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 (31–40)
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
A pop number that lifts your spirits even when you feel defeated and think you can’t go on.
Anyone working hard from Monday through Friday will find plenty to relate to.
It sings about the feeling of being unable to get back up, and about the person who gives you the courage to rise anyway—a song that gives you the strength to think, “I can try again.”
Robinsonsupittsu
It’s one of Spitz’s signature songs.
Spitz’s lyrics are like novels, making it easy to picture various scenes.
The lyrics of this song can also be interpreted in many ways, and it’s the kind of track you’d want to listen to alone in your room when you’re tormented by loneliness.
Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi
I like Elephant Kashimashi because they’re a band that’s been through a lot.
As we get older, we grow and our values keep changing.
In the midst of that, this song makes me feel like, “Everyone’s walking their own path and working hard, so I’ll do my best too.”
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
Overall, it’s a gloomy song.
The lyrics are about gradually losing yourself to people who mercilessly wield their power, as if there are no real adults in this world.
It’s the kind of track you end up listening to when you catch yourself thinking, “So this is what life is like.”
Barefoot GoddessB’z
B’z is known for Koshi Inaba’s powerful shouts.
This song teaches us that “the self who keeps running while embracing emotional scars shines and is truly wonderful.” It’s a track that makes you feel that experiencing setbacks can be beneficial for yourself.
A collection of classic songs about setbacks: songs that stay by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up (41–50)
Starting Line ~ A New BreezeBaba Toshihide
This is a song where Toshihide Baba’s warm, gentle voice really sinks into your heart.
It feels like he’s giving you a little push forward, encouraging you to accept the failures and setbacks everyone experiences.
Rather than being crushed by disappointment, he cheers you on to change your perspective, treat it as a new starting line, and move forward slowly.
It’s a number you’ll want to sink into and listen to carefully on lonely, difficult nights.
Heretical StarOfisharu Higedan Dism
If you’re seeking a heart-trembling thrill of emotion, this is the number you need to hear.
Written by Satoshi Fujihara of Official HIGE DANDism after overcoming a bitter past experience, it’s a soul-stirring anthem of encouragement.
Set to a driving melody, it teaches the importance of ignoring the noise around you, believing in your own path, and shining in your own way.
Its earnest message strikes straight to the heart and may bring a surge of emotion.
This track is included on the mini-album “Report,” released in April 2017.
Although it has no commercial tie-ins, it’s a staple at their concerts, beloved by many fans for the powerful sense of unity it creates.
If you ever feel like you’re losing yourself or need the courage to take a step forward, this song will surely give you strength—lighting a lamp in your heart and giving you the energy to move ahead.