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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Classic songs about setbacks. Songs that stay by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up (21–30)
LOSERYonezu Kenshi
A track that gives you the courage and resolve to move forward, even when you feel like giving up, thinking you’re a born loser anyway.
The song has a bit of a back-alley vibe, and perhaps it’s precisely because it doesn’t feel like it’s walking the mainstream path that the lyrics sink so deeply into your heart.
The road ahead is still long, and even if the life you’ve lived so far is caked in mud and hardly a clean path, it fills you with the strength to say, “What’s there to lose?” and keep going.
Even if it’s one of a kindkujira
That sudden sense of loneliness, the impatience that comes from comparing yourself to others.
KujiRa’s “Even If I’m an Only One” gives voice to those feelings that have nowhere to go.
Released digitally in July 2025, the track is also included as the coupling song on the CD single featuring the opening theme for the anime “Shabake.” The lyrics, which capture fragments of contemporary life, and the light yet somehow wistful melody slip right into your heart.
We all have those nights when we worry we’ll never become anyone at all, don’t we? In those moments, KujiRa’s distinctive choice of words is sure to gently loosen a heart grown stiff.
moment; instant; a split secondGReeeeN
Everyone strives as hard as they can to be recognized by others.
This song aligns with the perspective of such people; even when you feel sad because you aren’t acknowledged, it makes you believe that one day you’ll shine, and it inspires you to keep sprinting desperately until that day arrives.
In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez
The more wholeheartedly you devote yourself to something, the greater the shock when you fail.
You want to give up but can’t—these lyrics portray the struggle of someone going through that pain.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel like crying alone.
tear(s)FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
When I listen to this song, it makes me feel that although I’ve made many mistakes and taken many detours in my life, none of it was in vain.
Rather, those experiences have nourished me, become my driving force now, and will lead me to success.
Tears are a sign of strength.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
This song is overflowing with a full-on youthful vibe.
The sense of speed feels great, and it brings back memories of times I laughed and cried amid the whirlwind of changing days.
When I’m feeling down, listening to this track blows the pain away.
FlowerKinKi Kids
It’s a song that makes you feel acknowledged—like, “In a world where fun and hardship pile up and life swings wildly, you’re working this hard.” It also inspires the thought, “Let’s give it our all now so that one day we can make a big flower bloom!”