47 Songs About Letting Go & Moving On

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley

Song year: 1994

Jeff Buckley’s soulful ballad speaks about the idea of finding peace and solace in the face of loss. The song reflects the concept of letting go and finding hope, even amid grief.

The original singer and writer, Leonard Cohen, also has an incredible recording of the song. Regardless of your preference, both versions are fantastic and unique in their way.

“Amelia” by Tonight Alive

Song year: 2011

Suicide is a complex subject, and most songwriters tend to stay away from the topic unless they have a personal reason to tackle it. In this case, the singer conveys their old friend as someone who died with the pretty indulgence of youth and as an angel who didn’t belong on Earth. She states that even though she has to move on without that friend, she’ll always keep her in the back of her mind and live life in her name.

“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day

Song year: 1997

“Good Riddance” is about living your life to the fullest so that you don’t have any regrets when you pass on.

This reflective ballet, which deviates from the band’s normal fast-paced punk rock style, reminds us that we all die eventually in unpredictable ways. It also implies that it’s not death that defines a life but all those memories and experiences leading up to that point.

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police

Song year: 1983

It’s a pop-rock song that speaks to the idea of holding onto memories and cherishing the love that endures. The song captures the emotions of loss and grief but also offers a message of hope and comfort to those who are grieving through the delicate vocals of The Police.

“Hurt” by Johnny Cash

Song year: 2002

“Hurt” was the last song Johnny Cash sang/covered before his death in 2003. It’s quite sorrowful, and the music video captures the frailty and failing health of the legendary singer in his later years.

He talks about his past accomplishments and success wishing he could go back, yet knowing it’s impossible. It was as if he knew that his time was growing near and was telling us to let go of him just as he had to do countless times before.

“If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot

Song year: 1970

This introspective ballad speaks to the idea of loss and the difficulty of moving on. It prompts the listener to look within themselves and to find the strength and resilience needed to keep moving forward, no matter what’s left behind.

“Not Afraid” by Eminem

Song year: 2010

People move on in different ways. Eminem, for example, lets go of the past through fierce aggression and power. The vibrant energy within the bars of “Not Afraid” makes it an iconic rap anthem and sends a powerful message about moving forward as a person.

“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey

Song year:1981

Most of the songs on this list have been tonally melancholy, dreary, and overall sad. Sure, a few of them have optimistic meanings, but they’re not exactly “happy songs.”

Sometimes, you need inspiration and enthusiasm to move on. “Don’t Stop Believing,” for example, is a classic rock tune that continues to motivate and invoke joy to this day. Not only is the message inspiring, but so is the melody.

“Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper

Song year: 1983

This pop-py song characterizes the process of letting go and finding hope after loss, whether it be via a breakup, death, or otherwise. It encourages listeners to move forward and find comfort in the memories of their loved ones, knowing that loss is normal and that it repeatedly occurs throughout one’s life.

“In My Mind” by Amanda Palmer

Song year: 2011

“In My Mind” is light-hearted instrumentally but fairly deep with its lyrics. It’s a song about looking at yourself as a person and realizing you’re not who you aspired to be when you were younger.

Despite this, you keep moving forward in life because you accept yourself. Once you realize you could never have met your unrealistic standards, you forget the past and find comfort in your own shoes.

“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion

Song year: 1997

Meant to reflect the events within the massively successful movie Titanic, “My Heart Will Go On” became something more than just a soundtrack. Paired with the beauty of Celine Dion’s luscious vocals, the lyrics about letting go of a lover speak volumes to listeners globally and are a sensation that continues to reach hearts decades later.

“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

Song year: 1988

“Wind Beneath My Wings” is a ballad that expresses the idea of finding comfort and solace in the memories of a lost loved one. It encourages listeners to hold onto the love that endures and use it as a source of strength rather than a point of weakness.