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 stay close to your heart when times are tough. Uplifting tracks with gentle, touching lyrics (41–50)
broom star (comet)Mr.Children
Mr.
Children have fans of all ages.
Sakurai’s singing voice never loses its power no matter when I listen.
This song is up-tempo and lets you hear Sakurai’s high notes, so listening to it makes me feel very positive.
They’re an artist I’d love to see live someday.
Timeless songs that comfort the heart when times are tough. Uplifting tracks with gentle, touching lyrics (51–60)
guidelinesUru
I also recommend Kokoroe, which gently affirms failures and tough experiences.
This song was written by Uru specifically for the drama “Kazama Kokin — Kyōjō 0 —.” While reflecting the drama’s worldview, it conveys the message that failures and painful experiences later become assets.
Combined with his beautiful vocals, listening to it is sure to soothe your heart.
And later in the song, lyrics appear that give you another push forward, so you’ll finish listening with a positive mindset.
It’s a wonderful motivational song that refreshes you and helps you stay optimistic.
Night MusicMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song that gently envelops the solitary moments of facing oneself in the stillness of the night.
The longing to be loved, the desire to convey the pain buried deep within the heart—yet being unable to put it into words…
Such tender, aching emotions are expressed through delicate melodies and a dreamlike soundscape.
Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in January 2024 as the theme song for the film “Silent Love,” the track drew a huge response, surpassing 100 million streams on Billboard Japan.
On nights when you can’t face your own weakness, or when your heart feels like it’s about to break, let this song stay by your side—it will surely bring you solace.
tear(s)FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
It was released in 2010 as FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ 12th single.
Chosen as the U-Can 2010 campaign song, it came out with five different jacket designs featuring Yu Aoi, Ryuta Sato, Hannya, Shihori Kanjiya, and Yasuko Tomita, who appeared in the commercials.
It’s a moving song that teaches us that the tears we shed when times are tough, painful, or frustrating are never in vain.
No way I’m going to cry.ikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari, who boast a wide range of hit tunes from lyrical ballads to upbeat pop numbers.
Their 16th single “Nakumonka,” used as the theme song for the film Nakumonka and in the Hataraku-iku commercials, is memorable for its straightforward vocals carried by acoustic guitar.
Its warm lyrics, which seem to wrap around a wounded heart, may give you the courage to stand up again when times are tough.
It’s a song whose sentimental melody gives you a push forward and supports you when your spirit feels like it might break.
We are!kitadani hiroshi
The well-known first opening theme of One Piece.
“We Are”—we’re crewmates, you’re not alone.
Let’s gather up all our dreams and set off to find what we’re looking for.
It’s a powerful, uplifting song that naturally brings a smile, and it remains a long-standing favorite among anime songs.
smileAnly
A gem of a ballad that gives you the courage to keep looking forward no matter what.
Sung by Anly, a singer-songwriter from Ie Island in Okinawa, the song stands out for its straightforward message of staying smiling especially in tough times.
Carried by a warm sound with the soothing tones of acoustic guitar, it gently seeps into the listener’s heart.
Released in March 2016, the track was used as the theme song for the special drama “Boku no Inochi,” based on the true story of a boy with a serious illness and his family.
With lyrics celebrating the bonds between loved ones, it’s perfect for graduations and new beginnings.
If you listen when you’re feeling a little down, you’ll be wrapped in a kindness that feels like a gentle nudge forward.