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.
- [Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
- 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.
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- Songs that hit home when you're feeling blue: masterpieces of Japanese music
[Lyrics That Hit Home] A Gem of a Playlist to Move Your Heart (41–50)
glowgurutamin
“glow” is an emotionally charged expression of the sorrow of losing someone dear.
This song is a collaboration between Vocaloid producer keeno and singer Gurutamin, and it’s also known as the theme song for the drama Aozora no Tamago.
It’s a passionate mid-tempo ballad that depicts someone gazing at a sunset while thinking of a loved one.
The dramatic rises and falls in pitch beautifully convey the wavering of the heart.
Another highlight is its intricate use of metaphor.
If I Could Paint LifeYOASOBI
A soul-stirring song that questions the meaning of life.
This track by YOASOBI was created as the theme song for the stage play “If We Could Draw Life.” Its lyrics portray parting from a loved one, self-sacrifice, and the purpose of living, powerfully resonating with listeners.
The distinctive YOASOBI melody and evocative imagery in the lyrics blend beautifully.
Released as a single in August 2022, the song is also included on their second EP, “THE BOOK 2.” It’s a piece I especially recommend to those who feel lost in life or are grieving the loss of someone dear.
blue skyTHE BLUE HEARTS
Because none of us lives alone, all kinds of misunderstandings with others can sometimes hurt us and also hurt them.
Relations between nations are no exception; when various interests cannot be adjusted smoothly, they can lead to unexpected conflicts.
Such things are only natural, and to some extent unavoidable, but the blue sky is connected.
That is what this song conveys.
Aozora isn’t just a “tune.” It’s a “song” we all have to sing—especially in times like these.
FlowerFuji Kaze
“Hana,” the theme song for the drama ‘Ichiban Suki na Hana,’ was released in 2023 by singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, whose genre-defying appeal has been drawing attention.
It features a warm melody centered on lively piano tones.
The song unfolds a one-of-a-kind worldview that likens life to a flower.
Riding on a rhythmic band arrangement, his cool vocals still convey gentleness and compassion.
With a touch of poetic charm, it’s a song that explores the theme of living true to oneself.
Motherkariyushi 58
Kariyushi 58 is a rock band from Okinawa.
Their debut single and signature song is “Anma.” “Anma” means “mother” in the Okinawan dialect.
The vocalist, Shingo Maekawa, created the song as if he were writing a letter of gratitude to his mother who raised him.
The lyrics express thanks in a straightforward way, making it relatable across generations.
Incidentally, “Anma” was initially released only locally, but word of mouth spread and it was eventually released nationwide.
Because the sun will rise againRyokushokushakai
There are times when you fail at something and feel like you’re about to lose heart, right? In moments like that, Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s “Hi wa Mata Noboru Kara” gives you a strong push forward.
It’s a song written specifically as the theme for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Mononoke Ninja Chinpūden.” They say the lyrics were crafted with the image of Shin-chan, who never gets discouraged no matter what happens.
If you listen closely, you’ll notice keywords sprinkled throughout that evoke the film’s story.
Combined with Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s powerful vocals, it’s sure to lift your spirits!
guidelinesUru
Uru’s “Kokoroe” was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kazama Kyojin — Kyōjō 0 —.” Released as a single in 2023, it’s truly a song that teaches us the ‘lessons’ of life.
The lyrics convey that no life is free of mistakes or regrets, and emphasize the importance of moving forward while overcoming them.
It’s a perfect theme for a drama that focuses on police officers who face various aspects of life and death.
Be sure to give it a listen!
