[Family Songs] Famous songs about older brothers. Recommended popular tracks.
When it comes to “songs about family,” many are dedicated to parents, but it’s surprisingly hard to find tracks themed around thanking an older brother.
So in this feature, we’re focusing on exactly that and introducing songs that fit the bill.
We’ve put together pieces that carry messages to an older brother who’s a little further along in life, as well as works that highlight familial love.
Why not use the songs listed in this article as inspiration to put those feelings—ones that are hard to express honestly in everyday life—into music and send them his way?
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- A bright, family-themed song. A recommended track that conveys warmth.
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[Family Songs] Famous songs about brothers. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
Taurus RhapsodyKirinji
Formed by brothers, the band Kirinji released “Taurus Rhapsody” in 1999.
It was used as the theme song for the drama Natsuiro no Koi (Summer-Colored Love).
The lyrics suggest various animals engaging in a quarrel-like back-and-forth.
While there aren’t any descriptions that specifically evoke sibling interactions, it’s easy to imagine that the brother duo Kirinji, even if they sometimes argued, managed to create a masterpiece every time.
It’s especially recommended for those with sibling relationships where you can push each other higher—even while fighting!
Song of Farewellogura kei
The ending theme of the third season of the animated series Legend of the Galactic Heroes, which was mainly released as OVAs between 1988 and 2000.
A boy taken in by the protagonist, Yang Wen-li, comes to adore Yang like his own brother…
The relationship between them, combined with this song that plays over the ending, is truly moving.
The lyrics, which evoke a deep bond between brothers, are delivered with gentle tenderness by Kei Ogura’s voice.
Re:start!!!Buster Bros!!!
Buster Bros!!! is one of the rap battle projects under Hypnosis Mic, featuring popular male voice actors.
It’s the team name of the three Yamada brothers from Ikebukuro, led by Subaru Kimura, who voices Ichiro Yamada.
“Re:start!!!” is a piece whose straightforward, hip-hop-true lyrics about passionate feelings for one’s brothers really hit home.
You can feel their precious bond.
The call-and-response sections are very cool, too.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore new musical genres.
Brother ShipsHosokawa Takashi
The tuna-fishing shows that air around New Year really get your blood pumping just by watching, don’t they? Some crews even head out with fathers and sons or with brothers, and you can feel that unspoken “breath” of perfect timing that only family shares.
This song, Kyōdai-bune (Brother Ship), was the debut single of the well-known Ichirō Toba.
It’s a classic that has since been covered by many singers.
Steering the boat inherited from their father and going out to fish as brothers—it truly sings of the way of life of men of the sea, and it shakes your soul.
Takashi Hosokawa’s version has just as much power as the original, so enjoy comparing them, especially the differences in their vocal ornamentation (kobushi).
Family LetterZushi Sankyōdai
A song often used as an insert track at weddings.
Although it doesn’t explicitly use words like “big brother” or “brother,” it’s a gentle, warm piece overflowing with gratitude for family.
The words that are hard to say in everyday conversation ride the melody and slowly sink into the heart.
Those words, that lightbonobos
A track that lets you feel the words and energy you received from your older brother: “Ano Kotoba, Ano Hikari,” released by bonobos in 2004.
Many people have probably gained a lot of strength from an older brother they love.
That kind of strength doesn’t fade even after you grow up and start living apart; it keeps sparkling within you.
This is a song that makes you want to keep going, holding close the words he said just for you.
When you’re lost or hurt, listen to this song and remember your big brother.
[Family Songs] Classic songs about older brothers. Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
siblings (older brother and younger sister)Hoshino Gen
A song that blends gentleness with sadness.
You see, he has a biological younger sister who was never able to be born.
When you consider the reality hidden behind the catchy melody, these lyrics will slowly and deeply move you.
It’s a bittersweet love song from an older brother to the sister he longed to meet but never could.