Timeless songs that stay close to your heart when times are tough. Uplifting tracks with gentle lyrics that really sink in.
What kind of music do you listen to when you’re going through a tough time?
When work, studying, busyness, or relationships wear you down, it can get hard to take in words.
But listening to wonderful music can give you energy, right?
Gentle messages that stay by your side, sounds that softly wrap around you, and bright moods can soothe the heart.
In this article, we’ll introduce classic songs that can ease that kind of pain.
Try listening while you take a break and want to lift your spirits.
May your heart be lit up, even if just a little.
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Timeless songs that gently stay by your side when times are tough. Uplifting tracks with tender lyrics that resonate (71–80)
planetariumOtsuka Ai
As the weather keeps getting cooler and I start to feel wistful, the song I can’t help but want to listen to—the one that immediately comes to mind—is Ai Otsuka’s “Planetarium.” It’s not a recent song, but for some reason, when autumn arrives and that bittersweet feeling sets in, I always want to listen to it.
The setting sun and its shadowFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
This song, “Seinichi to Kagebōshi” by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, is one of my favorites, and it’s a track I absolutely want to listen to in this season.
Even when you’re feeling down, wistful, or sad like we often do at this time of year, it makes you think, “Ah! I’m going to give it my all again!” It’s a song that lifts you up and keeps you positive, so I recommend it.
Loud Voice DiamondAKB48
It was released in 2008 as AKB48’s 10th major single.
The center positions were held by Atsuko Maeda and Jurina Matsui.
The lyrics are striking, as if cheering on a confession with the idea that if you shout “I love you!” at the top of your lungs, it will turn into a diamond.
It’s an anthem that supports girls who can’t keep their overflowing feelings bottled up.
frecklesJUDY AND MARY
Anyway, “Sobakasu” is a bright, energetic melody.
It was used as the first opening theme song for the Fuji TV anime Rurouni Kenshin.
It became JUDY AND MARY’s only million-selling mega hit.
ritardandosumika
Sumika’s “Ritardando” has a heartwarming, cozy mood that makes you want to skip along.
As the theme song for “A Stroll and a Sudden Stopover Journey,” it carries a lightness that makes you want to set off on a trip.
The lyrics, which affirm you as you are and say things like “it’ll all work out,” create an atmosphere that helps you forget the unpleasant things up to yesterday.
“Ritardando” means “gradually slowing down,” and in a world where everything is speeding up, it feels like being gently told, “You don’t have to push yourself,” letting you breathe easier.
When things are tough, refresh yourself with sumika’s relaxed take on a happy song! It’s especially perfect for a leisurely listen on the morning of a day off after a stretch of consecutive work days.
RainPay money To my Pain
It’s included on their fourth album, “gene.” It was used as the theme song for the film “Akaaka Renkoi.” It’s a poignant ballad about parting.
It was the last song recorded before K, the vocalist, passed away.
Though it’s a sad song, there’s a warmth in the singing voice.
ElfAdo
A powerful performance by Ado that resonates as an anthem for those who carry loneliness yet keep moving forward.
Released in January 2025 as the theme song for the drama “Who Watched the Peacock’s Dance?”, this work brilliantly captures the world of the series starring Suzu Hirose.
While staying close to the feelings of a protagonist who continues a solitary struggle, it sings of the preciousness of living true to oneself, making it a song that deeply touches the hearts of those weary from work or life.
It’s an encouraging track we especially recommend to anyone feeling lost or anxious in their daily life, or to those who have paused midway on their own path.