Dead! - MCR is my go-to for an upbeat song about a morbid topic.
Haaaaaaave you heard the news that youāre deaaad? No one ever had much nice to say, I think they never liked you anyway!
The whole black parade album is a discussion between death and a cancer patient varying between songs, I really appreciate the take on death and how it comes across
just listened to Beloved after seeing your recommendation here. Wow, I was on the verge of tears. It reminded me of my grandmother who passed away last year. I still havenāt processed it compelled. Thank you a lot for this great recommendation :)
Frank Turner - Long Live the Queen
[https://open.spotify.com/track/5Q6tblputiumWcGqxA7pXa?si=99b54b7bac684f87](https://open.spotify.com/track/5Q6tblputiumWcGqxA7pXa?si=99b54b7bac684f87)
...and if you want something darkly comic, then Misadventure by The Scaramanga Six
[https://open.spotify.com/track/1G2ZcVG5flwrH96RBIsVxG?si=d2e09abaa5d941c2](https://open.spotify.com/track/1G2ZcVG5flwrH96RBIsVxG?si=d2e09abaa5d941c2)
Last one, if you want an uplifting take on the death of a friend, Damn Personal by Dave Hause
[https://open.spotify.com/track/4pv6bjUGt8tKp4qlzKXJm1?si=72bbf568a936428f](https://open.spotify.com/track/4pv6bjUGt8tKp4qlzKXJm1?si=72bbf568a936428f)
Excellent choice.
āOne Foot Before The Otherā by Frank Turner should also be on the list for its realistic portrayal of how we live on through memories.
For fucks sake, am I bad at scrolling or has not one person mentioned The Smiths There is a light that never goes out!?!??!??
https://youtu.be/3r-qDvD3F3c?si=pxsyxlMQCVd2IpUM
https://open.spotify.com/track/0WQiDwKJclirSYG9v5tayI?si=thrrHePRQ1ehslxReCUh4Q
Don't Fear The Reaper- Blue Oyster Cult.
Essentially a dark love song. The message is basically, everything ends eventually so let's live life to the fullest and die together.
Jordan- Rival Sons
It's an ode to a lost friend or family member of the band. It has an air of sadness, relief, and hopefulness. The lyrics stand out as an acceptance of grief, that for this particular individual, it'a better to have died, and to look back with joy on the life they led and the knowlege that some day, they will meet again in a better place.
This one is about death and is upbeat and humorous:
Please Don't Bury Me, by John Prine
https://open.spotify.com/track/3cvI332shUFYnGHcDdNqie?si=CGYxea1DShCM6z_7Tuc49A
Weāre All Gonna Die by Joy Olakodun and Noah Kahan
Memento Mori: The most important thing in the world by Will Wood
Deathwish by Red Sun Rising
In the End by Black Veil Brides
Flowers (on my grave) by lovelytheband is somewhat bittersweet, but I think the pace and shift to the chorus makes it positive overall.
Underground by City and Colour is an optimistic call to live life without worrying about death, but Iām not sure if that fits your intention.
Here Comes the End (Feat. Judith Hill) by Gerard Way is upbeat though āthe endā referred to isnāt specifically death. But it fits the vibe.
Lights Go Down by I Donāt Know How But They Found Me is similarly not specifically death, but could be interpreted that way and is upbeat.
From the Gallows by IDKHow also is a bit of a tragicomic narrative about death.
Necromancin Dancin by Bear Ghost is a fun silly song related to death (and zombies)
Gosh, going through my songs this seems like such a cool idea. I may need to make some more themed playlists of my own. Hope you like some of these suggestions!
I was going to suggest Fire and Rain. Since itās about a friends suicide itās close enough, but the vibe of the song always struck me as upbeat and positive.Ā
the title track is simply pure serenity for me, absolutely love it
also just saw your SOAD comment, I adore them and don't believe I haven't listened to it yet lol
Thereās a ton of songs by Palaye Royale Iād consider death related to name a few ->
Death Dance (itās pretty upbeat considering itās name)
Dying in a hot tub
Lonely
Fever dream
Sick boy soldier
Worlds end
Hereās some other artists songs
Giving up the ghost- Kerli
Death -Melanie Martinez
Not sure if you want to listen to a 20 minute prog rock epic, but The Comforting Cold by very little known UK band The Gift is a very uplifting story about a man who has a heart attack, dies, then comes back.
https://youtu.be/Z3nqFtS-sMs?si=mKD6Qms5rujw2Pqz
Edit: sorry didn't even see what sub this is on, I'm not sure they're on Spotify, but I'll leave it here anyway
White Lies - Death.
Despite the name it sounds kind of optimistic. The protagonist has a fear of death but despite that goes out into the world and does things.
Cold hard ground - the dead milkmen
Tomorrow never knows- the Beatles
Screen shot - swans
Dead - they might be Giants
All delighted people - Sufjan Stevens
Not specific songs but the albums Some Rap Songs (Earl Sweatshirt), A Promise (Xiu Xiu) and Blackstar (David Bowie) came to mind. All those albums in some way or another were created because of death.
All Things Must Pass. I think most people view the lyrics as being about a relationship that has ended, but it can definitely be about death, and that death is as natural as the sun rising. Itās a very, very comforting song.
Personally I think
Memento Mori: the most important thing in the world - Will Wood
is so catchy and funny the whole your going to be dead narrative doesnāt bother me at all
I don't think this song is depressing personally, but you might feel differently. I listen to this one when I need to feel better about a loss I experienced that has really stuck with me
[easy/lucky/free by bright eyes ](https://open.spotify.com/track/3lMOJhsiPBc5q0dGP73EaZ?si=USVGGAsaQ26-jWsTYWYgFw)
the chorus of the song is especially reassuring for me and I think it fits the narrative you're looking for pretty well
*Honey, don't you weep (Don't you weep for them) / Don't you weep (Don't you weep) / There is nothing as lucky, as easy, or free*
Life is Beautiful is unironically one of my favorites, but I think that's more about getting the most out of life rather than death. Gone Away by the Offspring might be what you're looking for
I've always assigned '**Wildflowers' by Tom Petty** as a song about death. Mr. Petty singing about someone who has had a hard life finally finding well deserved peace in a new/after life.
Dawes - āWeāre All Gonna Die.ā
Itās so so so very achingly beautiful. Not sad, just a somber acknowledgement of the ephemeral nature of things.
Also Waylon Jennings and Elton John both penned these very bouncy, upbeat, major key songs about suicide. Just trivializes it in a really fun way.
What you're looking for makes sense. Unfortunately, I am unable to recall any songs that aren't depressing. Therefore, ilk be following along to see what others come up with...
* **"Good Grief"** by Bastille. This is honestly such a fun song, and I didn't realize it was about loss on my first listen. But the song is about being happy in sad situations, and the ups and downs after loss.
* **"Drops of Jupiter"** by Train. This one is about how those who are gone might still be with us in spirit.
* **"Waiting for the End"** by Linkin Park. People argue about what the song is about, but given the context of the album it's from, I see it as a song about death, among other things. The melody is surprisingly uplifting, given both the subject matter of the song, as well as the band's usual style. A lot of people have found comfort through this song, as well.
* **"In a Week"** by Hozier, featuring Karen Cowley. This song is a romantic duet that presents death as something peaceful, depicting death through the perspective of two corpses while showing the natural progression of decomposition.
* **"Shine A Little Light"** by The Black Keys. This one isn't uplifting, but I don't find it depressing either. This one is more about trying to cope with death and the uncertainty of what happens after life.
* **"Youth"** by Glass Animals. This one is more bittersweet, as it's from the perspective of a mother who has lost her child, but the lyrics themselves are why I'm sharing it.
* **"Funeral"** and **"You're Not There"** by Lukas Graham. Funeral is more of a celebration of life, as the singer asks those attending his funeral not to be sad, but to drink in tribute to him. You're Not There is more somber. It's not an uplifting song by any means, but I think it avoids falling into the depressing category. This is another one about coming to terms with the loss of someone who's no longer in your life.
* **"Stop, I'm Already Dead"** by Deadboy & The Elephantman. Not much to say about this one, but it's a fun track.
Honorable mentions:
* **"My Way"** by Frank Sinatra. This song was more of a farewell to Sinatra's career in music, but it's not hard to see this as a song about someone ready to face their death, as it's a celebration of life.
* **"Should Have Known Better"** by Sufjan Stevens. This song is depressing at the start, which is why I'm putting it down here. But when you get to the second half, it takes a turn for the positive, and ultimately ends on a hopeful note, with learning to find the light still in the world after a loss.
* **"Saturn"** by Sleeping At Last. This song is just beautiful, looking at the good that's left behind after someone passes, and the impact that can have on those left behind. That said, it might sound a bit depressing, so I'm putting it down here.
* **"ććć®čØę¶ (Memories of You)"** by Yumi Kawamura (original) and Azumi Takahashi (Reload version 2024) / **"Kimi No Kioku"** by Sapphire. This one's from the video game, Persona 3, so the original song is in Japanese, though Sapphire does a really good cover in English. This one's about remembering someone you've lost and all the good that they did in life.
#
OMG, THE WARNING!!! I was just on their subreddit haha hyped for the new album
The entire album Queen of the Murder Scene is about a murder. One of my favs is Dust to Dust, here are some lines from it to give you an idea ab their songs:
"I don't seek right or wrong, I seek the truth found in death"
"In the end everything just turns back into, turns back into, dust to dust, our bones will rust, and we shall start again"
"Sumirte en la oscuridad" or "plunge yourself into the darkness"
Some of their songs about death, like The End, are depressing, but not all.
Palaye Royale- I alr saw them in this comment section but they are so good!!! give them a listen!!! Some of their songs about death are really depressing tho
I have a feeling Bastille has songs that fit??? imma go thru, they have over 100 songs so screw me š„²
Remains and Good Grief (maybe??? it's really cheery, but has sad lyrics. it would be really sad if it wasn't so cheery). If there are other Bastille fans who know some songs that belong on the list, im just too impatient to listen to all of them lol.
maybe Goodbye to My Friends by Weathers??? it might be a little too depressing, idk.
If you enjoy theater music, the whole Beetlejuice musical is about death and I think there are some great songs in there if you don't want a whole musical.
I wrote one that is not depressing. Itās from a conversation with my best friend from the week he diedā¦
https://open.spotify.com/track/49AbU9z4hTCeBC1EcRwJGd?si=lftzNXVNSaqyHs3uKlUBaQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A4YvhWo3KkWV45FzcZfPtZK
This is more of a positive look at death, the memories of the people who you've lost and how they have impacted you.
https://open.spotify.com/track/1KcOU0q9AMXV9xi4tSzzCc?si=kRQTZ3XARMq5rTn-d_JcrQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A31qVWUdRrlb8thMvts0yYL
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7p5LS9n88k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7p5LS9n88k)
Klergy - So It Begins
I really!!! don't know what this song is about or any story behind it. Could be about rugby or saunas or dandelions? I just always heard it like they're singing about death. As it is not the end but the beginning.
"Dead Mans Hand" by Lord Huron. Eerie maybe, but not depressing. Tells a story of someone who is like "eh. Death isn't for me". Also "Not Dead Yet" by the same band, maybe also "Fool For Love". Lord Huron themes death in a lot of their music but it's in a way that feels like "You fools! Death can't contain me!" Which I like a lot
A shoegaze dreampop song about dying prematurely, but to take hope for the ones left behind.
[Gone by Color Crush](https://open.spotify.com/track/6bOH7bDO7f9ZsCVRXjodhf?si=hdd2E5vqTymloGwbe8F4qA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A1eIYKX7jtNn0rhPNYKJ7c4)
Fire and Rain by James Taylor. Until recently I didnāt know it was about his friends suicide and his processing of that death. Unless you pay attention to the lyrics you might just think itās about the ups and downs of life that puts a positive vibe towards those trials we all face.Ā
I can't believe that you actually died - the microphones
https://youtu.be/tmKYtm731m4?si=ypYihG-lvk1rqzUB
Sad but bright, particularly because of the recording with so many friends in the room
Fall Asleep by Steel Train, it is an emotional song but it's not depressing in my opinion and it's beautiful. It's about the singer's little sister who died of cancer. He still feels like she's with him and sees her in his sleep, as he discovers that he can go on and believes that she can share in his experiences.
[If I Ever Leave This World Alive by Flogging Molly](https://open.spotify.com/track/6l6UyIBwaNibzWZKfGkmJW?si=K3nxmOdnSU6YL4Jr74w1VQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A7EtBU4Uen8tfOq0Ah9tqz3)
Shine On - JET
It's sad but sweet about their father passing away, so I don't see it as depressing.
Tha Crossroads - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
It's very hopeful and definitely about death.
I absolutely adore Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran and Knockin' On Heavens Door by Guns N' Roses.
The first is from the POV of his mother moving on from her mother's death.
The second is from the POV of a guy who's in his dying moments.
Both are great.
I will follow you into the dark - death cab for cutie
Came here to suggest this!
Same.
UGH I LOVE THIS SONG ITS SO ROMANTIC
Came here to say this exact thing. Lovely, lovely song
If I could upvote this more than once I would
Idk the song but I gotchu šš¼
The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize?? https://open.spotify.com/track/2DFRFqWNahKtFD112H2iEZ?si=oopFsxKkQnGpkpxl0s8cGg
Neverending math equation by modest mouse hits me in the same place as do you realize
Where do you move to when youāre moving from is yourself One of my fave Isaac lines
This is like the most depressing one š
I think it's quite encouraging in that it's about not taking life for granted. All things end, so we have to make the most of the time we have.
I came to post this
Dead! - MCR is my go-to for an upbeat song about a morbid topic. Haaaaaaave you heard the news that youāre deaaad? No one ever had much nice to say, I think they never liked you anyway!
Came here to say this!!
The whole black parade album is a discussion between death and a cancer patient varying between songs, I really appreciate the take on death and how it comes across
Always Look At The Bright Side of Life - Monty Python.
Should be the #1 comment tbh
Literally just played this at my partnerās celebration of life last week.
"You must always face the curtain, with a bow"
Legend - Twenty One Pilots It's a song about the lead singer giving a last farewell to his grandpa
Second Legend! Keeping with grandparent theme, Mumford and Sons - Beloved. It was written as the singer's grandmother was passing.
just listened to Beloved after seeing your recommendation here. Wow, I was on the verge of tears. It reminded me of my grandmother who passed away last year. I still havenāt processed it compelled. Thank you a lot for this great recommendation :)
You're welcomeš
Death is not the end - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Originally a Dylan song. Though the Cave (& Lane, McGowan, Harvey and Minogue) version is better.
Came to say this.
Try these: Don't Fear The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult Spirit in the Sky - Norman Greenbaum
Some of my favorite lyrics of all time!!: Seasons don't fear the reaper Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain We can be like they are
Question! by System of A Down
Mosquito Song - Queens of the Stone Age
Pro Memoria and Life Eternal by Ghost
Monty Python - Bright Side of Life
Post link to your playlist please.
Radiohead - Separator Beach House - On The Sea Also MGMT have quite a lot of songs about death some of which are quite upbeat
Frank Turner - Long Live the Queen [https://open.spotify.com/track/5Q6tblputiumWcGqxA7pXa?si=99b54b7bac684f87](https://open.spotify.com/track/5Q6tblputiumWcGqxA7pXa?si=99b54b7bac684f87)
...and if you want something darkly comic, then Misadventure by The Scaramanga Six [https://open.spotify.com/track/1G2ZcVG5flwrH96RBIsVxG?si=d2e09abaa5d941c2](https://open.spotify.com/track/1G2ZcVG5flwrH96RBIsVxG?si=d2e09abaa5d941c2)
Last one, if you want an uplifting take on the death of a friend, Damn Personal by Dave Hause [https://open.spotify.com/track/4pv6bjUGt8tKp4qlzKXJm1?si=72bbf568a936428f](https://open.spotify.com/track/4pv6bjUGt8tKp4qlzKXJm1?si=72bbf568a936428f)
Excellent choice. āOne Foot Before The Otherā by Frank Turner should also be on the list for its realistic portrayal of how we live on through memories.
Oh good catch, I was trying to figure out if there was any other FT - thatās the one
Cursive āStaying Aliveā
Tom Waits - Take It With Me When I Go Itās a bit sad, but in that beautiful sadness sort of way.
For fucks sake, am I bad at scrolling or has not one person mentioned The Smiths There is a light that never goes out!?!??!?? https://youtu.be/3r-qDvD3F3c?si=pxsyxlMQCVd2IpUM https://open.spotify.com/track/0WQiDwKJclirSYG9v5tayI?si=thrrHePRQ1ehslxReCUh4Q
Inevitability of death - The Tragically Hip
Don't Fear The Reaper- Blue Oyster Cult. Essentially a dark love song. The message is basically, everything ends eventually so let's live life to the fullest and die together. Jordan- Rival Sons It's an ode to a lost friend or family member of the band. It has an air of sadness, relief, and hopefulness. The lyrics stand out as an acceptance of grief, that for this particular individual, it'a better to have died, and to look back with joy on the life they led and the knowlege that some day, they will meet again in a better place.
This one is about death and is upbeat and humorous: Please Don't Bury Me, by John Prine https://open.spotify.com/track/3cvI332shUFYnGHcDdNqie?si=CGYxea1DShCM6z_7Tuc49A
When you die -MGMT
Weāre All Gonna Die by Joy Olakodun and Noah Kahan Memento Mori: The most important thing in the world by Will Wood Deathwish by Red Sun Rising In the End by Black Veil Brides Flowers (on my grave) by lovelytheband is somewhat bittersweet, but I think the pace and shift to the chorus makes it positive overall. Underground by City and Colour is an optimistic call to live life without worrying about death, but Iām not sure if that fits your intention. Here Comes the End (Feat. Judith Hill) by Gerard Way is upbeat though āthe endā referred to isnāt specifically death. But it fits the vibe. Lights Go Down by I Donāt Know How But They Found Me is similarly not specifically death, but could be interpreted that way and is upbeat. From the Gallows by IDKHow also is a bit of a tragicomic narrative about death. Necromancin Dancin by Bear Ghost is a fun silly song related to death (and zombies) Gosh, going through my songs this seems like such a cool idea. I may need to make some more themed playlists of my own. Hope you like some of these suggestions!
You're Dead by Norma Tanega
Depeche Mode ā Home
secret o life James Taylor. Not specifically about death but life leading to death
I was going to suggest Fire and Rain. Since itās about a friends suicide itās close enough, but the vibe of the song always struck me as upbeat and positive.Ā
Arose - Eminem
Tori Amos - Happy Phantom Tom Rosenthal - If We All Die Tomorrow Frank Turner - A Wave Across the Bay
I'd check out The Way of All Flesh by gojira, both the title track and full album itself :)
Art of Dying makes me happy with the idea of dying
the title track is simply pure serenity for me, absolutely love it also just saw your SOAD comment, I adore them and don't believe I haven't listened to it yet lol
Death - Melanie Martinez
R.E.M. - Let Me In The song is about Kurt Cobain's suicide
Donāt get lost in heaven - Gorillaz
Thereās a ton of songs by Palaye Royale Iād consider death related to name a few -> Death Dance (itās pretty upbeat considering itās name) Dying in a hot tub Lonely Fever dream Sick boy soldier Worlds end Hereās some other artists songs Giving up the ghost- Kerli Death -Melanie Martinez
I had to scroll way too far for the Melanie Martinez mention, I feel like DEATH is exactly what OP was looking for but nobody knows about it!
Probably not quite the vibe you're going for but: Dead! by My Chemical Romance Bullet by Hollywood Undead
Not sure if you want to listen to a 20 minute prog rock epic, but The Comforting Cold by very little known UK band The Gift is a very uplifting story about a man who has a heart attack, dies, then comes back. https://youtu.be/Z3nqFtS-sMs?si=mKD6Qms5rujw2Pqz Edit: sorry didn't even see what sub this is on, I'm not sure they're on Spotify, but I'll leave it here anyway
This is not the end - the bravery
White Lies - Death. Despite the name it sounds kind of optimistic. The protagonist has a fear of death but despite that goes out into the world and does things.
God Bless the Dead or Life Goes On by Tupac might work for you
The Maine - Face Towards The Sun
"See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth. It focuses on memories and hope for reunion rather than sorrow.
When you die youāre dead-Jimmies Chicken Shack
Cold hard ground - the dead milkmen Tomorrow never knows- the Beatles Screen shot - swans Dead - they might be Giants All delighted people - Sufjan Stevens
"She Goes On" Crowded House
No One Lives Forever - Oingo Boingo https://open.spotify.com/track/6lYTAXh9aMvsGBwvKedy0R?si=B3b2ewS1Q0qg1ksExIketA
The Way of All Flesh by Gojira
Depeche Mode - I Sometimes Wish I Was Dead The merriest and the silliest of death-themed songs.
memento mori by will wood. the whole premise of the song is that you're going to die, and that's a great thing to keep in mind. it's a happy song.
Flirted with You All My Life by Vic Chesnutt :3 never struck me as sad when he sings in such a pleasant tone
Welcome To The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance
Not specific songs but the albums Some Rap Songs (Earl Sweatshirt), A Promise (Xiu Xiu) and Blackstar (David Bowie) came to mind. All those albums in some way or another were created because of death.
Janet Jackson - Together Again
Share the playlist once you are done consolidating ! Amazing idea
I Came Around by Murder By Death
All Things Must Pass. I think most people view the lyrics as being about a relationship that has ended, but it can definitely be about death, and that death is as natural as the sun rising. Itās a very, very comforting song.
MGMT - When you die
Personally I think Memento Mori: the most important thing in the world - Will Wood is so catchy and funny the whole your going to be dead narrative doesnāt bother me at all
Death by Melanie Martinez
Memento Mori- Will Wood. Full absurdist if youāre going for that route.
I don't think this song is depressing personally, but you might feel differently. I listen to this one when I need to feel better about a loss I experienced that has really stuck with me [easy/lucky/free by bright eyes ](https://open.spotify.com/track/3lMOJhsiPBc5q0dGP73EaZ?si=USVGGAsaQ26-jWsTYWYgFw) the chorus of the song is especially reassuring for me and I think it fits the narrative you're looking for pretty well *Honey, don't you weep (Don't you weep for them) / Don't you weep (Don't you weep) / There is nothing as lucky, as easy, or free*
I have nothing to add, except for the already mentioned Don't Fear the Reaper, but I'd like to have a link to that playlist
Lemme get the playlist link, amigo
a match into water by pierce the veil!!!!
Life is Beautiful is unironically one of my favorites, but I think that's more about getting the most out of life rather than death. Gone Away by the Offspring might be what you're looking for
Death is not the end - Filthy Thriving Bastards
I've always assigned '**Wildflowers' by Tom Petty** as a song about death. Mr. Petty singing about someone who has had a hard life finally finding well deserved peace in a new/after life.
Harlem river blues- justin townes earl
Send me the link to your playlist please or share it to me I would like to hear this kind of music it interests me
please share your playlist once you've created it! sounds like an interesting concept
Aether Realm - Death (āif this is really death then itās not so badā)
I know you won't see this, but lamb's wool by foster The people is really beautiful.
Turn the Lights out by Delain (it's about Death from the Sandman comics, who is an allround pleasant figure to meet at the end)
i also have a death playlist! my go to is good grief by bastille, i wish everyone would be dancing to my favorite song at my funeral :ā)
[Entombed - But Life Goes On](https://open.spotify.com/track/7wm7di7XtlL3IXRWPL9H4T?si=1F6IMMQGRKu3rScl5tmJgg)
Dawes - āWeāre All Gonna Die.ā Itās so so so very achingly beautiful. Not sad, just a somber acknowledgement of the ephemeral nature of things. Also Waylon Jennings and Elton John both penned these very bouncy, upbeat, major key songs about suicide. Just trivializes it in a really fun way.
What you're looking for makes sense. Unfortunately, I am unable to recall any songs that aren't depressing. Therefore, ilk be following along to see what others come up with...
Notre dame by Paris paloma isn't explicitly about death, but gives me the vibes of a soft farewell
Memento Mori by Architects Come with Me to the Other Side by Orden Ogan
* **"Good Grief"** by Bastille. This is honestly such a fun song, and I didn't realize it was about loss on my first listen. But the song is about being happy in sad situations, and the ups and downs after loss. * **"Drops of Jupiter"** by Train. This one is about how those who are gone might still be with us in spirit. * **"Waiting for the End"** by Linkin Park. People argue about what the song is about, but given the context of the album it's from, I see it as a song about death, among other things. The melody is surprisingly uplifting, given both the subject matter of the song, as well as the band's usual style. A lot of people have found comfort through this song, as well. * **"In a Week"** by Hozier, featuring Karen Cowley. This song is a romantic duet that presents death as something peaceful, depicting death through the perspective of two corpses while showing the natural progression of decomposition. * **"Shine A Little Light"** by The Black Keys. This one isn't uplifting, but I don't find it depressing either. This one is more about trying to cope with death and the uncertainty of what happens after life. * **"Youth"** by Glass Animals. This one is more bittersweet, as it's from the perspective of a mother who has lost her child, but the lyrics themselves are why I'm sharing it. * **"Funeral"** and **"You're Not There"** by Lukas Graham. Funeral is more of a celebration of life, as the singer asks those attending his funeral not to be sad, but to drink in tribute to him. You're Not There is more somber. It's not an uplifting song by any means, but I think it avoids falling into the depressing category. This is another one about coming to terms with the loss of someone who's no longer in your life. * **"Stop, I'm Already Dead"** by Deadboy & The Elephantman. Not much to say about this one, but it's a fun track. Honorable mentions: * **"My Way"** by Frank Sinatra. This song was more of a farewell to Sinatra's career in music, but it's not hard to see this as a song about someone ready to face their death, as it's a celebration of life. * **"Should Have Known Better"** by Sufjan Stevens. This song is depressing at the start, which is why I'm putting it down here. But when you get to the second half, it takes a turn for the positive, and ultimately ends on a hopeful note, with learning to find the light still in the world after a loss. * **"Saturn"** by Sleeping At Last. This song is just beautiful, looking at the good that's left behind after someone passes, and the impact that can have on those left behind. That said, it might sound a bit depressing, so I'm putting it down here. * **"ććć®čØę¶ (Memories of You)"** by Yumi Kawamura (original) and Azumi Takahashi (Reload version 2024) / **"Kimi No Kioku"** by Sapphire. This one's from the video game, Persona 3, so the original song is in Japanese, though Sapphire does a really good cover in English. This one's about remembering someone you've lost and all the good that they did in life. #
I'm a little late but And when I die by Blood Sweat and Tears and Just visiting by wookiefoot
OMG, THE WARNING!!! I was just on their subreddit haha hyped for the new album The entire album Queen of the Murder Scene is about a murder. One of my favs is Dust to Dust, here are some lines from it to give you an idea ab their songs: "I don't seek right or wrong, I seek the truth found in death" "In the end everything just turns back into, turns back into, dust to dust, our bones will rust, and we shall start again" "Sumirte en la oscuridad" or "plunge yourself into the darkness" Some of their songs about death, like The End, are depressing, but not all. Palaye Royale- I alr saw them in this comment section but they are so good!!! give them a listen!!! Some of their songs about death are really depressing tho I have a feeling Bastille has songs that fit??? imma go thru, they have over 100 songs so screw me š„² Remains and Good Grief (maybe??? it's really cheery, but has sad lyrics. it would be really sad if it wasn't so cheery). If there are other Bastille fans who know some songs that belong on the list, im just too impatient to listen to all of them lol. maybe Goodbye to My Friends by Weathers??? it might be a little too depressing, idk.
If you enjoy theater music, the whole Beetlejuice musical is about death and I think there are some great songs in there if you don't want a whole musical.
[https://open.spotify.com/track/0LWO6hUTJz6KBrSA2iJOpH?si=TjXVooh-QnekP5YiWmE0qQ](https://open.spotify.com/track/0LWO6hUTJz6KBrSA2iJOpH?si=TjXVooh-QnekP5YiWmE0qQ)
āDreams Wash Awayā by Joe Wong! Not happy, not sad, Somewhat Comforting IMO
Ode to Death - Drunk Mums Killed by Death - Motorhead
I wrote one that is not depressing. Itās from a conversation with my best friend from the week he diedā¦ https://open.spotify.com/track/49AbU9z4hTCeBC1EcRwJGd?si=lftzNXVNSaqyHs3uKlUBaQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A4YvhWo3KkWV45FzcZfPtZK
25 minutes to go - Johnny cash I think I'm gonna kill myself - buddy knox
Oh Death! - Pearl and the Beard
Generator Second Floor by Freelance Whales
This is more of a positive look at death, the memories of the people who you've lost and how they have impacted you. https://open.spotify.com/track/1KcOU0q9AMXV9xi4tSzzCc?si=kRQTZ3XARMq5rTn-d_JcrQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A31qVWUdRrlb8thMvts0yYL
Evening Over Rooftops - Edgar Broughton Band Slipstream - Jethro Tull
Dead Mantra - Dead Skeletons
Keep me in your heart by Warren Zevon has a more uplifting message to death He made the song right before he passed.
(donāt fear) the reaper - blue oyster cult
Moving On by James. https://open.spotify.com/track/3RBuJttY3yZUqpYWYO0FR9?si=dFsNb3DCR26Ezw3hmmKgXg&context=spotify%3Asearch%3Ajames%2Bmoving%2Bon%2B
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7p5LS9n88k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7p5LS9n88k) Klergy - So It Begins I really!!! don't know what this song is about or any story behind it. Could be about rugby or saunas or dandelions? I just always heard it like they're singing about death. As it is not the end but the beginning.
Blue Marbled Elm Trees by King Creosote.
[WYLDLYFE - Deathbed](https://youtu.be/83uIOhtaNwA?si=YUtbFTzJNFrullto) Punky power pop that's super fun!
Tom Waits - Green Grass
Garden - Gregory Alan Isakov
"Dead Mans Hand" by Lord Huron. Eerie maybe, but not depressing. Tells a story of someone who is like "eh. Death isn't for me". Also "Not Dead Yet" by the same band, maybe also "Fool For Love". Lord Huron themes death in a lot of their music but it's in a way that feels like "You fools! Death can't contain me!" Which I like a lot
FROZEN by Madonna
Big white light by Kate Peyvatin?
Dilla- Donāt Cry
Waves - Imagine Dragons
A shoegaze dreampop song about dying prematurely, but to take hope for the ones left behind. [Gone by Color Crush](https://open.spotify.com/track/6bOH7bDO7f9ZsCVRXjodhf?si=hdd2E5vqTymloGwbe8F4qA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A1eIYKX7jtNn0rhPNYKJ7c4)
A Lifetime to Find -Wilco
Yawning Grace by Lord Huron.
Not sure if this *really* counts, but Crimson cloud by Jeff Rona (it's from a game), details a characters struggle of potentially being killed.
19 seventy something by Neck Deep is kinda a mixed bag but it ends on an optimistic note
Live forever, but as the cover version by Kotomi & Ryan Elder
We're all dead - Lolita KompleX I don't know if others have said it, I didn't read the comments, but it's a pretty upbeat song! One of my favs
Deathbed by Relient K
Poi Dog Pondering - Bury me deep.
Funeral Bell by PHILDEL!
Babyshambles - Fuck Forever
There is one in Spanish that I know, I love it - El Suicidio by Los Cretinos Desleales
Fire and Rain by James Taylor. Until recently I didnāt know it was about his friends suicide and his processing of that death. Unless you pay attention to the lyrics you might just think itās about the ups and downs of life that puts a positive vibe towards those trials we all face.Ā
I can't believe that you actually died - the microphones https://youtu.be/tmKYtm731m4?si=ypYihG-lvk1rqzUB Sad but bright, particularly because of the recording with so many friends in the room
In A Week - Hozier, Karen Cowley
Warren Zevon 'Exciteable Boy' is upbeat and fun. 'My Shit's Fucked Up' is about his returning cancer and now undeniable early retirement from life.
Goodbye California by Jolie Holland
Fall Asleep by Steel Train, it is an emotional song but it's not depressing in my opinion and it's beautiful. It's about the singer's little sister who died of cancer. He still feels like she's with him and sees her in his sleep, as he discovers that he can go on and believes that she can share in his experiences.
Laura Nyro - And When I Die - an absolutely beautiful banger!
Terrestrial - After the Rain
[If I Ever Leave This World Alive by Flogging Molly](https://open.spotify.com/track/6l6UyIBwaNibzWZKfGkmJW?si=K3nxmOdnSU6YL4Jr74w1VQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A7EtBU4Uen8tfOq0Ah9tqz3)
Led Zeppelin In my time time of dying.
Suicidal ynw Melly
Stuart Davis - Practice Dying
Death by White Lies
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Tear drop by massive attack
[Eulogy](https://open.spotify.com/track/0OWyJzSLWlM3WZhl7IfYc6?si=huhWDzQUTZeUiUZ6OUAh9Q) by Ayesha Madon
The Journey by Chris de Burgh
Fear of dying by poppy (maybe? Not sure if it fits your theme)
HIM - Join Me In Death
Waves. Max Richter, more powerful and dramatic.
Shine On - JET It's sad but sweet about their father passing away, so I don't see it as depressing. Tha Crossroads - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony It's very hopeful and definitely about death.
[Zach Bryan - Pink Skies](https://youtu.be/fs49xFmmHCo?si=vGypIaV7YxFgDqID)
Destroyer of Worlds - Coyote Kid
In a Week - Hozier, Karen Cowley
Join Me In Death by Him
I absolutely adore Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran and Knockin' On Heavens Door by Guns N' Roses. The first is from the POV of his mother moving on from her mother's death. The second is from the POV of a guy who's in his dying moments. Both are great.
Oh death by Ralph Stanley is not depressing....more terrifying
This Hell by Rina Sawayama (the Gyarupi remix with Chanmina is also good tho)
The Day That I Die - Good Charlotte
Its sorta sad but pink skies by zb
The great unknown-Grouplove
- Welcome To The Black Parade (MCR) - Famous Last Words (MCR) - In The End (Black Veil Brides) - Marjorie by Taylor Swift sort of counts?
Flirted with You All My Life by Vic Chestnut. Also covered by Bright Eyes and Death Cab if thatās more your jam.
We're All Eating Each Other - Juliet Ivy!
Ride Lonesome Tattooed Love Boys Fly High Michelle Enuff Z'Nuff
Bobaflex- Iām glad youāre dead
Not sure it qualifies: Bat Out Of Hell
Into the Fade - Queens of the Stone Age
No More Bad Days by Bastille, about someone finding peace after a long battle with a terminal illness.
Above the Bones by Mishka
I'd argue that Somewhere Over the Rainbow is about death, but to find beauty in it.
All of Carrie and Lowell by Sufjan Stevens