[Just the Lyrics Make Me Cry] Tear-Jerking Songs That Touch the Heart
Even when we say “songs with moving, tear-jerking lyrics,” their themes vary widely—love songs, fight songs, farewell songs, and more.
Depending on the situation, you probably find yourself wanting to listen to a song that stays close to your heart.
So in this article, we’ll introduce plenty of timeless tracks with wonderful, empathetic lyrics that will resonate with you and offer support.
Each song explores a different theme, so you’re sure to find at least one that speaks to your heart.
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[Tears from Lyrics Alone] Heart-Piercing, Tear-Jerking Songs (1–10)
Motherkariyushi 58
It was released in 2006 as Kariyushi58’s debut single.
The song was written by vocalist Shingo Maekawa for his own mother, and the title “Anma” means “mother” in the Okinawan dialect.
It reflects on a past of causing trouble for his mother and expresses gratitude to her, making it a touching song that brings mothers to mind.
Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa
For those shedding tears over days that just won’t go right, this song might be the companion you need.
It’s a track by ReoNa, a singer known as a “despair-type anisong singer,” included on her fifth single, “Nai Nai,” released in 2021.
The lyrics and composition were created by the popular Vocaloid producer Tota Kasamura.
The lyrics, which spill out feelings straight from the heart, are so raw they tighten your chest just reading them.
The sorrowful piano and ReoNa’s on-the-verge-of-tears vocals really hit you right in the tear ducts.
globeYonezu Kenshi
This work was created as the theme song for a film directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
It carries an homage to Miyazaki’s works, which have influenced Kenshi Yonezu since childhood.
From the quietly opening piano tones to the gradually unfolding, grand soundscape, it feels as if it’s depicting the highs and lows of life.
The lyrics, symbolizing loneliness and connection, stir the listener’s heart.
Released in July 2023, it topped the charts across major streaming platforms and set a new all-time record for the most No.
1 digital singles among Yonezu’s songs.
It’s a track that leaves a profound afterglow, prompting reflection on the meaning of life.
[Tears from Lyrics Alone] Heart-piercing, Tear-jerking Songs (11–20)
Flower of loveaimyon
A gentle song by Aimyon, chosen as the theme for NHK’s morning drama Ranman, starring Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe, among others.
Aimyon shows a different side with each track, so it feels like each song has its own devoted fans.
The lyrics are exquisite, entrusting emotions to flowers and seeds, the blue sky and nature: “Both the feelings that reach someone and the ones that don’t—all feelings make a flower bloom.” Put into words, it may seem simple, but it makes you realize that people live “for the surely arriving brighter tomorrow.” The unadorned guitar sound is tender too, as if gently supporting the song.
budKobukuro
It was released in 2007 as Kobukuro’s 14th single.
The song was written as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Vocalist Kentaro Kobuchi composed it as a song dedicated to his late mother, and it won the 49th Japan Record Award.
lampSakiyama Soshi
The second-season ending theme of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, “Akari.” Its lyrics are closely tied to the “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death” arc, and among fans it’s become popular for seemingly expressing the feelings of the character Suguru Geto.
The content, which could be seen as reflecting the doubts and regrets of someone who left his comrades without a word, is truly heart-wrenching.
Even if you haven’t seen the anime, the lyrics depicting someone spending time alone while thinking of someone dear will likely resonate with you.
I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo
“I’ll Forget Your Silence in October” is a song by Atarayo, a band expected to be the next big breakthrough.
Although it was the band’s first original track, the music video posted on YouTube has been viewed over 15 million times, and it also gained popularity on TikTok.
The lyrics about the pain of parting are heart-wrenching, and combined with vocalist Hitomi’s emotional singing, it’s a tear-jerking masterpiece.
It’s especially popular among teens, so if you haven’t heard it yet, definitely give it a listen!
