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 loved by elementary school kids. A must-listen! Popular English songs (21–30)

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

It's My LifeBon Jovi

“It’s My Life” is a song by the American rock band Bon Jovi, released as a single in 2000.

In Japan, it’s popular as walk-up music for professional baseball players, so if you’re a baseball-loving kid, you may have heard it at the ballpark.

Rock rhythms often align with the rhythm of English, making them great for language learning.

You’ll find plenty of unique expressions that occur when words link together, so be sure to listen to “It’s My Life” while reading the lyrics!

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HonestyBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Honesty (Official Video)

HonestyBilly Joel

“Honesty” is a single released in 1979 by Billy Joel, a male singer-songwriter who is a quintessential American piano-playing vocalist.

It’s a ballad whose powerful vocals and beautiful piano tones really touch the heart.

The lyrics use a lot of straightforward grammar, making them perfect for listening practice and studying English grammar.

It’s also performed by Harami-chan, a YouTuber pianist who’s hugely popular with elementary school students, so give it a listen if you’d like!

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My WayFrank Sinatra

My Way (2008 Remastered)

My WayFrank Sinatra

It’s one of the world’s most iconic songs, loved by people of all ages.

Since dads and moms often hum it, children naturally learn it too.

As long as you can sing the “my way” part, you’re pretty much set, so it’s a number that elementary school kids love.

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ThrillerMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Thriller (Official 4K Video)

ThrillerMichael Jackson

One of the signature songs by Michael Jackson, who reigned as a global pop star, is “Thriller.” It’s the title track from Thriller, released in 1983 and known as the best-selling album of all time.

The horror movie-style music video, which runs for about 13 minutes, also became a hot topic, and the dance featured in it is popular among elementary school students as choreography to perform on Halloween.

Michael’s vocal style is distinctive and not necessarily easy to understand in English, but there’s spoken dialogue included as well, so give it a try and listen carefully!

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You Are My SunshineElizabeth Mitchell

Elizabeth Mitchell – You Are My Sunshine lyrics

You Are My SunshineElizabeth Mitchell

This is a song by the singer Elizabeth Mitchell, who has had a string of global smash hits.

It has a gentle, embracing feel, so it enjoys overwhelming support among elementary school children.

It’s also popular as a song that moms and dads often want their kids to listen to.

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Eyes On MeFaye Wong

Final Fantasy VIII – Eyes On Me

Faye Wong - Eyes On Me

It’s a ballad that became widely known as the theme song for the once wildly popular game Final Fantasy VIII.

It’s very pleasant to listen to and has a soothing effect, so just listening to it can make you sleepy.

It’s a song that feels almost magical.

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HELPThe Beatles

The Beatles – Help!

HELPThe Beatles

When it comes to foreign music bands, this is one group you must not forget: THE BEATLES, a band that could be called the most famous in the world without exaggeration.

Among their songs, “HELP” is especially popular with elementary school students, because—as the title suggests—if you can just say “HELP,” you can pretty much sing along.

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