Masterpieces that sing of effort. Recommended popular songs.
Work, studying, club activities, everyday life…
To make anything go well, daily effort is essential.
But even when we know that, it’s hard to keep it up—that’s what makes it difficult!
Everyone has times when they want to try hard but just can’t.
In those moments, how about listening to some wonderful music and giving it one more push?
In this article, I’ll introduce not only songs themed around effort, but also songs that cheer you on as you keep trying.
If you take in the messages woven into the lyrics, I’m sure you’ll be able to keep going.
Take your time and listen to the songs we’re about to introduce.
Masterpieces that sing of hard work. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
Effort just one millimeter aheadNon Stop Rabbit
It’s a song that conveys the importance of putting in the effort now for the future.
The lyrics are striking, as if shaking your heart and saying, “Nothing ever goes exactly the way you want—don’t let that make you give up.” Listening to this track makes you feel ashamed not to try… It’s top-tier pop rock that energizes you from start to finish.
And the chorus will definitely make you want to sing along!
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
This song gently whispers, “I see you trying your best.” It’s a track by the band SEKAI NO OWARI, released as a single in 2018.
Chosen as NHK’s theme song for both the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics and the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympics, it drew significant attention.
With its relaxed yet grand arrangement, warm melody, and Fukase’s soft vocals, it creates a deeply moving atmosphere that resonates in the heart.
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster
It’s a cheer song that sings about how the effort you put in together with your friends will one day become your own treasure.
It’s a track by the female vocal group Little Glee Monster, included on their 2018 album “juice.” It drew attention when it was chosen as the support song for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Effort doesn’t always yield results, does it? But if you give up because of that, you truly end up with nothing.
There are precious things you can gain only because you tried your best… why not set out to find them?
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
A signature song by SHISHAMO released in 2017.
It was created after vocalist Asako Miyazaki, while watching a Kawasaki Frontale match, was moved by the supporters’ passionate cheers.
From the very first line, it grabs you with its impact.
Although many cheer songs use words like “fight!” or “do your best,” this one never does.
Instead, it deeply resonates with the feeling of simply trying to get through each day as best as you can, without forcing yourself to “try harder.” I’m sure many people have drawn strength by likening their favorite artist or idol to a hero and thinking, “Okay, just a little more—I can do this!” It’s a song that gives you that extra push when you need one more burst of effort.
Philosophy[Alexandros]
![Philosophy[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jIysnJZewLQ/sddefault.jpg)
This is a rock number that conveys both the frustration toward oneself for no longer being able to push on without realizing it, and the resolve to throw away that version of yourself.
It’s a track by the rock band [Alexandros], released digitally in 2020.
The piece was born from an NHK program project called “[ALEXANDROS] 18 Festival.” A solid, weighty rhythm carries Yohei Kawakami’s straight-shooting vocals, building an expansive, grand sonic world.