The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
When you listen to music, what do you focus on?
There are many aspects you might pay attention to—such as the vocals, the mood of the song, or, if you create music yourself, the overall structure of the track.
Among these, many people probably focus on the lyrics.
One of the best things about lyrics is that they let you feel the message of the song in the most direct way!
In this article, we’ll be introducing plenty of songs with deeply evocative lyrics that are incredibly compelling.
We’ve picked out many pieces that become moving once you understand their meaning, so be sure to listen closely.
- A playlist of timeless gems with piercing lyrics that will move your heart
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
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- Songs with strong messages. Classic J-Pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks.
- Songs with powerful lyrics. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- A beautiful Japanese song that purifies the heart. A highly recommended classic.
- The power of words. A special feature on Vocaloid songs with great lyrics
- Songs with great lyrics: soothing tracks that linger in the heart and moving ballads
- A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Good songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- [When You're Lonely] A Collection of Songs That Resonate With Those All Alone
- Good songs themed around love, encouragement, and life—tracks with lyrics you can relate to.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that sinks in the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music: recommended popular songs (71–80).
You can do it!Nakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima’s “Between the Sky and You/Fight!” was released in 1994.
Among the two A-side tracks, “Between the Sky and You” may be the more famous, but in fact “Fight!” is a hidden masterpiece.
At first listen it might seem like a gentle, whispering song, but the more you hear it, the more you can feel her raw inner turmoil.
This is the ultimate cheer-up song, one I especially recommend when you’re truly struggling.
Close your eyes softly and savor it together with its wonderful lyrics.
As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE
The famous DREAMS COME TRUE song “Nando Demo,” which was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s popular drama Emergency Room 24 Hours, is crafted as an uplifting anthem for love and work.
With incredibly catchy lyrics and a message that truly resonates, it’s a highly recommended track when you’re feeling down.
If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro
If right now you’re troubled by something or tormented by emotions you can’t let out, please listen to “If Living Is Painful.” When you’re truly hurting, words like “Hang in there!” or “Don’t give up” can make it even harder, right? This song is different: it teaches that when you feel pain, cry your heart out, and when you feel sad, let yourself sink all the way to the bottom of that sadness.
It tells you that, in the long span of life, a day will come when you can look back and think, “That happened too.”
Map of Dreamsyuzu
The song that reminds me of the importance of dreaming again and again is “Yume no Chizu.” It was released in 2004 by Yuzu, the musical duo active since the 1990s.
Its orchestral sound, resonant with brass band tones, is deeply moving.
Even on days that are far from perfect, this track teaches us the value of living positively.
It’s crafted with a soulful sound that resonates especially when you’re feeling down.
Why not receive their warm message that embraces loneliness and solitude?
YELLikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari has produced numerous hit songs.
Their “YELL” is one of their most famous tracks.
The melody is extremely catchy, and the lyrics are crafted in a way that anyone can relate to.
This is another song you’ll want to listen to when you’re feeling down or going through something tough.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
Tota is an artist whose charm lies in her unadorned, sincere voice.
Since 2022, she has been sharing her music from home in the style known as a bedroom sound creator.
This song, released in 2023, features lyrics that express a wish—and offer encouragement—to live life to the fullest even in times of sadness or hardship, right up to the very end.
It’s curious how being alive can make us conscious of death, but the lyrics, which juxtapose life and death, are thought-provoking.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to while savoring the words carefully.
Best FriendKiroro
Kiroro’s “Best Friend,” known as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Churasan, drew renewed attention when it was used as the ending theme for the film The Good Dinosaur.
Written by vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro as an expression of gratitude to Ayano Kinjo, who always supports her, the song is often performed as a dedication to a best friend in various settings.
I am who I am today because of that person’s words, smile, and presence.
Having a friend like that is truly a blessing.
