Tear-jerking, moving songs in Western music
Western music has far more songs than Japanese music.
Among them, I think there are many tracks that can make you cry.
We’ve gathered a lot of songs you’ll want to listen to when you feel like crying.
I think a storm of emotions awaits you.
I hope you discover some songs you haven’t heard before!
- Classic Western songs to listen to when you want to cry: the world’s tearjerker songs and popular tracks for shedding tears
- Tear-jerking Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- [2026] Moving Western songs that touch the heart: A roundup of recommended classics
- [Western Music] Ballads that resonate with the heart: Classic love songs
- [Western Films] Moving Movie Theme Songs: A Compilation of Tear-Jerking Theme Tracks
- Moving Western songs: classic and popular tracks among the world’s most emotional songs.
- [2026] Farewell and Goodbye Songs in Western Music: A Collection of Perfect BGM for Farewell Parties
- [Western Music] The ultimate collection of love songs: a roundup of timeless, heart-touching classics
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Tears for a heartrending story… Tear-jerking songs by women recommended for the Yutori generation
- [Today's Tearjerker Song] Tear ducts destroyed! Timeless and trending tracks that will make you cry no matter what
- Tear-jerking Western songs: The world's recommended weep-inducing tracks
- [Tearjerker] From ballads that will make you sob to timeless classics—moving songs that touch the heart
Tear-jerking, moving Western songs (81–90)
Cry Me A RiverElla Fitzgerald
“Cry Me A River,” a classic of jazz and blues.
In Japanese, its meaning is rendered as “tears become a river.” As you might imagine from that, it tells the story of someone whose breakup has turned into a big mess.
The weighty melody adds depth.
Goodbye Yellow Brick RoadElton John
What kind of feelings do people who moved to Tokyo from the countryside have toward their hometowns? The song portrays someone who once longed for the big city and set out to accomplish something, but whose heart gradually drifts away from urban life.
I think many listeners can relate to the nostalgia for one’s hometown and the weariness that comes from city living.
The lyrics are a bit challenging.
Some may also recognize this track as the ending theme for the drama “The Sun Will Not Set,” starring Tackey.
You’re BeautifulJames Blunt
This is a moving song about unrequited love by British singer-songwriter James Blunt.
Released in May 2005, it was inspired by his experience of unexpectedly seeing a former lover on the subway with a new partner.
Featured on the album “Back to Bedlam,” it became a major hit, reaching number one in 13 countries worldwide.
In Japan, it was used as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “Kobayakawa Nobuki no Koi” and as a commercial song for the Toyota Vitz.
Although it may sound romantic at first, it actually conveys bittersweet feelings and complex emotions, resonating deeply with those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.
You & IJohn Legend
A tastefully crafted song suffused with sorrow and wistfulness naturally brings tears to your eyes.
It’s a deeply moving, cry-your-heart-out track by John Legend, where the grand message and high-level vocal approach truly shine.
Since it’s in English, be sure to pay attention to the lyrics and look them up.
EmotionsMariah Carey
This is a massive hit by the global songstress Mariah Carey.
Her free-spirited vocals, straightforward lyrics about love, dramatic melody, and above all, her astonishing whistle register! We guarantee you’ll be blown away by her high-octave voice.