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 collection of classic songs about setbacks—tunes that stay by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up (1–10)
rainbowTakahashi Yuu
This song powerfully sings, “Believe in yourself, don’t lose to yourself, and keep moving forward!” It’s a track by singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi from Akita Prefecture, released in 2017.
Because it was used as the theme song for the high school baseball program “Netto Koshien,” it’s especially popular as a baseball cheer song.
The energetic sound conjures up an image of soaring high into the sky—wonderful, isn’t it? It also aligns perfectly with the message of the lyrics.
If you want to break out of a gloomy mood, this is the one!
Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie
Namie Amuro’s “Baby Don’t Cry” was released in 2007.
It’s a song that sends encouragement to important people in your life, like family, partners, and friends.
When emotions become overwhelming, tears flow.
Tears are said to be good for your health, but it’s still hard to watch someone cry.
When someone close to you stumbles and feels down, singing this song to them might lift their spirits.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
The song itself is on the brighter side, but the lyrics feel like they help me get back on my feet when I stumble.
“No one can see how hard I’m trying.
But I’ll keep flying for the days of glory.” It’s a track that becomes a source of power for me to keep fighting.
Masterpieces that sing of setbacks. Songs that stay by your side in tough times or when you feel like giving up (11–20)
You can do it!Nakajima Miyuki
Since its 1983 release, this song has been covered by many renowned artists over the years.
In the song, the one shouting “Fight!” in encouragement is, more than anyone, the singer themself.
It sounds like they’re urging themselves on so they can move forward without hiding their weaknesses, accepting both their strong and weak sides.
Listening to it, you can’t help but want to sing along!
Endless JourneyMr.Children
Many people probably listen to this song when they’re tired.
It’s one of the signature tracks by the beloved rock band Mr.Children.
Released in 1998 as their 15th single, it became a hit after being chosen as the theme song for the drama “Naguru Onna,” and went on to sell over a million copies.
This majestic rock ballad encourages listeners with the message: even if you carry worries and anxieties, it’s okay—let’s move on to the next door.
It’s a timeless song that gives you the strength to live, and a great pick for karaoke.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
Released in 1987, this song is one that almost everyone has probably heard at least once.
The chorus carries a very straightforward message, and its unadorned words seem to gently sink into the heart.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to alone when you’re feeling down or want to lift your spirits.
The melody isn’t too difficult, so it’s also great for singing at karaoke to blow off some steam.
Baton RoadKANA-BOON
This is a song used as the opening theme for the anime BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS.
Created by KANA-BOON, a rock band popular for its sound that seems to speak for the hearts of young people, it was released in 2017 as their 11th single.
Not knowing what lies ahead can be unsettling, right? Even so, it teaches us the importance of continuing to move toward the future.
Let this exhilarating guitar rock track lift your spirits!