[Thank You] A classic song expressing gratitude to one’s parents. A number loved across generations.
In everyday, fleeting moments and at life’s milestones, many of us feel the urge to express our gratitude to our parents.
In this article, we introduce famous songs filled with appreciation for parents.
They’re perfect not only for bouquet presentations and reading letters to parents at weddings, but also as a surprise on birthdays and anniversaries.
Why not send the thanks you don’t usually put into words, along with a moving song that speaks for your feelings?
- [Family Song] A gratitude song that lets you feel the importance of family.
- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
- Mother's songs: moving masterpieces dedicated to beloved mothers, recommended popular tracks
- [Emotional Song] A classic wishing for a child’s growth — a love song dedicated to my child
- Thank you as always. Songs I want to give on Mother’s Day. Recommended gratitude songs.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Heartwarming, inspiring songs recommended for children.
- Recommended songs to give on Father’s Day: tear-jerking, moving tracks.
- [Bereavement Song] To you whom I can no longer meet... Tear-jerking songs about death
- [Thank You] A song for grandpa and grandma: a classic that makes you want to express your gratitude
- Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
- [Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
- [Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing a loved one. Tracks to listen to while thinking of someone dear
[Thank You] Masterpieces that sing gratitude to parents. Numbers loved across generations (71–80)
father-in-lawhanawa
This is a song by Hanawa, who is active as a solo comedian.
It was released as a single in 2017.
The lyrics express feelings and gratitude toward his wife’s father—that is, his father-in-law.
Based on real experiences, its warm message became a topic of conversation.
maman (acoustic ver.)umitachi
Umitachi is a band formed in Gifu Prefecture.
Two of its members, Makino Anju and Sawa, wrote “maman (acoustic ver.)” as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to their mothers.
Its pure, straightforward lyrics are something anyone can relate to.
With a calm, stripped-down vibe like an intimate solo performance, it’s perfect as surprise background music or for a live song presentation.
Spend your special day with this song by your side.
Ink of the HeartBEGIN
BEGIN is a band that represents Okinawa, adept at a wide range of styles—from a unique sound and sweet-and-sour lyrics to heartwarming messages.
They have so many great songs that many of you are probably familiar with them.
Among their catalogue, a piece that’s especially perfect for expressing gratitude to one’s parents is Kokoro no Ink (“Ink of the Heart”).
While many songs of this kind rely on straightforward, unadorned lyrics, this track weaves in a rich variety of vocabulary and expressions, resulting in lyrics that are both moving and artistic.
The melody is a refined, sweet blues, making it a recommendation for listeners with a discerning ear.
My feelingsKawasaki Takaya
Singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki, who makes waves with catchy J-pop.
You might know him from TikTok, where his song “Mahou no Jutan” (Magic Carpet) went viral among younger listeners.
Among his works, the song I especially recommend for expressing gratitude to fathers and mothers is “Boku no Kimochi” (My Feelings).
Kawasaki himself is a father of one, and the lyrics are crafted with moving, true-to-life realism.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Eternal MemoriesCrystal Kay
Crystal Kay is a female singer who earns high praise from critics for her powerful vocals and sophisticated musical sensibilities.
While her early work centered on R&B, she’s recently been exploring Black music styles like trap and neo-soul.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Eternal Memories.
Rather than a straightforward expression of gratitude to her parents, the lyrics feel more like she’s reexamining the parts of herself that couldn’t be honest in the past.
Paired with the melody, it all comes together to create a highly dreamlike atmosphere.
carnationJanne Da Arc
It’s a lovely message song that evokes Mother’s Day.
It’s included on ARCADIA, the fifth album released in 2004 by Janne Da Arc, a visual-kei rock band from Osaka Prefecture.
The song was written by member yasu for his mother.
Family LetterZushi Sankyōdai
“Kazoku Letter” by Zushi Sankyodai is a song that expresses gratitude to fathers and mothers.
It’s included on their 2014 album “Stay with Umi.” Sung like writing a letter of thanks, this track is recommended for those who find it hard to express gratitude straightforwardly.
While looking back on the many moments shared with their parents—the constant watchful care, the reassuring words that lightened the heart—the song clumsily yet sincerely conveys thanks.
If you find it difficult to be honest, why not write a letter like in this song and share your everyday appreciation?
