[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
- For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
- 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
[Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (1–10)
Myself ROCKNEW!ONE OK ROCK
A ONE OK ROCK number that teaches us the value of staying true to ourselves without being swayed by the noise around us.
Riding on a high-velocity, energetic rock sound, its fiery message—urging you to live without lying to yourself—resonates deep in your chest.
Released in April 2010 as a TSUTAYA-exclusive rental, it was later included as the lead track on the masterpiece album “Niche Syndrome.” When you’re tired of reading other people’s faces, this anthem reminds you that the lead role in your life is, after all, your own.
Put it on when you want to blow away the haze and charge up your energy for tomorrow!
Life is hard.NEW!satō moka
There are days when the weight of everyday life feels like it might crush you, and you can’t help but sigh, right? For anyone carrying that kind of helpless feeling, the opening track of singer-songwriter Moka Sato’s album “ERA,” released in October 2024, offers gentle companionship.
While candidly laying bare the real struggles of life—like daily payments and relationships—its breezy, stylish sound has a way of lifting you up.
A message like “You don’t have to push yourself” seeps deep into your heart, loosening taut strings.
If you’re exhausted from giving your all just to get through each day, try listening to this record and let your shoulders relax.
Kokoro no NakaRADWIMPS
When you’re struggling and the flame of hope has gone out, please listen to this song and rekindle it.
“Kokorononaka,” included on RADWIMPS’ first EP, portrays the struggle of someone who’s losing hope yet still has so much they must do, and keeps on grappling forward.
Even if you’re in a dark tunnel right now, let’s stock up on all kinds of joyful feelings until we reach the exit where the light of hope shines in! That way, you can feel a small spark of hope even within the darkness.
And when you step out of the tunnel, you’re sure to encounter great happiness.
It’s a song that conveys a strong will and hope—the belief that even in a tunnel that’s hard to escape, you can keep living if you think about the brilliant light that’s coming next.
[For the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to When Times Are Tough (11–20)
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
This song by SEKAI NO OWARI, which was the theme song for the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics, is one I want you to listen to when you feel like giving up on your dreams.
Over a simple accompaniment marked by memorable piano and brass tones, Fukase’s gentle vocals resonate.
The lyrics carry a message of encouragement for those who pursue their dreams.
It’s something that successful people often say: “The ones who are laughed at by those around them are the ones who succeed.” I believe that listening to this song will give you the courage to keep challenging yourself without giving up, no matter how many times you fail or how much you’re mocked.
peace signYonezu Kenshi
An uplifting song by Kenshi Yonezu, a leading figure in Japan’s music scene, and the theme for the anime My Hero Academia.
Just like the anime, it’s a track that will surely give courage to everyone who keeps dashing toward their dreams while running into walls and hardships.
Please accept this message of encouragement from Kenshi Yonezu, delivered through its rock sound.
StoryAI
A song that has captivated many since its release in 2005.
It carries the message: when you’re going through hard times or feel too hurt to move forward, I’ll always be by your side to support you—let’s overcome it together, and let’s live by creating a story that’s uniquely our own.
When you’re anxious or facing something painful, you often struggle between wanting to be alone and wanting to pour your feelings out to someone, right? This is a song that stays close to your heart and supports you in those moments.
If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER
Songs by the rock band SUPER BEAVER often really resonate with the heart.
In 2020, they re-signed to a major label with this song, and it was also featured on THE FIRST TAKE on YouTube, so many of you may have heard it there.
The lyrics of this track will surely strike a chord with anyone who’s hit a wall while working in a team or is struggling to get along with those around them.
Because you’re not alone, worries may never completely go away—but the message that you can see an even more beautiful view precisely because you’re together will give you the courage to take one more step forward.