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!
- Songs to listen to when you’re feeling down! Tracks that boost your self-confidence
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- [Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
- [Cheer-Up Songs Special] Songs that give you courage when you're feeling down. Encouraging tracks.
- [For those doing their best] A comforting song to listen to when you're tired of life
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- [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.
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
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)
ContinueSEAMO
The title “Continue” carries the meaning of perseverance.
Rather than winning or losing, it’s about sticking with what you’ve decided to do.
The message suggests that what truly matters is believing in yourself and not being defeated by yourself.
The piece uses Elgar’s march “Pomp and Circumstance” as a motif; the blend of SEAMO—a rapper—and this classical masterpiece is exquisite, creating a track that gradually stirs motivation from deep within.
Progresskokua (sugashikao)
I secretly felt a smug sense of satisfaction seeing the person who started alongside me stumble, but I hate that side of myself.
This is a song that candidly expresses the feelings I experienced when I failed, too.
The emotions of thinking I’m no good, wanting to be reborn, and wishing to become stronger quietly sink into the heart.
DiamondBUMP OF CHICKEN
There are probably many people who, if possible, don’t want to fail, who want to live carefully so they don’t stumble.
It’s precisely because we work hard at so many things every day that anyone would feel down when they trip up.
This song embraces you in those moments and won’t deny your earnest efforts, no matter how many times you fail.
With a light, upbeat melody, it gently gives you a push forward.
For me to be myselfOzaki Yutaka
There are times when, when things go wrong and misfortunes pile up, it makes you feel like it’s the world that’s out of joint, not you.
Even then—even in times as unsettling as these—it reminds me that I have to keep winning my battles and live true to myself.
StarRingChildAimer
A track for those going through tough times, having no choice but to act strong—one I especially want people in pain to hear.
The lyrics pierce the heart as they question why, when we were pure and looked at the world with clearer eyes as children, things changed.
It’s a song that gently wraps around a heart that’s grown timid.
If you wish for a miracleJUJU
JUJU’s singing voice reaches straight to the heart—so much so that it feels like she’s singing just for you.
“If You Wish for a Miracle” is a song that gently encourages us not to give up on our own ‘miracles,’ and to find a little courage to start walking forward again.
Even if things are hard now, if you trust yourself and take that first step, a future you never even imagined might be waiting for you.
Even if it’s one of a kindNEW!kujira
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.