Change of Heart: A love song expressing the bittersweet feeling of falling for someone new

You, him, me, and herBreathe

You, him, me, and her

An R&B ballad in which BREATHE delicately sings about those wavering feelings of “I thought we were just friends, but I fell for you.” Set within a love square where both parties already have partners, it portrays the conflict between newfound feelings and moral hesitation through scenes like late-summer rain and sharing a single umbrella.

Released in May 2014 as the B-side to the single “Tomorrows,” it was also used as an ending theme for the TV Tokyo anime FAIRY TAIL.

The lyrics were written by Kiyoshi Matsuo, and the harmonies of Satoshi Miyata and Kazuya Tada bring the nuances of emotion to life.

It’s a song that will resonate with anyone torn between friendship and romance or carrying feelings they can’t put into words.

I got a boyfriend/girlfriend.My Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – I Got a Girlfriend (Official Music Video)

How would you feel upon learning that someone you once shared a deep connection with has found a new partner? My Hair is Bad’s 2016 album “woman’s” features a song that delicately captures exactly that complex state of mind.

Even though you’re supposed to have moved on and found a new lover, you can’t shake the lingering attachment to the one you can’t forget.

Spending time with your current partner—who’s the complete opposite type—only makes the quiet ache of your feelings for the former one smolder in the back of your heart.

Released as the album reached a peak position of No.

5 on the Oricon charts, the track’s music video also drew significant attention.

It’s a song that will deeply resonate with anyone who thought they’d stepped into a new love but still finds themselves tethered to the past, or who has felt a rush of complicated emotions upon seeing an ex looking happy.

Love sicknessaiko

Love sickness

This song sings of a searing pain that burns the chest as the flames of love blaze higher, as if being consumed by an illness.

It’s the opening number of Aiko’s 2000 album “Under the Cherry Tree.” The lyrics put into words raw emotions—feelings so intense you cry in silence, a body changing through a fateful encounter.

For anyone burdened by the agony of loving someone too much, a mix of dependence and longing, this track will surely strike a chord.

Masanori Shimada’s arrangement, with piano and guitar intertwining, makes the poignancy all the more vivid.

not enoughwacci

wacci 'Tarina i' Music Video

This is a heartbreak song overflowing with poignancy, capturing the emotional turmoil of trying to sever lingering feelings for an ex.

Featured on wacci’s 2019 album Empathy, the track stands out for its lyrics written from a woman’s perspective.

Though she still has feelings, the protagonist’s struggle to choose a clean break in order to move forward is deeply affecting.

Positioned as a side story to “Betsu no Hito no Kanojo ni Natta yo,” a one-take recording was also released in 2020.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who’s gone from mutual love to one-sided, or who wants to move on but can’t quite bring themselves to do it.

the absolute worstMarushii

Marcy – The Worst of the Worst (Official Music Video)

What words would you cry out when you realize that the heart of the lover you were laughing with until yesterday is no longer turned toward you? Released digitally in March 2022, this song by Marcy captures the complicated mix of anger and lingering attachment toward a fickle partner, set against a fast-paced rock sound.

It was also included on their first album, “Memory,” released in June 2022, and the music video featuring Naenano drew attention.

While venting the frustration of betrayal, the protagonist suffers from being unable to completely hate the other person—perfectly voicing the feelings of someone fresh off a heartbreak.

It’s a song that can support your heart when you’ve gone through a breakup so painful that just remembering it makes your chest tighten.

change of heartindigo la End

indigo la End – Change of Heart [Lyric Video]

When you fall in love, you start seeing scenery you never noticed before, and your emotions swing wildly over the tiniest things—joy one moment, sorrow the next.

indigo la End’s song captures those feelings and is included on the album “Nureyuku Watashi Shōsetsu.” The lyrics convey not only the joy of love but also the backward-looking emotions—anxieties and loneliness—that love can bring.

Released in April 2024, the track features Enon Kawatani’s delicate lyrics and distinctive guitar sound.

When you’re overwhelmed by sadness and anxiety, why not put on this song and have a good cry?

Dried flowersYuuri

Yuuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video (Short ver.)

Many people probably find breakup songs emotional.

There are countless breakup songs with aching melodies and tear-jerking lyrics that hit hard even if you’re not heartbroken right now.

“Dry Flower,” sung by singer-songwriter Yuuri, is one of those emotional, moving breakup songs.

It serves as an answer song to Yuuri’s “Kakurenbo.” While “Kakurenbo” is told from a male perspective, “Dry Flower” is sung from the viewpoint of the woman who left him.

Listening to the two together doubles the emotional impact.

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