[Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics

2018.3.2hannya

Hannya / 2018.3.2 / Official Music Video

Hannya’s masterpiece “2018.3.2” is a song about an experience he actually lived through.

As the title suggests, it centers on the child abuse death case in Meguro Ward on March 2, 2018.

At the time of the incident, Hannya was living right across from the victim’s and perpetrator’s families.

He had been so close by, yet didn’t even know they existed.

He couldn’t notice, couldn’t help.

The song portrays those raw emotions.

It’s a real tearjerker—have a handkerchief ready.

Be sure to check it out.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

wishing starAyaka × Miura Daichi

Ayaka × Daichi Miura / “Negai Boshi” Music Video (included on the album “LOVE CYCLE”)

A collaborative number by Ayaka and Daichi Miura, created together with people who, due to the novel coronavirus, were forced to stay home and couldn’t meet their loved ones.

The lyrics were written based on the words and feelings of many people, gathered around the theme of what we think precisely because we have to stay home in this situation.

Since the song draws on the real words of those experiencing hardship and constrained lives, it resonates directly and heavily with others living the same way.

And the accompanying wish for the everyday life that will someday return also strikes a chord as a shared sentiment among everyone.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

HeyDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Hey”

“Nee” is Dreams Come True’s 46th single, released in 2010, and it achieved record-breaking results on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Despite being about heartbreak, the lyrics convey a powerful message of pursuing a positive way of life, don’t they? Miwa Yoshida’s solid, powerful vocals further amplify the emotional energy and resonate with listeners.

It’s not only for those who’ve experienced heartbreak; it also works as a song to encourage someone important to you, making it a great choice for karaoke as well.

It shifts from a ballad in the first half to an outpouring of positive energy in the latter half, so be sure to enjoy singing it together!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

miyabi

Report a problem

Golden Smiletoshinobu kubota×ATUSHI

Toshinobu Kubota – Golden Smile feat. EXILE ATSUSHI [Official Video Short ver.]

Toshinobu Kubota, a singer-songwriter often hailed as the “King of J-Soul,” has earned high acclaim at home and abroad for his unparalleled sense of groove and soulful vocals.

Released digitally on July 25, 2011, his single “Golden Smile” drew attention as a collaboration with EXILE ATSUSHI.

With lyrics themed around “May your smile be eternal,” the song evokes a comforting feeling, as if enveloped in a great love.

It’s a heartfelt ballad notable for its ensemble that features delicate piano tones.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Do not run in the hallway.Nisshoku Natsuko

Natsuko Solar Eclipse – “Don’t Run in the Hallway” Official Music Video

Singer-songwriter Natsuko Nisshoku paints orchestral scenes with just a single piano.

This track, included on her mini-album “Oumu” released in September 2017, features lyrics that are remarkably unique, built around slogans we all likely heard in childhood.

Now that we’re adults, they resonate like warm little spells to keep ourselves in check, reminding us of the candid feelings we’d nearly forgotten.

It’s a number that teaches the importance of facing yourself when you hit a wall.

AkariMy Hair is Bad

Akari

It’s a heartwarming song that portrays the feeling of trying to move forward despite everyday fatigue and inner conflicts.

It’s one of the tracks on My Hair is Bad’s album “ghosts,” released in July 2024, a noteworthy work that also includes the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary.” With an alternative rock sound and a husky vocal timbre, it expresses the fragility and anxiety deep within the heart, along with the strong will to keep going anyway.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel worn out by work or relationships, or when you’re on the verge of breaking.

It will surely stay close to your heart and give you strength for tomorrow.

If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER "If I Had Lived Alone" MV

A gem of a medium-tempo ballad that vividly portrays the joy and frustration we feel through our connections with others.

Included on SUPER BEAVER’s single “Highlight/Hitoride Ikiteita Naraba,” released in June 2020, this track was chosen as the theme song for the film Water Ribbon, starring Ayami Nakajo.

With delicate instrumentation and an emotive vocal performance, the melody gently sings of the importance of bonds with others and mutual support.

It’s a song that stays close to your heart when you want to reflect on what it means to live true to yourself and to find the courage to overcome setbacks.