[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 (171–180)
If you wish for a miracle…JUJU
This is a ballad by JUJU that gently stays close to you when you’re facing illness or harsh realities.
It portrays, along with a beautiful melody, the importance of a smile that brings happiness even amid deep sorrow, and the preciousness of living positively.
Released in November 2006, the song was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “Cupid’s Pranks: Niji-dama” and in a SUBARU commercial.
It is also included on the album “Wonderful Life,” and has become one of JUJU’s signature works.
This piece softly lights a warm glow in the hearts of those grieving the loss of a loved one or feeling anxious as they confront illness.
It meets each listener’s experiences and emotions with compassion and will surely become a source of support.
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.
ReawakeR (feat.Felix of Stray Kids)LiSA
This ambitious work brings together LiSA, the queen of the anison world known for belting out a strong resolve to carve out one’s destiny, and a featuring collaboration with the K-pop group Stray Kids.
Skillfully fusing rock and electronic elements, it expresses a story of rebirth and growth through a sweeping sound.
The song will serve as the opening theme for the TV anime Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow -, airing from January 2025, with a CD single release scheduled for March.
With a powerful melody that resonates with hearts tired from work and lyrics that inspire you to face forward, this uplifting anthem is sure to become a source of strength for everyone giving their all each day.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
A signature song by LiSA that delivers a cry of the heart—where hope and sorrow intertwine—through a powerful melody.
The protagonist’s resolve to protect someone precious, even while battling their own inner weakness, is striking.
With its intense rock-inspired sound perfectly balanced by delicate emotional expression, this piece has moved countless listeners since its April 2019 release as the opening theme of the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
When you need the courage to push past setbacks and despair, or when you want to give your all for someone important, this song will surely give you a gentle push forward.
Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet
The song that drew attention for the collaboration between MAN WITH A MISSION and milet was produced as the theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc.
It fuses a powerful rock sound with milet’s clear, resonant vocals, singing of the strength of bonds and the courage to face hardship.
Released as a single in May 2023, it received a huge response both in Japan and abroad, surpassing 100 million views on YouTube.
It’s a track that encourages not only anime fans but everyone who keeps taking on challenges.
Highly recommended for boosting your motivation or listening before an important match.
[To Support the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (181–190)
REVIVERMY FIRST STORY
A powerful rock number packed with messages of rebirth and self-affirmation! Included on MY FIRST STORY’s album “ALL LEAD TRACKS,” released in July 2017, it was chosen as the theme song for Part 3 of the smartphone RPG “Hortensia Saga: Aoi no Kishidan.” With its driving melodies and grand sound, it expresses the courage to face adversity and the resolve to rise again.
Even if you’re reborn, your convictions remain unchanged—this song embodies the determination to live true to yourself.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you hit a wall, when you feel like you’re losing yourself, or when you need to rally your spirit.
AkariMy Hair is Bad
A gem of a song that captures the feelings of people who keep fighting hard even while weary from everyday life.
Included on My Hair is Bad’s album “ghosts,” released in July 2024, this track vividly portrays the inner heart that puts on a brave face while harboring weakness, along with the will to move forward nonetheless.
Emotional guitar tones and powerful vocals gently embrace the emotions deep within.
The album “ghosts” also features the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary” and the official theme for the 96th Senbatsu as presented by MBS.
When work or relationships weigh on you and your heart feels like it might break, this song will be by your side and help you take a step toward tomorrow.