A playlist of timeless gems with piercing lyrics that will move your heart
There are so many wonderful songs in the world—love songs, anthems that cheer you on in life, songs that sing about the value of life—whose lyrics truly pierce the heart.
Many of you have probably had the experience of coming across lyrics that grab you so strongly that, as you listen to them over and over, tears start to flow or your heart feels lighter.
In this article, we’ve gathered timeless hits that captivate people with unforgettable, compelling lyrics from the very first listen.
From tear-jerking lines to words that give you courage, we’ve picked a wide range.
We hope you find that one song that speaks to your heart.
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- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
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- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
- Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks
- [Just the Lyrics Make Me Cry] Tear-Jerking Songs That Touch the Heart
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- The power of words. A special feature on Vocaloid songs with great lyrics
- Songs with powerful lyrics. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Timeless songs that stay close to your heart when times are tough. Uplifting tracks with gentle lyrics that really sink in.
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- Songs that hit home when you're feeling blue: masterpieces of Japanese music
[Songs with Striking Lyrics] A Gem of a Playlist to Move Your Heart (1–10)
countrysideTamaki Kōji

A heartwarming, soul-stirring masterpiece filled with encouragement for those burdened by fatigue and worries.
Drawing from his own experience overcoming mental instability, Koji Tamaki carefully portrays the inner cries that everyone carries.
Released in July 1996 as his 11th solo single, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Coach.” That same year, he made his first appearance at the 47th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, where his performance deeply moved viewers at the time.
Highly recommended for anyone feeling lost or anxious in life, or for those who want to encourage someone dear to them.
Only a single voicerokudenashi

An impressive song that delicately portrays the feelings of modern people struggling with loneliness and self-denial.
It gently chronicles the hurt caused by casual words, the act of holding back tears behind a smile, and the resolve to face the difficulty of simply “living.” Since its release in December 2021, this work—beautifully harmonizing a soft voice with a tender melody—has spread empathy primarily through social media, reached No.
1 on Hong Kong’s Spotify Viral Chart, and gained popularity across Asia.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those who find life hard or who long to be understood.
hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

A soul-stirring track by Omoinotake that conveys feelings spanning hundreds of millions of light-years.
Released in January 2024 as the opening theme for TBS’s Tuesday drama “Eye Love You,” it became a smash hit that defined the year.
The lyrics, depicting an unchanging love that transcends time and space, blend beautifully with a melody that resonates deeply.
It sings of unwavering feelings for someone far away and the hope of one day being reunited, allowing you to feel the enduring power of love that doesn’t fade with time.
It especially strikes a chord when you want to feel your bond with someone important or when you’re in a long-distance relationship.
The lyrics’ strong affinity with the drama is another highlight, giving it a charm that makes you want to listen again and again.
Masterpieces with Piercing Lyrics: A Gem of a Playlist to Move Your Heart (11–20)
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

It’s a grand rock ballad that begins by questioning the difference between self and others, carrying a straightforward message.
It carefully depicts the delicate shifts of the heart—from days of failing to find a sense of purpose to gradually discovering the light.
Released in January 2019 as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it reached 100 million streams in about two years by January 2021.
Since then, it has continued to resonate with many people, including being featured in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate “Exam Support” commercial series.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of those who, despite carrying doubts and anxieties in life, strive to keep moving forward.
Untitled TodayHirai Dai

A heartwarming message song that gently sings about the precious moments found in everyday life.
Rather than material wealth, it finds value in the ordinary scenes of daily living and conveys the beauty of believing in the future.
HIRAIDAI’s vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
Included on the album “Life Goes On,” this track stands out with its gospel-inspired chorus and refreshing melody.
The lyrics, which depict the joy of sharing together and the preciousness of small, everyday happiness, offer a sense of peace, as if wrapped in a gentle light.
When you want to appreciate the beauty of spending simple, unassuming time with someone important, why not give it a listen?
horizonback number

Back Number’s “Suiheisen” (Horizon) was sung for high school students who couldn’t compete because the 2020 Inter-High School Championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was surprise-released on their official YouTube channel in August 2020 and generated buzz, then officially came out as a digital single in 2021.
It reached No.
1 on the Billboard download chart.
The lyrics, directed at athletes carrying feelings of frustration, make it a heartwarming cheer song.
together; along with; bothWANIMA

This is a WANIMA song that has continued to be loved as an anthem for life.
Its uplifting message and energetic sound blend beautifully, powerfully moving everyone who listens.
While facing painful experiences from the past and uncertainties about the future, the lyrics are filled with the courage and hope to keep looking forward and moving on, resonating with many hearts.
Released in August 2016, this meaningful track also carries the band’s feelings for their hometown of Kumamoto, which was struck by an earthquake.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to those who are trying to move forward despite setbacks and anxieties, and to anyone who wants to express gratitude to someone important.


