)
)
Music has long been a balm for the soul, especially in times of grief. Whether mourning the death of a loved one, grappling with loss, or facing the overwhelming emotions that accompany death, the right song can provide more than comfort, it can offer a profound sense of connection, empathy and hope.
Music is healing. This isn’t mystical thinking, t’s backed by science. A 2017 study found that 94% of respondents intentionally turned to music during their grieving process. Similarly, a 2013 pilot study revealed that music could help individuals cope with bereavement, offering both emotional release and psychological support.
READ MORE: Helicopter Crash: 5 major events cancelled following deaths of 8 people
Sometimes, simply pressing play can offer immense relief, helping you process the whirlwind of emotions—anger, confusion, sadness, denial, that so often accompany grief. And while the journey through grief is unique to each individual, music can serve as a common thread, weaving a sense of solidarity between strangers who have experienced similar pain.
)
)
)
Below is a playlist of ten meaningful songs that explore the themes of death, grief, and remembrance. Whether you’re grieving or simply reflecting, these tracks can help you feel seen and less alone.
1. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
READ MORE: Kufuor visits Mahama to console him after helicopter crash kills 2 ministers and 6 others
From the Furious 7 soundtrack, See You Again is a powerful tribute to a departed friend. The blend of emotional rap and a melodic chorus has made it one of the most iconic songs about missing someone and coping with their absence.
READ MORE: How celebrities reacted to the tragic helicopter crash that plunged Ghana into mourning
2. If I Die Young – The Band Perry
This song reflects on a life ended too soon and the emotional weight it leaves behind. With poetic lyrics and a gentle melody, it captures the sadness and beauty of remembrance.
READ MORE: 'Why call me during national mourning?' - Shatta Wale questions EOCO’s priorities
3. Gone Too Soon – Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s moving ballad pays tribute to lives cut short, expressing the pain of untimely loss with grace and vulnerability. It remains one of the most emotional tributes in modern music.
READ MORE: Shatta Wale claims he bought the Lamborghini for $150,000 without knowing it was stolen
4. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
Famous as the theme from Titanic, this song speaks to everlasting love that transcends death. Its iconic melody and heartfelt delivery make it a timeless anthem of loss and enduring connection.
READ MORE: Shatta Wale cries out as armed EOCO officers raid his house, seize 'stolen' Lamborghini
5. I'll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy ft. Faith Evans and 112
Dedicated to the late Notorious B.I.G., this tribute captures the deep void left by the passing of a close friend. It has since become a classic song about grief and remembrance.
READ MORE: EOCO seizes Shatta Wale’s Lamborghini tied to convicted fraudster
6. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
READ MORE: Shatta Wale, former senior NSB officer, confirmed to be on EOCO's radar
In this unforgettable ballad, Whitney Houston celebrates a love that remains even in farewell. Her soaring vocals evoke both sorrow and solace, making this one of the most powerful songs of its kind.
7. Ghost – Justin Bieber
READ MORE: Mr Beautiful, Latif Abubakar and Korkui Selormey appointed to Creative Arts Agency board
Ghost offers a dual interpretation of loss. Co-writer Jon Bellion revealed it was inspired by his late grandmother, while Justin Bieber has said the song resonated deeply during the COVID-19 lockdowns, symbolising the ache of disconnection and memories of those no longer with us.
8. Visiting Hours – Ed Sheeran
READ MORE: ‘I nearly died in a 2007 plane crash’ – Former President Kufuor recounts chilling story
Written in memory of Australian music icon Michael Gudinski, Visiting Hours is a personal and tender reflection on the longing to seek advice from someone who has passed. Sheeran performed it at Gudinski’s funeral in 2021.
READ MORE: Helicopter Crash: Pope Leo XIV sends condolences to Ghana amid national mourning
9. Fix You – Coldplay
Penned by Chris Martin for Gwyneth Paltrow following the death of her father, Fix You captures the desire to support a loved one through grief. Its build-up from gentle verses to an explosive chorus makes it emotionally resonant for many.
10. Blewu – Bella Bellow
Blewu, an Ewe dirge of farewell, is a traditional West African song that expresses love and respect for the dead as they journey to the ancestral realm. Famously performed by Togolese legend Bella Bellow, the song was also powerfully rendered by Angélique Kidjo in 2018, during the centenary of the end of World War I. Her performance honoured the thousands of African soldiers who fought and died to restore peace to Europe.
READ MORE: ‘This is a national tragedy’ – Dr Bawumia mourns 8 helicopter crash victims
These songs serve not only as expressions of mourning but as tools for healing. Whether you are grieving, remembering, or simply navigating the complex emotions of life and death, let this playlist remind you: you are not alone, and music is always there to help carry the weight.