Just hearing the word “youth” somehow makes you feel a little embarrassed, with a sweet-and-sour twinge, doesn’t it?
Everyone has their own youth.
Spending fun times with friends, riding the emotional highs and lows of love—and of course, some of you might be right in the middle of your youth right now!
In this article, we’ve put together a collection of youth songs with wonderful lyrics.
We’ve included many picks, so you’re sure to find a song that perfectly matches what “youth” means to you.
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Youth songs with great lyrics. Wonderful, memorable messages (1–10)
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
Formed in 2012 at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Kanagawa Prefecture, Macaroni Empitsu is a hugely popular four-piece rock band whose 2019 summer festival appearances led to entry restrictions at venues across the country.
This song was featured in a McDonald’s commercial, drawing wide attention.
It was also performed on THE FIRST TAKE, a YouTube channel showcasing one-take performances.
The lyrics celebrating youthful days and the heavy, powerful guitar work leave a strong impression, instantly reviving memories from my own past.
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism
This is the third single by the Japanese four-piece pop band Official HIGE DANDism, created in 2019 as the support song for ABC’s Summer High School Baseball.
The saxophone that runs throughout the track and its dynamic, pulsing beat are particularly striking.
Satoshi Fujihara, who handles vocals and piano, and Makoto Narazaki, who plays bass and saxophone, were both members of their high school brass band and even performed at regional competitions.
The song draws on those experiences.
While the lyrics honor the destiny borne by high school baseball players, it’s an anthem that resonates with anyone striving toward a goal, not just the ballplayers.
Silent majorityKeyakizaka46
This is a song by the well-known female idol group Sakurazaka46, released as their debut single on April 6, 2016 by Sony Records.
The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto, and the composition was handled by the male-female duo music unit, Bugbear.
Meaning “the silent masses,” the song is notable for its message-driven lyrics and, unusually for a female idol group, stage costumes inspired by the military.
With intense guitar strumming and a heavy bass sound backing it, the song offers a fresh structure that lets listeners fully appreciate the group’s beautiful vocals.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
A song by the Japanese duo Yuzu, it was used as the official theme for NHK’s coverage of the 2004 Athens Olympics and sold over 300,000 copies in total.
It also drew attention in 2009 when it was featured in a commercial.
Yujin Kitagawa, the group’s leader, wrote and composed the song, while Kohei Mikuni—also known as the creator of “Tried Playing Popular Anime Songs with a Brass Band #Akisui”—handled the arrangement.
Backed by a dynamic orchestral performance, its lyrics resonate with those who have worked hard, moving listeners to tears.
OrangeSMAP
SMAP’s “Orange” is a B-side track on the single “Lion Heart,” yet it’s still a popular song that ranks high in karaoke charts.
It’s also said to be one of the songs that holds special meaning for the SMAP members.
Coincidentally, it drew renewed attention after SMAP disbanded.
Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster
Seishun Photograph is a bright yet tear-jerking graduation song with the theme of “photos.” Released as a single by Little Glee Monster in 2015, its lyrics describe the realization—at the graduation ceremony—that all the days up to now were treasures.
It’s lonely to think that the everyday life we took for granted will change starting tomorrow, but it’s precisely because things change that there are memories we never want to forget.
After you’ve had a good cry, just like the song says, make sure to finish by leaving a photo of everyone together wearing the biggest smiles!
I cried, I laughed, and I was dreaming.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ “Crying, Laughing, Dreaming” is a wonderful friendship song whose down-to-earth words settle straight into your heart.
Even when you’re apart and can’t meet, the feeling of thinking about your friends is beautiful, and it ends up being a work that makes you think, “I can’t help but want friends like this.”