Death is a thief of innocence and life. Thus, nothing hurts more than losing a best friend to a chronic ailment or a freak accident.
It hurts more knowing you have lost someone who played a significant role in your life or someone you would lean on in times of trouble. That pain you feel often leaves a void that takes a long time to heal.
Sometimes, listening to good music that reminds you of them can offer comfort during difficult times.
Here are some songs about losing your best friend.
“Wish You Were Here” by Luke Graham ft. Khalid
Song Year: 2022
It is only fitting if we begin this impressive list with Luke Graham’s song, “Wish You Were Here.” This musical mogul has proven that music is food for the soul.
He featured Khalid, another musical sensation, to bring to the audience this deep, meaningful song. It is about remembering friends that you lose along the way. It’s a fitting funeral song you can play at your best friend’s wake to commemorate a life well-lived.
“Not a Damn Thing Changed” by Luke Graham
Song Year: 2018
Luke Graham released “Not a Damn Thing Changed” to honor the life of a childhood best friend who committed suicide early in 2018. Accompanied by a funeral-themed video, Lukas showcases himself and his friends trying to enjoy themselves by playing soccer and drinking to let go of their troubles.
Topped with Lukas’ lyrics and amazing voice, this beautiful, sad song is a fine choice to play at your best friend’s funeral. You can also turn the volume up while indoors, listen to the song, and remember your best friend for all the good values they had.
“I Have Questions” by Camila Cabello
Song Year: 2017
If you are a fan of the amazing songbird Camila Cabello, you may likely love, “I Have Questions.”
Thus, depending on how you view the song, the lyrics may depict the end of a loving relationship with a partner or best friend. Chances are they may have just left or died suddenly. Thus, either way, the song is about wanting answers to why they left you in a situation you could not explain or understand why they are no longer there.
Losing a friend to death may cause you to ask such questions, especially if they meant the world to you. Consider listening to this song to find some comfort during this difficult time.
“If I Die Young” by The Band Perry
Song Year: 2010
“If I Die Young” is a song that speaks about the misery of dying at a young age.
The song speaks about the worry of how the deceased loved ones will deal with the loss and how short-lived their life was. The sentiments in the song are the same ones we experience in our regular lives, especially if you lose a best friend early on in life.
It is sad knowing they may not be there with you to enjoy the perks and challenges of life. However, the song is also about giving the deceased a great farewell. Thus, while commemorating your best friend’s passing, put this song as the background music to offer comfort and hope to your friend’s family.
“Call on Me” by Starley
Song Year: 2016
Starley released the “Call On Me” song as an encouragement for individuals going through rough challenges in life to turn on each other for comfort and solace.
Though it may not directly link to losing a loved one, you may interpret this as a funeral song.
Losing a best friend is very painful and can cause you a lot of grief. However, if you listen to “Call On Me,” you may get the courage to gather with some of your other friends and family with whom your best friend had affiliations and lean on each for comfort and support.
“Sleep Well Brother X” by The Wanted
Song Year: 2022
The Wanted is a band that acted like brothers to date, with the passing of their bandmate, Tom Parker, in early 2022 from a brain tumor.
Though the band knew of his status, it did not make it easier for them to say goodbye. Thus, they released “Sleep Well Brother X,” showcasing a well-lived life.
Irrespective of knowing that your best friend may pass soon due to an inoperable disease, it still does not make it easy for you to let go.
“Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran
Song Year: 2017
Ed Sheeran sang this amazing pop song describing the aftermath of his grandmother’s death.
He narrates how he ensured he organized all her staff and items from well-wishers. Moreover, he speaks lovingly about her and how he is praying for her soul.
This is a heart warming song to listen to after losing your best friend.
“When I’m Gone” by Joey+Rory
Song Year: 2012
A best friend can be your lover, friend, or loved one. In this song, “When I’m Gone,” the narrator takes on the perspective of a dying woman addressing her lover.
This heartbreaking song illustrates how the wife reassures her husband that though she may have left him after passing away, the husband should not feel so bad because he will eventually find his footing and learn to endure without her.
“When I’m Gone” illustrates the love between two loving best friends who know that they will one day learn to live peacefully after their lover’s passing and it will be okay.
“Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy
Song Year: 2016
Has a song ever calmed you like a friend or therapist never did?
Then you should listen to “Dancing in the Sky.” It is a bittersweet song where the narrator wonders how the friend is doing in heaven and asks whether the pain has subsided.
The song is about hope and finding solace while grieving.
“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
Song Year: 1997
Sung and performed by Celine Dion as the main theme song for the movie Titanic, this song is a bittersweet expression of resilience and sadness after the death of a loved one.
The lyrics illustrate how the deceased had once loved so hard, but his life was tragically cut short, leaving the partner yearning for him and promising to carry on with their memory.
You can do the same for your best friend, hold them near your heart, and believe that you will continue loving them even after they pass on.
“I’ll See You Again” by Westlife
Song Year: 2009
This song is about loving someone deeply. However, it aptly describes most people’s regret during the grief of not saying what they wanted or needed to say when their loved ones were alive.
This can happen if you lose your best friend suddenly. You may start feeling sad and regretful about why you never said you forgave them, loved them, or cared about them. However, the song also showcases hope and resilience in remembering them forever and keeping their memory alive.
Consider putting it on your songs list and play it anytime you feel sad, lonely, or missing your best friend.
“What If I Never Get Over You?” by Lady Antebellum
Song Year: 2019
“What If I Never Get Over You” is a subtle but powerful country song by Lady Antebellum. It is a sad song that asks what will happen if they try to move on after losing someone they love.
The song illustrates how sad it is to have the death of your friend on your conscience. As someone who has lost a loved one lately, this song may offer some comfort, knowing that though you may feel like you cannot move on from them, you will find a way to live without them, even if it takes years.
“Stars” by Grace Potter ft. The Nocturnals
Song Year: 2012
“Stars” is about the loss and sadness that overcomes a person after losing a close friend.
Based on the lyrics, Grace Potter conveys the feelings of melancholy and longing for their dear friend and how she could not bear gazing at the stars knowing they would remind her of her friend.
If the same applies to your case, listen to the song and find comfort knowing that your friend is in a better place.
“Gone Too Soon” by Michael Jackson
Song Year: 1991
Michael Jackson is a legend, and some people know him from his hit album “Thriller.” Others associate Michael Jackson with his fantastic dance moves.
However, did you know that he released a song that was a tribute to his friend after his passing? “Gone Too Soon” was a tribute to Ryan White after he died.
The song is emotional, and Michael Jackson’s performance makes it even sad.
Furthermore, many artists have performed the song for various reasons, and it was even performed at Michael Jackson’s funeral.
“I’ll Remember You” by Thea Gilmore
Song Year: 2012
This song does not receive the applause it deserves. Not only is it an emotional song, but it is one of the proper funeral songs for your best friend.
The lyrics are excellent and oriented to the moments Thea Gilmore spent with her friend. She talks about how her best friend was good to her and remained loyal until her last moment.
Additionally, Thea Gilmore does a fantastic job with the song since it captures her pain of losing a close friend.
“If You Say So” by Lea Michele
Song Year: 2014
You probably know Lea Michele from the TV Show “Glee” where she plays Rachel Berry.
Furthermore, if you have been following the show, you must have known that her best friend and co-star, Corry Monteith died in 2013.
As such, “If You Say So” is Lea Michele’s dedication to Corry after his passing.
The song illustrates the heartache of losing a friend where she says that she has many things to say, but she cannot say them since he is no longer alive.
Lea Michele wrote the song, and you can feel her pain from the lyrics.
“Band the Drum Slowly” by Emmylou Harris
Song Year: 2000
One thing that makes this song stand out is the lyrics. The song is mainly about the questions you should have asked your best friend before they died.
Many people have found themselves in this situation where they are questioning how much time they spent with their best friends when they were alive. Some even blame themselves for not supporting their best friends in certain situations.
Ultimately, this song’s main message is that you did your best to be the perfect friend. If you have problems moving on from your friend’s passing, you should listen to this song.
“You Should Be Here” by Cole Swindell
Song Year: 2016
Cole Swindell is one of the best American country music artists. This country song is from his famous album, “You Should Be here.”
The song is mainly about achieving success and feeling bad about it because your best friend is not alive to see it. For instance, getting the promotion you have always wanted and not being able to share the moment with your best friend.
Besides the song’s sad lyrics, Cole Swindell’s voice is epic. You can listen to this song even when relaxing at home.
“See You Again” by Carrie Underwood
Song Year: 2012
This hopeful song may seem strange, especially if you are struggling to cope with your best friend’s death.
However, “See You Again” is the perfect song to move on and accept your best friend’s passing.
Carrie Underwood reiterates that death is not final because she knows she will see her friend again. She talks about how her friend is already in heaven, which is the perfect place for her.
Furthermore, the song’s upbeat vibe may cheer you up and make you happy, especially if you have been feeling lonely after your best friend’s passing.
“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Song Year: 2015
“See You Again” was dedicated to Paul Walker, who died in a car accident in 2013. Paul was a famous actor who was part of the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
The song’s video depicts some of the scenes he played before his death and the friends he made on the set.
Furthermore, the lyrics depict how his death affected many people. Wiz Khalifa talks about how friendships are unbreakable bonds, meaning that your friends are always part of your family, even after their deaths.
You can listen to this song when celebrating your best friend’s life.
“Beam Me Up” by Pink
Song Year: 2012
“Beam Me Up” is from Pink’s famous album, “The Truth About Love.” This is a sad and emotional song, and listening to it may bring up the memories you shared with your best friend.
The song is mainly about getting another chance to talk to your friend. Pink talks about how she would not know what to say if she saw her friend again.
This is probably true because most people would be speechless if they saw their best friend again. You may have many things to tell them, but you would mostly be glad to have them there, even for a few minutes.
“Brendan’s Death Song” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Song Year: 2012
“Brendan’s Death Song” is emotional and sad, especially the introduction.
The song commences with some amazing beats, but it takes a sad tone. The video is also sad because it depicts various funeral scenes.
The song is about informing your best friend that you will be okay without them. It will help you move on, especially if you have difficulties living your life without your best friend.
“I Wish” by R. Kelly
Song Year: 2000
After releasing this song, R. Kelly was nominated for the Best Male RnB vocal performance at the Grammy Awards.
The song’s lyrics are fantastic, and R. Kelly talks about the memories he shared with his friend before he died. He reiterates that he always cries at night whenever he remembers his friend.
Furthermore, R. Kelly’s voice makes the song interesting to listen to, especially when missing your best friend.
“Life Without You” by Stevie Ray Vaughan ft. Double Trouble
Song Year: 1985
“Life Without You” is an ancient song that was part of the album, “Soul to Soul.”
This is the perfect farewell song to sing to your best friend during their burial. The song has good lyrics, and it reiterates the need to say goodbye after your best friend dies.
Ultimately, this is an emotional song that may make you cry whenever you listen to it.
“I Lost a Friend” by Finneas
Song Year: 2019
Finneas is a good songwriter, musician, and Billie Eilish’s older brother.
“I Lost a Friend” captures his pain of losing a best friend and demonstrates how he copes with his death. Finneas depicts the challenges of losing a best friend, and he contends that it affected his livelihood,
The song’s central message is about the challenges we endure moving on with life after losing a friend. It is an inspirational song!
“Who Knew” by Pink
Song Year: 2006
Pink makes it on the list again. “Who Knew” is one of the best Pink songs, and it was nominated for the MTV Australia Award for Download of the Year.
The song is about losing a friend and coping with their loss. However, this is a versatile song since you can also listen to it on a road trip.
Listening to this song may help you move on from your best friend’s passing.
“One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey ft. Boyz II Men
Song Year: 1995
This is an RnB ballad; it was Mariah Carey’s second single from her album, “Daydream.”
Mariah Carey’s songs are epic, and this one did not fall short.
This consolation song gives you hope that your best friend is still watching over you from heaven. Furthermore, the song talks about how death is never final since you will see your best friend again in heaven.
“One Sweet Day” topped various charts after its release, and it’s still an epic song even today.
Popular Songs About Losing Your Best Friend, Final Thoughts
Those were our pick of songs about losing your best friend. Regardless of who your best friend was, whether a lover, a family member or a friend, know that you are not alone.
Hopefully, listening to these songs may help alleviate your spirits, lift your moods and remind you to be hopeful that you will eventually get through the grief.