A compilation of Western songs with titles that start with “one day”
You probably often listen to Western music and find yourself thinking, “This word shows up in titles a lot, doesn’t it?” The same goes for Japanese music, of course, but it’s interesting to see the kinds of words artists tend to favor.
In this article, we researched songs—across genres—whose titles start with words that seem likely to appear frequently in lyrics, with “one day” as a prime example.
Literally, it means “a certain day” in Japanese, but it really feels like the kind of phrase that would be sung, doesn’t it? Be sure to check it out!
A collection of Western songs whose titles start with “one day” (1–10)
One DayElla Mai
Ella Mai is one of the most acclaimed female singers in today’s R&B scene.
Early on, she dropped hit tunes centered around trendy slow jams, but lately she’s been showing greater musical range, releasing tracks that incorporate elements of neo-psychedelia and nu-disco.
Her track “One Day” falls into that vein as well, crafted into a sharp slow jam infused with a touch of neo-psychedelic essence.
ONE DAYARASH feat Helena
The classic song ONE DAY by Arash, an Iranian-born music producer now based in Sweden, and Helena Josefsson, the vocalist of the Sweden-based band Sandy Mouche.
Released in 2014, the track gained popularity not only in Sweden but also across the rock scene.
Its appeal lies in the heartrending lyrics that dwell on a former lover.
Although it’s left somewhat ambiguous, it likely sings about a parting through death, and together with the melody it creates a deeply poignant atmosphere.
One Day (At A Time)John Lennon
John Lennon, a great artist who continues to influence many musicians even after his passing.
Needless to say, he was a member of the Beatles.
He created many timeless songs, but one I particularly recommend is One Day (At A Time).
This piece was inspired by religion and quotes lyrics from Matthew 6:34 in the New Testament.
It’s a wonderful track that lets you appreciate not only his musicality but also his ideas.
Be sure to check it out.
One DayMatisyahu
Matisyahu is a Jewish-American reggae singer.
His music blends reggae with elements of alternative rock and hip-hop, making each work highly distinctive.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is “One Day.” It’s not heavy dancehall; instead, it features a clean, easy-to-listen-to sound reminiscent of common alternative rock or pop.
I think it’s accessible even for people who don’t usually listen to Western music, so please give it a try.
One Day (Vandaag)Bakermat
Bakermat is an artist who has gained support for his multifaceted music that blends various genres such as soul, jazz, house, and pop.
Hailing from the Netherlands, a country known as a hotbed for dance music, his sophisticated tracks are popular even among hardcore enthusiasts.
“One Day (Vandaag)” is a standout song among his works that I particularly recommend.
It’s an upbeat house track infused with a jazzy flavor, making it perfect for anyone who wants to dance to refreshing background music.
One DayBjörk
Björk, the Icelandic singer-songwriter who has many fans in Japan.
There are quite a few Japanese artists—led by UA, known for her passionate style—who say they’ve been influenced by her.
Among Björk’s songs, the one I especially recommend is One Day.
It’s a standout track with a deep yet groovy melody that mixes trip-hop with elements of electronica.
The piece is crafted with meticulous detail—like using bubble sounds for track transitions—so on your first listen, take in the vocals and overall feel, and on your second, focus on the track itself.
One Day the Only Butterflies Left Will Be in Your Chest as You March Towards Your DeathBring Me The Horizon
Bring Me The Horizon is a band that enjoys immense popularity in the UK.
They’re known for their distinctive sound that mixes metalcore with digital elements, and they’re hugely popular in the alternative rock and alternative metal scenes.
Among their works, the one I especially recommend is “One Day the Only Butterflies Left Will Be in Your Chest as You March Towards Your Death.” The title is so long it feels like a lyric in itself, and the piece carries a theme profound enough to match that length.
The lyrics unfold like a story, but they remain abstract, so many listeners might not grasp what it’s about at first glance.
Considering the timing of its release and the content of the lyrics, I believe this piece sings about the very essence of humanity laid bare by the coronavirus.
The theme is heavy, but it ultimately leaves you with a sense of hope, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.