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)

We Are THE CHAMPIONSQueen

Queen – We Are The Champions (Official Video)

We Are THE CHAMPIONSQueen

This is one of Queen’s signature songs, from the legendary big band whose influence even became a social phenomenon worldwide.

Everyone has heard the “We are the champions” part, so it’s easy to listen to and sing along with.

It’s often used as a cheer song, making it a safe choice even for elementary school students.

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HUMAN TOUCHWarren Wiebe

Warren Wiebe – Human Touch

HUMAN TOUCHWarren Wiebe

This is one of Warren Wiebe’s signature songs, which was also used as the theme for Mobile New Century Gundam X from the Mobile Suit Gundam series, beloved by a wide range of generations.

With its easy-to-follow rhythm, it’s popular among elementary school students, especially those in the upper grades.

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Classic Western songs loved by elementary school students. Must-listen! Popular English songs (31–40)

ABCThe Jackson 5

ABC

ABCThe Jackson 5

When it comes to songs popular for elementary school English learning, The Jackson 5’s “ABC” is a classic.

Speaking of The Jackson 5, they were a sibling idol group with Michael Jackson as the lead vocalist, known for cranking out massive hits.

“ABC” was released as a single in 1970 and reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

With a title that uses the first three letters of the alphabet—essential for learning English—along with its upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, it’s perfect as a first step into Western pop music.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone just starting to learn English!

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YesterdayPaul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney – Yesterday (Live at the White House) JPsub Japanese Subtitles

YesterdayPaul McCartney

It’s one of Paul McCartney’s signature songs, who is also a member of The Beatles.

Although it’s a Beatles song, the version sung by Paul McCartney himself is the most compelling.

It’s gentle on the ears and great for elementary school kids too.

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ImagineJohn Lennon

IMAGINE. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) – John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band (with the Flux Fiddlers) HD

ImagineJohn Lennon

When it comes to John Lennon’s anti-war songs, the single “Imagine,” released in 1971, immediately comes to mind.

It topped both the U.

S.

and U.

K.

charts and has remained a beloved classic for many years.

The lyrics, imbued with his wish for peace, truly resonate as you listen.

Because the song repeats a similar structure while slightly changing the wording, it’s easy to memorize and excellent for learning English.

“Imagine,” which also helps learners understand social issues, is a song I really hope elementary school students will listen to.

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We Will Rock YouQueen

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

We Will Rock YouQueen

When it comes to iconic songs by the quintessential British rock band Queen, We Will Rock You is a must.

You’ve surely heard the “boom boom clap” rhythm that kicks it off.

Released as a single in 1977, in Japan it’s often associated with sports like soccer and combat sports.

The band’s biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, also made waves in 2018.

The lyrics feature many b and p sounds, which are said to be well-suited for upper-elementary English education, so consider using it as a practice song for class!

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Walk Like an EgyptianThe Bangles

The Bangles – Walk Like an Egyptian (Official Video)

Walk Like an EgyptianThe Bangles

This is a song that became the opening theme for the anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, a manga in Weekly Shonen Jump that’s hugely popular among elementary school students.

Its melody is easy for kids to listen to and it matches the anime well, so it’s extremely popular—especially with elementary schoolers.

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