[Heart-wrenching] A Special Feature on Songs Themed Around Lies That Hit You Deep—Classics and Fan Favorites
The word “lie” carries a sense of guilt and remorse, yet there are many forms it can take—poignant lies told out of love for a partner, gentle lies meant to protect someone dear.
Songs themed around such “lies,” packed with the delicate nuances of human relationships, brim with lyrics that make your chest ache and melodies you can’t help but relate to.
In this article, we’ll introduce moving songs about “lies,” from anime tie-in tracks to classic Showa-era hits.
You might just find a song that resonates with your heart.
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[Heart-wrenching] A selection of classic and popular songs themed around lies that hit you right in the heart (11–20)
LiarAbe Mao
Mao Abe, whose love songs capturing real feelings are popular among women of her generation.
Her song “Usotsuki” (“Liar”) is a heartbreak song that looks back on the past and pours out the pain of wondering, “Were those feelings and words all lies?” When you’re in love, the happy times remain as happy memories, but once you’ve had your heart broken and look back, it’s hard to honestly say it was all enjoyable.
Even though it wasn’t a lie at the time, those genuine feelings now make you think, “Was it all a lie?”—a song in which the sadness wells up.
Everything might be true and a lie.kome kome CLUB
Formed in 1982, disbanded, and then restarted in 2006, Kome Kome Club released this intriguingly titled song, “Subete wa Honto de Uso kamo ne” (“Everything Might Be True and a Lie”), as their 22nd single in 1995.
The lyrics capture the feeling of being tossed around by everything the person you love does—love is blind, as the saying goes.
When you truly fall for someone, there are things you just can’t control.
It’s a love-themed ‘lie song’ packed with those emotions.
A gentle lieAcid Black Cherry
“Yasashii Uso” (Kind Lie) is Acid Black Cherry’s eighth single, released in 2009.
In a breakup scene with someone you love, you deliberately put on a brave face and say “I hate you,” even though it’s a lie.
This song conveys, almost painfully, just how heartbreaking that is.
Why Don’t You Play in Hell?Hoshino Gen
This is a celebrated song by Gen Hoshino that sings of a light of hope found in lonely darkness.
Chosen as the theme song for the film of the same name released in October 2013, it carries profound insights born from experiences in a hospital room.
The message—that “lies” and “fabrications” can become supports for the heart and help us find the strength to endure a painful reality—is filled with tenderness and poignancy.
While harmonizing with the film’s worldview, the arrangement shines with Gen Hoshino’s signature pop melodies woven together with elements of jazz and funk.
In the brisk sound and layered vocals, you can feel a strong resolve to face harsh realities and still keep moving forward.
It’s a song that resonates deeply with those who struggle to live yet want to find hope, and with those who, for the sake of someone important, find themselves in situations where they must tell a lie.
LiarWHITE JAM
Released in 2014, “Usotsuki,” which can be considered WHITE JAM’s signature song, is a masterpiece that those who have lost someone close will find impossible to listen to without tears.
The lyrics portray someone acting cheerful while pretending not to notice the lies their beloved tells for their sake, and the music video depicts the interactions between a mother with a terminal illness and her daughter.
Although it’s a very heartrending song, it also reveals the kindness that comes from caring for one another.
Listening to this track will likely make anyone reflect on the presence of their own ‘mother.’
Liarieiri reo
This is a sublime ballad by Leo Ieiri that beautifully captures an inner world where joy and sorrow intersect.
Included on the album “Naked,” released in February 2023, and chosen as the opening theme for the WOWOW original anime The Fire Hunter, the song was born from a collaboration with Hikaru Ishizaki.
Dramatic string arrangements intertwine with Ieiri’s emotionally rich vocals to create a piece that evokes deep empathy.
It vividly portrays, within a fantastical setting, the inner conflicts that arise from trusting someone and the emotional turbulence of protecting those you love.
When you find yourself grappling with feelings wavering between truth and lies, lend an ear to this song—it will stay close to your heart.
[Heart-Wrenching] A Special Feature on Songs Themed Around Heart-Piercing Lies: Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (21–30)
Gimmick GameNinomiya Kazunari
Depicting betrayal and mind games between a man and a woman, this song leaves a strong impression with its provocative lyrics and seductive melody.
Told from a female perspective, the lyrics intertwine suspicion toward the other person with the singer’s own wavering emotions, unsettling the listener.
Included on the first-press limited edition of the album “Dream “A” live,” it also drew attention for having lyrics and music written by Kazunari Ninomiya.
With its mysterious aura, it’s recommended when you want to immerse yourself in a world that stirs the emotions.