71 Songs About Losing a parent (Pop, Rap & More)

Foundations of Music

71 Songs About Losing a parent (Pop, Rap & More)

I. R&B Songs About Losing a parent

1. I’ll Be Missing You by Faith Evans, Sean Combs

Artist: Faith Evans, Sean Combs
Album: No Way Out
Year: 1997

The song is a tribute to Evans’ late husband, rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who was shot and killed in 1997. The song samples The Police’s song “Every Breath You Take,” and features Combs singing the hook. The song was a huge hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

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2. Unforgettable by Nat King Cole

Artist: Nat King Cole
Album:
Year:

“Unforgettable” is a song by American singer Nat King Cole. It was written by Irving Gordon and released in 1951. The song was a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts. The song is about a man who is trying to forget his former love, but finds that he cannot.

3. The Boy Is Mine by Monica, Brandy

Artist: Monica, Brandy
Album: Never Say Never
Year: 1998

The song is about two women who are fighting over a man. They both claim that the man is theirs, and they are not willing to let him go.

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4. End of the Road by Boyz II Men

Artist: Boyz II Men
Album: Cooleyhighharmony
Year: 1991

The song is about a relationship that has ended and the singer is trying to move on. He talks about how he is never going to forget her and how he loved her.

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II. Christian Songs About Losing a parent

1. I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe

Artist: MercyMe
Album: The Worship Project
Year: 1999

The song is about a person imagining what it will be like to be in heaven. The person imagines being in a beautiful place with no more pain or suffering. They imagine being reunited with loved ones who have died and being able to worship God freely. The song is a reminder that even though we don’t know what heaven will be like, we can trust that it will be better than anything we can imagine.

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2. Amazing Grace by Il Divo

Artist: Il Divo
Album: The Promise
Year: 2008

Il Divo is a classical crossover group that formed in 2003. The group has released eight albums, with their first album, “Il Divo,” being the most successful. “Amazing Grace” is a song off of their first album. The song is a cover of the traditional Christian hymn of the same name. The song is sung in English, Spanish, and Latin.

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3. What a Friend We Have in Jesus by Joseph M. Scriven, Charles Crozat Converse, Christopher Norton, Andy Green

Artist: Joseph M. Scriven, Charles Crozat Converse, Christopher Norton, Andy Green
Album:
Year:

The song is a hymn about how Jesus is the best friend anyone could ever have. It talks about how Jesus is always there for us, even when we are going through tough times. It also talks about how Jesus loves us unconditionally and how we should never be afraid to turn to him for help.

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4. Day by Day by Carola Häggkvist

Artist: Carola Häggkvist
Album: Blott en dag
Year: 1998

Carola Häggkvist’s “Day by Day” is a song about the simple joys of life and how they can make each day special. The lyrics talk about all the little things that can make a person happy, from the sun shining down to a child’s laughter. The song is upbeat and cheerful, with a message that is both uplifting and positive.

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III. Rap Songs About Losing a parent

1. Lose Yourself by Eminem

Artist: Eminem
Album:
Year: 2002

The song is about never giving up on your dreams, no matter how hard life gets. Eminem is rapping about how he used to be a nobody from Detroit, but he never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful rapper. He talks about how he used to have to hide his rhyming books from his mom, and how he used to have to borrow money from friends just to get by. But he never gave up, and now he’s one of the biggest rappers in the world.

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2. Gone Too Soon by Simple Plan

Artist: Simple Plan
Album: Get Your Heart On!
Year: 2011

The song is about a friend or loved one who has passed away. It is a tribute to their life and how much they meant to the singer.

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3. See You Again by Wiz Khalifa

Artist: Wiz Khalifa
Album: Most Wanted, Vol. 2
Year: 2015

The song is a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, who died in a car accident in 2013. The song is about missing someone who has died and hoping to see them again one day.

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4. Mockingbird by Eminem

Artist: Eminem
Album: Encore
Year: 2004

The song is about a child who is neglected by their parents. The child feels alone and misunderstood. They turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their pain. The song is a plea for help from the child’s perspective.

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5. Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis

Artist: Oasis
Album: (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
Year: 1995

The song is about not dwelling on the past and not being angry about things that have happened. It is about moving on and looking to the future.

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6. Unforgettable by Nat King Cole

Artist: Nat King Cole
Album:
Year:

“Unforgettable” is a song by American singer Nat King Cole. It was written by Irving Gordon and released in 1951. The song was a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts. The song is about a man who is trying to forget his former love, but finds that he cannot.

7. Champion by Kanye West. West’s song is about a father that wasn’t easy to understand

Artist: Kanye West. West’s song is about a father that wasn’t easy to understand
Album:
Year:

Kanye West’s song “Champion” is about a father that wasn’t easy to understand. West says that his father was always working and never had time for him, but he now understands that his father was just trying to provide for his family. West says that he is a champion because he was able to overcome the obstacles that his father put in front of him.

8. His Dream by Asher Roth. Roth’s song pays homage to a good father

Artist: Asher Roth. Roth’s song pays homage to a good father
Album:
Year:

Roth’s song pays homage to a good father who always tried his best to make his children’s dreams come true. The father always worked hard to provide for his family and was always there for his children when they needed him. Even though the father is no longer alive, his children still remember him and are thankful for everything he did for them.

9. Daddy’s Little Baby by Ja Rule

Artist: Ja Rule
Album: Venni Vetti Vecci
Year: 1999

The song is about a father’s love for his daughter. He talks about how she is the light in his life and how he will always be there for her.

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10. Bridging the Gap by Nas

Artist: Nas
Album:
Year: 2004

“Bridging the Gap” is a song by Nas, featuring his father, jazz musician Olu Dara. It was released in September 2002 as the lead single from Nas’ fifth studio album, God’s Son. The song samples Olu Dara’s 1981 recording “Nigerian Market Day”.

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IV. Pop Songs About Losing a parent

1. Goodbye by Air Supply

Artist: Air Supply
Album: The Vanishing Race
Year: 1993

The song is about a couple breaking up and saying goodbye to each other. The man is telling the woman that he will always love her and that he is sorry for the way things turned out.

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2. I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan

Artist: Sarah McLachlan
Album: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
Year: 1993

The song is about a couple who is breaking up and the woman is asking the man to remember her.

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3. In the Arms of an Angel by Sarah McLachlan

Artist: Sarah McLachlan
Album: Surfacing
Year: 1997

The song is about a person who is struggling and feels alone, but is comforted by an angel. The lyrics talk about how the person is going through a tough time and how the angel is there to help them through it.

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4. One Call Away by Charlie Puth

Artist: Charlie Puth
Album: Nine Track Mind
Year: 2016

The song is about a person who is struggling and feeling alone, but they know that they can always call their loved one for support. No matter what they are going through, they know that their loved one will always be there for them.

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5. Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler

Artist: Bette Midler
Album:
Year: 1988

The song is about how important the people who love us are to our lives and how they help us through tough times.

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6. You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker

Artist: Joe Cocker
Album: I Can Stand a Little Rain
Year: 1974

Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful” is a song about the speaker’s deep love and appreciation for their partner. The speaker describes all of the things they love about their partner, from their physical beauty to their inner strength and kindness. The song is a touching declaration of love that is sure to leave listeners feeling warm and fuzzy.

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7. You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Artist: Josh Groban
Album: Closer
Year: 2003

“You Raise Me Up” is a song originally composed by Irish-Norwegian duo Secret Garden. The music was written by Secret Garden’s Rolf Løvland and the lyrics by Brendan Graham. After the song was performed early in 2002 by the Secret Garden and their invited lead singer, Brian Kennedy, the song only became a minor hit. In 2003, the song was recorded by the Irish singer Josh Groban, whose version became a global hit. Groban’s recording was produced by David Foster and Humberto Gatica and released on his album Closer. His single achieved considerable adult contemporary and easy listening radio airplay and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 2004. In the United Kingdom, Groban’s version of “You Raise Me Up” peaked at number one in January 2005, becoming his first number-one single there.

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8. Christina Aguilera by Christina Aguilera

Artist: Christina Aguilera
Album: Back to Basics
Year: 2006

The song ‘Christina Aguilera’ is a ballad about the singer’s tumultuous life and career. She reflects on her struggles with addiction and mental health, as well as her relationships with her family and friends. She also touches on her journey to self-acceptance and empowerment, vowing to never give up on herself.

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9. Justin Bieber by Where Are You Now

Artist: Where Are You Now
Album:
Year:

The song is about a person who is looking for Justin Bieber and can’t find him.

10. Eric Clapton by Eric Clapton

Artist: Eric Clapton
Album: Pilgrim
Year: 1998

The song is a tribute to Eric Clapton by Eric Clapton. It is a slow, emotional song with Clapton singing about how much he loves and respects Clapton.

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11. You’ll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins

Artist: Phil Collins
Album:
Year: 1999

The song is about a parent’s love for their child. No matter what happens in the world, the parent will always love their child and be there for them.

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12. Luther Vandross by Luther Vandross

Artist: Luther Vandross
Album: Dance with My Father
Year: 2003

The song is a love song dedicated to Luther Vandross. It talks about how much the singer loves him and how he makes her feel.

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13. Mariah Carey by Bye Bye

Artist: Bye Bye
Album:
Year:

The song ‘Mariah Carey by Bye Bye’ is a heartbreak song about a woman who is leaving her lover. The lyrics describe the pain and hurt of being rejected and abandoned. The song reflects on the happy times the couple shared, and how those memories are now bittersweet. The singer pleads for Mariah Carey to come back, but ultimately accepts that she is gone for good.

14. I’ll Always Be Right There by Bryan Adams

Artist: Bryan Adams
Album: 18 til I Die
Year: 1996

The song is about a man who is in love with a woman and is telling her that he will always be there for her. He is telling her that no matter what happens in life, he will always be there for her.

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15. Pink Floyd by Pink Floyd

Artist: Pink Floyd
Album: The Wall: Music From the Film
Year: 1982

The song is about the band Pink Floyd and their music.

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16. U2 by Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own

Artist: Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own
Album:
Year:

The song is about a relationship between a father and son, and how the son sometimes can’t make it on his own. The father is always there for the son, even when the son is struggling.

V. Country Songs About Losing a parent

1. The Dance by Garth Brooks

Artist: Garth Brooks
Album: Garth Brooks
Year: 1989

The Dance is a song about life and how it is a never-ending cycle. The song talks about how we go through ups and downs, but in the end, life is a dance that we all must participate in. No matter what happens in life, we must keep dancing.

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2. Missing You by John Waite

Artist: John Waite
Album: No Brakes
Year: 1984

The song is about a man who is missing his love. He talks about how he is feeling and how he misses her.

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3. He Didn’t Have to Be by Brad Paisley

Artist: Brad Paisley
Album: Who Needs Pictures
Year: 1999

The song is about a man who wasn’t the biological father of the narrator, but he loved him and treated him like his own son.

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4. You’re Still the One by Shania Twain

Artist: Shania Twain
Album: Come On Over
Year: 1997

The song is about a couple who despite all the odds are still together and in love.

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5. Don’t Take the Girl by Tim McGraw

Artist: Tim McGraw
Album: Not a Moment Too Soon
Year: 1994

The song is about a young boy who is in love with a girl. He tells her that he will never leave her, no matter what happens.

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6. Go Rest High on That Mountain by Vince Gill

Artist: Vince Gill
Album: When Love Finds You
Year: 1994

The song is a ballad about a person who has died and gone to heaven. The singer reflects on all the good times they had together and how much they miss them. They take comfort in knowing that their loved one is now in a better place.

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7. Don’t Blink by Kenny Chesney

Artist: Kenny Chesney
Album: Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates
Year: 2007

The song is about how life passes by quickly and how one should not take time for granted. The song talks about how life is full of surprises and how it can be over in the blink of an eye.

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8. In My Daughter’s Eyes by Martina McBride

Artist: Martina McBride
Album: Martina
Year: 2003

In My Daughter’s Eyes is a song written by Martina McBride and produced by Paul Worley. The song was released in May 2002 as the lead single from her album of the same name. The song peaked at number five on the Billboard Country chart and number thirty-four on the Billboard Hot 100.

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9. Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion

Artist: Celine Dion
Album:
Year:

The song is about a woman thanking her lover for all the ways he has loved her and supported her over the years. She talks about how he has been her strength when she was weak, her shelter from the storm, and her light in the dark. She says that because of his love, she has been able to achieve all her dreams, and she will always be grateful to him.

10. I Can’t Write That by Jeff Bates

Artist: Jeff Bates
Album: Good People
Year: 2005

The song is about a guy who is trying to write a love song for his girlfriend, but he can’t seem to get the words right. He keeps trying, but every time he tries, he just ends up making a mess of it. In the end, he gives up and just tells her that he loves her.

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11. What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts

Artist: Rascal Flatts
Album: Rascal Flatts
Year: 2008

The song is about a person who is struggling to get over a break-up. They are trying to move on but every little thing reminds them of their former partner and the happy times they shared. The song talks about how much it hurts to see the person you love moving on without you.

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12. I’ll Remember You by Elvis Presley

Artist: Elvis Presley
Album:
Year: 1966

The song is about a person who is remembering a past love.

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13. If Something Should Happen by Darryl Worley

Artist: Darryl Worley
Album: Darryl Worley
Year: 2004

If Something Should Happen is a song about a man who is in love with a woman who is married to someone else. The man is telling the woman that if something should happen to her husband, he would be there for her.

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14. Angels in Waiting by Tammy Cochran

Artist: Tammy Cochran
Album: Tammy Cochran
Year: 2001

The song is about a woman who is waiting for her lover to come home from war. She is worried about him and she is praying for him.

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15. If I Had Only Known by Reba McEntire

Artist: Reba McEntire
Album: For My Broken Heart
Year: 1991

“If I Had Only Known” is a song recorded by American country music artist Reba McEntire. It was released in March 1993 as the lead single from her album It’s Your Call. The song was written by McEntire and Liz Hengber. “If I Had Only Known” is a ballad in which the narrator reflects on a past relationship.

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16. Lead Me Home by Jamey Johnson

Artist: Jamey Johnson
Album: The Dollar
Year: 2006

“Lead Me Home” is a song by American country music artist Jamey Johnson. It was released in October 2012 as the fourth single from his album Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran. The song peaked at number 37 on the Country Airplay chart in 2013.

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VI. Rock Songs About Losing a parent

1. Losing My Religion by R.E.M.

Artist: R.E.M.
Album: Out of Time
Year: 1991

The song is about a person who is struggling to keep their faith. The lyrics talk about how the person is losing their grip on what they believe in and how they are feeling lost. The song is a plea for help and for someone to save them from their doubt and despair.

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2. You’re Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins

Artist: Trace Adkins
Album: American Man: Greatest Hits Volume II
Year: 2007

The song is about a mother’s advice to her daughter to enjoy the moment, because she’ll miss it when it’s gone.

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3. Snuff by Slipknot

Artist: Slipknot
Album: All Hope Is Gone
Year: 2008

The song is about a person who is addicted to drugs and how it is destroying their life. The person is begging for someone to help them, but no one does. They eventually die from their addiction.

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4. Missing by Evanescence

Artist: Evanescence
Album: Anywhere but Home
Year: 2004

The song ‘Missing’ by Evanescence is a song about a person who is struggling to find their place in the world. They feel like they are missing something, and they are searching for it. The song is about the journey of finding oneself, and it is a very personal song for the band.

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5. Gone Too Soon by Simple Plan

Artist: Simple Plan
Album: Get Your Heart On!
Year: 2011

The song is about a friend or loved one who has passed away. It is a tribute to their life and how much they meant to the singer.

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6. Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day

Artist: Green Day
Album: American Idiot
Year: 2004

The song is about a young man who is struggling to deal with the death of his father. He is trying to find a way to cope with his loss and he turns to music to help him through his pain.

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7. I Miss You by Blink-182

Artist: Blink-182
Album: Blink-182
Year:

The song is about a couple who are going through a tough time and the singer is missing the good times they used to have.

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8. My Immortal by Evanescence

Artist: Evanescence
Album: Fallen
Year: 2003

The song is about a person who is struggling to keep going after the loss of a loved one. They feel like they can’t go on without the person, and they wish they could just die and be reunited with them.

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9. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton

Artist: Eric Clapton
Album: Rush
Year: 1992

The song is about the death of Clapton’s young son, who fell from a window in a New York City apartment building. Clapton wrestles with his grief and guilt, wondering if his son is in heaven and if he will ever see him again.

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10. Wind of Change by Scorpions

Artist: Scorpions
Album: Crazy World
Year: 1990

The song is about the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War.

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11. Yesterday by The Beatles

Artist: The Beatles
Album:
Year:

The song is about a man who is struggling to deal with the loss of his love. He is trying to remember the good times they had together, but he can’t seem to get over her death.

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12. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb by U2

Artist: U2
Album:
Year: 22 November 2004

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the title track from their eleventh studio album, released in 2004. The song was written about the fear of nuclear war, and its title refers to the process of disarming a nuclear weapon.

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13. If You Were Here by Poe

Artist: Poe
Album: Haunted
Year: 2000

If You Were Here by Poe is a song about a person who is longing for someone who is no longer there. The person in the song is struggling to cope with the loss and is hoping that the person they are missing will come back to them.

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14. Leave Out All the Rest by Linkin Park

Artist: Linkin Park
Album: Minutes To Midnight
Year: 2007

The song is about a person who is struggling and wants to leave everything behind. The lyrics talk about how the person is tired of fighting and just wants to give up.

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15. Death Disco by Public Image Ltd

Artist: Public Image Ltd
Album: Metal Box
Year: 1979

The song is about a person who is addicted to drugs and is slowly dying. The person is trying to hold on to life, but is losing the battle.

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16. Forgiven by Within Temptation

Artist: Within Temptation
Album: The Heart of Everything
Year: 2007

The song is about a person who has been wronged and is seeking forgiveness. They are willing to forgive the person who hurt them, but they need to be forgiven themselves first.

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17. Deep Blue by George Harrison

Artist: George Harrison
Album: Living in the Material World
Year: 1973

The song is about a man who is reflecting on his life and how it has changed since he fell in love. He is looking back on all of the things that he used to do and how they don’t mean as much to him now. He is also wondering if his love is real or if it is just an illusion.

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18. Dead! by My Chemical Romance

Artist: My Chemical Romance
Album: The Black Parade
Year: 2006

The song is about a person who is struggling with the idea of death and how it will affect the people around them. They are trying to come to terms with the fact that they will die and how it will impact those who are left behind.

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19. I Miss You by Blink-182

Artist: Blink-182
Album: Blink-182
Year:

The song is about a couple who are going through a tough time and the singer is missing the good times they used to have.

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20. Tank Park Salute by Billy Bragg

Artist: Billy Bragg
Album: Don’t Try This at Home
Year: 1991

The song is about the Gulf War and the soldiers who were fighting in it. It is a very patriotic song and is full of praise for the soldiers.

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21. My Father’s Eyes by Eric Clapton

Artist: Eric Clapton
Album: Pilgrim
Year: 1998

The song is about a son reflecting on his father’s eyes and how they reflect the love he has for him. The son recalls all the happy times they shared together and how his father’s eyes would always make him feel loved. Even though his father is no longer alive, the son still feels his presence through his eyes.

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