[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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[Heart-Touching] Ballad Masterpieces with Great Lyrics (111–120)
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
The gem-like ballad by Yo Hitoto, woven with her gentle singing voice, was born in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
Its prayer-like, tender melody and lyrics filled with wishes for another’s happiness sink deeply into the listener’s heart.
Since its release in February 2004, it has been featured as a film theme song and in JRA commercials, and it won an Excellence Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.
It remained in the karaoke rankings’ Top 5 for 90 consecutive weeks and has become a classic covered by many artists.
It’s the perfect song for quietly reflecting on your feelings for someone important, or when you sincerely want to wish someone happiness.
[Resonates with the Heart] Masterpiece Ballads with Great Lyrics (121–130)
ElfAdo
An epic ballad portraying the loneliness and inner conflict carried by elves, beings of legend.
Written as the theme song for the drama “Peacock’s Dance, Who Saw It?”, the piece beautifully expresses the emotions of the protagonist played by Suzu Hirose.
Released digitally in January 2025, the song embodies a strong resolve to stay true to oneself, harmonizing a fantastical worldview with a powerful message.
It’s a track that deeply resonates with those who have lost sight of their path or experienced parting from someone dear.
On nights when you feel alone, or when you’re about to take a new step forward, it will surely give you a gentle push.
rootKing Gnu
A King Gnu song that portrays quietly resilient life taking root amid the rubble of memories, enduring adversity.
Carried by beautiful melodies of piano and strings, it gently sings of life’s transience and the importance of human connection.
Released in October 2024, the piece was written as the theme song for the TBS drama “The Diamond Sleeping in the Sea.” Expressing bonds that transcend time, this song offers comfort to those who go about their days holding thoughts of someone dear close to their hearts.
reverse dreamKing Gnu
This song captured the hearts of many as a soul-stirring, grand ballad.
It features a beautiful piano melody and sweeping string arrangements, with lyrics that poignantly intertwine sorrow and hope.
Released in December 2021, it was selected as the ending theme for the popular anime film Jujutsu Kaisen 0.
The delicate sound design characteristic of King Gnu and the lyrics that align with the film’s worldview are a perfect match.
It’s a recommended track for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or farewells, or for anyone who wants to feel the bond with someone dear.
The heart-penetrating vocals are moving and will warmly envelop your heart.
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.
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.
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.