Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
When things don’t go well—like heartbreak or setbacks in life—and you’re feeling down, don’t you ever feel like having a good cry to get it all out?
On the other hand, some of you might want to play music when celebrating or expressing gratitude to family and friends, or you might be looking for a moving BGM to enrich those unforgettable wedding moments.
In this article, we’ll introduce tear-jerking songs tailored to a variety of situations like these.
From timeless tearjerkers to hidden gems, we’ve selected tracks that will stay close to your heart.
“If feels like it’s singing about me,” “It gently accompanies me when I’m feeling low or overjoyed”—give these tried-and-true songs, filled with such messages, a listen.
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Love, Bonds, Farewells, Cheers… Songs That Pierce the Heart and Make You Cry Uncontrollably (91–100)
scarKalafina
Theme song of the anime “The Garden of Sinners: Remaining Sense of Pain.” A heartrending yet beautiful number that sings of various kinds of pain.
The lyrics, which portray the strength of people who try to move forward even if they are lonely and in great pain, are encouraging.
The lyrics voicing the sorrow of someone seeking love, together with the beautiful vocals, are deeply moving.
Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki
This song is the masterpiece that made Hideaki Tokunaga say, “I can’t write anything better than this,” and is said to have led him down the path of a cover singer.
It starts quietly, then gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a climactic finale that could be called an impassioned outcry—and it’s the kind of classic that brings you to tears naturally.
As a tear-jerker of the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, I believe it will be passed down to the next generation as well.
If you don’t know it, give it a listen!
Love, Bonds, Farewells, Cheers… Songs That Make You Cry Until the Tears Won’t Stop (101–110)
Every dayAbe Mao
A song that very straightforwardly sings about unwavering love for someone dear.
Mao Abe’s gentle, mellow vocals are adorable and match the grand sound of the chorus, making it deeply moving.
The desire to stay with the one you love forever brings on a touch of bittersweet emotion.
I love you, liar.Onda Masanori
Masataka Onda is a buzzworthy singer-songwriter whose tracks like “Wedding” went viral on TikTok and even entered subscription service viral charts in the fall of 2022.
“I Love the Liar You Are” is a bittersweet love song written from a woman’s perspective.
A key point is how both the lyrics and the sound capture that looping, obsessive feeling that keeps circling in your head.
The song depicts the lingering emotions and unresolved feelings after being dumped, while its rhythmic vibe provides a striking contrast.
Combined with Onda’s soothing voice, it becomes deeply moving.
cherry blossoms drifting awayUtada Hikaru
Released as a digital single on November 17, 2012.
The theme song for the film Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo.
The war-themed lyrics are heartrending and deeply moving.
The gentle yet grand sound, along with lyrics that evoke the birth of new life and parting from a loved one, is truly touching.
Only by livingKiroro
Released in 2005 as Kiroro’s 15th single.
Chosen as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “Mushi King: The Legend of the Forest People,” the song conveys gratitude toward one’s parents that becomes especially clear when becoming a mother.
It’s a song that evokes the meaning of life and a deep appreciation for the parents who gave you life.
White lilies on my birthdayFukuyama Masaharu
Released in 2013 as Masaharu Fukuyama’s 30th single.
It was used as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Tonbi.” Centered on the theme of “a child’s feelings toward their parent,” the song draws on episodes such as sending flowers to his mother every year on his own birthday and his thoughts about his late father.
It’s a song that reminds us of the love and deep feelings our parents have given us.