14 Best Songs About Getting Through Hard Times

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Written By John Red

Founder of Handsounds, avid music lover of all genres and tastes. 

In the worst periods of life, music has the uncanny ability to go into our souls and bring comfort and strength. Finding comfort in the words and melodies of songs that speak to our lives can be incredibly healing at difficult times when we feel burdened by the weight of our troubles. These songs about getting through hard times, which are frequently the result of the most honest feelings and true stories, serve as inspiration and beacons of hope, showing us that we are not alone in our troubles and that there is hope at the end of the tunnel.

The process of going through difficult times might feel lonely and alienating, but the best songs about doing so serve as a solace, reassuring us that we are not alone in our struggles. These songs have the power to take the very essence of suffering and turn it into something lovely, giving people hope when there is none. They capture the unbreakable spirit of resilience via their reflective lyrics, upbeat melodies, and sincere performances, inspiring us to keep moving forward even when things are difficult.

14 Best Songs About Getting Through Hard Times

Themes like tenacity, self-belief, and the fierceness of inner strength are at the core of some of the most powerful songs about overcoming hardship. They act as hymns of victory, honouring the ability of people to overcome difficulties and come out stronger on the other side. These songs give those going through difficult times not only solace and inspiration, but also a sense of empowerment and the drive to keep moving forward.

The best songs about getting through tough times cover many genres and eras, from the energising beats of rock and the soulful sentiments of blues to the uplifting words of hip-hop and the gentle melodies of folk. They are a reflection of the various emotions and experiences we go through while navigating the illogical course of life. These songs serve as a constant reminder that even in our darkest moments, we have the strength to survive and come out on the other side, stronger and wiser, whether we’re seeking solace in a heartbreaking ballad or feeling buoyed by an energising hymn.

In this collection, we examine the top songs about overcoming adversity; each one stands as a monument to the resilient human spirit and the therapeutic value of music. Come explore with us a world of melodies and lyrics that uplift, comfort, and ultimately serve as a constant reminder that we are capable of conquering even the most difficult obstacles.

14 Best Songs About Getting Through Hard Times – Here are our recommendations!

14: Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley

The following song on this list has been sung by some of the most well-known singers in the world, probably as a result of its straightforward structure and alluring lyrics. The coolness and vocal twang of Elvis Presley’s rendition, however, captured the hearts of millions.

The song’s sensual and seductive atmosphere is a result of the long, drawn-out melody line, which is a component of Presley’s vocal stylings. The song’s first direct line appears in the bridge, where the melody pitches up and picks up a little speed and the lyrics show that he has already decided to stay with his love.

13: One More Night – Maroon 5

In contrast to many of the songs on this list, “One More Night” tells the story of a man who doesn’t want to stay with his partner but keeps getting dragged back into the unhealthy relationship and is all but forced to.

The words make it evident that the couple is no longer in love and simply uses one another physically. However, in addition to the absence of love in the relationship, the lyrics also make it clear that the couple verbally abuses one another. But in this instance, as the song says, you sometimes stick together out of necessity rather than using your judgement.

12: Sway – Dean Martin

Written by Latino composer Pablo Beltran Ruiz in 1953 under the name “Quien Sera”, this song was eventually made into a single by Dean Martin. Martin’s use of vocal slides to add musicality to his singing helps to paint a picture of a pair swaying and moving on the dance floor as a unit.

The song’s lyrics discuss the narrator’s desire to dance with this ideal woman and to prolong his or her presence on the dance floor. Martin’s vocals, which are a product of the crooning epoch in popular music despite the song’s Latin composition, cut through the Latin flair that its original author crafted.

11: The Time Of My Life – Bill Medley And Jennifer Warnes

Many aspiring dancers and seasoned pros have been inspired to perform “THE lift” to this well-known song from the film “Dirty Dancing”. A duet by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes called “The Time of My Life” replicates the storyline of the film.

Warnes’ gentle and high tone and Medley’s deep, soulful voice combine to create a type of wonderfully ’80s power ballad. The grand finale’s stirring orchestration and heartfelt lyrics encourage listeners to get up and dance as they celebrate being with someone at the ideal moment.

10: Million Reasons – Lady Gaga

Most partnerships have both major and little issues. For the benefit of both parties, compromises and sacrifices have to be made. These compromises, however, these may breed resentment or lead to new issues.

Finding just one reason to stay together can help bring the love back to the forefront of the relationship. The song “Million Reasons” addresses what occurs when such troubles overshadow the positive aspects of the partnership. No matter how many reasons there may be to end the partnership, even one compelling argument can change attitudes and keep the union together.

9: Marry Me – Train

This song is about marriage, which is the ultimate decision that keeps a pair together. The lyrics to “Marry Me” are carefully worded and deceitful. The listener guesses that this song is about a man proposing to his girlfriend based on the song’s opening and title. But it isn’t until the end of the first chorus, when he musters the courage to strike up a conversation with a woman in a coffee shop, that it becomes clear that he is uttering these lyrics in his head.

With a serene reverence in the melody and orchestration of the song, the narrator conjures a daydream about a wedding with a woman he hasn’t met yet that is made compelling by his beautiful lines.

8: Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton performs vocal gymnastics in his song “Tennessee Whisky” to declare that love saved his life. The narrative opens with a man singing about how his first love was whisky, but that when true love arrived, she took the place of his vice.

The chorus of the song, which uses drugs and alcohol to describe love as his new addiction, is very brilliant in terms of song lyrics. Strawberry wine, brandy, marijuana and of course smooth Tennessee whisky are a few examples used in the song. This word play serves to illustrate how his lonely self turned to whisky to cope, but that he is no longer dependent on it now that he has discovered love.

7: I Won’t Let You Go – Rascal Flatts

“I Won’t Let You Go” by Rascal Flatts continues their tradition of using bittersweet narrative storytelling in their ballads. This song’s wording is clever since it makes use of generalised lyrics that may be applied to a variety of contexts and types of relationships.

The narrator of this song introduces the individual to whom they are speaking and lists the issues they are currently experiencing or will soon be experiencing. The chorus tells them that he will stick with them no matter what they have to go through. LeVox eventually starts singing promises on a high G sharp as the melody gradually increases in pitch.

6: Stay Or Leave – Dave Matthews

The next song on our list discusses whether a couple can continue to be together after a heated quarrel. Matthews says that his partner needs to determine if they will “stay or leave” because they are aware that the relationship has changed from one that is pleasant and stable to one that is full of hatred and regret.

The song is a criticism on situations in which a relationship is already finished but the participants are unaware of it and still cling to one another. It is impossible to predict if they will survive if they remain together.

5: Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

Songs by Ed Sheeran span a wide range of subjects in their extensive discography. He is most well-known, though, for his songs about love and relationships. One of his most well-known songs is “Thinking Out Loud”, which peaked at number one on the charts before Sheeran’s release of “Shape of You” did.

The story in ‘Thinking Out Loud’ is presented as a stream-of-consciousness in which Sheeran discusses all the possible ways that someone could fall in love, the way he did, and how, ultimately, love can be discovered anywhere; time is all that matters.

4: Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars

The album “Doo-Wops and Hooligans”, which includes singles like “Grenade” and “Marry You”, is excellent for the theme of “staying together”.

The song “Just The Way You Are” is about accepting who you are. Even though she doesn’t think so for herself, Mars recounts all of his girl’s qualities and how they make her perfect in this song. It is a very touching R&B song that will move you to tears with its beauty.

3: Stay With Me – Sam Smith

Sam Smith’s well-known song “Stay With Me” is about waking up in the morning after a one-night stand. He knows he should let go of the sentiments now that the evening is over, but all he wants is to hold onto his lover for a little while longer.

The gospel influence in this song contributes to the emotional impact of the lyrics. Smith discovers humanity and heartbreak in a circumstance that is typically only mentioned in passing, supported by a soulful choir. Most people won’t admit their vulnerability, but Smith begs his partner to spend more than one night with him.

2: Stay – Rihanna Ft. Mikky Ekko

The song “Stay” looks at a relationship from two different angles. By exchanging lyrics back and forth, Ekko and Rihanna are telling an amorphous story. They are both likely experiencing this conversion in their minds, yet it is clear that they share the same thoughts. Despite the fact that their chats plainly skirt the subject rather than confront it head-on, they are both prepared to advance in their relationship.

These ambiguous lyrics and the use of two singers make it obvious that there are shared feelings between the two. Otherwise, the song’s words would imply that the desire to stay together is unilateral.

1: Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton

This song by Eric Clapton recounts a couple’s very uninteresting night out, implying some relationships and marriages may fade out and lose their spark. They start the evening getting ready to go to a party, go to the party, and then spend the night at home. The couple finds a moment to compliment the other person and call them “Wonderful” at each stage of the evening, though.

With its straightforward melody and straightforward yet elegant words, this song depicts a long-married couple who still love and respect each other and are content to simply be together.

14 Best Songs About Getting Through Hard Times – Closing remarks and thoughts

Music has the extraordinary capacity to link us on a profound and emotional level through times of difficulty and misfortune. The best songs about getting through tough times act as beacons, giving those traversing challenging conditions consolation, fortitude, and a sense of understanding. The deep emotions and difficulties we endure are captured in these songs, which also offer a glimpse of hope and serve as a reminder of our resiliency.

The universal topic of overcoming misfortune has inspired beautiful songs throughout history from musicians of many genres. These songs resonate with our own unique adventures and experiences, speaking to the very core of our beings. They have the capacity to encourage us by serving as the soundtrack to our lives while we fight through difficulties and serving as a constant reminder that we are not alone in our problems.

These songs’ power to convert suffering and hopelessness into something uplifting defines their beauty. They provide catharsis, enabling us to let go of repressed feelings and find comfort in the melodies and lyrics that are reflections of our own experiences. These songs become our constant friends, giving us support and inspiration as we navigate the difficulties life throws at us.

The best songs about overcoming adversity become personal anthems, resonating with our own journeys of resilience and growth, whether they are sorrowful ballads that capture the depth of heartache or anthemic rock songs that kindle a fire within us. They serve as a reminder of our inner fortitude and our capacity to triumph in the face of the most hard situations.

We come to see that our challenges are not singular; they are a part of the human experience when we listen to these songs. Music unites us and spreads messages that are universal, generating a sense of support and belonging. They serve as a reminder that, even in the most dire situations, there is always a chance for improvement.

Closing Remarks:

In conclusion, the best songs about overcoming adversity are proof of music’s transforming power. They serve as a haven, an inspiration, and a constant reminder of our own inner fortitude. These songs serve as a monument to the human spirit’s tenacity and the unyielding conviction that, despite the challenges we encounter, we can persevere, get through them, and come out the other side stronger than before. We find comfort and inspiration via the melodies and lyrics that speak to us, knowing that we are not alone in our struggle to overcome misfortune.

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