18 Songs That Helped Suicide Loss Survivors

The aftermath of grief when you lose a loved one to suicide is complex and different for each individual experiencing it. While music cannot “cure” the pain left in the wake of suicide, for many individuals, music can be a comfort in the grieving process. Sometimes, songs can meet us right where we are in our struggle and give us hope for the future.

We wanted to know what songs helped suicide loss survivors, so we asked our mental health community to share what songs helped them through.

Here’s what they had to say:

1. “Leave Out All the Rest” by Linkin Park

“In fact, that whole album got me through the toughest loss of a friend, so much so I had lyrics from the song tattooed on me. My friend lost his life the same way Chester did, so the last year has been triggering listening to the songs, it’s been nearly 10 years since my friend died, but the pain has never ever gone away.” — Cally W.

2. “How to Save a Life” by The Fray

“At first, it was hard to listen to because the lyrics were almost word for word how I felt. It still makes me cry every time I hear it.” — Violet S.

3. “Fix You” by Coldplay

“Definitely ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay. Makes me cry every time thinking about the loss of my family member. But also it feels like a light at the end of the tunnel song for me as a survivor. ‘Lights will guide you home…’” — Marcie S.

4. “Let It Be” by The Beatles

“When I lost my brother to suicide, it was me who found him. That song, his favorite song, helped push that horrible image from my mind and reminded me of the beautiful and loving person he was.” — Ashley M.

5. “When I’m Gone” by Eminem

“I lost my cousin last year around Christmas time. He loved Eminem and he loved to rap. This song reminds me that he’s up there, watching over me. And that he would want me to smile, [rather] than be sad.” — Becky R.

6. “Lullaby” by Nickelback

“It talks about not giving up even if you want to.” — Elizabeth N.

7. “Looking for an Answer” by Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park)

“It truly captures what it feels like to lose someone especially since it was written in memory of Chester.” — Miyako I.

8. “You Are My Sunshine” by Johnny Cash

“You are my sunshine. It reminded me of the reasons to be thankful for those I have.” — Bryar G.

9. “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.

“I have known a few people who have [taken] their own lives. It’s so tragic and sad. I find this song beautiful and uplifting in a gentle way.” — Andrea O.

10. “This Song Saved My Life” by Simple Plan

“I lost my best friend to suicide about 10 days before Christmas. He was such a beautiful, selfless person. He helped me with my own struggles with borderline personality disorder and depression. He was the type of person who always knew what to say. I dedicated the two songs “As You Go” by Red and “This Song Saved my Life” by Simple Plan to our friendship… they never fail to make me feel like he’s close by. The lyrics explain how much he means to me. The first song is as if it’s coming from both of our perspectives, like he’s saying to me to stay strong. The second song is as if it’s coming from my perspective when he basically saved my life.” — Kellyann N.

11. “Lullaby” by Billy Joel

“Billy Joel’s ‘Lullaby’ has helped me through the loss of several loved ones.” — Katy L.

12. “One More Light” by Linkin Park

“It means something to me because it’s almost exactly what those we’ve lost needed to hear at the time.” — Mandy R.

13. “Where Rainbows Never Die” by The Steeldrivers

“It’s a beautiful song and after my younger sister died by suicide on November 17th last year, I listened to it multiple times daily. She is where rainbows never die!” — Melissa T.

14.“Life is Beautiful” by Sixx AM

“I’ve had a couple friends end their lives and that song reminds me to live my life fully enough for all of them.” — Kaity R.

15. “Speeding Cars” by Imogen Heap

“It is sad and hopeful at the same time, and the lyrics are pretty spot on. Emotion-wise: it cuts a bit deep.” — Angela S.

16. “Favorite Flowers” by Luke Bryan

“It talks about not understanding why someone left so soon, but there must have a reason God took them so soon. I’m not a believer in God, but I love this song because it’s kind of upbeat while still staying serious.” — Dylan K.

17. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles

“I listen to ‘Sign of the Times’ by Harry Styles, only because I heard it playing on the radio after my girlfriend [died by] suicide.” — Will E.

18. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

“I’d like to believe my sweetheart will remember who I am when I get there. For now, I have to be strong and stay here.” — Courtney A.