Heart-wrenching Western songs recommended for middle schoolers: world-class masterpieces and popular hits

Child of mineCarole King

Carole King “Child of Mine” with lyrics

Carole King’s influence on oldies pop is immeasurable, and her historical significance as a pioneering female singer-songwriter is equally beyond measure.

Japanese J-pop has also absorbed plenty of her essence.

For women with children, this song is impossible to listen to without tears.

Without YouChris Brown

Chris Brown – Without You (Music Video)

It’s a very heartrending song that sings about caring for someone important.

The simple melody line is incredibly soothing.

Anxiety about the future always lingers in relationships between men and women, and I think that’s the same even when we’re young.

It’s a song I’d love you to listen to when you’re feeling the future with your lover.

Bad DayDaniel Powter

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

When it comes to classic tear-jerking Western songs, this track by Daniel Powter is the standard.

When I’m going through something tough or sad, listening to this song somehow lifts my spirits.

Since youth is full of worries, it’s a song I’d love for young people to listen to during those times.

PhotographEd Sheeran

Western music Japanese translation Ed Sheeran – Photograph

The feelings woven into Ed Sheeran’s music imprint themselves on the heart with a photo-like clarity.

This song poignantly captures the pain and heartache of long-distance love, carried by a gentle melody.

Included on the 2014 album “x” and later released as a single, it became a major hit.

Many listeners will surely relate to lyrics overflowing with the desire to cherish memories with a loved one.

I hope high school students, too, will listen to it as a song that engraves precious memories of someone special in their hearts.

If you listen with friends or a partner, it might deepen your bond even more.

The A TeamEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – The A Team [Official Music Video]

I remember it being used in commercials and such, but I think the lyrics depict shocking themes like drugs.

It’s not an overtly “depressing song,” but the more you learn about it, the more the intensity and sadness of the lyrics come through, so I think it can be classified as a depressing song.

When I’m GoneEminem

Eminem – When I’m Gone (Official Music Video)

One of Eminem’s popular songs, “When I’m Gone.” I’m blown away by the cool rap that only Eminem can deliver.

The poignant lyrics that only he can sing are also part of the appeal.

If a stylish high school guy listened to this song and was moved to tears, that’d be incredibly cool.

Sometimes l cryEric Benét

Eric Benét – Sometimes I Cry ( Official Video )

Rather than just a sad song, it’s a track you can really cry your eyes out to.

Even people who put on a brave face in front of others and act like everything’s normal will feel, just like the title says, “Sometimes I cry too.” It’s a song that speaks for those aching feelings.

And the manly tears in the music video make it even more of a tearjerker.