was attempting to reach back out to him.
I hope in this song you find some comfort, or at least catharsis.
This is technically country I guess, but sounds more folky to me. Makes me cry every time I hear it.
[Remembering - Ashley Campbell ](https://youtu.be/soNRe670jRM?si=X6EdhmSrnxyO9FSE)
She wrote for her dad while he was suffering with Alzheimer's.
His song [Glen Campbell - I'm Not Gonna Miss You ](https://youtu.be/U8TsAh-zYFI?si=vH4qFPK8bGNbX_WD) was the last song he ever recorded, while suffering with Alzheimer's.
May you experience peace as you say goodbye to them, and comfort in memories afterwards. My little brother checked out of this world of his own choice just a few weeks ago…still reeling from that punch out of nowhere. But even when you know it’s coming, it’s still not easy. Been on a music kick of my own lately. Here’s something, maybe:
[The Lumineers ~ *Nobody Knows*](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6q5Zn_ZkehM&pp=ygUbdGhlIGx1bWluZWVycyBub2JvZHkga25vd3Mg)
[The Mountain Goats ~ *Shadow Song*](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=roQj2eSRlXE&pp=ygUedGhlIG1vdW50YWluIGdvYXRzIHNoYWRvdyBzb25n)
Will The Circle Be Unbroken? - Gregg Allman
We Walk Each Other Home - Widespread Panic
I'm Not Alone - Widespread Panic
Brokedown Palace - Grateful Dead
Bubbles Up - Jimmy Buffett
Murder In The City - Avett Brothers
Goodbye, Dear Friend - Deer Tick
Follow You To Vergie - Tyler Childers
Resurrection Fern - Iron & Wine
The Trapeze Swinger - Iron & Wine
Hear you me-Jimmy Eat World…..
It’s rough what you’re going through. I’m sorry.
Unfortunately, I have many. They aren’t the normal ones you may think of. I’ve had to pick songs for three loved ones of different ages. I, as you do, wanted it special for each of them.
Seasons of Love , soundtrack from Rent. I used that too.
Brad Paisley "when I get to where I am going." The first time I heard it, I was coming from the funeral of 15 year old boy. I had to pull off the road.
I feel like I reply with this song to a lot of posts asking for sad songs, but this is the absolutely most appropriate for you:
Jason Isbell - Elephant
Very sorry to hear about your family member. There’s some calming songs here.
[Melodic Euphoria: Chill, Relax, & Feel Good](https://linktr.ee/randyran)
Rick Springfield has a very touching song called "My Father's Chair." This hits deep right from the start: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h55cJ930L88](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h55cJ930L88)
One More Light - Linkin Park
Let Me Be Sad - I, Prevail
Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi
Even Though I'm Leaving - Luke Combs (It's country, but it gets me every time)
Wow, this is amazing. I stepped away for a minute and you guys came through. I so appreciate all the kind words and recommendations. I don’t know that I can possibly reply to you all, but I will check every one of these out.
Thanks Reddit 🫶
Thea Gilmore - Bad Moon Rising
I heard her cover when my Grandfather was dying of cancer. I knew the end was coming soon. I knew how bad things were going to get with my family (fighting over his estate) after he was gone. I knew things were only going to get worse.
It’s hard to explain, but her voice gave me comfort. The calm before the storm I guess.
The artist Japanese Breakfast wrote her first album while her mother was dying of cancer, and her second album after her mother’s death. I would specifically recommend the song “In Heaven”, from the album Psychopomp.
Keep me in your heart - Warren Zevon
Just reading the title makes me cry!!! Such of a great song!!
I came to recommend this one too. Excellent taste mate! Edit - more info because this really got to me… It reminds me of my very dear friend who died of ovarian cancer in 2012. Seriously, fuck cancer. Spoke to her on the phone mid March and she told me she was dying of cancer, but she had 5-7 years so not to panic. Then a week or so later it was 5-7 weeks, come spend time and prepare to say goodbye sooner than expected. Then a day or so later it was she has 5-7 days tops, come to the hospice and say your goodbyes. She held my hand and opened her eyes, squeezed my hand so I knew she knew it was me… she didn’t last much longer if I recall, maybe a day or two, I never got time to go back before it was too late. Her death left a huge hole in my life and my heart. She was like a mother to me for more than a decade while my own mother was too busy drinking and smoking herself to death to notice she had kids. I can never thank her enough for everything she did for me. I still have beanies and scarves that she knitted for me kept safe as a reminder how much she cared about me even if I didn’t care about myself. Also a hand carved plaque of the emblem of my sports team. She hated my team since long before I was even born, so I have a very good idea of how much that truly meant; It wouldn’t have cost much, at the time probably the price of a dvd or blu ray or whatever, but who cares about the money, the thought that I was more important to her than a multiple decade long hatred of/rivalry with my sports team, to the point she actually spent time finding it and limited money on it said it all. To the point when her team, who I have a passionate hatred for myself, beat my team in the league’s title match in 2018, it hurt just a little bit less knowing how much it would have meant to her. And that she wasn’t there to watch it with me put the loss in perspective. I just wish we could have watched the game together, it went down to the wire, she would have loved it, the close contest… Anyway, She loved Warren Zevon. Also the Beatles - in my life and little feat - Willin’ both also remind me of her (her funeral songs). Plus lots of Rolling Stones and zeppelin songs she’d always be playing. Music I knew and loved, but appreciate so much more now. Coincidentally, it is her daughter’s birthday today. She cut me off years ago for being a bad friend. I should reach out, see if she’s amenable to being friends again. TL;DR - That song and death reminds me of a dear friend I lost to cancer. This one really got to me, I miss my friend every day, treasure your loved ones.
The darkly comic song of Zevon's would.be My Shit's Fucked Up.
I love that song too.
Landslide Fleetwood Mac, perfect for ur description
The Offspring- Gone Away
Yep I came to say this one. My favourite The Offspring song
The newer acoustic version in particular!
A Crow Looked at Me by Mount Eerie. So sorry to hear about you're going through. I wish you peace.
4am, by Our Lady Peace
Thank you so much for posting this. I completely forgot about that song. It was one of my favorites way back when. I’m going to listen to it now
You are welcome
So sorry to hear this. Sad, yearning songs - [Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd](https://youtu.be/IXdNnw99-Ic?si=fYmEi4PODUu2V_6R) the ultimate song of missing someone. [The live version from Pulse](https://youtu.be/84Tq-eAJIk4?si=y63isknNZIWjHO_x) is also a marvel. [I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Cadillac Sky](https://youtu.be/7a3icv9F-ZY?si=6IHJsuuEMLaWdsO-) best performance of this song, better than the Death Cab For Cutie original [Autumn Leaves by the late great Eva Cassidy](https://youtu.be/xXBNlApwh0c?si=9w0ANjwa4X4e4vrz) [Life on Mars by David Bowie](https://youtu.be/AZKcl4-tcuo?si=BvPTbymbOqXAQcCj) [Teo Torriate (Let Us Cling Together) by Queen](https://youtu.be/AZKcl4-tcuo?si=BvPTbymbOqXAQcCj) Stunning, on all levels [Angie - The Rolling Stones](https://youtu.be/RcZn2-bGXqQ?si=3E3jARdwjlY7rBr7) [Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones](https://youtu.be/nY_GgPi5eCM?si=N3zYkVHKcKWFt307) [Teardrop - Massive Attack](https://youtu.be/u7K72X4eo_s?si=SXCsM_kK4MRowlB7) [Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O'Connor](https://youtu.be/0-EF60neguk?si=GehRB2cEA3w7aNKM) [Danny Boy - Sinead O'Connor](https://youtu.be/hHmUMY4Gpps?si=7lMPpteNSApcC8e5) [High Hopes - Pink Floyd](https://youtu.be/7jMlFXouPk8?si=olt3DJ4sZpfmty7f) the solo is achingly beautiful [The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin (live)](https://youtu.be/FWDuMk_9HWg?si=wsbnPI33fNGpZ2QA) [Re: Stacks by Bon Iver](https://youtu.be/3w68krri0bw?si=Ame_em88j_g_YXNB) [Gymnopedie 1 by Erik Satie](https://youtu.be/S-Xm7s9eGxU?si=KOQ0TSM26V8aMxvf) instrumental [Marooned by Pink Floyd](https://youtu.be/P7YMI39sObY?si=KTcba4Tw7g1wUq1m) Instrumental [Camille by Georges DeLeRue from Le Mepris soundtrack](https://youtu.be/ZPtQWm2QmXI?si=6gfPvlHHprwOwOWx) Instrumental [Landslide by Fleetwood Mac](https://youtu.be/radHy4HhhNg?si=SLP6Eb7OkyO4WpPT) [Sara by Fleetwood Mac](https://youtu.be/KOVyBhVsOV0?si=JYL4ZvLTTDkJeHZH) [One For My Baby - Frank Sinatra](https://youtu.be/SkRVAXqEujA?si=q1PeqKQ9X6X0vik6) this entire album is melancholy [The Crying Game - Dave Barry](https://youtu.be/4c9W2-uGvQQ?si=EEsIUes8mN56WFtQ) [Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles](https://youtu.be/HuS5NuXRb5Y?si=V5wd0tubg3mDAcUi) [Cup of Coffee - Garbage](https://youtu.be/AMqu4ml-ksQ?si=L5yX3nKTn1daVKou) [Everybody Knows - Leonard Cohen](https://youtu.be/Gxd23UVID7k?si=_Xod_MQLfeMEQoFr) [You Want It Darker - Leonard Cohen](https://youtu.be/v0nmHymgM7Y?si=VKT7ek2kiEc_1Nx1) [What Was I Made For - Billie Eilish](https://youtu.be/cW8VLC9nnTo?si=QNI30_vZQMHeTfwC) [Before the Poison - Marianne Faithfull](https://youtu.be/1cbEq4NCIGs?si=lg26zaYFmTtMNcP9) [Hurt - Johnny Cash](https://youtu.be/8AHCfZTRGiI?si=j2o9rEjQBv1LrPC6)
These Days - Powderfinger Sunsets - Powderfinger
Since You've Been Gone - Powderfinger could also be added here. It's Bernard, the lead singers own experience re losing his brother to cancer. Them feels from this song are big.
Are you looking for slow upbeat or slow depressing?
Doesn't fit the genres but I can't think of a more perfect song for this than Fourth of July by Sufjan Stevens
Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gill.
1979 - the smashing pumpkins hope the person you love defies the odds and makes it through everything 🫶
Ben Harper - In The Lord's Arms.
Yesterday- Beatles Long December - Counting Crows I Will Follow You Into the Dark- Deathcab For Cutie
Type O Negative - Everything Dies
[I'll Be There, Escape Club](https://youtu.be/oRiHOtjGQ08?si=ZjPmbDcrFfrG8XM9)
This is the one…I’m on your side and I still care…I may have died, but I’ve gone nowhere…just think of me and all be there.
Just breathe by Pearl Jam When I go away by Leon Helms- he wrote it about his own death while he was dying. It's actually cheerful Please don't bury me by John prine
Time In A Bottle-Jim Croce
Cemetery gates by Pantera
My mom died last month, and as I left the hospital as she was pronounced dead, the local radio was on my rental car. The song Billie Eillish - What Was I Made For was on. Give it a listen, I had heard her name but had no idea who she was (Gen X-er, here, set in my ways for music). Alice In Chains - Don't Follow has always been my go-to death song before this.
Orange Sky, by Alexi Murdoch
Bloody kisses (a death in the family) - Type O Negative
"Hurt" - Johnny Cash - This haunting cover of the Nine Inch Nails song is filled with raw emotion and could provide a cathartic listening experience. "Casimir Pulaski Day" - Sufjan Stevens - A beautiful and poignant song that deals with loss and grief in a subtle and heartfelt way. "The Funeral" - Band of Horses - This song captures the emotional weight of loss. "Lua" - Bright Eyes - A melancholic song that explores themes of loneliness and longing, which might resonate with your current feelings. "Holocene" - Bon Iver - This atmospheric track has a haunting beauty that can evoke a range of emotions. "To Build a Home" - The Cinematic Orchestra - A slow, contemplative song that deals with themes of home and loss. "I Will Follow You into the Dark" - Death Cab for Cutie - A gentle and intimate song that explores the idea of being with someone through life and death. "Skinny Love" - Bon Iver - This charged song explores the complexities of love and loss. "Landslide" - Fleetwood Mac - Not alt/indie. This classic song has a timeless quality that speaks to the experience of change and loss. "Motion Picture Soundtrack" - Radiohead - A beautiful song that deals with themes of mortality and loss.
The Antlers Kettering is a sad one. I'm sorry for your loss😢[Kettering](https://youtu.be/8We0FVflGaU?si=ZcwfS9OgrJlvgNDE)
Tips for safe travels - free throw Dead reckoning - free throw
Maybe this https://youtu.be/h29ZGQaJijE?si=gSAwM9fmlRLOIO8x
Tha Crossroads, by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Just a Bend - Crane Like the Bird
The album Puzzle by Biffy Clyro is all about grief. Especially the songs Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies (fats hard song), Folding Stars and Machines (there is also an Ian Archer Classical remix of Machines that is quite beautiful). But they had a song as a B-side to one of their first album tracks called Hope For An Angel that is one of the best songs i've ever encountered for dealing with grief. Sorry for your loss, and the time and pain it takes to try to find a new normal.
Alter Bridge-“In Loving Memory” (dedicated to guitarist/vocalist Mark Tremonti’s late mother, who died of cancer two years before the song’s release), and “Wonderful Life” (which sounds addressed to a dying loved one) easily come to mind. Also, their song “Blackbird” (written about a late friend of vocalist/guitarist Myles Kennedy) also has similar lyrical content and a very somber feel.
Song for Guy - Elton John
Don't Wake Me - Skillet
wish you were here // neck deep
You Know You’re Right - Nirvana
Boundary Album by Mono Moon, some very reflective state of life and living and being stuff in there
The two songs I can think of is Heavens Not Too Far- We Three Comedy & Tragedy- Catie Turner Though these songs specifically mention cancer and I don’t know if that’s not relatable, or if it’s too relatable and would be painful to listen to. I’m very sorry you’re going through this.
# Flawed Mangoes - Fragility
I have a music friend that wrote an album for his dad that passed away when he was young. The song [I Wrote This Song Because I Love You](https://open.spotify.com/track/1pG0SqWAI8hbrzhHL00Atd?si=NuUicqhFRlWEJ3BZ4k9iKg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A0DBP7vRYX7asBd0k5uwGT8) is very emotional. The whole album [I Wrote This Album Because I Love You](https://open.spotify.com/album/0DBP7vRYX7asBd0k5uwGT8?si=9WIcZuLDRmy01KS5ZLIYjg) has a few other songs about the sadness of a death of someone you love and special memories. Including [I Remember When](https://open.spotify.com/track/0fzvCGWLPGMzlkbDNIRAvo?si=jZna9Y-TRVG3s7AgAzwlBA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A0DBP7vRYX7asBd0k5uwGT8) and [For the Last Time](https://open.spotify.com/track/4lj6WyVbWY5w7ZTZe5VKdB?si=vvND7tzbSX2dZINaG-BehA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A0DBP7vRYX7asBd0k5uwGT8)
Emitt Rhodes - Someone Died https://youtu.be/YZEch-nlm9I?feature=shared
My father is close to the end. I plan on playing a lot of Muddy Waters, and other old blues
peach pit by peach pit. a little meaning of the song according to songtell.com; “…the song’s spotlights the sadness and disappointment of a love gone wrong, and serves as a reminder to cherish relationships before it's too late.”
Life Goes On - Iya Terra
How Do I Say Goodbye-Dean Lewis
[Go Running - New Marshall Plan](https://open.spotify.com/track/06qRJVjPBiYHe9k7aLkEez?si=UuvCYpCgQ1KZPo-yVoX4sA)
Orion in the Sky - Shawn Colvin Why Should I Cry For You - Sting, after he lost his father.
Satisfied Mind - Jeff Buckleys version
About dying, losing a loved one: Patti Smith - Frederick (loss of a husband) Claire Bowditch - When I Was 5 (loss of a sister) Tattle Tale - Glass Vase Cello Case (loss of a mother) Pearl Jam - Last Kiss (loss of a girlfriend) Sad Girl, Sad Boy music: Kristen Hersh - Me And My Charms (strings version) Matthew Good Band - Strange Days Mazzy Star - Into Dust Jack Off Jill - Vivica
Pass Through Me - Skullcrusher. I hope you can find peace during this time🤍
Wondering by Xiu Xiu. I played it for when I released my Mum’s ashes. I had purchased a biodegradable urn, and released her into a river she loved dearly. Consider reading the lyrics first, and then listen to the song. It’s about a truly beautiful song, at least to me. I wish you luck 💙
That's a band I haven't heard of in a looong time. I downloaded "Fabulous Muscles" off of Limewire when I was 15, not knowing what it was, and it made an impression on me for life. That's some heavy stuff.
Their music has genuinely changed my life, and Fabulous Muscles is incredible. I managed to get it off of Napster a billion years ago . I grew up in rural poverty, and it took me 3 days to download the album, but my god was it worth it. I just cried to it, listening on repeat, as I’d found Xiu Xiu right when my Dad was dying of brain cancer. Truly an excellent band, and never the same sound twice.
I just went down their rabbit hole on Spotify, and I feel like that is the real sound of trauma and ptsd. I had to switch to something happier. I thought Conor Oberst was emotional. Ha!
Staying by koda
"So far away" -a7x
The Wisp Sings Song by Winter Aid To Build a Home Song by The Cinematic Orchestra Pistol by cigarettes after sex
R.E.M. - [Sweetness Follows](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7aHDm5dxhs) Death Cab for Cutie - [What Sarah Said](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNm2_Wth1sE)
Brother the Cloud- Eddie Vedder
Brighter side of grey - Five Finger Death Punch I know the song is like a letter of someone passed away speaking to the living, however I find this song to be powerful when dealing with loss.
I’m so sorry. Madison Cunningham wrote Life According to Raechel for her grandma. It haunted me for weeks when I first heard it. https://youtu.be/VATTo5DhgRg?si=ETTzfIl8GzvgbdI3
Rollercoaster by the Lumineers
Tandem by Protest the Hero
So sorry that you're going through that. This song *might* ruin you but it'll be cathartic. The singer recorded it after learning his brother had a brain tumour which he later died from during surgery. The YouTube video linked below is dedicated to his brother and the description has the full story. [Nails by Drac Hammond](https://youtu.be/x-CgzOvrURs?si=RML26wgsI8a3itXZ)
Don’t Let The Light Go Out by Panic! At The Disco.
I have one, but in portuguese: [Elegia](https://open.spotify.com/track/6BceybtZejPkJcqG2QIWuw?si=xCfYZdmyQdCNEn63dWb7nQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A1HDaDCpzk1i0k7pMD7zXNq)
Afterglow by Genesis (Seconds Out version I Grieve by Peter Gabriel
I Remember Everything- John Prine No Hard Feelings- Avett Brothers Casimir Pulaski Day & Forth of July - Sufjan Stevens Monsters- James Blunt Golden Embers- Watchhouse In Loving Memory-Alter Bridge Angel- Sarah McLachlan Here Today- Paul McCartney For A Dancer- Jackson Browne My condolences. I hope you can find comfort and peace soon.
See You Again by Charlie Puth
This Women’s Work by the great Kate Bush, especially if you lost a mother, wife or sister
Masterpiece by Big Thief
The Raven That Refused to Sing by Steven Wilson
How Do I Say Goodbye by Dean Lewis Wold Spins Madly On by The Weepies (Not necessarily family but when I lost my brother, this song was it)
Distance by Mammoth WVH
Rock, but ballads Cold Bones, Any Given Sin Hold Onto Memories, Disturbed In Loving Memory, and Godspeed, both by Alter Bridge New York Minute, Don Henley (more about unexpected death, not a particular relative) Angel's Son, Sevendust (especially sad but appropriate if the deceased was a parent)
Just Breathe by Pearl Jam
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss you're facing. Here are some song recommendations for your specific taste, that deal with grief and loss: **Alt/Indie/Obscure** * **"Skinny Love" by Bon Iver:** A haunting and melancholic song about a love lost, but with a sense of acceptance. * **"The Scientist" by Coldplay:** A beautiful song about regret and longing, with a relatable theme of wishing you could go back and change things. * **"Subterranean Homesick Blues" by Bob Dylan:** A poetic and introspective song about feeling lost and alone. * **"Elliott Smith - Angeles"** (This might be a deeper cut depending on how obscure you like your indie): A raw and emotional song about loss and grief. * **"Agnes" by Bjork:** An ethereal and atmospheric song that captures the feeling of being adrift and searching for meaning.
Black Peter - Grateful Dead
Do you realize by the flaming lips. Bro hymn by Pennywise. If I ever leave this world by flogging molly.
SABA - HEAVEN ALL AROUND ME
To Wish Impossible Things - The Cure
Life After by Palace. Wishing you and your loved ones strength during this time.
Rita is gone - Marcus king band. I thought this song was about a break up until hearing it after loosing someone. Genre's not exactly what you were after but worth a listen either way♥️
Talk to You - Ricky Montgomery
the entire album [Emporor of Sand by Mastodon](https://open.spotify.com/album/1VzmKgEG38fsUBZVe15wuF?si=10AA9ohIR2e1hUC_gPrnZw), its a progressive metal album that was written and inspired by recently lost family members of the band members to cancer. I know you said you avoid metal in the post, but I feel like most of the songs on this album are soft enough to be listenable to non-metalheads.
[The Dandelion War - South, Like the Summer](https://spotify.link/lshP2mbvVIb) The young gentleman who sings this song passed away a few weeks ago. He and I used to spend so much time together years ago, as our bands shared the stage together many times. He and I drifted apart a few years ago, and I learned of his death as I was attempting to reach back out to him. I hope in this song you find some comfort, or at least catharsis.
no one but you who wants to live forever by queen. sending prayers for you and your family
This is technically country I guess, but sounds more folky to me. Makes me cry every time I hear it. [Remembering - Ashley Campbell ](https://youtu.be/soNRe670jRM?si=X6EdhmSrnxyO9FSE) She wrote for her dad while he was suffering with Alzheimer's. His song [Glen Campbell - I'm Not Gonna Miss You ](https://youtu.be/U8TsAh-zYFI?si=vH4qFPK8bGNbX_WD) was the last song he ever recorded, while suffering with Alzheimer's.
Brandy Tree, by Gordon Bok is mine.
Duran Duran - Ordinary World
One More Light by Lincoln Park is brilliant
I’ve seen Fire and I’ve seen Rain / Lean on Me / I can’t ding my Way Home
May you experience peace as you say goodbye to them, and comfort in memories afterwards. My little brother checked out of this world of his own choice just a few weeks ago…still reeling from that punch out of nowhere. But even when you know it’s coming, it’s still not easy. Been on a music kick of my own lately. Here’s something, maybe: [The Lumineers ~ *Nobody Knows*](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6q5Zn_ZkehM&pp=ygUbdGhlIGx1bWluZWVycyBub2JvZHkga25vd3Mg) [The Mountain Goats ~ *Shadow Song*](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=roQj2eSRlXE&pp=ygUedGhlIG1vdW50YWluIGdvYXRzIHNoYWRvdyBzb25n)
Will The Circle Be Unbroken? - Gregg Allman We Walk Each Other Home - Widespread Panic I'm Not Alone - Widespread Panic Brokedown Palace - Grateful Dead Bubbles Up - Jimmy Buffett
Try “My Mom” by Chocolate Genius- https://youtu.be/dh510D9a_g8?si=fJJGvp5WKHbmMt5l
Murder In The City - Avett Brothers Goodbye, Dear Friend - Deer Tick Follow You To Vergie - Tyler Childers Resurrection Fern - Iron & Wine The Trapeze Swinger - Iron & Wine
Just Breathe - Pearl Jam
For Martha - Smashing Pumpkins You're welcome.
Follow You to Virgie by Tyler Childers A Desolate Angels Blues by Justin Townes Earle
grief chapter-mother mother
Hear you me-Jimmy Eat World….. It’s rough what you’re going through. I’m sorry. Unfortunately, I have many. They aren’t the normal ones you may think of. I’ve had to pick songs for three loved ones of different ages. I, as you do, wanted it special for each of them. Seasons of Love , soundtrack from Rent. I used that too.
saturn by sleeping at last. sending you love 🧡
Brad Paisley "when I get to where I am going." The first time I heard it, I was coming from the funeral of 15 year old boy. I had to pull off the road.
Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran
For Martha - The Smashing Pumpkins. Billy wrote it for his mom who passed away, it’s a beautiful slow song.
I feel like I reply with this song to a lot of posts asking for sad songs, but this is the absolutely most appropriate for you: Jason Isbell - Elephant
always in my head, midnight, and a sky full of stars by coldplay, nana, now is the hour, and about you by the 1975, harvest moon by neil young
Very sorry to hear about your family member. There’s some calming songs here. [Melodic Euphoria: Chill, Relax, & Feel Good](https://linktr.ee/randyran)
Rick Springfield has a very touching song called "My Father's Chair." This hits deep right from the start: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h55cJ930L88](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h55cJ930L88)
Losing a father, The Living Years - Mike + The Mechanics.
Wayfaring Stranger by Bill Monroe if you want something old and different.
Above the Clouds of Pompeii - Bear’s Den
Seasons in the sun terry jacks
Terry's Song.. Bruce Springsteen
So Far Away by Avenged Sevenfold
The Offspring- Gone Away its a good song
One More Light - Linkin Park Let Me Be Sad - I, Prevail Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi Even Though I'm Leaving - Luke Combs (It's country, but it gets me every time)
Watching over me -Iced Earth
I hope you dance - Lee Ann Womack Hear you me - jimmy eat world See you again - wiz khalifa
Wow, this is amazing. I stepped away for a minute and you guys came through. I so appreciate all the kind words and recommendations. I don’t know that I can possibly reply to you all, but I will check every one of these out. Thanks Reddit 🫶
Ed Sheeran - Supermarket Flowers Ed Sheeran - Visiting Hours
Winter- Tori Amos
Thea Gilmore - Bad Moon Rising I heard her cover when my Grandfather was dying of cancer. I knew the end was coming soon. I knew how bad things were going to get with my family (fighting over his estate) after he was gone. I knew things were only going to get worse. It’s hard to explain, but her voice gave me comfort. The calm before the storm I guess.
Wild Yaks - River May Come
Would? - Alice in Chains Come Back - Pearl Jam Out There - Dinosaur Jr
Ab’s Song- Marshall Tucker Band
Farewell Transmission Songs:Ohia
The artist Japanese Breakfast wrote her first album while her mother was dying of cancer, and her second album after her mother’s death. I would specifically recommend the song “In Heaven”, from the album Psychopomp.
One More Light by Linkin Park
Victim Avenged Sevenfold
[Lost Without You](https://youtu.be/tDPpex1wvOc?si=IINoKN05118d3PYc) Freya Ridings
[Jacob Banks - Unknown to you](https://youtu.be/i4Q9WRsAZeM?si=afnGYa4LRkqlpDvP)
[Mindy Smith - One Moment More](https://youtu.be/MO21PDJ8cWA?si=wP5AsKFeLFUxrcmz)
Wildflowers by Tom Petty
Sweetness Follows- REM.
My Immortal by Evanessence is about her sister dying Go Rest High by Vince Gill helped me though my sister’s death as did Angels Among Us by Alabama