When you’re hurting and feel like you want to disappear… timeless Western songs to listen to at times like these
The power of music is tremendous—sometimes just listening to a song when you’re feeling down can lift your spirits.
However, it’s rare to come across songs like that, and it’s not easy to find tracks that truly match your tastes.
In particular, I think Western music is harder to discover compared to Japanese music.
So this time, I’ve selected some classic Western songs for those moments when you’re struggling or feel like disappearing.
I’ve also included explanations of the lyrics, so even if you don’t understand English, you can still enjoy them without any trouble.
Please take your time and enjoy.
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When You Feel Hurt and Want to Disappear… 10 Classic Western Songs to Listen To (41–50)
Alone AgainGilbert O’Sullivan
A song said to be one of the most melancholic.
It became Irish singer Gilbert O’Sullivan’s only No.
1 hit in the United States and won Grammy Awards in three categories.
The track is featured in the 1999 film The Virgin Suicides.
Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)Roy Orbison
A song created by Roy Orbison and lyricist Joe Melson.
It was originally intended to be offered to Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers, but after the Everly Brothers persuaded him, Orbison recorded it himself.
With its sharp lyrics about loneliness and his soulful voice, it became his biggest hit.
If I Were To DieWinona Oak
Winona Oak, hailing from Sweden, is a talented artist who works primarily in electropop and dance-pop.
Released in February 2024, this work explores vulnerability in romance and the fear of worst-case scenarios, while simultaneously expressing deep affection.
Its words capture the difficulty and beauty of holding love and pain together, offering listeners a profound emotional resonance.
Winona Oak’s stirring voice and the song’s themes will prompt many to reexamine their own feelings.
To ease the weight of imagining a parting with a loved one, this work is especially recommended for those who feel deep love yet fear its end.
HallelujahPentatonix
Leonard Cohen’s 1984 release “Hallelujah” has been reborn as a beautifully resonant hymn by the American five-member a cappella group Pentatonix.
In its majestic, divine soundscape, I feel a sense of gratitude for having been given life in this world.
The word “hallelujah” is used in Christianity to express joy and thanks, but to us Japanese listeners, doesn’t it also evoke a bright, uplifting scene? Encountering such a great work makes our own worries feel small, doesn’t it?
Nessun DormaPlacido Domingo
Nessun Dorma, known as the signature aria from the opera Turandot, is one of the most famous pieces in opera and is beloved by listeners around the world.
As an operatic aria, its lyrics are highly complex, but on a surface level it can be taken as a song about having courage.
More than the lyrics, the melody is truly outstanding, so listening to it when you’re feeling down can lift your spirits.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Lonely AvenueRay Charles
A song written by Doc Pomus.
It was released as a single in 1956.
It is said to have been one of the first songs The Beatles rehearsed when they started as a group.
The song has been covered by many artists, including the Everly Brothers and Los Lobos.
To ZionLauryn Hill
Ms.
Lauryn Hill, known as a leading artist in neo-soul.
In Japan, she’s famous for her starring role in the film Sister Act 2.
Her renowned song To Zion was written when she became pregnant and portrays her resolve to live strongly as a mother.
The melody leans toward soul music, so fans of Black music will likely enjoy it.
It’s also a song I’d especially recommend to parents and to anyone feeling down or struggling with their mood.