[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
[For the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (141–150)
The true soundKOKIA
This is a song by KOKIA that calls on listeners to tune in to their true inner voice when they feel they’re losing sight of the meaning or purpose of life.
It urges us to face the part of ourselves that gets swept along by a superficial world and to reexamine our fundamental values.
With a translucent vocal and a beautiful piano melody that soaks into the heart, the piece feels like a cry from the depths of the soul.
Included on the album “moment,” released in May 2011, this work stands as a symbol of KOKIA’s musical maturity and has deeply moved many listeners.
It’s a song that offers companionship to those who feel lonely or anxious and are on the verge of losing their sense of purpose, and to anyone seeking a path that is true to themselves.
counting songamazarashi
A song that carefully counts each event in a life, reexamining its joys and sorrows.
The lyrics weave in the disillusionment felt while trying to live decently as a human being, the difficulty of continuing to trust others, and the importance of having someone with whom you can share your burdens—and it’s impossible not to feel deep empathy.
This work was released in February 2017 and is included on the album “Message Bottle.” When you’re on the verge of losing sight of your purpose or feeling profound loneliness, its warm voice will gently stay by your side and soothe your heart.
gardenFuji Kaze
A gem of a song by Fujii Kaze that gently portrays the impermanence of life through the changing seasons, accompanied by soothing, comforting sounds.
Just like the shifting seasons, life is a drama woven from meetings and farewells, and there are moments when our hearts feel like they might break.
Yet this work whispers that every experience becomes an irreplaceable garden that enriches us.
Released in March 2022 on the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” it was also featured as the TV commercial song for Nature Lab’s “Laundrin.” It will gently stand by those who are suffering, feeling lonely, or on the verge of breaking.
Get OverDream
This gem of a song by Dream, released in November 2001, is filled with a strong will and determination to overcome life’s doubts and setbacks.
Its powerful message—walking toward the future even when the road is difficult, while believing in and supporting each other—leaves a lasting impression.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Hikaru no Go, it garnered wide support from listeners, reaching No.
12 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s music that stays by your side when you’re feeling lost or anxious, when you want to feel the bond with someone important, or when you’re about to take a new step forward.
With its melodious sound, this work resonates as a heartfelt anthem of encouragement—be sure to give it a listen.
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.
Pain, go away!ZORN
ZORN weaves a soul’s cry, facing pain that gouges at the depths of the heart, in his uniquely crafted words.
It’s a gem of a song that earnestly sings to a friend on the verge of being crushed by mental exhaustion and helplessness.
Even amid heart-rending sorrow, the warm wish of “let’s meet again” shines like a light and seeps into the heart.
Released in July 2022, the piece features BACHLOGIC’s polished production, vividly coloring the nuances of emotion.
It gently resonates with those standing at the brink of deep despair, and with anyone who wants to be close to the pain of someone they cherish.
It’s us.imase
Musician imase, who picked up an instrument for the first time at 20 and made his major debut the following year.
His eighth digital-only single, “Bokurada,” written for NTT Docomo’s “ahamo” web commercial “What does it mean to be an adult?”, leaves a lasting impression with its distinctive vocals over a refreshing ensemble.
Its message—that the future’s possibilities are limitless—may give a reassuring push to those struggling with doubts and worries.
It’s a positive pop tune whose modern melody inspires a forward-looking mindset.
