Tag Archives: songs about death

“Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men

The song can be interpreted in many different ways

“Little Talks” by Icelandic indie band Of Monsters and Men was released in 2011 and was their debut single. It’s a song about love and loss, and the memories that love can create. And like all great works of art, … Continue reading

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“The Sun is Burning” by Simon and Garfunkel

A powerful protest song about the effects of war and grief

In the early 1960s, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the threat of nuclear war were on the minds of many Americans, including some of the most popular folk performers of the day. “The Sun is Burning” by Simon and Garfunkel … Continue reading

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“I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables”

A young woman sees her dreams collapse around her

“Les Miserables, which features the song, “I Dreamed a Dream,” is a popular musical that opened in London in December, 1985. The producer was Cameron Mackintosh. Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel wrote the lyrics in French, while Herbert Kretzmer translated … Continue reading

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“Haunted” by Poe

An artist interweaves audio recordings of her deceased father with her music

In 2000, five years after she released her debut album “Hello,” the singer-songwriter Poe (Anne Danielewski) released a self-produced second album called “Haunted.” “Haunted” is both a tribute to Poe’s late father, Polish-born film director Tad Danielewski, and a companion … Continue reading

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Song About Loss: “Someone Great” by LCD Soundsystem

"Someone Great" chronicles the messiness of grief and the difficulties of moving on

The American band LCD Soundsystem employs a unique style when it comes to their brand of electronic rock music. And their popular song “Someone Great” is a wonderful example of their music for a first-time listener. “Someone Great” is a … Continue reading

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“Great Gig in the Sky,” Formerly Known as “The Mortality Sequence”

Pink Floyd's meditation on death and dying

According to Roger Waters, when vocalist Clare Torry walked into the studio to record the ethereal wailing on the epic instrumental track “Great Gig In the Sky,” she was told, “There’s no lyrics. It’s about dying – have a bit of a … Continue reading

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