[For those doing their best] A comforting song to listen to when you're tired of life
Something bad happened at school or work, your love life or relationships aren’t going well…
Sometimes, triggered by something, you end up feeling, “I hate everything!” or “My heart is exhausted…” and sink into a slump, right?
In this article, we introduce timeless songs that we hope you’ll listen to when you’re truly feeling down—songs that stay close to your heart.
These tracks heal and encourage you, affirming the pain and sadness you’re carrying, and giving you the strength to overcome them.
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[For Those Doing Their Best] Songs that stay close to your heart when you're tired of life (161–170)
Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanīzu
This is “Shinya Kousoku (Midnight Highway)” by Flower Companyz.
The powerful message packed into its simple rock sound pierces straight through the heart.
There are more people than you might think who’ve felt like giving up on life.
Maybe you’ve done something you can’t take back, or faced something unbearably sad.
In those moments, please don’t give up—keep going.
This song will surely support your heart.
Someone at any timeJōjō Taihūn
This song is well known as the ending theme of the Studio Ghibli film Pom Poko.
It’s performed by Shang Shang Typhoon, a group that plays in a style combining folk music from various regions using a variety of traditional instruments.
This track also has a distinctive atmosphere, yet it’s arranged with a mysteriously soothing charm.
Listening to the lyrics, you’re reminded that “no matter how hard things get, there’s someone who will stay by your side,” and you can feel anew how precious the people around you are.
If you feel lonely when times are tough, give this song a listen.
[For You Who Are Doing Your Best] Songs That Comfort the Heart When You're Tired of Life (171–180)
Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko
One of Tokiko Kato’s signature songs, released in 1987, it’s widely known for being used as the ending theme of the film Porco Rosso.
The lyrics read like a reflection on one’s youthful days, and I’m sure there are moments in the song’s imagery that many can relate to.
Even if you struggled with little money when you were young, the experience of chasing dreams with many friends is a treasure, isn’t it? This is the kind of song that helps you remember your roots, and if you listen to it when you’re worn out by the demands of daily life, it will surely remind you of your original intentions.
Song of the FutureYoshii Kazuya
Even if things are tough right now, “Mirai no Uta,” released digitally by Kazuya Yoshii in 2021, gives you the belief that the future will definitely be bright.
It’s a song I especially want you—someone who feels stuck in the very depths, unable to trust the people around you amid a string of unpleasant realities—to hear.
No matter how rock-bottom things are now, the future will surely be bright, so let’s somehow keep going until we reach that light—that’s the message in this song.
Precisely because it’s painful, it gives you the strength not to give up on hope for the future.
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
This is Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ue o Muite Arukou,” released in 1962.
Celebrated overseas under the title “Sukiyaki,” it’s a masterpiece Japan is proud of.
Its stroll-like rhythm and Sakamoto’s vocals soothe a weary heart.
It’s a song whose lyrics I hope you’ll read carefully.
Try listening on nights when you feel “a little lonely.” This song will surely rest gently by your heart.
MarshmallowOkuda Tamio
The 10th single by musician Tamio Okuda, who is active not only as a core member of the rock band Unicorn but also as a producer and solo artist.
Used in a commercial for Suntory’s “Kakubin” whisky, this song playfully explains within the lyrics that because the title was decided first, the lyrics ended up having nothing to do with it—showcasing Okuda’s sense of fun.
With a catchy melody and cleverly rhymed lyrics, its message of “it’s okay to be yourself” soothes a weary heart.
It’s a comfortably laid-back number you’ll want to listen to when you’re truly feeling down.
graceFuji Kaze
This is a song Fujii Kaze wrote for “KAZE FILMS docomo future project,” a NTT Docomo initiative supporting students.
It was also featured in Docomo’s TV commercial, the “KAZE THEATER” version.
The project carries the message that “everyone has talent,” and you can feel the same sentiment in this song, ‘grace.’ If you’re feeling down about where you are right now, please give it a listen.
