We all think we understand the weight of the words “Cherish life,” but not many of us consciously make time in our daily lives to reflect on what life truly means.
In this article, we introduce songs that help us rediscover the preciousness of life.
We’ve gathered a variety of tracks that teach us the importance of “life” and “living”: not only songs that directly take life as their theme, but also those that give us hope to live and convey the wonders of being alive.
Take a moment to pause and think about the value of life—and listen to these timeless songs that offer just such a moment.
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Songs That Teach the Value of Life | A Collection of Masterpieces That Celebrate the Wonder of Living (1–10)
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that makes you feel the wonder of living.
Released in July 2023 as the theme song for the film “From Siberia, With Love.” Featuring beautiful strings and a mysterious chorus, the track resonates with lyrics that delve deeply into the preciousness of life and the value of living.
It underscores the importance of maintaining the courage to move forward even when facing hardship, offering listeners empathy and hope.
It’s a song that will gently nudge you as you take a new step forward.
If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro
Many of you were probably shocked by the opening lyrics the first time you heard them.
However, this song isn’t one that coldly pushes away people who feel down; it’s a song that teaches us what’s important in life.
When everything is going wrong and you’re having a hard time, try listening to this song while reading the lyrics.
You’ll surely come to feel, just as the opening says, that you must not throw your life away so easily, and that painful experiences are actually the seeds of the joyful moments that will come someday—helping you cherish your life.
Biri MillionYuuri
Yuri’s song questions the value of life.
The story, in which an old man offers to buy 50 years of someone’s lifespan for 5 billion yen, and the protagonist realizes the importance of their own time, leaves a strong impression.
It was released digitally in January 2023, and the flipbook-style music video by comedian Tekken also drew attention.
The message in the lyrics—cherishing the present moment—resonates deeply.
It’s a track I want people to hear when they’re overwhelmed by daily busyness and risk losing sight of their life’s value.
Yuri’s warm voice is sure to make your life shine.
Phantom LifeSEKAI NO OWARI
It’s a profound song themed around the fragility of life and loss.
In a white hospital where a life became a phantom, and a child named on a night when a beautiful red moon burned—its lyrics, which strike deeply at the listener’s heart, make us reflect on life and death.
Released in February 2010 as SEKAI NO OWARI’s indie debut single, it has become legendary among fans.
When you feel the weight of life, the pain of loss, and the difficulty of accepting it, listening to this song may help you face your own feelings.
Precisely because its themes are universal, it’s a hidden gem that gently resonates with many people.
gentianWANIMA
This song, which takes the single-bloom gentian flower as its motif to sing of the preciousness of life, carries a message of support for those facing loneliness and hardship.
Its powerful message—“It’s okay to grow strong while accepting your weakness”—resonates deeply with listeners.
Included on WANIMA’s October 2019 album COMINATCHA!!, it’s a long-awaited track that has been performed live for years.
The beautiful piano and string arrangement is striking, revealing a new side of the band.
It’s a song that stands beside those who are lost in life and on the verge of losing sight of their purpose, giving them courage.
Because you are hereUru
A moving song by Uru filled with thoughts for a dearly missed loved one.
Her gentle, tender voice and deeply emotional lyrics warmly embrace the listener’s heart.
Released in February 2020, it drew attention as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Ship of Theseus.” Expressing gratitude to someone precious and a resolve to keep thinking of them no matter the hardships, this piece is best enjoyed while picturing someone who stays close to your heart—family, a partner, or a friend.
When times are tough or your confidence falters, listening to this song will remind you that there is someone who cares about you.
Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa
Characterized by heartfelt lyrics and a delicate singing voice, this song portrays the loneliness, helplessness, and small moments of salvation we feel in everyday life.
Through ordinary scenes—nearly getting hit by a bicycle, holding back tears on the train—it captures the sense of difficulty in living that everyone experiences.
Included on ReoNa’s single “Nai Nai,” released in May 2021, the track resonated with many listeners despite having no tie-in.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those who feel tired of living or who wish someone would stay close by.
Its gentle words are sure to soothe your heart.