Lovely Western music

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

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Among people who mainly listen to Western music, there actually aren’t that many who listen while fully understanding the lyrics in detail.

Not every domestic CD release comes with a Japanese translation, and it’s not a big problem to enjoy songs without knowing the lyrical content.

That said, learning what the lyrics actually say might make you love the song even more!

So this time, we’re focusing on “wonderful lyrics” in a broad sense and introducing classic Western songs with great lyrics that cover a variety of themes.

In the first half, we feature the latest hits and buzzworthy tracks, and in the second half, timeless classics.

Don’t miss this chance to check them out.

[2026 Edition] Western Music Masterpieces with Great Lyrics: Beautiful, Heartfelt Messages (131–140)

RecoveringCéline Dion

Céline Dion – Recovering (Audio)

RecoveringCéline Dion

A song released as a digital download in 2016 by Canadian singer Celine Dion.

It was written by American singer-songwriter Pink in honor of Celine’s husband, producer, and singer René Angélil, who passed away in January 2016.

The song is about healing from loss.

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BonesImagine Dragons

[JP-EN Translation][Official Japanese-subtitled MV] Imagine Dragons – Bones / Imagine Dragons

BonesImagine Dragons

‘Bones’ stands out with its powerful drumming and catchy chorus.

It’s a song released in 2022 by the hugely popular rock band Imagine Dragons.

While many songs out there are about giddy romance or have a happy vibe, this track explores themes of life and death.

The lyrics, blending frontman Dan Reynolds’s sense of life’s fragility with a fantasy of “what if we could overcome death,” make for a compelling read.

The song was also featured in Season 3 of the hit, Emmy-nominated series The Boys.

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The Bones (with Hozier)Maren Morris, Hozier

Maren Morris – The Bones (Official Video)

The Bones (with Hozier)Maren Morris, Hozier

Even though there are plenty of love songs with great lyrics, this one stands out for its particularly literary and clever turns of phrase.

Enjoy the song along with lyrics that remind us of essential feelings we tend to forget.

The duet “The Bones” by Maren Morris and Hozier is a warm track that can rekindle the flame even in a love that seems to be burning out.

I especially recommend listening with a side-by-side translation to women in similar situations in love!

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IrrelevantP!nk

P!NK – Irrelevant (Official Video)

IrrelevantP!nk

Singer Pink, with her handsome buzzed pink short hair, has long released songs that challenge social issues, boldly sharing messages that have encouraged many.

In her 2022 release “Irrelevant,” she sings about the importance of individuals raising their voices and openly expressing their opinions without fear.

In an interview, Pink said, “Everyone matters to this world, so no one’s thoughts should be ignored.” To create a society that’s easier for us to live in, we must call out what we believe is wrong—and those opinions deserve respect.

That’s the powerful message embedded in the song.

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High HopesPink Floyd

Pink Floyd – High Hopes (Official Music Video HD)

High HopesPink Floyd

A song released as a single by Pink Floyd in 1994.

Written by David Gilmour, it is an autobiographical piece.

A phone conversation between Gilmour’s son, Charlie, and their manager, Steve O’Rourke, is sampled.

It was covered by Nightwish in 2005.

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Sleep Welld4vd

d4vd – Sleep Well [Official Music Video]

Sleep Welld4vd

Born in 2005, the young singer-songwriter d4vd continues to draw attention with each new release, racking up viral hits thanks to his abundant talent.

He’s also set to perform at Fuji Rock 2023.

Riding this momentum, his April 2023 release “Sleep Well” is a superb ballad, featuring his signature romantic melodies and a cozy bedroom-pop sound.

The lyrics, simple and candid like those of a teenage boy, are sure to resonate with anyone who has someone special in their life.

Interestingly, though, when you compare them with the story depicted in the music video, the narrative takes a bit of a turn.

Including its poignantly bittersweet ending, the MV is well worth checking out!

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To ZionLauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill – To Zion

To ZionLauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill, known as a leading artist of neo-soul.

In Japan, many people may have first encountered her through the film Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.

“To Zion” is one of her signature songs, with lyrics that depict her decision to become a mother.

At the time, her label opposed her pregnancy, which gives the song a very powerful message.

If you have children, be sure to give it a listen.

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