Recommended cheer-up songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you to do your best on entrance exams and club activities when you listen to them.
Between club activities, daily classes, and studying for entrance exams, high school students have more than ever to work hard on, don’t they? Sometimes you might hit a wall and feel troubled.
In times like that, I recommend listening to your favorite motivational songs to lift your spirits! Upbeat tracks or lyrics filled with encouragement can give you the strength to try again.
In this article, we’ll introduce motivational songs recommended for high school students.
There are plenty of perfect songs to cheer you on for clubs and exams, so be sure to find the one that’s just right for you.
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Recommended motivational songs for high school students: tracks that will inspire you to give your best in exams and club activities (111–120)
Critical HitRADWIMPS
This song, included on RADWIMPS’ 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to,” is a powerful rock number that captures the feelings of someone torn over a major life decision.
While grappling with anxiety and uncertainty about the future, it portrays the wavering yet determined resolve to follow one’s true feelings.
The lyrics also incorporate baseball-themed imagery, depicting a dramatic comeback from a seemingly hopeless situation that gives listeners a strong push forward.
It’s a track we hope those struggling in various situations—club activities, studies, friendships, and more—will listen to.
There may be times when you feel like giving up, but this song will surely give you the courage to stand up again.
You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS
A song that resonates with the heart along with the spring air.
It was included on the album “Zettai Zetsumei,” released in March 2011, and was also used as the theme song for NHK’s soccer broadcasts.
It features RADWIMPS’ signature passionate lyrics and exhilarating, fast-paced sound, powerfully encouraging those who are diving into a new environment.
The music video stars actress Nana Komatsu, whose fresh performance drew attention.
It’s a perfect cheer song for those starting a new chapter in life or striving toward their goals.
OrangeSPYAIR
When it comes to support songs that stay close to the hearts of high school students, this is the one.
Released by SPYAIR in February 2024, the track was also chosen as the theme song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie.
Centered on the themes of encounters, bonds, and farewells within a limited time, it sings of the courage to not say goodbye and the hope of meeting again.
The powerful vocals over an up-tempo melody convey the courage to keep moving forward.
It’s perfect for the graduation season when you part ways with dear friends, or on the eve of an entrance ceremony as you dive into a new environment.
Gate of GloryHirai Dai
A song has arrived that you’ll want to hear at life’s turning points.
Released by Dai Hirai in July 2022, it was also chosen as a cheer song for summer high school baseball.
His gentle voice stays close to those striving toward their dreams.
The lyrics portray people overcoming setbacks and anxieties to chase their dreams, giving courage to listeners.
It’s a perfect anthem for high school students.
When you’re struggling with club activities or entrance exams, try listening to this track—it’s sure to give you new strength.
It gently gives a supportive push to everyone working toward their dreams.
To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts
A warm, encouraging song by Creepy Nuts that powerfully portrays the potential for genius everyone once had and the individuality that gets lost within society.
It’s a track from their second major album, “To Us Who Were Once Geniuses,” and was released to the world in August 2020 as the TV commercial song for Teikyo Heisei University.
Riding on a hip-hop rhythm, it carefully depicts the limitless possibilities everyone had in childhood and the purity that fades as we grow up, while delivering a message to keep looking forward without giving up.
When you feel crushed by social pressure or self-doubt, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to take a new step forward.
Defeated Herokoron
An encouraging song that gently supports children striving toward their dreams and goals.
Koron from Strawberry Prince (SutoPuri) delivers a gentle yet powerful vocal that resonates like a warm embrace, soothing the worries and setbacks everyone experiences.
Released in May 2019, the piece carries a message of taking steady steps forward without fearing failure, while cherishing your true self.
Even if others laugh at you, the lyrics stress the importance of protecting your own smile—perfect for moments of doubt or discouragement.
Centered on the piano, the melody brims with kindness, as if softly nudging the listener onward.
It’s a song we hope every child aiming for their dreams—without fear of failure—will hear.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
A new song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist.” The protagonists, who push forward without fearing failure, are depicted with powerful imagery likening them to a bow and arrow.
The story of companions who overcome setbacks and strive to regain their brilliance on the ice is deeply moving.
Released as a digital-only single in January 2025, the piece was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu himself, who also created the cover illustration.
It’s a song that stays by your side at life’s turning points—when you’ve worked hard yet can’t find confidence and feel like breaking—and gives you a gentle push forward.