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!
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Masterpieces that sing of setbacks: songs that stay by your side in tough times or when you feel like giving up (71–80).
SunshadeYuka
It’s a song that conveys strength within gentleness.
Yuka’s delicate vocals beautifully capture the pain of parting and the anxiety about the future.
Released in June 2024, it was also used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Warau Matryoshka.” Co-written with Toru from ONE OK ROCK, this track showcases the breadth of Yuka’s musicality.
Its expansive soundscape and subtly sentimental vocal work have the power to evoke deep emotions in listeners.
It’s the perfect rock ballad for soothing the pain of heartbreak or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.
Beyond the nighttsuru
An encouragement song by Tsurun, a uniquely styled band whose members all sport afro hair, glasses, and patterned shirts.
It’s totally okay to be as sad as you need to be when you’re feeling down! Please don’t forget that there’s always someone out there thinking of you.
When times are tough, we even recommend borrowing someone’s shoulder and having a good cry.
This track is perfect for those of you with a positive mindset who just want to bounce back as quickly as possible.
Tear SongOka Midori
This song, known as one of Midori Oka’s signature pieces, resonates with lyrics that portray the loneliness and inner struggles of a woman living in the city.
When the protagonist is suddenly caught in the rain, you can’t help but see your own situation reflected in her.
Oka’s clear, expansive vocals gently embrace the fragility we all carry inside.
Released in February 2024, the track earned high marks on the enka charts.
It’s perfect for a weary weeknight—listening by the window with a can of beer in hand.
It’s sure to give you courage for tomorrow.
AnswerIkuta Rira
Lila Ikuta delivers a heartwarming medium-tempo ballad that gently stays close to the anxieties and uncertainties of one’s future.
Amid a grand, dramatic arrangement, its warm melody stands out—offering the courage to take a step forward toward tomorrow while facing loneliness and pain.
It’s an encouraging song that softly nudges those who are unsure of their path.
Released in March 2021, the piece was also featured as the CM song for Tokio Marine Nichido Anshin Life’s “Disability Income Insurance,” resonating with many listeners.
It’s a moving, tear-evoking track we hope those searching for their own way, or spending days without clear answers, will hear.
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.
It’s fine for now.MIMI
A ballad whose beautiful, heartrending melody and striking piano sound gently stay by your side.
Wrapped in a warm, tender tune, it sings as if offering a quiet hand to someone weary of putting on a brave face.
There are nights when we can’t sleep, unable to accept our failures, setbacks, or our own frailty.
This song encourages you to keep moving forward at your own pace, embracing even past tears as cherished memories.
Released as a single in December 2022, it is also included on the album “When I Embrace the Night.” out in March 2025.
It’s a song to listen to softly when you’re hurting or feel like you’re trying too hard on your own.
Until your night breaks (into dawn)Kasamura Tōta
A song by Tōta Kasamura that begins by questioning a broken or misguided world.
It’s a ballad notable for its gentle, delicate piano melody and its wistful sound arrangement.
The lyrics portray the protagonist’s strong determination to overcome parting from a loved one, lost time, and the pain of that loss.
Included on the February 2021 album How to Become a Wonderful Adult, this track is also known as a counterpart to “Lily of the Endless Night.” Accompanied by a beautiful melody like waiting for dawn, it tenderly weaves a state of mind that seeks a glimmer of hope even amid deep despair—a song that stays close to you in dark times.