[Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough
In life, tough and painful times are bound to come, and you’ll likely experience major setbacks as well.
In those moments, many people find it hard to carry everything alone, yet don’t quite feel like talking to someone either.
At times like that, letting music gently stay by your side is something I recommend.
In this article, I’ve gathered songs that can give you strength when you’re going through hard times.
From timeless classics to the latest hits, I’ve picked a variety—so please find the support song that’s just for you.
- [For those doing their best] A comforting song to listen to when you're tired of life
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- Timeless songs that stay close to your heart when times are tough. Uplifting tracks with gentle lyrics that really sink in.
- [Songs Portraying Strong Women] Positive Tracks to Listen to When You’re Feeling Discouraged
- Take the first step!! Songs that give you courage, songs that make you persevere when you listen
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- Songs to listen to when you’re feeling down! Tracks that boost your self-confidence
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational anthems that resonate with the heart!
- For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
- Timeless songs that sing of hopes and dreams. Masterpieces that lead those who strive toward the future.
- A famous song about setbacks. A song that stays by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up.
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
[Sustaining the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to in Tough Times (71–80)
Kyrie, Hymn of MercyKyrie (Aina Ji Endo)
The film Kyrie no Uta, starring Aina the End in her first leading role.
Its theme song, Hymn of Kyrie Eleison, was produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, who is also active as an arranger.
The song portrays becoming stronger by accepting oneself during times when nothing goes right and you feel down.
Over a band performance resonant with beautiful strings, her emotional vocals unfold.
It’s a track that sings of the resolve and courage to face tomorrow while confronting one’s past.
Along with its grand, expansive melody, please listen to this uplifting anthem that cheers on those who are doing their best.
Voice of Lifetuki.
An emotional rock ballad that powerfully sings of inner conflict with strong vocals.
Released digitally in May 2025, it was featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Caster.” Written and composed by tuki.
himself, it delves deeply into the meaning of existence and what it means to live, with “voice” and “life” as its central themes—just as the title suggests.
The bittersweet arrangement centered on acoustic guitar and piano is particularly striking.
When you feel lost on your path, this song might be the one to support you.
Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa
For those shedding tears over days that just won’t go right, this song might be the companion you need.
It’s a track by ReoNa, a singer known as a “despair-type anisong singer,” included on her fifth single, “Nai Nai,” released in 2021.
The lyrics and composition were created by the popular Vocaloid producer Tota Kasamura.
The lyrics, which spill out feelings straight from the heart, are so raw they tighten your chest just reading them.
The sorrowful piano and ReoNa’s on-the-verge-of-tears vocals really hit you right in the tear ducts.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
This work captivates with its sense of momentum driving into the higher register and its clear, transparent vocals.
Set to [Alexandros]’s characteristically powerful sound, it sings about the importance of keeping your eyes forward and continuing on, even after experiencing setbacks.
Released in March 2015, the song was also used as a movie theme and in commercials, helping it gain recognition across a wide audience.
It’s the perfect track for anyone on the verge of a new beginning or challenge.
Listen to it when you’re feeling down or lacking confidence, and it’s sure to give you courage.
Yohei Kawakami’s voice will stay close to your heart and gently nudge you forward.
Biri MillionYuuri
Singer-songwriter Yuuri, who became known to listeners across generations thanks to the massive hit Dry Flower.
His 14th major release, the digital-only single Billimillion, features acoustic guitar tones gliding over a relaxed shuffle beat that feel wonderfully soothing.
The lyrics remind us that even seemingly meaningless everyday life is actually an irreplaceable time that cannot be substituted by anything, offering strength for tomorrow and supporting the heart.
It’s a song whose gentle voice gives you a push forward and teaches the preciousness of living.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
This is a WANIMA song that has continued to be loved as an anthem for life.
Its uplifting message and energetic sound blend beautifully, powerfully moving everyone who listens.
While facing painful experiences from the past and uncertainties about the future, the lyrics are filled with the courage and hope to keep looking forward and moving on, resonating with many hearts.
Released in August 2016, this meaningful track also carries the band’s feelings for their hometown of Kumamoto, which was struck by an earthquake.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to those who are trying to move forward despite setbacks and anxieties, and to anyone who wants to express gratitude to someone important.
more than wordsHitsuji Bungaku
You can’t help but be struck by this cheer song from Hitsujibungaku.
Moeka Shiozuka’s clear, transparent voice sinks into your heart, making it a song that stays by your side in tough times.
Chosen as the ending theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, it was released in September 2023.
The lyrics sing about the importance of continuing to believe in yourself, and they’re sure to give you courage.
The delicate guitar tones and driving rhythm give you the strength to face forward.
When you’ve experienced setbacks and lost confidence, give this song a listen.
Wrapped in its kindness, you’ll feel the courage to take a new step forward.