Top 10 Greatest Broadway Death Songs

These Broadway swan songs do the final curtain justice. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most gut wrenching or memorable last songs from musical characters who die during or shortly after their number. Our countdown includes “Into the Woods,” "Fun Home," "Hamilton," and more! Did any of these songs have YOU reaching for tissues? Let us know in the comments!

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#Broadway #Songs #SwanSongs #Death #Musicals

[johnsantos]

My favorite was Javert’s suicide song in Les Miserable. The song was so powerful. It shows both denial and acceptance of his defeat over Valjean.

[trinaq]

"A Little Fall of Rain" always breaks my heart. Not only does Eponine die, before completing her song, but Marius realises her feelings for him. 💔

[BurrShotHamJenna]

fact for Stay Alive (Reprise): Lin-Manuel Miranda mentioned that ever since he became a father, this song was very hard for him to perform. Miguel Cervantes (former Chicago Hamilton current Hamilton on Bway until January 7th 2024) has also mentioned that this song was hard for him to perform due to his daughter Adelaide's epilepsy condition (Adelaide passed away in 2019 at the age of 3 years old, 5 days shy of her 4th birthday)

[lifewithntokozo]

I feel like Abuela’s goodbye in In The Heights deserved a mention.

[ansleyhendrix]

Oooh!…. Phillip’s death in Hamilton is so hard to watch. EspeEspecially when Eliza screams

[gavino]

Everytime I hear Eliza's scream of pain I get chills and I tear up a lil

[baliyae]

Judas’ Death is definitely a powerful number. You can feel the guilt Judas is feeling after betraying the man he called his friend.

[rhothko]

Kim's death in Miss Saigon, Javert's suicide in Les miserables, Christine and the phantom in love never dies....

[kristymerrill]

I had the privilege of seeing Les Mis three times. That third time, when she came over the barricade, I started weeping even before they started to sing this beautiful duet.

[evdb]

I know it is not a Broadway musical, but I had secretly hoped that "I Am Damaged" from Heathers would make a honourable mention. JD and Veronica's back and forth in it is beautiful, it displays JD's emotional state to perfection. And when the final 'boom' goes, you as an audience member (though you know what is going to happen) are still in shock. But if we were going to add all the songs mentioned in the comments it would be a top 30 and not a top 10, so I understand others might take priority.

[allikl]

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables also hits hard even if its about grief and not a swan song.

I'd love to see a list of Broadway moments that make you cry that aren't swan songs (like mentioned above or the end of Phantom of the Opera where he lets Christine and Raul leave)

[apparition]

Les Mis is a series of crushing swan songs- if not for the Thenardiers lightening things up, I'm not sure we could handle the musical. Honestly, every death in Les Mis should top this list.

[chelseacanales]

Moment in the Woods
The baker’s wife death is still shocking

[LilFoxyCosplay]

A little fall of rain gets me every time
Also somewhere
Sweeney todds ending made me cry unnecessarily...when he realises he killed his wife...here come the tears

I use music when writing as it helps convey appropriate atmosphere

[sterlingross]

Should’ve given the This is the Hour (Reprise) from Miss Saigon some love.

[eristineforever]

To me one of the saddest deaths in a musical is Christine Daae’s in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. I wish it was included in this list. I really do. I know that Love Never Dies isn’t a Broadway but…still.

[asterismos]

Forever Yours (Reprise) from Once On This Island, Don't Do Sadness from Spring Awakening, Finale from Hunchback of Notre Dame, Der Schleier Fällt from Elisabeth (not Broadway, I know), Dyin' Ain't So Bad Reprise from Bonnie & Clyde. Always great to see Bridges of Madison County acknowledged though!

[emilyfraier]

What happened to Fantine's death in Les Miserables? That one gets me every time!!!!😭

[yeahnoonecaresifyouarefirst]

Seems right for the moment me and so many others are going through right But I needed something to cheer me up not bring me more down than I already am

At least Hamilton is here... Poor Phillippa she was going through her own loss

[vcdaraujo]

An honorable mention to "The Flash Failures (Let the Sunshine In)", from Hair 😢