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 (11–20)
youSUPER BEAVER
If you’re feeling anxious and wondering, “Could it be that what I’m doing is actually wrong?”, please give this a listen.
It’s a song by the four-piece rock band SUPER BEAVER, included on their third album, 361°, released in 2014.
The words sung over the rich, full band sound pierce the heart one by one.
Ryota Shibuya’s straight, powerful vocals are wonderful as well.
It’s a song I can recommend as one that will save you when you hear it.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
Let’s get energized by this high-octane punk rock number! It’s a track by WANIMA, a three-piece band from Kumamoto, included on their second album JUICE UP!! released in 2016.
The song expresses the regret of not noticing the pain carried by someone important, and for a moment it makes your heart ache.
But in true WANIMA fashion, it delivers uplifting words, and by the time it’s over, a will to live wells up from deep within.
It’s a wonderful, positive song you’ll want to dedicate to a close friend or a lover.
LoserNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
It’s a masculine message song that spits out, “I’m a loser,” as if sneering.
It’s a track by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, the musician behind numerous masterpieces like Tonbo and Kanpai, released in 2017 as his 51st single.
The lyrics, drawn from real-life experiences, are blistering and pierce the heart whether you like it or not.
At the same time, it sparks a fighting spirit—“No way I’m going down!”—making it a highly charged number.
Interpretations will vary, but I’d recommend it as an uplifting, motivational song.
Shineieiri reo
This number was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Kaeru no Ōjo-sama” (Princess of the Frog).
It’s a track by Leo Ieiri, a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka Prefecture, released in 2012 as her second single.
No matter how much you think poorly of yourself, the song’s powerful message—“You can shine”—gives you strength.
The lyrics perfectly match the gradually building arrangement.
It’s a song that makes you want to treasure today and live with this melody in your heart.
PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki
Even if things aren’t going well right now, it’s okay—tomorrow will surely come.
This is a gentle, heartwarming encouragement song.
Sung by Miki Imai, a singer known for numerous hits like “PRIDE,” it was released in 1991 as her seventh single.
It drew attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Ashita ga Aru Kara.” It’s a ballad that seems to seep into the depths of your heart, truly soothing to listen to.
By the time it ends, you’ll find yourself thinking, “Alright, I’ll do my best again next time.”
Sayonara ColorSUPER BUTTER DOG
Takashi Nagazumi, the vocalist of SUPER BUTTER DOG, performs solo under the name Hanaregumi.
His uniquely idiosyncratic singing voice grips the hearts of many.
Among his songs, “Sayonara COLOR” is filled with a gentle warmth that lets you glimpse a ray of light even in sorrow.
Everything has meaning.
Even painful experiences surely carry some kind of positive significance.
Classic songs about setbacks. Songs that stay by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up (21–30)
Blue Springback number
Youth isn’t filled with only fun; it’s also full of hardships.
This song portrays the struggles of young people in the very midst of their youth.
It makes you believe that once you’ve crossed the dark and rugged path, you’ll one day live days wrapped in light.