[2026 Edition] Classic Western songs with great lyrics: beautiful messages that resonate with the heart

YummyJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Yummy (Official Video)

Here’s Justin Bieber’s classic love song, “Yummy.” Despite its catchy and cute title, the lyrics and overall mood are sweeter than you might expect.

The word “yummy,” which usually describes the feeling of deliciousness when eating, is used as a metaphor for a person.

Isn’t the rhythm hypnotically sweet? No wonder—if you take a closer look at the lyrics, you’ll see it’s an excellent love song.

I recommend using YouTube’s translation feature to view the bilingual subtitles!

The ShowNiall Horan

Niall Horan – The Show (Official Video)

Niall Horan is the only member of One Direction who hails from Ireland and a multi-instrumentalist as well.

As a solo singer-songwriter, he has found success not only in his native Ireland but also in the UK, across Europe, and in the United States.

The title track of his third album, The Show, released in June 2023, is a sweeping ballad that reflects the sincerity of a man who has grown through various life experiences.

Give it a listen while reading the lyrics, which speak warmly to listeners facing worries and anxieties, gently giving them a reassuring push forward.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

PerfumePale Waves

Pale Waves – Perfume (Official)

Blending 1980s-style indie rock with romantic nostalgia, this track by UK band Pale Waves was released on June 12, 2024.

Characterized by catchy hooks and a fresh alternative-pop sound, it explores themes of deep desire and the complexities of love.

The lyrics depict a protagonist seeking profound love and connection, capturing the delicacy and fragility within a relationship with a beloved partner.

Released as the lead single from Pale Waves’ fourth album, Smitten, the song fully expresses the band’s new artistic vision, infused with queer, feminine, and romantic essences.

It’s a recommended listen for those in the early stages of a relationship or anyone reflecting on past romantic experiences.

MaroonTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Maroon (Official Lyric Video)

Maroon is a song that makes anyone remember a past love and brings them to tears.

Taylor Swift’s atypical style and vocals here are breathtaking.

The track is a single cut from her October 2022 album Midnights.

Its gently bleeding, hazy sound gives the song a romantic feel.

The title “Maroon” refers to a color—a brownish, purplish red.

In the lyrics, the narrator looks back on memories with someone she once fell in love with, and she sings that the moments that linger most were maroon-colored.

With searingly personal lyrics, it’s a song that revives memories you thought you’d forgotten.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

ApologiesThree Days Grace

Three Days Grace – Apologies (Official Video)

A moving ballad that evokes empathy for a self who feels unworthy of love.

Set to appear on Canadian rock band Three Days Grace’s album “Alienation,” slated for release in May 2025, this track marks the first song featuring the twin-vocal lineup of Adam Gontier—returning to the band after roughly 11 years—and current vocalist Matt Walst.

As weighty guitar riffs and taut harmonies resound, the lyrics—depicting the lonely mindset of rejecting the love of someone dear—cut straight to the heart.

Even amid despair, the emotional melody carries a hint of hope, sure to soothe anyone battling loneliness.

With an energetic sound reminiscent of early-2000s hard rock, this is a track that showcases the very essence of Three Days Grace.

Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe! (Official Lyric Video)

This is a song performed by American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan.

With a gentle, aching voice, she conveys the feelings of a protagonist suffering through a secret romance.

The song poignantly captures the longing for a lover who, unable to withstand social pressures and inner conflict, hides their true self.

Released in April 2024, it is slated to be included on Roan’s upcoming album, CR2.

The lyrics, which depict queer experiences, are sure to resonate with those facing similar struggles.

It’s a track that offers quiet comfort to anyone grappling with a relationship with someone they love.

Heart of GoldShawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes – Heart of Gold (Official Music Video)

Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer, has already released a new song.

Its intimate lyrics, which capture memories with friends, and a simple yet emotional arrangement are striking.

Included on his new album “Shawn,” set for release in November 2024, the track reflects Mendes’s personal experiences.

Ahead of the album’s launch, a concert film shot at New York’s Bearsville Theater will be screened for one night only on November 14.

It’s a song we especially recommend to anyone who’s lived through youthful memories or the parting of ways with someone important.