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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- [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.
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Masterpieces that sing of setbacks: songs that stay by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up (91–100).
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.
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.
A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouHIPPY
An uplifting anthem that combines the warmth of gently encouraging those who face setbacks and hardships to believe in themselves and move forward, with the strength to give them the courage to rise again.
HIPPY’s soul-stirring vocals resonate deeply with listeners’ hearts.
Included on the album “HomeBase ~Arigatou~,” released in March 2017, this song has been chosen by many professional baseball players as their walk-up music and ranked No.
1 in the 2020 Professional Baseball Players’ Walk-up Song Rankings.
It’s the perfect track for moments when you feel like you might stop chasing your dreams, when you feel anxious or alone, or when you want someone to give you a gentle push.
It will stay close to your heart and give you the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.
Young adultmakaroni enpitsu
The vocals of Macaroni Enpitsu, which vividly depict the despair faced by today’s youth, pierce the heart.
Their pop-rock sound—woven from speedy guitar riffs and emotional melodies—balances catchiness with fragility.
The protagonist, tormented by a lack of love and loneliness, evokes deep empathy as a story of setbacks anyone can relate to.
Included on the mini-album “season,” released in September 2024, the song also drew attention as a tie-in for Space Shower TV’s “Live o 100-bai Tanoshimu LIVE YEAH!!!.” It’s a heartwarming track that stands beside those feeling the pain of heartbreak or the difficulty of living, and those searching for hope even amid despair.
In conclusion
Days of setbacks and things not going well—having wonderful music like this with you at those times can be so empowering. It lifts your spirits and encourages you. Surely there’s someone out there watching over you! Let’s move forward one step at a time.