[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 the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to When Times Are Tough (11–20)
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
This song is a classic anthem for cheering on sports teams, but of course it’s also perfect for anyone working hard toward a goal outside of sports! No matter how much effort you put in, there are times when the results just don’t come.
In those moments, listening to this song can give you the strength to move forward again.
When you don’t see results, you might think, “Everything I’ve done was for nothing,” but the lyrics encourage you by saying that those tough days become the fuel for success.
It’s a well-known song, but if you listen to it again, you’ll find it’s even more empowering than you remembered!
Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK
With its powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song stays by your side in difficult times.
It’s included on ONE OK ROCK’s album “Zankyō Reference,” released in October 2011.
Centered on themes of self-growth and moving forward, it portrays an attitude of advancing into the future on the foundation of one’s past, offering listeners courage and hope.
Initially sold exclusively at live venues, the song was later re-recorded in the studio.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to overcome setbacks and hardships or rally yourself.
Why not let ONE OK ROCK’s commanding sound set your life’s train in motion?
Song of HopeFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
A song themed around gratitude and love for someone special has arrived from FUNKY MONKEY BABYS.
Its warm lyrics and soothing melody gently resonate with listeners.
Released in November 2008, the track also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Love Fight.” The striking line that life would lose 40% of its smiles without the special “you” powerfully conveys how important that person is.
It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to feel supported by someone’s presence during tough or troubled times.
FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ vocals are sure to give you courage and hope.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
A song that truly cheers on people giving their all: Sukima Switch’s “Zenryoku Shonen” (“Full-Powered Boy”).
Released on April 20, 2005, it has been featured in numerous tie-ins.
Many artists have covered it as well, and it remains enduringly popular.
Its positive lyrics are energizing when you listen to it.
You can also see how it encourages many people in the YouTube comments.
When times are tough or painful, listen to this song and once more overcome the difficulties in front of you.
RAINSEKAI NO OWARI
A heartwarming song that uses rain and rainbows as motifs to portray the hope and growth that await after overcoming hardship.
It sings of a journey of facing oneself, poised between a magical, extraordinary world and reality.
Released in July 2017, it garnered attention as the theme song for the animated film Mary and The Witch’s Flower.
Majestic strings blend with electronic sounds to create the uniquely fantastical world of SEKAI NO OWARI.
When you’re feeling frustrated or disheartened, or when you need the courage to look ahead, listening to it is sure to resonate with your heart.
Wake up!AAA
This work by AAA, known for their upbeat and energetic songs, is a motivational anthem about pursuing dreams and having the courage to take on challenges.
The phrase “Shining! Running! Forever!” is especially memorable, carrying a powerful energy that gives listeners a push forward.
Released in July 2014, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
It was also used as the 17th opening theme for the popular anime One Piece, earning support from a wide audience.
When facing setbacks or difficulties, this song can give you courage.
It’s a track packed with AAA’s appeal—recommended not only for fans but for anyone who needs a boost.
[For the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to When Times Are Tough (21–30)
We AreONE OK ROCK
This is a ONE OK ROCK song that shakes the hearts of many young people with its powerful rock sound and passionate message.
The song was created for 18-year-olds struggling with anxiety and despair.
The encouraging words “You are not alone” resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s included on the album Ambitions and is also known for being performed with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds at NHK’s “18 Fes.” This work conveys the importance of living true to yourself and gives you the courage to face any hardship.
When you feel defeated or lonely, listening to this song will surely give you the strength to look forward.