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 uplifting song with great lyrics. Wonderful, memorable messages (121–130)
Be the lightONE OK ROCK
Created in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, this song doesn’t simply stay by the side of those engulfed in sorrow—it becomes a sweeping ballad that urges, “Become the light yourself.” It was included on the album Jinsei×Boku= released in March 2013 and was also chosen as the theme song for the film Space Pirate Captain Harlock.
With a beautiful piano melody and Taka’s gentle vocals, its all-English lyrics offer courage to face forward even in difficult times.
It’s a beacon of hope—one to listen to when you find yourself up against a towering wall.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
Resonance Reference, ONE OK ROCK’s fifth album, released in October 2011.
Among its tracks is this song, a message from vocalist Taka to his friends, famous for taking its title from the initials of their names.
It teaches us the value of chasing dreams forever and living the present as if today were the last.
The lyrics, which sing that not form but the memories shared together are life’s true treasures, will likely bring someone special to mind.
It was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Fumita Kuriki’s New Challenge.” A heartwarming number that feels like a letter written to friends you don’t often get to see.
Eye of the StormONE OK ROCK
This track is a quintessential example of ONE OK ROCK at their best, with a grand soundscape that captivates the listener.
It sings about the importance of pushing forward without giving up, even when you’re caught in the rough waves and raging storms of life.
The line “It’s darkest before dawn” will likely offer hope to anyone going through a tough time.
Taka’s emotional yet powerful vocals deliver a message of hope straight to the listener, as if finding light amid chaos.
Included on the album Eye of the Storm released in February 2019, the song garnered major attention, topping the Oricon Weekly Chart.
When you want to shut out the surrounding noise and reconsider the path you should take, this song will surely kindle a quiet courage in your heart.
Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK
It’s a hopeful pop-rock number with a sweeping, grand sound that stirs the heart.
Featured on the band’s ninth album, Eye of the Storm, released in February 2019, the song was also chosen as the theme for the live-action film Kingdom, adapted from the hugely popular manga, perfectly aligning with the work’s majestic world.
The lyrics carry a positive message—“Live today to the fullest so you won’t have regrets”—and Taka’s clear, soaring vocals strike straight at the heart.
When you feel overwhelmed by anxiety about the future or regrets about the past, it powerfully reminds you that no night is ever wasted.
It’s an anthem we urge you to listen to when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
An uplifting song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message (131–140)
Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS
A melodious rock number by RADWIMPS that portrays inner conflicts and subtle emotional nuances from a unique perspective.
The lyrics impressively weave together deep feelings—such as the turmoil between self-affirmation and self-denial, anxieties within relationships, and the sense of loss after losing someone important.
Released in July 2006 and included on the album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” this is a song to listen to when you want to face your heart with honesty or when you’re struggling with a relationship with someone you cherish.
The BeginningONE OK ROCK
An empowering anthem that gives a strong push toward a hope-filled future.
Through the protagonist who keeps searching for a reason to move forward, this song gives you the courage to overcome setbacks and hardship.
Featuring ONE OK ROCK’s powerful sound and passionate vocals, this memorable track was released in August 2012 and gained attention as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin.
The film and the song’s worldview harmonize beautifully, movingly depicting the protagonist’s resolve to face the past and take a new step forward.
When you stand at a crossroads in life and feel anxious about the future, listening to this song is sure to give you a supportive push.
Azure Swimnishina
Singer-songwriter Nishina, who has garnered popularity for her distinctive voice.
Her “Seiran Yūei” is an emotional, moving track that can’t be listened to without tears—the lyrics, the melody, and her voice all hit straight to the heart.
It carries a strong wish that, even as each person walks their own path, they could swim freely and true to themselves through the world like fish; that message tightens the chest.
The poetic lyrics invite multiple interpretations, and you’ll surely find parts you can relate to.
This song is recommended for times when you want something to stay close to your pain.
