[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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[Family Songs] Classic songs about older brothers. Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
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 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.
Thank you!!HOME MADE kazoku
HOME MADE Kazoku is a hip-hop group formed in 1996.
“Thank You!!,” released in January 2005, has been loved across various genres, serving as the ending theme for the TV Tokyo anime BLEACH and as a walk-up song for professional baseball players.
It’s also a staple often played at weddings and school sports days.
It’s a bright, pop tune that lets you express gratitude not only to your siblings but also to your family and loved ones.
Thank youŌhashi Takuya
This is the second solo single by Takuya Ohashi, the vocalist of Sukima Switch.
He says the song is dedicated to his parents, but it also gently resonates if you listen while thinking of an older brother.
Please immerse yourself in the beautiful piano performance and his clear, expansive vocals.
Dango Three Brothers
When it comes to songs about siblings, the first one that probably comes to mind is Dango San Kyoudai (The Three Dango Brothers).
It was originally released as a number from NHK Educational TV’s Okaasan to Issho (With Mother), but it quickly snowballed into a social phenomenon.
From preschool recitals to year-end party anthems, it became a beloved song across all generations.
I bet many people can still sing it without looking at the lyrics.
If your relationship with your siblings ever gets a bit awkward, make up with this song!
Hang in there, big bro!Hanbaato Hanbaato
“Hang in There, Big Brother,” a song by Humbert Humbert about a slightly frail big brother.
It’s included on their 2017 album Family March.
He’s a bit clumsy in various ways and sometimes loses to his younger brother—a big brother who, at first glance, seems unreliable.
But the younger brother knows how cool his big brother really is, and even when he thinks he’s a bit weak, he still respects him.
That’s why the song is a cheer for the big brother: I’ll help you where you’re weak, so keep doing your best from here on out.
Give it a listen while thinking of the big brother you love.
Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi
A song full of courage and kindness that grabs your heart from the very beginning.
There’s no explicit mention of brothers, but it also sounds like it’s speaking to siblings who, when they were young, only competed with each other and couldn’t be honest—asking, “How have you been lately?” One of its charms is vocalist Hiroji Miyamoto’s overwhelming vocal prowess.