Let's leap over the language barrier! Western love songs with great lyrics
Western love songs that are familiar in Japan from weddings and TV commercials.
In this article, I took a closer look by focusing on the lyrics.
It would be a shame to just listen without knowing the “language barrier” and the true meanings!
I’m sure the real melody flows beyond the language.
Try making a full-length, line-by-line translation of your favorite song.
You’ll likely make unexpected discoveries and notice all kinds of things.
This time, I’ll introduce you to exquisite love songs born across the sea.
Leap over the language barrier! Western love songs with great lyrics (1–10)
10,000 HoursDan + Shay, Justin Bieber
“10,000 Hours,” a collaboration between country musicians Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber.
The mellow sound, sweet vocals, and harmonies make it a very pleasant track.
And of course, the title—literally translatable as “10,000 hours”—is striking.
It’s a romantic message song that sings of love likened to that vast span of 10,000 hours.
Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone
It’s a soul-stirring ballad that delicately portrays the gratitude for a loving relationship and joyful moments, while also conveying the anxiety of losing them.
American singer-songwriter Benson Boone began pursuing music in earnest after appearing on American Idol in 2021.
Released in January 2024, this song beautifully blends his soulful vocals with a folk-rock-inspired melody, resonating deeply with listeners.
As the lead single from the album Fireworks & Rollerblades, it earned high acclaim on charts around the world.
The music video was filmed atop a mountain in Utah, leaving a strong impression with its powerful imagery of him singing amid grand natural scenery.
It’s a track that stays close to your heart when you want to reflect on the happiness found in everyday life and the bonds you share with someone special.
Die With A SmileLady Gaga, Bruno Mars
A sweeping ballad that soulfully sings of the universal wish to spend one’s final moments with a loved one.
The collaboration between America’s Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, released in August 2024, weaves a beautiful harmony that blends the retro mood of the 1970s with a contemporary sensibility.
Born from a chance meeting in a Malibu studio and reportedly completed in a single night, the song captures the transience of life and the strength of love, moving listeners around the world.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Eternal Love,” it topped Billboard’s Global 200 for eight consecutive weeks.
This masterful piece—where refined vocals intertwine with profound emotion—is a track you’ll want to play on a quiet night spent with someone dear.
YummyJustin Bieber
Justin Bieber’s unfairly irresistible love song “Yummy” is right here.
Its charm lies in the irresistibly sweet lyrics and the mood of the track—far sweeter than you’d expect from that catchy, cute-sounding title.
Taking “yummy,” a word used to describe delicious food, and applying it to a person—and then imagining Justin singing it—makes for a melt-in-your-mouth love song.
Marry YouBruno Mars
A refreshing love song that celebrates the impulsive romance and marriage everyone dreams of at least once.
American artist Bruno Mars paints a love story set in a small chapel in Las Vegas, unfolding with a buoyant melody that makes the heart dance.
Included on his 2010 debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, the track charms with a joyful sound that blends doo-wop and pop.
Covered on the TV drama Glee and featured in the film Jumping the Broom, this song has become a favorite for proposal scenes and weddings.
It’s a feel-good anthem for anyone who’s in love with love.