[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
[Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (191–200)
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?
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.
Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu characterized by powerful melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.
Written as the theme song for the drama “No Side Game,” it was released digitally in August 2019.
Alongside its grand sound, the lyrics—depicting people who confront adversity and keep moving forward—leave a strong impression.
By listening to one’s inner voice and singing of the importance of love and bonds, this piece encourages those who wish to keep challenging themselves without giving up in the face of hardship.
Give it a listen when you’re striving toward a new environment or goal.
[For the heart] Songs that give you courage when times are tough (201–210)
waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze
A song by Fujii Kaze that quietly seeps into the heart with a deep longing for a loved one.
It also drew attention as the theme song for the film “April, Come She Will,” starring Takeru Satoh.
The gently played piano tones and the warmly enveloping vocals resonate as if releasing the burdens that have piled up in the heart.
It beautifully depicts that all things come to an end, and the process of lightening and fulfilling the heart by letting go of attachment.
Imbued with a message like a guiding signpost, this work will surely stay close to those struggling with illness or anxiety and kindle a warm light in their hearts.
Starting Line ~ A New BreezeBaba Toshihide
Singer-songwriter Toshihide Baba, whose compelling vocals move listeners to the core.
His 13th single, “Start Line ~A New Wind~,” is a track imbued with a powerful message that resonates in the heart.
Its gentle vocals and richly layered arrangement can lift your spirits when you’re tired or gearing up to push forward.
A heartfelt ballad that offers courage and hope in difficult times.
ultramarineYOASOBI
A YOASOBI song that uses the color blue as its symbol, depicting self-expression and the courage to pursue dreams.
Centered on themes of young people’s inner conflicts, hopes, and self-discovery, it sings about the importance of rediscovering what was lost in the process of growing up.
Released in September 2020, it remained on the charts for an impressive 182 weeks.
With their unique style of composing songs based on novels, the duo conveys deep emotions and messages to each listener.
It’s the perfect track for times when you want to believe in your own potential and find the strength to overcome difficulties.