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.
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- 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 (181–190)
forget-me-notNOKKO
With Rebecca’s vocalist Nokko—known for her distinctive singing voice—at the helm, the 1998 release Wasurenagusa is a song with a dreamlike beauty, like a flower swayed by the wind.
The composer is Yuka Kawamura, who has crafted numerous songs including SMAP’s Yozora no Mukou.
The gently flowing acoustic guitar and Nokko’s tender vocals resonate deeply.
The lyrics evoke the changing seasons of nature and bring to mind a cherished person and those days that have become treasures.
The lyrics are profoundly good. A song that seeps in more the more you listen. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs (191–200)
zebraOchiai Wataru
This piece resonates with a strong resolve that says, “We just have to keep moving forward.” It’s a song by Wataru Ochiai, a singer-songwriter from Osaka also known as the creator of “Birthday Song,” released in April 2023.
The mix-style sound arrangement and his grounded, solid vocals leave a strong impression.
It feels as if emotions welling up from deep within are carried on that sound.
If you’ve been feeling the hardships of everyday life, it will likely strike a particularly deep chord.
Midnight+alpha/arufakyun.
+α/Alfakyun, who is active as a vocalist, collaborated with Vocaloid producer A2 Mizuno to create “Midnight.” It was produced as a “song you can sink into at night,” featuring a gentle, piano-based melody.
In contrast, the lyrics sing about emotional pain with a soothing touch and depict the transition from late night to morning.
As a result, it’s the kind of track that could lull you peacefully to sleep.
It’s also recommended for the appeal of her high-tone vocals.
mysteryHoshino Gen
A song released in 2021 by pop star Gen Hoshino.
The lyrics feel so deep that it seems like infinite interpretations could arise even within a single person, making it honestly very hard to put into words.
While it consistently portrays the miracle of being drawn to each other and feelings for someone precious, it also seems to resonate with today’s world, where we tend to suppress our true selves.
I feel it sings about affirming instinct beyond logic and the importance of being straightforward about what you love.
There’s a warmth that seeps in—the profound value of having the person you care for or the things you love right there with you.
Personally, I love the final line.
Simple yet deeply probing human love, it’s a warming masterpiece that’s quintessentially Gen.
An accidental answerSakurazaka46
This is a coupling track from Sakurazaka46’s 2nd single “BAN,” released after the group rebranded from Keyakizaka46 and made a fresh start in 2020.
It might be heard as a love song, or perhaps not.
From the intro’s melody—which evokes a nostalgic feeling—you’re instantly drawn in, as if memories from that day gently resurface.
When you encounter a side of yourself you didn’t know, or meet a new version of yourself—surely everyone has felt, at least once, that strange moment of being guided by something.
Sometimes coincidences overlap to create a flow that feels like fate.
Even while feeling bewildered by such change, this song hits especially hard when you want to question yourself.
With Karin Fujiyoshi’s expressive performance at center and the song’s profound lyrics, it’s a masterpiece that resonates deeply.
everlasting lampPEOPLE 1
This song gently wraps the feelings of young people who live by the small light in their hearts.
Released by PEOPLE 1 in July 2020, it features a comfortable jazz- and funk-infused groove and lyrics brimming with vivid metaphors.
By skillfully weaving together contrasting motifs—heaven and school, God and convenience stores, talent and a swing—it portrays the struggles and hopes of youth living in the present day.
The pop-styled animated video by animator coalowl surpassed 1.4 million views within just two weeks of its release.
It’s a song that quietly gives a push to those who carry heavy burdens in their hearts yet still try to keep moving forward.
guidelinesUru
Uru’s “Kokoroe” was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kazama Kyojin — Kyōjō 0 —.” Released as a single in 2023, it’s truly a song that teaches us the ‘lessons’ of life.
The lyrics convey that no life is free of mistakes or regrets, and emphasize the importance of moving forward while overcoming them.
It’s a perfect theme for a drama that focuses on police officers who face various aspects of life and death.
Be sure to give it a listen!
