[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 to Listen to When Times Are Tough (11–20)
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?
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.
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.
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.
flying boatKing Gnu
This is an exhilarating, top-tier rock track from King Gnu, the rock band that broke out in 2019.
Its hefty, weighty beat carries a power that rises from deep within your core.
Not only the lyrics, but the music and rhythm themselves give you courage—an incredibly fiery and cool number.
Be sure to listen to this song before a big challenge to fire yourself up.
[For the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to When Times Are Tough (21–30)
If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro
This song, with lyrics that startle you for a moment right at the beginning, actually brims with hope.
Many people have been moved by the message delivered through Naotaro Moriyama’s distinctive voice.
When you’re going through a tough time and listen to this track, you can cry your eyes out, sink to the bottom, and once you’ve let yourself fall all the way, you’ll feel ready to start walking again—the weight on your heart lifts a little.
If something happens that makes you feel, “I’ll never bounce back…,” try entrusting your heart to this song.
Its lyrics, full of kindness and compassion, will wrap around your wounded heart.
