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.

Playlist

A playlist of timeless gems with piercing lyrics that will move your heart
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	What the hell is wrong with you?Kakizaki Yūta		Yuta Kakizaki's intense pop song
2	Song of Those Who Supportback number		A heartwarming, gem-like ballad that portrays parental love
3	Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi		A song that portrays the poignant emotions of Kenshi Yonezu
4	Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS		A melodious song that portrays inner conflict and emotions
5	SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE		A moving song that sings of the joy and hope of living
6	Happinessarashi		An anthem that cheers you on to overcome hardships and move forward into the future
7	Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai		A moving song depicting the youth of Ryokuoushoku Shakai
8	countrysideTamaki Kōji		Koji Tamaki’s moving masterpiece that resonates in the heart, giving people courage.
9	Only a single voicerokudenashi		A moving song that portrays the loneliness and difficulty of living faced by people today.
10	hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake		A love song that transcends time and space, resonating in the heart
11	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song of the heart that moves forward despite uncertainty
12	Untitled TodayHirai Dai		A moving song that celebrates the small joys of everyday life
13	horizonback number		A Heartwarming Anthem for High School Athletes: 'Horizon'
14	together; along with; bothWANIMA		A cheering song that conveys a positive spirit—courage and hope
15	You don’t listen to rock.aimyon		A poignant love song where romance and music intertwine
16	Everyday Revolutionneguse.		Gently singing of the bittersweet memories of a broken heart
17	Peter PanYuuri		A song of determination and conviction to keep pursuing one’s dreams
18	earnest desireSUPER BEAVER		The importance of human connections and smiles
19	An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro		A heartwarming song that depicts the deep love of a married couple
20	proofflumpool		Farewell to companions and the departure toward a new dream
21	Love is litrokudenashi		A ballad whose piano melody heals the heart
22	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		Layering nature with emotions to depict ephemeral beauty
23	WishRyo Suzuki		An inspirational song about the determination to pursue one’s dreams, a message of moving forward.
24	I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.Sambomasutā		Keep challenging yourself without giving up on what seems impossible.
25	Joined handsMINAMI		A heartwarming song that sings of the courage to move forward
26	Spot the differenceSuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s single composed by Kenshi Yonezu, with moving lyrics.
27	By your sideMirei Touyama		A heartwarming song filled with gratitude for someone special
28	ultramarineYOASOBI		Singing of liberation and departure from diverse literature
29	What do you want to become?Rozarīna		Rosalina’s new song “What Do You Want to Become,”
30	CorrectRADWIMPS		An anthem to finding your own path, a force for moving forward
31	DreamerJO1		A cheering anthem by JO1. A ballad that gives courage and hope to those who chase their dreams.
32	Flower of loveaimyon		Singing of the aching feelings for someone you can’t meet
33	soundtrackCreepy Nuts × Sugata Masaki		A moving song that touches the heart and conveys the meaning of life
34	It’s not a lie.Mrs. GREEN APPLE		A ballad that delicately portrays the inner turmoil of love
35	Youth DiaryRyukku to soine gohan		A coming-of-age song that captures the feelings of high school students.
36	Insincere wordsNogizaka 46		Nogizaka46’s heartrending 5th-generation song is moving.
37	Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s heartwarming song conveys love for family.
38	Only by livingKiroro		Expressing the importance of living through Kiroro’s hidden gem
39	You know, that’s why.Ikuta Erika		A song of transience and warmth that resonates with the heart
40	youyuzuki		The popular Higurashi BGM “you” is a heartrending song.
41	A Naked Heartaimyon		A bare heart, bittersweet lyrics of unrequited love, resonating in the heart
42	Shizuku (feat. indigo la End)yama		The warm song by yama × indigo la End
43	glowgurutamin		Express your feelings for someone special with passion
44	If I Could Paint LifeYOASOBI		A moving masterpiece that questions the meaning of life
45	blue skyTHE BLUE HEARTS		The blue sky is a song of hope that connects people.
46	FlowerFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s classic song “Hana” compares life to a flower.
47	Motherkariyushi 58		Kariyushi58’s song of gratitude to his mother, “Anma.”
48	Because the sun will rise againRyokushokushakai		A song that gives me courage when I feel like giving up
49	guidelinesUru		Uru's 'Kokoroe' is the theme song for a drama
50	tiesNoda Megumi		A moving song by Emi Noda that resonates with the heart
51	globeYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu's 'Spinning Globe' is the theme song for a Studio Ghibli film.
52	Silent majorityKeyakizaka46		A painstakingly crafted song powered by an idol’s soul
53	canaryYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s moving ballad “Canary”
54	ultra soulB’z		An iconic song that gives you the courage to chase your dreams
55	bow knotAimer		An Aimer song composed by RADWIMPS and Yojiro Noda
56	NonfictionHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's moving song about overcoming life's obstacles
57	AlgernonYorushika		A song with Yorushika’s captivating vocals and lyrics
58	Until I throw away my dreams and become an adultKasamura Tōta		The struggle and renewal of people who lose their dreams over time
59	I’ll keep going.Jonagōrudo		The new song is a cheer anthem that sings of hope and courage for the future.
60	antinomyamazarashi		Explanation of amazarashi “Antinomy”
61	plateauSakanakushon		Sakanaction’s Yamaguchi’s commercial song
62	No NameASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION		Song of Spring’s Arrival, Seasonal Change, and Hope
63	Hazy moon. My dear, survive this night as well.Takehara Pisutoru		Gain courage from Takeshi “Pistol” Takehara’s encouraging song
64	Azure Swimnishina		A poignant, heart-touching song that portrays a farewell between friends
65	rootKing Gnu		A song of effort and feelings symbolized by roots
66	GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN		A masterpiece that questions the meaning of life and evokes deep empathy
67	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs.'s soul song that affirms your true self
68	AkariMy Hair is Bad		A heartwarming rock song that helps you face forward after exhaustion
69	Be yourselfSaucy Dog		A message song that sings about the importance of living true to yourself
70	Become a childMy Hair is Bad		A rock song depicting the gap between adulthood and one’s true self
71	Go for it!Nakajima Miyuki		A powerful song that stands up to the injustices of society
72	Liarieiri reo		Introduction to Leo Ieiri’s exquisite ballads
73	Why Don’t You Play in Hell?Hoshino Gen		A masterpiece in which Gen Hoshino sings about the hope he found in the darkness
74	Live!kocchi no kento		Encouraging songs to listen to when feeling down
75	Thank you for being born.hazuki nano		A timeless song sung by Nanoga Hazuki that resonates with the heart
76	Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanī		Furakan is powerful, heartfelt music.
77	-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)SUPER BEAVER		A rock song by SUPER BEAVER that sings about being oneself
78	1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism		A moving melody, lyrics that resonate with the heart
79	I thought about killing myselfNakajima Mika		A soul-stirring song sung by Mika Nakashima
80	If I were to die tomorrowKitanitatsuya		Kitani Tatsuya’s moving 10th-anniversary work