[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 Your Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (161–170)
Only onezarame
Zarame, a “nega-posi” singer-songwriter known for her gentle, heartfelt vocals and warming messages, delivers a powerful anthem about thinking of someone special.
Active with theme songs for TV anime and dramas, she sings with strength about holding someone in your heart.
This work is an up-tempo rock number filled with feelings for a loved one, even across distance.
It has been selected as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story – Kyoto Upheaval, airing from January 2025, conveying a straightforward devotion to someone you love.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re worn out after a day’s work, or when someone dear who lives far away comes to mind.
ElfAdo
A powerful performance by Ado that resonates as an anthem for those who carry loneliness yet keep moving forward.
Released in January 2025 as the theme song for the drama “Who Watched the Peacock’s Dance?”, this work brilliantly captures the world of the series starring Suzu Hirose.
While staying close to the feelings of a protagonist who continues a solitary struggle, it sings of the preciousness of living true to oneself, making it a song that deeply touches the hearts of those weary from work or life.
It’s an encouraging track we especially recommend to anyone feeling lost or anxious in their daily life, or to those who have paused midway on their own path.
[For the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (171–180)
Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala
A message song filled with kindness, composed and arranged by the band AliA.
yosugala will release it in February 2025.
It sings of a strong determination to shine a light on those facing hardship and to keep supporting them.
The solid, band-driven arrangement is enhanced by the dramatic tones of piano and violin, which is another highlight.
It’s a track you’ll want to hear when your heart feels close to breaking, or when you want to share hope with someone.
Teenager ForeverKing Gnu
A powerful anthem that brilliantly captures the radiance and restlessness of youth.
Its driving melody, carried by a brisk rhythm, stirs the heart, and the determination to keep moving forward despite the anxieties and impatience of being young is deeply moving.
Featured on the album “CEREMONY,” this track was used in January 2020 as the commercial song for Sony’s WF-1000XM3 true wireless earbuds, with King Gnu’s distinctively original sound drawing wide attention.
The deftly interwoven piano and guitar arrangement vividly conveys the urgency and inner conflicts of people living in a time-pressed modern world.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you need a push—during morning commutes, on the way to school, or when racing to meet a deadline.
single-minded; earnest; wholehearted; dedicatedSUPER BEAVER
SUPER BEAVER’s electrifying, heart-pounding track has been chosen as the opening theme for Season 6 of the TV anime My Hero Academia.
The powerful vocals and band sound vividly express earnest emotions, resonate deeply, and push forward those who strive with unwavering determination.
Released in November 2022, the song aligns perfectly with the anime’s worldview, carrying messages that mirror the protagonists as they face adversity.
As a fast-paced anthem that inspires self-belief and the courage to keep moving without giving up, it’s highly recommended when deadlines loom or when you need to flip your motivation switch.
damnFuji Kaze
This is a track by Fujii Kaze that leaves a strong impression with its breathtaking performance and vocals, conveying a swelling of emotion as he confronts the self throughout the song.
Set to a rhythmically driven piano rooted in R&B and soul, it explores themes of self-love and self-liberation.
It was included on the March 2022 album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL” and was also released as a single in September of the same year.
Chosen as the theme for NTT Docomo’s “docomo future project” commercial, the piece beautifully expresses a dialogue with the self through its performance.
It’s the perfect song for moments of restlessness or anxiety, or when you want to look inward.
The music video, directed by Kento Yamada, depicts the struggle and growth toward self-liberation through Fujii Kaze’s performance.
Its exhilarating sound makes it a recommended pick when you’re feeling rushed.
LIFEkimaguren
It’s a cheering song that gives you courage when you’re unsure about your way of life and feel like your heart is about to break.
Released in May 2008 as Kimaguren’s second major-label single, this piece is a classic whose refreshing acoustic guitar and the duo’s harmonies resonate deeply.
It warmly portrays people who, even while losing sight of their true selves, keep searching for the meaning of life.
Embracing the sense of difficulty and loneliness that everyone carries, this song offers a chance to reclaim your authentic self.
When you feel on the verge of losing your sense of purpose, it will gently nudge you forward.