[Resonates with the Heart] Masterpiece Ballads with Beautiful, Poignant Lyrics
There are so many moving ballads out there, aren’t there?
Among them, we’re going to spotlight ballads with a focus on “great lyrics.”
Of course, there are many ways lyrics can be good—what kind do you like?
From songs with rich storytelling, to love songs that sing of profound affection, to gentle pieces that move you to tears, we’ll dig into the charms of ballad lyrics across many styles.
Ballads, where the power of music can be felt even more strongly, stay close to our hearts.
Be sure to find ballads with lyrics that match your own tastes!
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[Resonates with the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces with Beautiful Lyrics (91–100)
Life is BeautifulHirai Dai
A heartwarming song that’s perfect for peaceful moments by the sea.
Dai Hirai’s gentle voice, paired with soothing sounds of ukulele and acoustic guitar, quietly reminds us just how precious the small joys of everyday life are.
The message embedded in this piece—“Life is beautiful”—guides the heart toward those sparkling moments we tend to overlook in our busy days.
Released in June 2016 as the title track of the acclaimed album “Life is Beautiful,” it also became well-loved as the theme for House Foods’ “Java Curry” commercial.
Whether you’re lost in thought on a beach at sunset or standing at a turning point in life, this song is sure to resonate deeply with the listener.
Be yourselfSaucy Dog
This is a gem of a message song that sings about the importance of living true to yourself.
Included on Saucy Dog’s July 2022 album “Sunny Bottle,” the track centers on self-affirmation and a forward-looking way of life, wrapping the universal struggles and anxieties we all face in a warm, comforting sound.
Through the portrayal of a protagonist grappling with the gap between ideals and reality, it conveys the beauty of not demanding perfection.
Chosen as the ending theme for San-in Broadcasting’s “Teleport San-in,” this song is perfect for those unsure how to face themselves or seeking music that gently stays by their side.
Its gentle key of G major and relaxed tempo are sure to soothe the heart.
realmiwa
This is a song whose warm, gentle guitar tones and clear vocals resonate deeply with the heart.
It carefully depicts the small happinesses of everyday life and conveys the preciousness of moments spent with someone important.
With a rich melody, it expresses the warmth of being connected to someone rather than being alone, and the importance of mutually supportive relationships.
Released in February 2025, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime “Momentary Lily.” It is also included on miwa’s best-of album “miwa,” commemorating the 15th anniversary of her debut.
It’s recommended for times when you want to cherish moments with someone special, or when you want to listen while thinking of someone dear.
Wrapped in the gentle singing voice, your heart, too, will be enveloped in warmth.
LetterSHE’S
Among introductions to poignant piano ballads, SHE’S “Letter” is an unmissable track.
The gentle piano accompaniment blends with Ryoma Inoue’s whisper-like vocals to create a moving sound.
The poetic lyrics, which read like a single story across the whole song, are irresistible as well.
The calm, tender resonance of the piano lets you feel the lyrics more deeply.
On top of that, the harmony parts that quietly nestle up to the main melody add a nice touch.
The way your ears naturally gravitate toward these subtle details may be one of the charms of piano ballads.
Decembermilet
“December,” included on singer milet’s 2023 album 5am, features an artist known for releasing numerous collaboration tracks.
The song is imbued with thoughts for her mother, expressing how childhood experiences now support who she is.
Her smooth delivery, weaving Japanese and English lyrics, conveys deep love and gratitude to the mother who has supported her all along.
It’s a moving ballad carried by beautiful strings and piano melodies.
As you reflect on the days gone by, listen for the phrases that affirm her resolve to protect the loved ones she holds dear from now on.
Only onezarame
Zarame, a “nega-posi” singer-songwriter known for her gentle, heartfelt vocals and warming messages, delivers a powerful anthem about thinking of someone special.
Active with theme songs for TV anime and dramas, she sings with strength about holding someone in your heart.
This work is an up-tempo rock number filled with feelings for a loved one, even across distance.
It has been selected as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story – Kyoto Upheaval, airing from January 2025, conveying a straightforward devotion to someone you love.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re worn out after a day’s work, or when someone dear who lives far away comes to mind.
An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro
A heartwarming love song by Motohiro Hata that gently sings of the deep affection shared by a couple married for many years.
Released in March 2025 as the theme song for the film “The 35th-Year Love Letter,” it was written specifically for a movie that portrays a husband who, after retiring, begins to learn penmanship and struggles to write a love letter to his wife.
Hata’s clear, luminous vocals and the carefully woven, tender melody beautifully capture the profound bond nurtured over a long marriage and the way one’s feelings for a partner are renewed day by day.
This gem of a ballad is especially recommended for those who feel how love and cherished sentiments evolve and deepen with time.