[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
[To Support the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (181–190)
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.
[Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (191–200)
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.
horsetailnishina
This song gently embraces the fragility and beauty of life.
Created by Nishina, it was released in February 2025 and written as the theme song for the NHK Saturday drama “Rira no Hana Saku Kemonodō.” Like horsetail shoots sprouting in early spring, it portrays the resilient growth that follows a harsh winter through delicate vocals and a stirring melody.
It’s a ballad that gives you courage when you find yourself pausing in daily life or wanting to reflect on your own path.
Everything other than death is just a scratch.Koresawa
This song features Koresawa’s clear, translucent voice, gently accompanying our hearts.
Included on her major-label debut album “Korekara,” released in August 2017, it’s a positive, uplifting anthem that sings about facing life’s hardships and trials with optimism.
Written, composed, and arranged by Koresawa herself, the track fully embodies her unique worldview.
The lyrics, weaving in everyday episodes, leave a strong impression as they celebrate the strength to never be defeated by adversity.
It’s a song that gives you energy when you’re feeling down or losing confidence.
Why not let it become a source of support for your heart?
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.
Blade of Wordsrokudenashi
With its beautiful tones of traditional Japanese instruments and a haunting, ethereal atmosphere, this song marks a bold new venture for Rokudenashi.
It vividly portrays the emotional turmoil of facing social pressures and others’ prejudices, resonating with those who find life difficult.
The fragile vocals of Ninjin-san intertwined with the wash of Japanese instruments create a soundscape that conveys the strength to live authentically despite loneliness and contradictions.
Included on the album “Sigh” set for release in February 2025.
It’s a track that will strike a deep chord when you’re struggling with relationships or feeling unsure about your path in life.
circleIkuta Rira
Introductions like “YOASOBI’s unshakable vocalist” are no longer necessary—here’s a song where Rira Ikuta cheers you on with a hearty “Let’s do our best!!”: Circle.
Written specifically for a Kuraray commercial, many of you may have heard it on TV.
Daily life is a series of the same routines, which the song expresses as a circle, yet it also seems to carry the wish to keep growing upward even as we spin round and round.
With that in mind, the lyrics take on quite a deep meaning.
It’s the perfect song to play on a morning when you need a boost.