A famous song about setbacks. A song that stays by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up.
While living, there are happy moments, but there are surely many times when we feel crushed, too.
I researched songs about the theme of setbacks—ones that can give you encouragement.
Rather than songs that just say “Keep it bright and push through!”, I mainly picked tracks that stay close to those frustrating feelings during a setback and the tough times.
So when nothing seems to be going right, please give them a listen.
May setbacks become the seeds of success.
I’m sure music will give you plenty of strength!
- Songs to listen to when you’re feeling down! Tracks that boost your self-confidence
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational anthems that resonate with the heart!
- [Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [Cheer-Up Songs Special] Songs that give you courage when you're feeling down. Encouraging tracks.
- [For those doing their best] A comforting song to listen to when you're tired of life
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Masterpieces that sing of regret. Recommended popular songs.
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
Masterpieces that sing of setbacks: songs that stay by your side in tough times or when you feel like giving up (71–80).
Naming the waves, and that our breathing has an end.Kitanitatsuya
This is a stirring ballad by Tatsuya Kitani that portrays the transience of life and love.
Featured on the album “I DO (NOT) LOVE YOU.),” the song delicately captures the feelings of someone who continues to question the meaning of living amid days that repeat like waves.
Its serene sound, infused with post-rock elements, harmonizes beautifully with lyrics steeped in deep philosophical insight, offering gentle solace to listeners.
Released in April 2018, this gem warmly embraces anyone facing loss or loneliness.
If you feel you can’t find your place, or you’re on the verge of losing sight of life’s meaning, this is a song you should definitely hear.
A bird that cannot flyyuzu
This is a classic song by Yuzu that layers the inner struggle of a broken spirit over the image of a bird that has forgotten how to fly.
The helpless feelings of stumbling once, losing confidence, and losing sight of the path forward resonate deeply with its wistful, mellow sound.
But this piece isn’t just a song of despair.
It portrays a story of recovery—setting out once more, guided by the gentle words received from someone important.
Released in October 2000, it colored the story as the theme song of the TV drama “Wipe Your Tears” and was also included on the acclaimed album “Tobira.” When you hit a major wall, it will give you the courage to take the next step.
7 daysphatmans after school
This song delicately portrays the feeling of nearly losing sight of life’s meaning and one’s sense of worth, told through the course of a week’s everyday life.
Within its calm, narrative tone, a loneliness and isolation—like not being needed by anyone—quietly seep through, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released to the world as a track on phatmans after school’s double A-side single “FR/DAY NIGHT” in July 2015, it is also included on the band’s second album, “Unchronicle.” When you’re struggling in life and feel stuck, this song will surely stay close to your heart.
It’s a piece we hope those who feel doubt or anxiety about living will listen to.
horizonback number
This song is marked by a warm, heart-touching melody.
Produced by back number in August 2020, it was created as a support anthem for high school students following the cancellation of the Inter-High School Championships.
The lyrics, which empathize with those who have chased their dreams since childhood, gently portray the sorrow of facing setbacks and hardships, as well as the strength to keep looking forward.
Delicately expressing the feelings of people who must part with their past selves or loved ones, or who are forced to give up their dreams, this work has a charm that evokes new emotions with every listen.
It’s a perfect song for times when you’re hurting, when you feel on the verge of breaking, or when you need someone to understand.
counting songamazarashi
A song that carefully counts each event in a life, reexamining its joys and sorrows.
The lyrics weave in the disillusionment felt while trying to live decently as a human being, the difficulty of continuing to trust others, and the importance of having someone with whom you can share your burdens—and it’s impossible not to feel deep empathy.
This work was released in February 2017 and is included on the album “Message Bottle.” When you’re on the verge of losing sight of your purpose or feeling profound loneliness, its warm voice will gently stay by your side and soothe your heart.
Pain, go away!ZORN
ZORN weaves a soul’s cry, facing pain that gouges at the depths of the heart, in his uniquely crafted words.
It’s a gem of a song that earnestly sings to a friend on the verge of being crushed by mental exhaustion and helplessness.
Even amid heart-rending sorrow, the warm wish of “let’s meet again” shines like a light and seeps into the heart.
Released in July 2022, the piece features BACHLOGIC’s polished production, vividly coloring the nuances of emotion.
It gently resonates with those standing at the brink of deep despair, and with anyone who wants to be close to the pain of someone they cherish.
No matter how smallwacci
An uplifting song has been born, warmly and gently portraying people who walk on with all their might, even while feeling how hard life can be.
Alongside the friendly melodies woven by the five members of wacci, the courage to face one’s own weaknesses and flaws, and the determination to move forward step by step, are vividly expressed.
Written and composed by Yohei Hashiguchi, the piece speaks to you even in those moments when you feel you’re losing your sense of self, telling you that your efforts have meaning.
It was written as the theme song for the NTV drama “After-School Carte” in October 2024 and is also included on the album “Dressing,” released in January 2025.
It is sure to be cherished as a song that stays close to your heart when you lose your way on the path you chose and come to a halt.