Musical Theatre Songs

32 Musical Theatre Songs About Death – By Vocal Type

These musical theatre songs about death explore grief, loss, and the way that characters process saying goodbye. The list is sorted by vocal type, making it easier to find a song that fits your range and audition needs.


Altos

“Die Vampire, Die!” – [title of show]

“Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad” – Bonnie & Clyde

“Forever Yours” – Once on This Island

“The Witch” – Big Fish


Baritones

“How It Ends” – Big Fish

“Mamaw” – Pump Boys and Dinettes

“The Legacy” – On the Twentieth Century

“They Live in You” – The Lion King


Basses

“Aftershocks” – Next to Normal

“Mama, Look Sharp” – 1776

“Night Will Come” – Groundhog Day

“This Is Not An Exit” – American Psycho


Contras

“Days of Plenty” – Little Women

“Just Around the Corner” – The Addams Family

“Out of Sight, Out of Mind” – A Tale of Two Cities

“Tell Me It’s Not True” – Blood Brothers


Mezzo-Sopranos

“Dead Mom” – Beetlejuice

“Life Is” – Zorba!

“My Death” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

“These Eyes of Mine” – Grind


Sopranos

“Desperate Ones” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

“He Lives in You (Reprise)” – The Lion King

“How Could I Ever Know?” – The Secret Garden

“To Keep My Love Alive” – A Connecticut Yankee


Tenors

“He’s Not Here” – Next to Normal

“How Glory Goes” – Floyd Collins

“Sarah” – The Civil War

“The Phone Call” – Lucky Stiff


Trebles

“Big Mole” – Lost in the Stars

“Come to the Fun Home” – Fun Home

“Not While I’m Around” – Sweeney Todd

“Picture Show” – Bonnie & Clyde


Related: How to find out your vocal type


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DIY Rep Books for Every Vocal Type


Author: Stacy Karyn

Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List➝, and the creator of The Cast Album List➝. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.

Photo of Stacy Karyn