[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 Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (41–50)
YellKobukuro
A highly recommended Kobukuro song for anyone who’s stumbled a little or feels lost.
As their major-label debut, this track truly delivers encouragement to listeners—just like its title suggests.
The place where you’re standing still now, the place where you’re unsure, can be seen as a starting line toward your next step.
If you keep your head up and keep walking with that mindset, someday your hopes will be realized, and you’ll be able to help someone too.
Listening to this song will fill you with that kind of hope!
rainbowAqua Timez
Even in times of pain and sorrow, the song that makes me feel hopeful that something good will definitely await after the tears is Aqua Timez’s “Niji.” Released in 2008, this song was used as the theme for the third season of the drama Gokusen.
Life has its ups and downs, and even the days that seem pointless and the hard days all have meaning.
It gently encourages you, saying that even when you feel at rock bottom, there’s no need to rush—just move forward step by step at your own pace.
It gives you strength when everything feels dark and you can’t stand back up.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE
This is a ballad by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that powerfully sings of the preciousness of life and the strength of hope.
Its gentle melody, which prompts you to reflect on your love for someone dear and the meaning of living, stays close to the heart.
Released in November 2022, the song was chosen as the theme for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.
In resonance with the film’s worldview, it conveys the importance of holding on to hope no matter the circumstances.
It’s a song that quietly stands by those facing illness or anxiety, and by anyone who wants to encourage someone they cherish.
Whale SongMrs. GREEN APPLE
A heartwarming song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE where grand strings blend with emotional vocals to comfort loneliness.
Included on the album “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE,” released in January 2017, this piece portrays people living with loneliness through the metaphor of whales.
Its gently enveloping melody and lyrics that speak to solitary souls stand out, softly supporting those who feel they’re losing their sense of self.
When you’re on the verge of losing confidence or feeling uncertain about the road ahead, it will surely become a source of strength.
Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE
Do you know what the title “Que Sera Sera” means? It’s a phrase that lightens your mood, roughly meaning “whatever will be, will be,” which became popular in Japan in the late 1950s and has since taken root—almost like a coined expression here.
This song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is one I highly recommend for times when you’ve failed, feel down, or start blaming yourself.
If you sometimes ask yourself, “Why am I like this?” or feel, “I really hate myself,” please give it a listen.
You’ll surely realize that the only person who can truly cherish you is yourself.
OH!SHISHAMO
The hugely popular girls’ rock band SHISHAMO is known for their catchy, upbeat sound.
This song is super catchy too, and just listening to it makes you feel lighter.
But that’s not all—its real charm lies in the positive, empowering lyrics that give a push to anyone working hard.
When you’re doing your best, people might say things, and sometimes things won’t go well.
In those moments, this song will remind you: “Working hard is cool!”
Further awayRemioromen
It’s a Remioromen number that makes you think, “No, I can still push farther to reach my goal!” at the very moment you feel, “I can’t take this anymore!” It was used as Fuji TV’s broadcast theme song for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The athletes competing in the Olympics have surely endured all kinds of setbacks and hardship.
But that’s true not only for Olympians—it applies to everyone living their daily lives.
There are times when we break down over and over, thinking, “I’ve had enough,” or “I should just quit.” Yet this song gives us the strength to start walking again, telling us, “No, I’ve still got more in me.”