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.
- [Songs with Great Lyrics] Masterpieces you’ll want to listen to while savoring the words that resonate with your heart
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational 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)
A Naked Heartaimyon
Aimyon, who has now become one of Japan’s leading artists, released her first ballad, “Naked Heart.” Many people may remember it as the theme song for the drama ‘My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.’ The lyrics portray the feelings of a woman struggling with unrequited love.
The chorus in particular was widely discussed for resonating deeply with many listeners.
Aimyon’s poignant vocals pair perfectly with the song’s bittersweet theme.
The music video also has a different vibe from her usual works, so be sure to check it out.
[Songs with Piercing Lyrics] A Gemlike Playlist to Move Your Heart (51–60)
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!
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.
Silent majorityKeyakizaka46
Artists known as so-called singer-songwriters can put their own feelings into lyrics, but singers and idols who don’t write their own songs end up performing works written by someone else, which can make you wonder whether, in terms of “expressing their feelings,” it’s truly 100% their own words.
That said, Keyakizaka46’s Silent Majority unfolds the world of this song with an incredible intensity, as if they had written the lyrics themselves.
You could dismiss the lyrical content as simply “the voice of youth,” but their life-sized message is conveyed without embellishment.
It’s an outstanding track I’d love even those who aren’t particularly interested in idols to hear!
canaryYonezu Kenshi
The song with the striking lyric “I could go anywhere with you” is Kenshi Yonezu’s Canary.
It’s a track from his 2020 album STRAY SHEEP, which reached No.
1 on both the Oricon and Billboard charts.
It’s a grand, piano-centered ballad.
The music video, directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, also drew attention.
It features Yonezu pouring his heart into the performance, resulting in a deeply moving piece.
bow knotAimer
The song that Aimer released with music provided and produced by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS is “Chouchou Musubi.” It’s a ballad packed with Noda’s songwriting sensibilities and his uniquely poetic lyrical worldview.
Hanaregumi also took part on guitar and backing vocals.
Released in 2016, it reached No.
10 on the Oricon Singles Chart and No.
8 on the Billboard Japan chart.
The lyrics romantically compare the strong bond between lovers to a knot.