20 Songs, Quotes and Poems About the Death of a Friend
The death of a friend can be a heart-wrenching experience that leaves some feeling lost, alone, and overwhelmed with grief. Losing a best friend to death is a particularly devastating experience, as close friendships are some of our most important bonds. During times of grief, turning to art forms such as poetry, quotes, and songs can offer a source of validation and insight from those who have suffered similar losses. Additionally, while everyone experiences grief differently, these works of art can remind you that you are not alone in your pain and provide you with a sense of comfort and hope. This article covers some of the most poignant and heartfelt quotes, poems, and songs about the death of a friend or loved one.
Songs about losing a best friend
Listening to songs about death can be helpful as music has a way of evoking emotions and experiences that are often difficult to put into words. These songs can provide a sense of comfort, connection, and catharsis for those who are grieving and may help you on your journey to find a source of peace during an otherwise difficult time:
1. "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
This emotional song is a tribute to a friend who has passed away and celebrates the memories shared with them. The lyrics offer comfort and reassurance that they will meet again someday.
2."One More Day" by Diamond Rio
This country ballad expresses the longing to have one more day with a loved one who has passed away. The lyrics remind you to cherish the time you have with your loved ones and to never take it for granted.
3. "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan
Though not technically about the death of a friend, it’s included on this list of songs about losing a friend to death due to its popularity. McLachlan's soaring vocals and touching lyrics provide a sense of comfort and solace to the listener.
4. "Who You'd Be Today" by Kenny Chesney
"Who You'd Be Today" by Kenny Chesney is particularly moving because it imagines what that person would be like if they were still alive today, and the chorus repeats the line "what a shame, what a shame, what a shame" to express the regret and sadness associated with their passing.
5. "Drink a Beer" by Luke Bryan
This country song is a tribute to a friend who has passed away, with Bryan reflecting on the moments they shared and raising a beer in their honor. The song is a reminder to cherish the memories you have with those you love and to celebrate their life even after they are gone. This is a good choice for those looking for country songs about losing a friend.
Poems for the death of a friend
Poetry can be a powerful source of inspiration after losing a loved one, as it can allow you to feel a sense of connectedness with others who have gone through a similar experience. Reading poetry about the death of a friend can provide comfort, validation, and a sense of solidarity in grief. Poets often capture the complex emotions and nuances of loss with great sensitivity and insight, and reading their words can be a way to process your own feelings and find a sense of peace amidst the pain. While these poems are about death, they’re not all about the death of a friend specifically.
1. "Remember" by Christina Rossetti:
"Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay."
2. "Farewell" by Emily Dickinson:
"Farewell! Thou art too dear for my possessing, And like enough thou know'st thy estimate: The charter of thy worth gives thee releasing; My bonds in thee are all determinate."
3. "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" by Thomas Gray:
"The curfew tolls the knell of parting day, The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea, The plowman homeward plods his weary way, And leaves the world to darkness and to me."
4. "When I Am Dead, My Dearest" by Christina Rossetti:
"When I am dead, my dearest, Sing no sad songs for me; Plant thou no roses at my head, Nor shady cypress tree."
5. "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye:
"Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow."
In addition to reading poems that others have written, it can help you to write your own poems about the death of a friend. Writing poems for friends after they’ve passed can feel cathartic and like you have the opportunity to say things you wish you could’ve said to them while they were still with you. Even if you’ve never written poetry before, it can still feel like a release of grief and can be a private way for you to mourn a loss.
Losing a best friend to death quotes
Like poems, quotes can be a powerful source of comfort during times of sorrow and grief. They offer a way to connect with the experiences and emotions of others who have gone through losing someone they love, while also providing a sense of validation and support. Quotes can offer words of wisdom, inspiration, and hope, and can often articulate feelings that are difficult to express. Additionally, if you’d like to wish your friend goodbye after their death, using quotes can be a way to do that if you can’t quite find the right words to say.
Quotes about the death of a friend can be used in a variety of ways during the grieving process–as a way to start a conversation about grief with loved ones, as a source of comfort when feeling overwhelmed with emotion, or as a reminder to keep moving forward. Death quotes for friends can be placed in a personal journal, displayed on a wall, or even incorporated into a memorial or funeral service. In today’s world, many find it helpful to post a quote on their social media feeds to share their feelings with others.
- "Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." - Eskimo Proverb
- "Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch." - Jack Thorne
- "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." - Unknown
- "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell
- "Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life." - Mark Twain
- "The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love, and to be greater than our suffering." - Ben Okri
- "The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not 'get over' the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered." - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler
- "I am convinced that it is not the fear of death, of our lives ending that haunts our sleep, so much as the fear... that as far as the world is concerned, we might as well never have lived." - Harold Kushner
- "When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." - Kahlil Gibran
- "If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them." - James O'Barr
When losing a best friend to death, quotes can help you express how you feel through the words of another. At the same time, while reading quotes about losing friends to death is helpful, it’s not necessarily enough to help you overcome your grief. If you’re struggling with the death of a best friend and quotes aren’t cutting it, consider one of these other alternative for managing your grief:
Allow yourself to grieve: Acknowledging the loss and allowing yourself to feel the full range of emotions associated with grief, such as sadness, anger, and confusion, can help you in your journey. Connect with others: It can be helpful to connect with other people, such as family members, friends, or a support group, who can understand and empathize with what you are going through. You may find comfort in sharing memories of your best friend or talking about your feelings with others.
- Take care of yourself: Grief can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and it is essential to take care of yourself during this time. This includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and engaging in physical activities that you enjoy.
- Find a way to honor your friend: You may find it helpful to find a way to honor your friend's memory, such as creating a memorial website or participating in an activity that they enjoyed. This can provide a sense of closure and help keep their memory alive.
- Seek professional help: If you find that your grief is overwhelming and interfering with your daily life, it may be beneficial to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide support and guidance in coping with grief and navigating this difficult time.
Reading poems and quotes or listening to songs about losing a friend to death can provide a sense of healing and offers a way to view death from different perspectives. While the grieving process is unique to each individual, finding ways to express and process emotions can help promote healing and provide a sense of closure. You can find support and community to help you through your grief in Ever Loved’s Grief Support center.
