The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MONODIES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
O
N
O
D
I
E
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Laments" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case laments = monodies.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MONODIES mean?
MONODIES noun- An ode, as in Greek drama, for a single voice, often specifically a mournful song or dirge.
- Any poem mourning the death of someone; an elegy.
- A monotonous or mournful noise.
- A composition having a single melodic line.