[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 (21–30)
Life is hard.satō moka
There are days when the weight of everyday life feels like it might crush you, and you can’t help but sigh, right? For anyone carrying that kind of helpless feeling, the opening track of singer-songwriter Moka Sato’s album “ERA,” released in October 2024, offers gentle companionship.
While candidly laying bare the real struggles of life—like daily payments and relationships—its breezy, stylish sound has a way of lifting you up.
A message like “You don’t have to push yourself” seeps deep into your heart, loosening taut strings.
If you’re exhausted from giving your all just to get through each day, try listening to this record and let your shoulders relax.
StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE
Among their songs with a refreshing vibe, this track stands out as an energetic number with a real sense of speed.
A positive message unfolds through a brisk flow of pop word choices.
When things don’t go well, when you feel like giving up, it makes you feel like that’s where the real starting line begins! Highly recommended for fans of bright guitar rock.
Grateful, thrilled, and overwhelmed like a stormarashi
Arashi’s signature song “Kansha Kangeki Ame Arashi” is a tribute to their fans.
It was used as the opening theme for the drama “Wipe Your Tears,” which starred Arashi member Kazunari Ninomiya.
The title is a playful twist on the phrase “kansha kangeki ame arare,” which expresses deep gratitude.
No matter how hard things are now, this song gives you hope that you can definitely do it.
It’s great for lifting yourself up, and also recommended as a gift for a friend who’s feeling down.
Try sending it with the feeling: “You’ve helped me so much till now, so this time I’ll help you!”
Myself ROCKONE OK ROCK
A ONE OK ROCK number that teaches us the value of staying true to ourselves without being swayed by the noise around us.
Riding on a high-velocity, energetic rock sound, its fiery message—urging you to live without lying to yourself—resonates deep in your chest.
Released in April 2010 as a TSUTAYA-exclusive rental, it was later included as the lead track on the masterpiece album “Niche Syndrome.” When you’re tired of reading other people’s faces, this anthem reminds you that the lead role in your life is, after all, your own.
Put it on when you want to blow away the haze and charge up your energy for tomorrow!
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
This song is said to have been written as the members of SEKAI NO OWARI recalled a time when they fought and then made up.
As the title “RPG” suggests, the theme centers on the importance of comrades and the story they create together.
It sings about how, after quarreling with friends and briefly losing something precious, a strong bond helps them remember their purpose and push forward together again.
Its bright, fantastical sound is also appealing, giving listeners the courage to move forward once more!
Once more[ re: ]
![Once more[ re: ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vjc2xRlz1Uc/sddefault.jpg)
A song that delivered a message of “It’s going to be okay” to people feeling anxious during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Centered around ONE OK ROCK’s vocalist Taka and singer-songwriter Shota Shimizu, eight well-known artists joined the project and performed together.
While people were being asked to stay home, the music video was created by remotely filming each artist in their own home and editing the footage together.
No matter how tough things are now, if you keep moving without losing sight of tomorrow, you’ll surely come across a beautiful view! It’s a song that shines a light of hope for those who have lost hope and feel overwhelmed by darkness.
Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki
A song made from a letter a 15-year-old wrote to their future self and a reply letter the grown-up self wrote back to their younger self.
It’s Angela Aki’s smash hit that gained widespread popularity after being aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” Since its 2008 release, it has continued to be sung by many students as a graduation song.
The track was created based on an actual letter Angela Aki received that was written by her 15-year-old self.
Its straightforward words, drawn from real experience, resonate with many and serve as a song of salvation for young people struggling through hardship.