[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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[Touching the Heart] Ballad Masterpieces with Great Lyrics (101–110)
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
The song captures the youthful challenge of confronting one’s true self.
It reaches out to those who carry loneliness and anxiety, delivering a message of self-affirmation—one of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s most soulful tracks.
In December 2024, it was performed with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation on NHK General’s special program “18 Festival,” becoming a major talking point.
Along with its recurring melody, it gives you the courage to live without pretending to be someone you’re not.
When you feel like you’re losing your way, or when you’re struggling with relationships around you, this song is sure to be a powerful ally.
trace (of someone/something), semblance, vestige; a lingering image or memory of how someone/something used to beNovelbright
When you’re heartbroken and feeling down, I recommend trying to sing “Omokage.” It’s a song released by the rock band Novelbright.
This piano-centered ballad portrays the inability to forget an ex and the longing to see them again.
The high notes are beautifully featured, so if you’re good with higher ranges, you’ll be able to make the most of your voice.
It also seems like a great song to dedicate to a hurt friend—it’s sure to be healing.
Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa
A ballad infused with ReoNa’s deep emotions, where a warm melody wrapped in kindness is accompanied by a soul-stirring voice.
It delicately portrays the hardships of living, the small setbacks in everyday life, and the subtle feelings of trying to overcome them.
Included as a track on the single “Nai Nai,” released in May 2021, it has soothed the hearts of many listeners.
This piece, in which the piano’s melody and ReoNa’s vocals blend beautifully, is a gem written and composed by Tota Kasamura.
Her voice, which gently stays close to a weary heart, is perfect for times when you want to be encouraged—or when you want to encourage someone else.
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.
If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER
Released in June 2020 and known as the theme song for the film “The Footprints of Water” (Mizukami no Flight), this SUPER BEAVER track is a heartwarming song that gently conveys the importance of human connection.
Its lyrics, which depict the joys and frustrations that come from our ties with others, and above all, the encounters with those who become most precious to us, resonate deeply with many listeners.
Marking the band’s notable return to Sony Music Records, the song reached No.
6 on the Oricon Weekly Charts.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you wish to stand by someone you care about, or when you want to cheer on a loved one standing at a crossroads in life.
[Heart-Touching] Ballad Masterpieces with Great Lyrics (111–120)
The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER
Songs by SUPER BEAVER are characterized by lyrics that resonate with the heart and a powerful sound.
This work conveys the importance of facing yourself through tears.
It was released digitally in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi.” Deeply intertwined with the drama’s worldview, it has become a piece that strongly resonates with viewers.
It’s recommended for those who want to confront their emotions or are seeking music that offers emotional support.
Enjoying it alongside the drama may bring an even deeper sense of emotion.
Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER
This song powerfully expresses the bittersweet emotions of unrequited love.
It was used as an insert song in the NHK General TV drama “Vanilla na Mainichi” in March 2025.
Through the drama, SUPER BEAVER portrays the frustration of one-sided love with gentle yet courageous words that leave a deep impression on listeners.
The track is included on the single “Kataomoi / Namida no Shoutai,” released on March 12 of the same year, blending seamlessly with the drama’s worldview.
It’s a song that stands beside those who still can’t convey their feelings and those weighed down by the ache of unrequited love—highly recommended for anyone seeking encouragement and empathy.