A wonderful classic

Classic Western songs that elementary schoolers love. Must-listen! Popular English-language songs.

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

English classes have finally started in elementary schools, and with the recent popularity of K-pop, elementary school students now have more opportunities to encounter languages other than Japanese in various places, don’t they?

Some kids like studying English, while others find it difficult.

In this article, we’ll introduce not only the K-pop hits popular among elementary school students, but also classic Western songs everyone knows—perfect recommendations for the first English songs to listen to.

Start by listening to a song you like and look up the meaning of the lyrics.

It might spark a love for language learning—not just English!

Classic Western songs that elementary school kids love. Must-listen! Popular English songs (1–10)

SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)

SugarMaroon 5

The music video that became a hot topic for crashing weddings as a surprise is Maroon 5’s “Sugar.” Released as a single in 2014, it reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts and ranked No.

4 on Japan’s Western music chart.

The music video on YouTube has racked up an astounding 3 billion views and counting.

Its catchy melody and happy sound really lift your spirits when you listen.

The lyrics are romantic and sweet—perfect for a wedding song—so be sure to check out the Japanese translation!

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HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)

HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams, who hails from Virginia in the United States, is a music producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer who has showcased his talent since childhood and found success as part of The Neptunes.

Released in 2013, this song captivated audiences around the world with its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, and it appeared on the soundtrack for Despicable Me 2.

Created by Williams as he resolved to convey positivity and happiness through music after overcoming challenging times, the track is a Motown-style, mid-tempo song characterized by its uplifting lyrics and upbeat melody.

With its catchy tune and straightforward, positive lyrics, it’s a Western pop song that even elementary school children can easily enjoy.

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Let It GoIdina Menzel

FROZEN | Let It Go Sing-along | Official Disney UK

Let It GoIdina Menzel

Idina Menzel is a superstar of the musical theater world.

Hailing from New York State in the United States, she has shone on stage in productions like Rent and Wicked, and has been nominated for a Tony Award.

This piece is a song written as the theme for Disney’s animated film Frozen.

Its lyrics, which portray the courage to unleash one’s power and accept oneself as they are, have resonated with many people.

Menzel’s powerful vocals make the song’s message even more striking.

It’s an uplifting track that makes you want to sing along with friends.

By engaging with English songs from elementary school age, children can experience the joy of enjoying music beyond language barriers.

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Classic Western songs that elementary schoolers love. Must-listen! Popular English songs (11–20)

Count on MeBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Count on Me (Official Lyric Video)

Count on MeBruno Mars

Bruno Mars is a singer-songwriter from Hawaii.

His songs portray the strength and timelessness of friendship.

They express a strong determination to overcome any hardship for someone else and the importance of supporting each other.

Although the song is included on the album Doo-Wops & Hooligans and was not released as a single, it is popular among fans.

With its universal message about valuing friends and its melodic, easy-to-understand tune, it seems ideal as Western music for elementary school students to listen to.

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High HopesPanic! At The Disco

Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes (Official Video)

High HopesPanic! At The Disco

Panic! At The Disco is a distinctive rock band formed in Las Vegas, USA.

Their music features a unique sound that blends elements of pop punk, emo, electronica, dance, and indie rock, with emotionally charged lyrics and theatrical flair making a strong impression.

This work centers on the spirit of setting lofty goals and overcoming obstacles to make dreams come true.

It offers listeners hope and optimism, encouraging them to believe in themselves and take on the impossible.

It’s a song that can give you courage just by listening, and one we’d love for elementary school students—who are painting sparkling dreams of the future—to hear as well.

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Runaway BabyBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby (Official Lyric Video)

Runaway BabyBruno Mars

Bruno Mars, who captivates the world with his high musicality and sweet looks, released the album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” in 2010.

One of the tracks included is “Runaway Baby.” Its lively, upbeat sound makes it perfect as background music for dance, and there are many kids’ dance performances by elementary school students uploaded on YouTube.

The tempo is fast, so the lyrics are delivered quickly, making it great for pronunciation practice as well.

Bruno Mars sings many songs that show the influence of 1970s soul, so let this be an opportunity to spark your interest in older music, too.

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DynamiteBTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Dynamite’ Official MV

DynamiteBTS

When it comes to signature songs by BTS, the Korean idol group taking the global music scene by storm, Dynamite is the one that comes to mind.

Released in 2020, the single hit number one on the U.

S.

charts and became a huge success in Japan as well.

With a sound that evokes classic disco music, its cool dance moves are extremely popular even among elementary school students.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube of kids dancing to this track.

The lyrics also contain many expressions and grammar points commonly used in conversation, so be sure to compare the English lyrics with their Japanese translations!

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