An uplifting song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message that stays with your heart.
Do you have a favorite hype-up song?
When you want to get motivated or when your heart feels worn out—those moments when you need one last push—there are songs you want to listen to, right?
In times like those, many of us are drawn in by beautiful lyrics, aren’t we?
So in this article, I’ll be introducing plenty of uplifting songs with captivating lyrics!
They’re all positive tracks that will cheer you on—whether it’s you or someone important to you.
Let’s listen to the songs I’m about to share and keep going together!
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An encouraging song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message (71–80)
YELLikimonogakari
This song was composed as the set piece for the junior high division of the NHK National School Music Competition.
Ryoji Mizuno is said to have written the lyrics and music while recalling his own deeply troubled middle school years.
Because the word “goodbye” is repeated, it is often sung during graduation season and frequently ranks on graduation song lists.
It’s an encouraging song filled with warm words that gently embrace students who easily feel lonely and burdened by worries, when anxiety outweighs hope and they wonder whether what they’re doing is right and whether a bright future will come.
rainbowTakahashi Yuu
Rainbow is a song written by Yu Takahashi as a cheer anthem for summer high school baseball.
The lyrics carry two major messages: one is a push for those who are hesitating—“Go on, give it a try.” The other is a call to live for tomorrow without being bound by past glory.
Takahashi wrote these messages based on what he felt when he actually visited the ballpark.
Try listening to it not only with baseball in mind, but by applying it to whatever you’re working hard at in your own life!
Don’t give upZARD
Zard’s Izumi Sakai, a singer who epitomized the ’90s.
This signature song of hers is now one of the all-time classic anthems of encouragement! I think many people picture the charity marathon on the TV program “24-Hour Television” when they hear it.
The lyrics carry a message of “Never give up—keep doing your best in your own way!!,” and receiving words like that is truly moving.
It’s a warm song that supports you when your heart falters in the face of difficulties at work or school.
Progresskōkua
This is a song by the band kōkua, led by singer-songwriter Shikao Suga.
It was written specifically for the NHK program “Professional: Shigoto no Ryūgi” (Professional: The Way of Work).
I think it will particularly resonate with working adults.
The slow tempo is pleasant to the ear.
Eternity of SpringKumagai Ikumi
This piece is one of the tracks included as the B-side to the single “Tsuyoku,” released in June 2012.
It was written as the theme song for director Yukihiko Tsutsumi’s documentary drama “Kesennuma, Voices.
Special Project for the Reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake — A Record by Yukihiko Tsutsumi.” The vocalist is Ikumi Kumagai, who hails from Kesennuma, her hometown that was devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Beginning with a scene of gazing beyond the waves and the hushed sea breeze, the lyrics carefully depict a heart striving to face forward while carrying a sense of loss.
Imbued with images such as the emerald glow symbolizing the Sanriku sea and prayers for the turning seasons, the song brims with a gaze that holds both sorrow and hope.
The gentle weave of piano and strings softly nestles close to the listener’s heart.
It is a work meant to reach those trying to overcome painful experiences and those who hold someone dear in their thoughts.
Midnight Where the Moon and Stars DanceHinatazaka46
Released in 2022—about three years after the group that had performed as Keyakizaka46 up to 2019 rebranded and restarted as Hinatazaka46—“Tsuki to Hoshi ga Odoru Midnight” arrived just as the members’ teamwork was hitting its stride.
The music video is notable for its vivid blue and yellow outfits, and the forward-looking lyrics, which embody that bright image, give you a push from behind.
When you listen to the song while watching the video, the message of “Don’t give up yet” quietly sinks into your heart and fills you with motivation!
stepsRAM WIRE
RAM WIRE’s songs capture the small, everyday moments of life and gently walk alongside you.
Among them, “Ayumi” is filled with the message to keep walking at your own slow pace.
When I listen to this song, even when things aren’t going well or I feel like giving up on my dreams, it makes me want to try again.