[2026 Edition] Songs Loved by People in Their 60s: Classic Hits from Their Youth

Speak not of lifeyoshida takurou

Takuro Yoshida - Don’t Speak of Life (lyrics)Don’t speak of life like you know it allDon’t speak of love like you’ve got it downDon’t speak of dreams the way someone else doesDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeIf you’re gonna talk, then sing it outIf you’re gonna love, then give it allIf you’re gonna dream, then stake your lifeDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeWhen the wind blows through the town at duskI stop and listen to my heartI remember someone I used to loveAnd I feel like I can almost see them nowDon’t speak of life like you know it allDon’t speak of love like you’ve got it downDon’t speak of dreams the way someone else doesDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeIf you’re gonna cry, then cry it outIf you’re gonna laugh, then laugh out loudIf you’re gonna live, then live it throughDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeOn a night when the rain won’t seem to stopI walk with my collar turned upI hum a tune that no one knowsAnd I feel like I can almost flyDon’t speak of life like you know it allDon’t speak of love like you’ve got it downDon’t speak of dreams the way someone else doesDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeIf you’re gonna talk, then sing it outIf you’re gonna love, then give it allIf you’re gonna dream, then stake your lifeDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of life

Singer-songwriter Takuro Yoshida has been active since 1970 and continues to perform at the forefront even past the age of 70.

“Jinsei o Katarazu” (Don’t Talk About Life) is a track from the 1974 album “Ima wa Mada Jinsei o Katarazu.” It’s a song about how to live one’s life, and listening to it when you’re lost or on the verge of giving up can give you strength.

Many people now in their 60s may have been encouraged by this song during their youth.

Yoshida’s powerful voice moves our hearts.

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sasashina

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Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu

That Wonderful Love Once More ✦ Kazuhiko Kato & Osamu Kitayama

The refined melody of “Ano Subarashii Ai wo Mou Ichido” is beautiful.

The song features lyrics by Kazuhiko Kato and music by Osamu Kitayama, and it was released in 1971.

Its charm lies in a mysterious tone that feels gently tender within a slightly melancholic atmosphere.

Loved across generations, the song has been covered by famous singers such as Yosui Inoue and Keisuke Kuwata.

Beyond folk singers, even 2000s idol units like Momoiro Clover Z have covered it, showing just how widely it is cherished across different age groups.

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Yuuki

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A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey

While many celebrities make occasional TV appearances after retiring and treat us to familiar faces, Momoe Yamaguchi’s decisiveness is in a class of its own—perhaps that’s part of why she’s a truly legendary singer.

When it comes to Momoe’s songs, the team of Yoko Aki and Ryudo Uzaki usually comes to mind, but this song, “Ii Hi Tabidachi” (A Fine Day for a Journey), was actually written by the late Shinji Tanimura.

It’s been used in so many TV commercials that it feels like it’s always been ringing in our ears.

It was released in 1978, but I think it still really resonates with young people today!

Samba of PartingHasegawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hasegawa – “Samba of Parting” 2012

This was the debut song of blind singer-songwriter Kiyoshi Hasegawa.

Although it initially received little attention upon release, once it began airing on late-night radio it gained support from the folk generation of young listeners and became a major hit.

It’s a classic that lets you enjoy its Latin-tinged feel and Hasegawa’s exceptional guitar technique.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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homesicknessMori Shinichi

Shinichi Mori – Homesickness

Shinichi Mori’s “Bokyo,” released in 1971, is surely a special song for many of you.

His husky voice captivates countless fans, carrying a gentle warmth into the deepest places of the heart like sunlight filtering through the trees.

The poignant longing for a distant hometown depicted in the song not only evokes memories of those days but still offers a fresh sense of wonder even now.

The impact music had on moments of youth is immeasurable, and if you’re going to sing your heart out at karaoke, this is the perfect pick.

Why not listen to “Bokyo,” a song that hasn’t faded with time, and let your thoughts drift to days gone by?

ChampionArisu

Alice Champion

It was Alice who led Japanese music in the 1970s by releasing songs centered on folk.

Amazingly, the members of Alice are still active musicians today, appearing on music programs and pursuing solo careers.

Throughout the song, it draws on the life and emotions of a man boxing, and the passionate, masculine lyrics are truly compelling.

Beneath that, there’s a touch of poignancy in the story of a man’s final match in the ring.

In the chorus, the harmonies of Shinji Tanimura and Takao Horiuchi are beautiful, aren’t they?

Kanda Riverkaguya hime

Kaguyahime – Kanda River (Album Version) Official Audio

Songs that vividly color a page of youth remain in people’s hearts forever.

Kaguya-hime’s “Kandagawa” is one such song.

For those who spent their youth in the 1970s, this melody is a piece filled with nostalgia and memories.

Its simple yet resonant guitar tones and warm harmonies awaken the joys and struggles of days gone by.

It’s still a karaoke standard today, a song that touches the hearts of those who long for the past.

If you’d like to savor a masterpiece of folk music, why not revisit your memories along with music that evokes days long gone?