When you think of summer songs, many people might imagine upbeat, catchy tracks that everyone can sing and dance to together.
However, there are times in summer when you feel like listening to tearjerkers—like bittersweet love ballads or breakup songs.
So in this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of moving, cry-worthy songs with a summer theme, spanning different eras and genres!
We’ve picked not only heartbreak songs, but also tracks that express a variety of emotions and situations.
Be sure to read the lyrics and listen closely!
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- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
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Tear-Jerking Summer Classics: Recommended Popular Songs (1–10)
The summer you gave meieiri reo
When it comes to summer songs by Leo Ieiri, who is well-known for her ballads, “Kimi ga Kureta Natsu” stands out.
The lyrics, depicting the feelings of a man parting from the one he loves, are sure to resonate with many.
The song is also known as the theme for the 2015 drama “Koinaka.” Listening to it may remind many of the drama’s heartrending story.
In addition, the music video, in which Leo Ieiri sings on a bench at night, deepens the poignant mood.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on a summer night.
summer hazeatarayo
Atarayo is a rock band that shot to fame after their music videos on YouTube and TikTok went viral.
One of their songs, Natsugasumi, was created around the theme of parting.
Combined with vocalist Hitomi’s clear, translucent voice, it becomes a heart-wrenching track.
By the way, the title Natsugasumi refers to the haze that appears in summer.
In other words, the hazy landscape is used as a metaphor for not being able to see the other person’s feelings.
Although the lyrics are written from a male perspective, it’s a song that people of any gender can relate to.
All of the YouthFujifaburikku
When it comes to songs that depict a bittersweet love story at a fireworks festival, it has to be “Wakamono no Subete” by the rock band Fujifabric.
It’s been used several times in summer TV commercials, so many of you might still have that catchy melody stuck in your head.
The fireworks festival in the song is said to be inspired by the one at Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture, the hometown of Masahiko Shimura, the vocalist and lyricist.
Be sure to listen to it while reflecting on your own memories of fireworks festivals.
All of the Youthsuis
A masterpiece that evokes the fleeting, aching nature of youth, with suis’s vocals resonating deep in the heart.
The delicate lyrics and translucent melody blend beautifully, vividly portraying young people’s inner conflicts and growth.
The song was originally released in 2007 as one of Fujifabric’s signature tracks and was covered by suis in 2024.
It’s striking how it captures the brilliance and fragility of youth through everyday, ordinary moments.
It’s a must-listen for anyone grappling with concerns unique to young people—love, friendship, and anxieties about the future.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu
Many people probably find themselves wanting to listen to Southern All Stars in the summer.
The band has left us with numerous classic summer songs, but when it comes to bittersweet summer tunes, “Manatsu no Kajitsu” stands out.
It’s a love song about heartbreak set on the beach.
Its catchy melody and that famous chorus are familiar to everyone, aren’t they? While we usually focus on Keisuke Kuwata’s beautiful voice, you might discover something new if you pay attention to the metaphor-rich lyrics.
GarnetOku Hanako
When it comes to bittersweet films themed around summer and youth, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is the one that comes to mind.
Its theme song, widely known and likewise depicting summer and youth, is Garnet by Hanako Oku.
The lyrics inevitably make you think of the movie’s story.
There are two versions of Garnet: the regular version and an acoustic piano-and-vocal version.
Incidentally, the one used as the movie’s theme is the acoustic version.
Both are wonderful, but if you’re in a wistful mood, I recommend the acoustic take, with its gentle piano solo that really resonates.
If you’re curious, be sure to compare the two.
Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad
This is a refreshingly drawn song about summer memories.
My Hair is Bad’s energetic sound and moving lyrics really resonate.
While looking back on joyful days in the past, the lyrics also convey hope for the future—something anyone can relate to.
Released in June 2024, the track was written as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary.
It’s also included on the album ghosts.
The powerful melody in the chorus really stirs the heart.
It’s a touching ballad that I’d recommend to listeners of all ages.