A wonderful classic

Classic Western songs that elementary schoolers love. Must-listen! Popular English-language songs.

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

English classes have finally started in elementary schools, and with the recent popularity of K-pop, elementary school students now have more opportunities to encounter languages other than Japanese in various places, don’t they?

Some kids like studying English, while others find it difficult.

In this article, we’ll introduce not only the K-pop hits popular among elementary school students, but also classic Western songs everyone knows—perfect recommendations for the first English songs to listen to.

Start by listening to a song you like and look up the meaning of the lyrics.

It might spark a love for language learning—not just English!

Classic Western songs that elementary schoolers love. Must-listen! Popular English songs (11–20)

HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Official Video)

HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams, who hails from Virginia in the United States, is a music producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer who has showcased his talent since childhood and found success as part of The Neptunes.

Released in 2013, this song captivated audiences around the world with its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, and it appeared on the soundtrack for Despicable Me 2.

Created by Williams as he resolved to convey positivity and happiness through music after overcoming challenging times, the track is a Motown-style, mid-tempo song characterized by its uplifting lyrics and upbeat melody.

With its catchy tune and straightforward, positive lyrics, it’s a Western pop song that even elementary school children can easily enjoy.

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Runaway BabyBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby (Official Lyric Video)

Runaway BabyBruno Mars

Bruno Mars, who captivates the world with his high musicality and sweet looks, released the album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” in 2010.

One of the tracks included is “Runaway Baby.” Its lively, upbeat sound makes it perfect as background music for dance, and there are many kids’ dance performances by elementary school students uploaded on YouTube.

The tempo is fast, so the lyrics are delivered quickly, making it great for pronunciation practice as well.

Bruno Mars sings many songs that show the influence of 1970s soul, so let this be an opportunity to spark your interest in older music, too.

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Let It GoIdina Menzel

Idina Menzel – Let It Go (From Frozen/Sing-Along)

Let It GoIdina Menzel

Idina Menzel is a superstar of the musical theater world.

Hailing from New York State in the United States, she has shone on stage in productions like Rent and Wicked, and has been nominated for a Tony Award.

This piece is a song written as the theme for Disney’s animated film Frozen.

Its lyrics, which portray the courage to unleash one’s power and accept oneself as they are, have resonated with many people.

Menzel’s powerful vocals make the song’s message even more striking.

It’s an uplifting track that makes you want to sing along with friends.

By engaging with English songs from elementary school age, children can experience the joy of enjoying music beyond language barriers.

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DynamiteBTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Dynamite’ Official MV

DynamiteBTS

When it comes to signature songs by BTS, the Korean idol group taking the global music scene by storm, Dynamite is the one that comes to mind.

Released in 2020, the single hit number one on the U.S.

charts and became a huge success in Japan as well.

With a sound that evokes classic disco music, its cool dance moves are extremely popular even among elementary school students.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube of kids dancing to this track.

The lyrics also contain many expressions and grammar points commonly used in conversation, so be sure to compare the English lyrics with their Japanese translations!

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TTTwice

💈 TWICE (트와이스) – TT | English Cover by JANNY

TTTwice

Cover dances—performing choreography to K-pop tracks—are gaining popularity even among elementary school students, and TWICE’s song “TT,” by the Korean-Japanese-Taiwanese mixed idol group, is one of the most popular choices.

Released as a single in 2016, it became a huge hit in Japan thanks to the catchy choreography that imitates the “TT” in the title.

TWICE has both Korean and Japanese versions of the song, and while it’s a cover, a full English version has also been uploaded to YouTube.

If you love K-pop, try learning English with “TT”!

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