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

Eyes ClosedEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed [Official Video]

Since the 2010s, Ed Sheeran, a singer-songwriter from the UK, has reigned as one of the most popular artists in the world.

This track, included on the album Subtract released in May 2023, portrays the resolve to keep moving forward while carrying the grief of losing a close friend.

The lyrics, which capture the subtle shifts of Ed’s heart, pair beautifully with the piano-centered melody, resulting in a song that resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s a piece that gives you the courage to keep facing forward, even as you hold the memory of the person you lost close to your heart.

What a wonderful worldLouis Armstrong

[With Japanese translation] Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful World

Louis Armstrong, affectionately known around the world as “Satchmo,” was beloved by many.

With his wide, purse-like mouth, meticulous enunciation, and exceptional expressiveness, he was highly praised by countless artists.

“What a Wonderful World” is his most famous work, featuring peaceful lyrics that advocate against war.

Compared to the melody’s sense of happiness, the message is remarkably powerful—so be sure to check out the Japanese translation.

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Stupid LoveLady Gaga

Lady Gaga – Stupid Love (Official Music Video)

The pink logo and outfits are powerful and cute! In the song, it’s probably singing about themes like “battle” and “discrimination.” Those are major issues humanity has faced throughout history—prejudices about sexuality and race.

In the music video, it starts in a world that looks almost apocalyptic, and Lady Gaga sings and dances about love with an aggressive stance over a straight beat.

It seems to carry a deep message.

I think, in the end, what’s essential to peace and equality is love—the love for our neighbors—so in that sense, it connects with the lyrics.

Stuck with UAriana Grande & Justin Bieber

Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber – Stuck with U

With the stay-at-home trend, everyone has been spending more time at home, right? This is the kind of piece that lifts your spirits when you’re feeling down at times like that.

It’s a collaboration by two big stars, Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, and the video is a montage of dance clips that have become popular since the pandemic.

The two vocalists also recorded their parts from home, creating a single work together with their fans.

The lyrics are essentially a “call” that reflects the state of the world.

You can find the Japanese-subtitled lyrics on YouTube, so please check them out.

Middle GroundMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Middle Ground (Official Music Video)

In December 2022, the world-famous band Maroon 5—who recently made headlines in Japan for their successful dome tour—released “Middle Ground” in May 2023, a song that presents a different image from their previous work.

Built around an acoustic guitar ensemble, Adam Levine’s smooth, expansive vocals—capable of charming listeners of any gender—come to the forefront with a gentle, embracing atmosphere that feels refreshingly new.

While “Middle Ground” literally means neutrality or the middle point, it can also be used to mean a compromise or a happy medium.

With lyrics that connect a personal perspective to universal values, themes like “fragility” and “humanity” prompt deeper reflection the more you read them—especially in today’s turbulent society.

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KOH-1

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Not Strong Enoughboygenius

boygenius – Not Strong Enough (official music video)

boygenius is a band formed by three singer-songwriters who could be called treasures of the modern US indie scene: Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus.

Their long-awaited debut album, the record, released in March 2023, was widely acclaimed, and I really hope listeners will dive into the lyrics to savor the trio’s remarkable gifts as lyricists.

Not Strong Enough, a single from the album, is a gem indie rock fans will love—right down to the clever nod in its title to a classic by The Cure.

Lyrically, it portrays a paradoxical emotional swing: holding confidence in oneself yet slipping into self-loathing.

It conveys an honest anxiety about not being able to meet someone’s expectations, while still radiating a kind of positive light that keeps it from feeling purely sad.

Regardless of age or gender, it’s a song I’d especially like those with inexpressible anxieties to hear.

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THE GREATESTBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – THE GREATEST (Official Lyric Video)

Released in May 2024, this new song is marked by Billie Eilish’s soul-stirring vocals.

Hailing from the United States, she has garnered attention as a representative artist of Gen Z, notably becoming the youngest person in history to sweep the four major Grammy categories in 2019.

In this work, she conveys themes such as unrequited love and questioning one’s self-worth with her signature delicate sensibility.

Her collaborative songwriting with her brother, Finneas, further elevates her musicality.

For anyone who has experienced the complexities of romance and the ebb and flow of emotions, this track will resonate deeply.