[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
[For the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (141–150)
Sora-buneTOKIO
This is a soul-stirring rock number written and composed by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima.
The lyrics, themed around the voyage called life, strikingly urge you not to be swept along by others but to carve out your future by your own will.
Released in August 2006, the song became widely known as the theme for the drama “My Boss My Hero” starring Tomoya Nagase.
Its indomitable message is sure to give a powerful push to anyone facing a wall.
When your heart is close to breaking, listening to it will give you the courage to stand up again—a true anthem of encouragement for life.
I’m just living for happiness.SUPER BEAVER
This is a powerful song that portrays the pursuit of happiness while confronting human loneliness and inner conflict.
It is included on SUPER BEAVER’s album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024, and was written as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “MARS: The Revolution of Zero.” Within its emotional rock sound, it conveys the importance of living true to oneself and the hope that arises from our relationships with others.
This work gives you the courage to move forward while accepting painful experiences and sorrow as part of who you are.
It’s a song to listen to when you want to face the feelings in your heart with sincerity, or when you’re ready to take a new step forward.
Good luck to me tomorrow.Nanawo Akari
This track stands out for its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics written in down-to-earth language.
It sings about the importance of living true to yourself in everyday life, offering a warm cheer to modern people overwhelmed by work.
Nanawo Akari’s distinctive vocals convey the message even more compellingly.
Set for release in February 2025, the song has been selected as the ending theme for the TV anime “I’m the Guild Receptionist, but I Don’t Want Overtime, So I’m Going to Solo the Boss,” and it features a pop, catchy sound.
It’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to rethink how they spend their time and make more room for self-care amid the rush of work.
With its soothing melody, it’s a wonderful song that brings comfort and energy for tomorrow.
Live!kocchi no kento
For those whose spirits are broken and who are feeling down, I recommend “Don’t Die!” This is a work by Kentsu, the singer and younger brother of Masaki Suda.
The lyrics are crafted to encourage people who are on the verge of losing the will to live, using powerful words.
At the same time, the sound has a jazzy, pop vibe, which keeps it from feeling too heavy—that’s part of its charm.
Pay attention to the words thrown at you at the end as you listen.
It’s sure to help you feel more positive.
gentianWANIMA
This song, which takes the single-bloom gentian flower as its motif to sing of the preciousness of life, carries a message of support for those facing loneliness and hardship.
Its powerful message—“It’s okay to grow strong while accepting your weakness”—resonates deeply with listeners.
Included on WANIMA’s October 2019 album COMINATCHA!!, it’s a long-awaited track that has been performed live for years.
The beautiful piano and string arrangement is striking, revealing a new side of the band.
It’s a song that stands beside those who are lost in life and on the verge of losing sight of their purpose, giving them courage.
AlrightNishino Kana
A warm, encouraging song whose soft yet powerful vocals stay close to your heart.
Released by Kana Nishino in June 2011, it’s included on the album “Thank you, Love.” The lyrics, imbued with Nishino’s wish to cheer on those who are doing their best, deliver a message of support to “you,” who keep running straight ahead.
It’s a song that gently gives you a push on the back, urging you to keep facing forward and moving on, even in hard or sad times without giving up.
It’s a track we especially hope those striving toward their dreams and goals will listen to.
fightYUI
A powerful message from YUI that urges us to keep moving forward without losing hope, even as we face harsh realities.
Released in September 2012, this work is based on a choral piece composed as the set song for the NHK Nationwide School Music Competition’s junior high division.
It’s a song infused with YUI’s own belief that by accepting reality, new hope can emerge.
It gently accompanies those struggling with the gap between dreams or ideals and reality, offering them courage.
It’s a track that gives you the strength to look ahead when you’re going through hardship or feeling defeated.