[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] Masterpiece Ballads with Great Lyrics (131–140)
In a new cityImai Miki
A signature song by Miki Imai, woven with warm words and a gentle melody that stays close during life’s turning points.
It’s a gem-like ballad that closes her August 1990 album “retour.” The calmly flowing melody and Imai’s clear, transparent vocals softly depict the resolve and hope needed to live in a new environment.
When facing major milestones such as moving or changing jobs, this piece will sit close to the listener’s heart and gently give them a push forward.
youUtada Hikaru
A song in which Hikaru Utada’s voice, brimming with deep love and tenderness, warmly embraces the listener’s heart.
It begins with a quiet piano melody, and the majestic sound woven by the strings beautifully expresses the depth of feelings for a loved one.
Released digitally in December 2017, this track was written as the theme song for the film “DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura,” and is said to depict a mother’s cherished feelings for her child.
It’s also popular at weddings and makes a perfect gift as a song that conveys heartfelt emotions at moments when you want to deepen your bond with someone you love.
I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko
A gem of a ballad woven with sweet, bittersweet feelings.
After parting from a loved one, the deep sense of gratitude that only time can bring wells up in your heart.
Released in May 1991, this work features lyrics written by Kyoko Koizumi herself.
Unspoken feelings and gratitude for having someone by your side are expressed atop a beautiful melody.
It became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “Papa to Natchan,” spending five consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
With an astonishing shipment of 1.58 million copies, it became her biggest hit.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to if you’ve experienced a farewell with someone precious or when you want to give thanks for a meaningful encounter.
NonfictionHirai Ken
This is a gem-like ballad by Ken Hirai that powerfully portrays the profound sorrow of losing a close friend and the struggles of life.
Its tender, moving sound centered on acoustic guitar and Hirai’s rich, lustrous vocals gently envelop the heartfelt longing for someone lost.
In the music video, filmed at an amusement park at night, dancer Takeki Kudo’s striking performance gives visual form to a cry of the soul.
Released in June 2017, the song also drew attention as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama “Chiisana Kyojin” (A Small Giant).
This work resonates deeply with those grieving the loss of a loved one or standing at a crossroads in life, offering a song that truly stays close to the heart.
Like a white cloudsaruganseki
A gemlike ballad that beautifully captures the feelings of a traveler gazing at distant clouds.
Anxieties and hopes about an unseen future are conveyed through a delicate melody.
The poetic worldview, likening a freely moving figure in the wind to white clouds, resonated with many.
Released as Saruganseki’s debut in December 1996, the song ultimately became a million-seller with 1.131 million copies.
It was also used as the image song for Kadokawa Shoten’s World Walker and as the theme song for the film I Want to Play All My Life.
It’s a track that gently gives you a push as you try to take a new step forward.
To youKotone
A new-generation artist who debuted at the age of 16, Kotone.
“Kimi ni” is a song where you can fully savor her beautiful singing voice.
It’s a tie-in track with Shiseido ANESSA, showcasing vocals that make the most of her high register.
With its sacred atmosphere, just listening may bring a sense of calm.
At the same time, the lyrics burn with a message about the wonder of life and the importance of loving one another, so it might fill you with energy as you listen.
It’s a cool, refreshing song—perfect for summer days.
Homeayaka
I’d like to introduce “Home” as a song that’s perfect for the morning hours.
It’s a track included on Ayaka’s album Funtale.
The lyrics depict the beautiful scene of daybreak while also conveying the wonder of life.
Though gentle, the song has a powerful feel, making it great for times when you want to boost your motivation.
You can also enjoy considering the meaning of the title.
Try finding your own interpretation of “Home.”