[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 (21–30)
Sayonara ColorSUPER BUTTER DOG
Sayonara COLOR, which is also known for inspiring Naoto Takenaka to create a film of the same name, is a classic that simply conveys the beauty of its lyrics.
It’s extremely personal yet easy to grasp, and above all, gentle.
Set to a subtly bittersweet and calm melody, it carries a message urging you to live true to yourself.
Listening to this song will surely help you accept a painful, lonely goodbye and still believe in the future.
It’s a remarkable ballad that stands by you through every farewell in life.
Slow BalladRC sakuseshon
RC Succession is a rock band that has influenced countless musicians in music and live performance.
In 1976, they released this song, “Slow Ballad.” It features a jazzy band arrangement with a horn section.
The song depicts scenes with a woman after a night spent together, evoking a fleeting yet beautiful nocturnal mood.
Many listeners will relate to its straightforward, pure feelings for a loved one.
It’s a masterpiece where the somewhat poetic lyrics blend perfectly with Kiyoshiro Imawano’s passionate vocals.
future paintingFukuyama Masaharu
It’s a song written specifically for Nippon Life’s 2025 commercial “Nurturing the Future,” and the title is said to carry two meanings: a vision of the future and a path toward it.
The lyrics, which sing about living each day earnestly because we ourselves are the ones creating the future, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
Another indispensable charm of this track is being able to hear Fukuyama’s warm, rich vocals.
It’s a heartfelt ballad infused with the desire to cherish our loved ones—and ourselves—for the sake of the future.
Joined handsMINAMI
This is a slow ballad we hope you’ll listen to when you need the courage to move forward.
It’s the memorable first track marking MINAMI’s major-label debut in July 2023.
The theme—taking a new step while supporting and being supported by someone—delicately conveyed through a gentle voice, resonates deeply.
Interweaving everyday scenes like the after-school chime and a rainbow, its narrative style—believing in the hope beyond tears—leaves a strong impression.
It’s a work that gently stays by your side on days when something painful has happened.
AldebaranAI
A song inspired by Aldebaran, the star in Taurus whose name means “the one that follows.” It was released in 2021 by the singer AI, known for her vocal style rooted in Black music and R&B.
Naotaro Moriyama wrote and composed the song, which is a grand ballad featuring resonant strings and piano.
Its straightforward wish for the happiness of a loved one is deeply moving.
It’s a message song that embraces hearts feeling anxiety or loneliness about the future.
Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai
When it comes to ballads that depict the fateful meeting of lovers, “Stand by me, Stand by you.” comes to mind.
Released in 2020 by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, known for delivering refreshing songs that evoke images of the seaside and sandy beaches, it’s a ballad where ambient tones spread over an R&B-style beat.
It portrays the miracle of meeting a loved one in this vast world, overflowing with feelings of love and gratitude.
The clear, translucent sound and his cool vocals are sure to soothe you.
It’s a romantic love song that likens the beloved woman to a princess.
In the midst of the trivialHoshino Gen
When it comes to heartwarming ballads that depict the everyday life of a couple, “Kudaranai no Naka ni” comes to mind.
It’s a song released in 2011 by singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino.
Its delicate, warm melody, centered on acoustic guitar, is striking.
Even when going through tough or sad times, the song portrays a heartfelt relationship where joking around with the one you love can bring back your smile.
It teaches us that true happiness lies in the everyday.
Let his gentle, conversational singing voice soothe you.