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 loved by elementary school kids. A must-listen! Popular English songs (21–30)

Eyes On MeFaye Wong

Final Fantasy VIII – Eyes On Me

Faye Wong - Eyes On Me

It’s a ballad that became widely known as the theme song for the once wildly popular game Final Fantasy VIII.

It’s very pleasant to listen to and has a soothing effect, so just listening to it can make you sleepy.

It’s a song that feels almost magical.

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YesterdayPaul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney – Yesterday (Live at the White House) JPsub Japanese Subtitles

YesterdayPaul McCartney

It’s one of Paul McCartney’s signature songs, who is also a member of The Beatles.

Although it’s a Beatles song, the version sung by Paul McCartney himself is the most compelling.

It’s gentle on the ears and great for elementary school kids too.

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Classic Western songs loved by elementary school students. Must-listen! Popular English songs (31–40)

HUMAN TOUCHWarren Wiebe

Warren Wiebe – Human Touch

HUMAN TOUCHWarren Wiebe

This is one of Warren Wiebe’s signature songs, which was also used as the theme for Mobile New Century Gundam X from the Mobile Suit Gundam series, beloved by a wide range of generations.

With its easy-to-follow rhythm, it’s popular among elementary school students, especially those in the upper grades.

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Walk Like an EgyptianThe Bangles

The Bangles – Walk Like an Egyptian (Official Video)

Walk Like an EgyptianThe Bangles

This is a song that became the opening theme for the anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, a manga in Weekly Shonen Jump that’s hugely popular among elementary school students.

Its melody is easy for kids to listen to and it matches the anime well, so it’s extremely popular—especially with elementary schoolers.

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We Are THE CHAMPIONSQueen

Queen – We Are The Champions (Official Video)

We Are THE CHAMPIONSQueen

This is one of Queen’s signature songs, from the legendary big band whose influence even became a social phenomenon worldwide.

Everyone has heard the “We are the champions” part, so it’s easy to listen to and sing along with.

It’s often used as a cheer song, making it a safe choice even for elementary school students.

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HELPThe Beatles

The Beatles – The Beatles – Help! (Remastered 2015)

HELPThe Beatles

When it comes to foreign music bands, this is one group you must not forget: THE BEATLES, a band that could be called the most famous in the world without exaggeration.

Among their songs, “HELP” is especially popular with elementary school students, because—as the title suggests—if you can just say “HELP,” you can pretty much sing along.

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We Will Rock YouQueen

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

We Will Rock YouQueen

When it comes to iconic songs by the quintessential British rock band Queen, We Will Rock You is a must.

You’ve surely heard the “boom boom clap” rhythm that kicks it off.

Released as a single in 1977, in Japan it’s often associated with sports like soccer and combat sports.

The band’s biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, also made waves in 2018.

The lyrics feature many b and p sounds, which are said to be well-suited for upper-elementary English education, so consider using it as a practice song for class!

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