[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
[Support for the Heart] Songs to Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (51–60)
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!”
AGAINDREAMS COME TRUE
It’s DREAMS COME TRUE’s 52nd single, released in 2014.
It was chosen as the 6th theme song for Nippon TV’s “NEWS ZERO.” The song was created with figure skater Mao Asada in mind.
It’s a medium-tempo ballad that helps you stay positive when you’re struggling.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
It was released in 1987 as Takako Okamura’s fifth single.
Thanks to numerous tie-ins, it became one of her signature songs.
Although she originally created it as a heartbreak song, its gentle sound and vocals seem to encourage a heart that refuses to give up on its dreams, making it a song that fills you with courage.
Let’s smileyonige
“Waraou,” well known as the theme song for au’s Santaro commercial series, might sound familiar, right? It’s actually a rock-style arrangement of the American folk song “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The piercingly bright sound and the lyrics written in simple words are truly charming.
The phrase “to laugh” is expressed in a variety of ways, including some fresh twists that are sure to make you smile.
It’s a song that gives off a brightness that seems to sweep away stagnation when times are tough.
[Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (61–70)
Unwavering WishTamura Naomi
It was released in 1994 as Naomi Tamura’s fourth single.
Chosen as the opening theme for the Yomiuri TV–broadcast anime Magic Knight Rayearth, it became a million-seller and is considered one of Naomi Tamura’s signature songs.
Its powerful vocals and positive lyrics give listeners courage and hope.
death anniversarychanmina
This song, which gives you a sudden jolt with its opening lyrics, is actually full of hope.
Many listeners have surely been moved by the message delivered through Chanmina’s distinctive voice.
When you’re going through a tough time and listen to this track, it lets you cry it all out and sink to the bottom—and once you’ve hit bottom, it gently reminds you that it’s okay to start walking again, lightening your heart just a little.
You can feel the strong will in the line, “I can’t die yet.” Also chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama Hayabusa Fire Brigade, it was released in August 2023.
If you ever face something that makes you feel like you’ll never recover, entrust your heart to this song.
Its lyrics, which speak to the importance of self-acceptance and self-love, will surely wrap around your wounded heart.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
This is a WANIMA song that has continued to be loved as an anthem for life.
Its uplifting message and energetic sound blend beautifully, powerfully moving everyone who listens.
While facing painful experiences from the past and uncertainties about the future, the lyrics are filled with the courage and hope to keep looking forward and moving on, resonating with many hearts.
Released in August 2016, this meaningful track also carries the band’s feelings for their hometown of Kumamoto, which was struck by an earthquake.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to those who are trying to move forward despite setbacks and anxieties, and to anyone who wants to express gratitude to someone important.