[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
[Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (191–200)
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
A passionate cheer song crafted by Kenshi Yonezu.
Its melody brims with a headlong rush, like the instant an arrow is loosed, and it vividly portrays protagonists who keep moving toward their dreams even after experiencing setbacks.
A piece that also captivated live audiences, it was written as the opening theme for the TV anime Medalist, which depicts the world of figure skating.
The lyrics, evoking the bonds of characters who support each other like a bow and arrow, and the dynamic sound together give listeners the courage to overcome the doubts and uncertainties everyone carries.
When your resolve to strive toward your goals starts to waver, listening to this song will surely give you the strength to take a new step forward.
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.
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.
AlrightNishino Kana
A warm, encouraging song whose soft yet powerful vocals stay close to your heart.
Released by Kana Nishino in June 2011, it’s included on the album “Thank you, Love.” The lyrics, imbued with Nishino’s wish to cheer on those who are doing their best, deliver a message of support to “you,” who keep running straight ahead.
It’s a song that gently gives you a push on the back, urging you to keep facing forward and moving on, even in hard or sad times without giving up.
It’s a track we especially hope those striving toward their dreams and goals will listen to.
[For the heart] Songs that give you courage when times are tough (201–210)
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.
fightYUI
A powerful message from YUI that urges us to keep moving forward without losing hope, even as we face harsh realities.
Released in September 2012, this work is based on a choral piece composed as the set song for the NHK Nationwide School Music Competition’s junior high division.
It’s a song infused with YUI’s own belief that by accepting reality, new hope can emerge.
It gently accompanies those struggling with the gap between dreams or ideals and reality, offering them courage.
It’s a track that gives you the strength to look ahead when you’re going through hardship or feeling defeated.