# Foreign language song that moves you... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 4, 2017, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974 "2017-02-04T06:21:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2017, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/41 "2017-02-05T17:53:35Z")
I’m glad I don’t understand Bulgarian - I don’t really want to know what the words to this song are, as the sound of the voices makes me weep every time. **[Malka Moma](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_gm0j1H1kc)** ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2017, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/42 "2017-02-05T19:31:38Z")
> [@gaffa](#): > > I’m glad I don’t understand Bulgarian - I don’t really want to know what the words to this song are, as the sound of the voices makes me weep every time. > > **[Malka Moma](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_gm0j1H1kc)** If you don’t want to know, don’t click[this link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malka_Moma). ---
**Author:** ![chaika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chaika/32/405_2.png) [@chaika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chaika)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2017, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/43 "2017-02-05T20:22:18Z")
I love this song by Modeste Hugues: [http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1bcan1\_modeste-hugues-eritreritra\_music](http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1bcan1_modeste-hugues-eritreritra_music) No idea what the words mean but I find the combination of the melody, guitar, and his lovely voice extremely moving. ---
**Author:** ![kurtisokc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbce88/32.png) [@kurtisokc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kurtisokc)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2017, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/44 "2017-02-06T03:40:00Z")
[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/fITsThQ0OjU/hqdefault.jpg "КИТАЙ (KIT-I) - Моё сердце (HD)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fITsThQ0OjU) It was really the video the moved me rather than the song itself. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2017, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/45 "2017-02-06T03:54:02Z")
I always liked Spirit’s [Jewish](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH3rCA1PJhI). ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2017, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/46 "2017-02-06T11:06:30Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > Antonio Carlos Jobim’s [Águas de Março](https://vimeo.com/29561797) is one of the best songs ever. Very nice. I love Jobim. Another good one: [Desafinado](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6w3a2v_50U). ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2017, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/47 "2017-02-06T15:13:34Z")
Very haunting: [Cirque Du Soleil O, Nostalgie - YouTube](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FEMZqYM3Peg) ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2017, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/48 "2017-02-06T16:00:28Z")
There are a number of Chinese hits that have over 100-million hits on YouTube, that western listeners have never heard of. (“Hey Jude” has only 45 million). One Chinese hit has already gone over 2-billion on Chinese streaming sites. Many are lovely, refreshing songs, performed with sensitivity and feeling, well-suited to the gentle eastern culture. Many ae influenced by Faye Wong. Here’s a play list of some of the most popular. https://www.youtube.com/embed/_sQSXwdtxlY?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque&list=PLcpXoHetHUjWdgFkOswfQQQXuHwc7tpQa ---
**Author:** ![Shakester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shakester/32/437_2.png) [@Shakester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shakester)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2017, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/49 "2017-02-06T16:02:58Z")
[Imidiwan Afrik Tendam](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLQpnpLLD6Q) by **Tinariwen** Love that band, and I have very little idea of what they’re singing. But I’m sure it’s something nice. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2017, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/50 "2017-02-06T16:08:42Z")
Here’s an intensely beautiful song by Faye Wong, that it easy to get the feeling for, even if you don’t understand the words [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/61uVHd8OL6Y/hqdefault.jpg "Faye wong") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61uVHd8OL6Y) ---
**Author:** ![Shakester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shakester/32/437_2.png) [@Shakester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shakester)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2017, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/51 "2017-02-06T16:13:58Z")
I saw this bloke live recently, fantastic singer, sings in his native Yolngu, an Australian Aboriginal language from Arnhem Land in the NT. This is his best known song so far, very moving. Stanley Gawurra Gaykamangu - [Ratja Yaliyali](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hddocHGLco) There’s a studio version, but I feel it’s overproduced, he’s much better live. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2017, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/52 "2017-02-06T20:57:04Z")
The first thing that came to mind (and I’m surprised that it hasn’t been posted yet) is [this one](http://www.israel21c.org/why-1-6-million-people-have-shared-a-music-video-in-hebrew/). ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2017, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/53 "2017-02-07T03:39:42Z")
My first was [Kabutomushi](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFomr9xTLek), by aiko. I originally discovered it as an MP3 track (of the studio version) on some random guy’s personal web site back in 2000 or '01, and was immediately hooked on aiko. She sold the emotion so well that I was able to more or less figure out what the song was about long before I finally found an English translation. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2017, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/54 "2017-02-07T05:15:24Z")
_Ten Foot Pole_ - **ZZ Top** [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/HDgXDTZl3xU/maxresdefault.jpg "Ten Foot Pole") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDgXDTZl3xU) ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2017, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/55 "2017-02-07T06:00:14Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > [This](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn11JvqWvRc) is an unusual song from a Bollywood film; it’s very Western, uptempo and jazzy. (Eena Meena Deeka) Ha! I knew before looking it would be either this or **Jaan Pehechaan Ho**. Both of which I adore. I never get tired of silly dancing to either one of them. I have two favorites, one pop, one hi-falutin’. **Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu** (Italian) from the 50’s. One of the first three records I ever owned, I have loved this song since I was eight. Still do. **Anges purs, anges radieux** (sung in French) from the finale of Gonoud’s opera **Faust**. First heard this when I was fifteen (my Dad sang in the San Diego Opera chorus). Ever since, this piece easily moves me to goosebumps and tears of undefined emotion. It was 20 years before I finally read the English libretto, which only made it even better. ---
**Author:** ![Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/les_espaces_du_sommeil/32/308_2.png) [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2017, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/56 "2017-02-07T12:39:09Z")
[quote=“White SIFL, post:1, topic:778974”] … Even if you don’t understand the words. I’m American - I don’t speak or understand french - but this song really resonates with me: [/QUOTE] If it’s her voice that resonates with you (a lot of people seem to like it very much), you might be partial to this one, too : [**ZAZ** - _Gamine_](http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aoPrZR3gqM) Mine, off the top of my head: Spanish: [**Jeanette** - _Porque te Vas_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLxrrE6wC5I) (one of my earliest musical memories, actually more of a powerful but vague impression than a real memory). [**Buena Vista Social Club** - _Chan Chan_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KODWcrncnUU) Italian: [**Lucio Dalla** - _Caruso_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqtSuL3H2xs). [**Gianna Nannini** - _I Maschi_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFNS7CV5n4c) [**Renato Carosone** - _Tu Vuò Fa’ l’Americano_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqlJwMFtMCs) [**Amedeo Minghi and Mietta** - _Vattene Amore_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIZbzPN6nR4) (some serious cheese, but that chorus is glorious) German: [**Einstürzende Neubauten** - _Haus der Lüge / Epilog_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFiJ4y9kIEw&index=3&list=PLMrooi2juJAiZRENHhKHT9XfZuFz2aGzw) [**Einstürzende Neubauten** - _Seele Brennt_](http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOzXazkbMkw) [**Falco** - _Rock me Amadeus_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVikZ8Oe_XA) (mostly in German) [**Kraftwerk** - _Das Modell_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0QlPfTmwcw) Swedish [**Bo Kaspers Orkester** - _Svårt att Säga nej_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CCapv298bg) Brazilian: [\*\*Chico Buarque \*\*- _Essa Moça tá Diferente_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbUXFB9JJ7E) [**Stan Getz & João Gilberto** - _O Grande Amor_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAM0R2zyi4k) [**Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz** - _Insensatez_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGoQqwKVJko) Arabic: [\*\*Dahmane El-Harrachi \*\*- _Ya Rayah_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCChxHZXacA) Hindi: [**Lata Mangeshkar** - _Thoda Resham Lagta Hai_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2SoSHKKCPA)(talk about an earworm…) ---
**Author:** ![6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/6/e19adc/32.png) [@6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2017, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/57 "2017-02-07T14:19:26Z")
> [@Shakester](#): > > I saw this bloke live recently, fantastic singer, sings in his native Yolngu, an Australian Aboriginal language from Arnhem Land in the NT. This is his best known song so far, very moving. > > Stanley Gawurra Gaykamangu - [Ratja Yaliyali](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hddocHGLco) > > There’s a studio version, but I feel it’s overproduced, he’s much better live. Oh, thanks for the reminder **Shakester** - Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is fantastic as well. I particularly love [Djarimirri](https://www.google.com.au/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=geoffrey+gurrumul+yunupingu+djarimirri&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=R9aZWMnnLabM8gfx-rvQDg) ---
**Author:** ![psiekier](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psiekier/32/116_2.png) [@psiekier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psiekier)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2017, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/58 "2017-02-07T16:43:29Z")
> [@digs](#): > > I’m not a huge anime fan, but I do like Attack on Titan, and I realized a big part of that is the music. > > The original [overarching theme](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScV5tNmHbgw) is bold, and an odd amalgam of Japanese and German opera. The [theme from the second half of Season 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbWFpzi8C94) is even grander, I think. Along those lines, there’s the Gunbuster March from [what some consider one of the greatest anime scenes ever](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4ySBWtH2ac), and also the [Theme of the Undersea Battleship](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMELh7b1BSE) from _Super Atragon_. [“Akuma to Tenshi no Kiss”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMf75e2klIM) (“Devil and Angel Kiss”) sung by Kinuko “Priss” Oomori from episode four of the original _Bubblegum Crisis_ gets in my blood… always makes me want to drive faster! That probably has something to do with my memories of that episode. Its plot has nothing to do with the other seven episodes, but has some of the more exciting songs. I still get a tingle inside when I hear the opening chords of [“Asu e Touchdown”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agiIQciIuzI) (“Touchdown to Tomorrow”) from episode three. The first video of the second _Hurricane Live!_ music compilation is a [live version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s31FNwrdO4)! ---
**Author:** ![Sampsiceramos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Sampsiceramos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampsiceramos)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2017, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/59 "2017-02-07T16:56:12Z")
I’ve long been very partial to Taeko Ōnuki and, well, all of her work, really, but the song “若き日の望楼” from her album Romantique ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeU38uq0fJI&t=787s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeU38uq0fJI&t=787s)) is just amazing. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2017, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974/60 "2017-02-07T17:55:01Z")
Part of it is likely that I associate it with the video, but still: [Praan](https://youtu.be/zlfKdbWwruY) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-song-that-moves-you/778974.md?page=4)