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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A masterpiece that sings of setbacks. Songs that stay by your side in tough times or when you feel like giving up (81–90)
Small RevolutionSUPER BEAVER
This song powerfully sings of the small acts of courage hidden in everyday life and the desire for self-transformation.
Included on the album “Ongaku,” it was released in February 2024 as an insert song for the TV Asahi drama “MARS: Zero no Kakumei.” With an emotional rock style characteristic of SUPER BEAVER, its melody and sound quietly yet fervently urge us to give voice to our inner feelings and reevaluate who we are.
It was also featured in TBS’s special music program “Ongaku no Hi 2024” for a mass sing-along project, where it was performed together with many viewers.
It’s a song that gently gives you a push when you feel life is hard or lonely, or when you want to take a step toward tomorrow.
LIFEkimaguren
It’s a cheering song that gives you courage when you’re unsure about your way of life and feel like your heart is about to break.
Released in May 2008 as Kimaguren’s second major-label single, this piece is a classic whose refreshing acoustic guitar and the duo’s harmonies resonate deeply.
It warmly portrays people who, even while losing sight of their true selves, keep searching for the meaning of life.
Embracing the sense of difficulty and loneliness that everyone carries, this song offers a chance to reclaim your authentic self.
When you feel on the verge of losing your sense of purpose, it will gently nudge you forward.
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.
Where does our sorrow go?Harukamirai
Harukamirai’s soul-stirring cries, rooted in their unique worldview, strike straight to the heart.
While reflecting the anxieties and chaos of society, the song carries a strong will to keep moving forward and a desire to protect cherished companions.
Conveying the importance of holding on to hope even amid struggle, this work fuses punk rock with emotional elements to deliver a powerful sound that shakes the listener.
Included on the album “Living Is About Holding Onto a Hope as Small as a Booger,” released in February 2025, it marks a new frontier for a band with a track record that includes theme and insert songs for the film “Rin.” This is a message song that resonates with everyone who, despite feeling loneliness and anxiety, still wants to face forward and live.
NonfictionHirai Ken
A heartfelt message song born from the experience of losing a close friend.
Ken Hirai’s powerful vocals portray the longing for a lost life and the wish to meet again, with a voice that stirs the soul.
Since its release in June 2017, this medium-tempo ballad has resonated with many.
Created as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Little Giant,” its delicate, acoustic guitar–based arrangement harmonizes beautifully with the drama’s worldview.
The lyrics probe deeply into the meaning of life and gently embrace life’s struggles and setbacks, woven with warm words that stay close to the heart.
This work will light a quiet beacon in the hearts of those standing at life’s crossroads or holding feelings for someone dear.
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.
Masterpieces that sing of setbacks: songs that stay by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up (91–100).
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.