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 students. Must-listen! Popular English songs (31–40)

So YesterdayHilary Duff

Hilary Duff – So Yesterday

So YesterdayHilary Duff

This is one of Hilary Duff’s signature songs; she’s also active as an actress nowadays.

It’s a rhythmic number with easy-to-remember lyrics and an easy melody to sing, so it’s popular among elementary school kids.

Since it was a hit back when many moms and dads were students, it’s a song that parents and children can enjoy together.

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All I Want for Christmas Is YouMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

All I Want for Christmas Is YouMariah Carey

This is one of Mariah Carey’s signature songs—she’s a world-famous idol and artist—and it was also used as the theme song for the drama “29-sai no Christmas,” which starred Tomoko Yamaguchi and Toshiro Yanagiba.

Its upbeat rhythm makes it fun to listen to, so it’s popular even among elementary school children.

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When You Wish Upon A StarDisney

Disney’s “Pinocchio” – When You Wish Upon a Star

When You Wish Upon A StarDisney

Known as the theme song of Disney’s film Pinocchio, “When You Wish Upon a Star” is a classic beloved by generations.

Released in 1940, it won that year’s Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.

It has been covered by many artists and is especially cherished as a jazz standard.

Since even small children know it, it’s a perfect first song for English learners.

Give it a listen!

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Sing a RainbowLyrics and Music: Arthur Hamilton

Sing a Rainbow

Sing a Rainbow Lyrics and Music: Arthur Hamilton

Sung gently to a relaxed rhythm, this song—written and composed by Arthur Hamilton—is about the colors of the rainbow.

It’s also known for Peggy Lee’s performance in the 1955 film “Pete Kelly’s Blues.” Because the tempo is slow, it’s perfect for listening to and imitating native pronunciation.

Start by practicing the color names that appear at the beginning of the song, singing along to get the pronunciation right! It’s a highly recommended choice as a first English song to listen to.

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In conclusion

How was it? Even elementary schoolers who usually listen mainly to J‑pop probably recognized a few of these songs.

You might even find that a song you’ve been casually listening to actually has English lyrics—and you can sing the chorus.

Even if you’re not good at studying English, if you like Western music, start by exploring your interest there.

Before you know it, you might find studying English becoming fun!