51 Best Songs About Growing Up & Coming of Age

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1. The Circle Game, Joni Mitchell

“We're captive on the carousel of time; we can't return. We can only look behind from where we came.”

“The Circle Game” was written to inspire children as they grow up and become part of a bigger world. It has been called a song that “will always be relevant” as long as kids grow up.

Joni Mitchell says that it is actually a response to Neil Young’s song “Sugar Mountain,” but it provides a more hopeful perspective. “Sugar Mountain” was the story of a man who laments the end of his teenage years, while “The Circle Game” is a song of hope for a new chapter in life.

2. 1979, Smashing Pumpkins

“That we don't even care, as restless as we are. We feel the pull in the land of a thousand guilts.”

“1979” is considered by Rolling Stone readers to be Smashing Pumpkins’ second-best song. It was written by front man and vocalist Billy Corgan, reminiscing about the year 1979, when he was just 12 years old and transitioning into adolescence.

This song is quite different from the band’s normal music, but it is a crowd favorite because of how meaningful the lyrics are.

3. What’s My Age Again?, Blink 182

“Nobody likes you when you're twenty-three and you still act like you're in freshman year. What the hell is wrong with me?”

Blink 182 originally titled this song “Peter Pan Complex,” since it’s about immaturity and not wanting to get old. The song is about the onset of adulthood and the difficulties that come with it.

4. Jack and Diane, John Mellencamp

“Let the bible belt come and save my soul, holdin' on to sixteen as long as you can. Change is coming 'round real soon.”

This classic song from John Mellencamp perfectly encapsulates the experience of young people in mid-America and that fleeting transition from childhood to being an adult.

5. Never Get Old, Sinead O'Connor

“She moves with the music 'cause it never gets old. It's the only thing that never gets old.”

The song is about a boy who O’Connor had a crush on when she was just 16. Even though it’s pretty simple, it has gained a deeper meaning for many people as the years have gone by. Songs can be interpreted in many different ways, and this is one that touches a lot of people, regardless of what they think it is about.

6. Time, Pink Floyd

“You are young and life is long, and there is time to kill today. And then one day you find ten years have got behind you. No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.”

Written by the band’s bassist, Roger Waters, this song talks about how time passes by so quickly, especially when you are in the middle of life and feel like you no longer have anything to prepare for.

The song is notable for its long introduction, with clock ticks and alarm rings. The lyrics are rather sparse, but the music is heavy and deep. It perfectly sums up what it intends its listeners to feel—lifeless and stationary.

7. Breed, Nirvana

“I don't care, I don't care, I don't care. I don't care, I don't care, care if it's old. I don't mind, I don't mind, I don't mind.”

Breed addresses the themes of apathy and fear among American middle-class teenagers. It is a brilliant example of Kurt Cobain’s talent as a lyricist.

Pavitt describes this song as being hypnotic and stylistic, making it all the more interesting for the fans and listeners.

8. Fade Away, Oasis

“While we're living, the dreams we have as children fade away.”

Many fans agree that “Fade Away” is one of Oasis’s most underrated songs. Some have called it “energetic but ultimately sad.” We couldn’t agree more. While it is upbeat, the song’s lyrics communicate how difficult the growing up process can be.

9. I Don’t Want to Grow Up, Ramones

“Seems that folks turn into things that they never want. The only thing to live for is today.”

The original version of this song was made by Tom Waits and was about fighting against conformity. It tackles how humans are bound to feel isolated in one way or another, so they opt to stop participating in what the world has to offer.

The Ramones covered it on their 1995 farewell album entitled ¡Adios Amigos!, and it has since become one of the great songs about growing up and coming of age.

10. Changes, David Bowie

“Strange fascination, fascinating me. Changes are taking the pace I'm going through.”

This song is an incredible reflection of David Bowie’s experimentation with various musical styles. Just as he transformed his art into something better and brighter, we all grow up and become the people we are meant to be after many trials and challenges.

“Changes” was initially a flop, but it soon became a hit upon the release of its follow-up song, titled “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” It became a trademark of Bowie and was the last song he performed before he died.

11. When You Were Young, The Killers

“And sometimes you close your eyes and see the place where you used to live when you were young.”

This single is one of The Killer’s most successful songs, alongside Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told Me. It maintained its top position on the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks and reached number one on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks.

The song is all about growing up and moving on, even when your life has become stagnant. It talks about how our perceptions change as time goes by and how we have to deal with this while moving beyond childhood.

12. Ready, Set, Don’t Go, Miley & Billy Ray Cyrus

“She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that open road, but baby, get ready, get set, please don't go.”

Get some tissues ready if it’s your first time listening to this song. It’s the perfect father-and-daughter song for those who are about to start a new chapter in their lives, with their parents supporting them every step of the way.

The original version of this song was a solo by Billy Ray. He wrote it for his daughter, Miley, when she was about to move to LA to pursue her acting and singing career. It was like a coming-of-age gift for her.

13. Ghost, Kid Cudi

“The people I met and the places I've been, all will make me the man I so proudly am.”

Our interpretation of this song is that the narrator sees himself as a ghost, especially to those who he cares about. He is unnoticed, but that’s all right because the depression and rejection he feels are shaping him into the man he is becoming.

14. Hold You Down, Childish Gambino

“We warriors, we all need senseis. Change everything that we've done so far. I don't mean makin' B.E.T. T.E.R. I mean just the way that we see each other.”

Childish Gambino (aka Donal Glover) was in and out of foster homes as a child, but eventually became his own man and found success through his own through patience, grit, and a dream to make the world a better and happier place.

This back story is what makes this song interesting. It tackles stereotyping and racism against Black people and explores a Black man’s transition into adulthood, including the effects that stereotyping can have.

15. Bros, Wolf Alice

“Oh, jump that 43. Are you wild like me? Raised by wolves and other beasts, I tell you all the time.”

This song was originally from Wolf Alice’s 2013 album (demo version), but it was re-released on their 2015 debut album, Love Is Cool, as the second single. The song is dedicated to the duo’s friendship. The band considers the song to have evolved along with their career and the bond between them as friends.

16. Same Drugs, Chance the Rapper

“You were always perfect, and I was only practice. Don't you miss the days, stranger? Don't you miss the days? Don't you miss the danger?”

This song isn’t actually about drugs—it is about a love that has been lost.

Chance sings about how he and his partner are no longer on the same page (no longer using the same “drugs”). The narrator and his lover are on different paths now that they have grown up.

17. Patience, Tame Impala

“I've been waiting here, waiting for the day to come. Take us to the place takin' us where we have gone.”

This song is about the band’s hiatus in 2015. It is about how growing up can make the destination seem vague sometimes, but about how it is the journey that matters the most.

The song was written as a response to all the people asking the band about how they were doing and whether they had been progressing in their music. Patience is a virtue that both the performer and the audience needs to master.

18. Boys Will Be Boys, Dua Lipa

“Boys will be, boys will be, boys will be, boys will be boys. But girls will be women. If you're offended by this song, you're clearly doing something wrong.”

This song from Dua Lipa was quite the controversy. Initially, the artist wanted to point out how rampant gender bias is among girls and women. She raised the issues of sexism and inequality, saying that women are not weak and should be treated fairly. But some people think that the song is quite prejudiced against men. We think it depends on how you to interpret it. Regardless of your opinion, there’s no denying that it is a powerful song.

19. Give Yourself a Try, The 1975

“You learn a couple of things when you get to my age. Like friends don't lie and it all tastes the same in the dark.”

Healy wanted to emphasize the importance of self-worth and self-improvement in this song. He encourages people to “give themselves a try” while staying true to who they are. He speaks as an authority, telling people to acknowledge their past mistakes because that is key to self-appreciation and improvement. Growing up is never easy, but it can be less challenging if you know where you’re going.

20. Wake Me Up, Avicii

“So wake me up when it's all over when I'm wiser and I'm older. All this time I was finding myself, and I didn't know I was lost.”

“Wake Me Up” collaboration between DJ Avicii and Aloe Blacc. Blacc wrote his part while he was on a tour in Europe and realized how surreal his life was.

While this song speaks from the perspective of a young person who is just coming of age, it also serves as a wake-up call for adults who have already been through a lot in life. It’s a reminder to keep their feet on the ground and not waste all that they worked for when they were younger.

21. Forever Young, Bob Dylan

“May you always be courageous. Stand upright and be strong. May you stay forever young.”

“Forever Young” was dedicated to Bob Dylan’s eldest son, Jesse. It talks about how a father can feel so much joy and strength upon the birth of his child.

Some of the song’s lyrics were taken from the Book of Numbers in the Bible, which Dylan added a bit of flair to. He also released two other versions of this song—one is a lullaby, while the other is a rock version.

22. Isn’t She Lovely, Stevie Wonder

“I can't believe what God has done. Through us, he's given life to one. But isn't she lovely, made from love.”

Similar to the previous entry, this masterpiece from Stevie Wonder was written upon the birth of his daughter, Aisha Morris. It is included in his 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life, in which his instrumental talents were also emphasized.

23. There Goes My Life, Kenny Chesney

“There goes my life, there goes my future, my everything. Might as well kiss it all goodbye.”

At first glance, you might think that this song is about love, pain, and regret, but it is actually a song about gratitude and forgiveness. It is about the love that a father has for his daughter and how a man’s priorities can change over the course of his life.

24. Class of 2013, Mitski

“Mom, I'll be quiet. It would be just to sleep at night. And I'll leave once I figure out how to pay for my own life too.”

“Class of 2013” is one of Mitski’s most popular songs. It is the story of a young girl asking her mother for a bit of support while she tries to figure out what to do now that she has graduated college.

Many listeners find it relatable, which is why it is so relatable. There is a mixture of fear and sadness in Mitski’s performance of it.

25. Coat of Many Colors, Dolly Parton

“Now I know we had no money, but I was rich as I could be in my coat of many colors, my momma made for me.”

Dolly Parton’s hits always seem to have a way of reminding the listener of home. “Coat of Many Colors” is a personal song based on her childhood experiences, when her mom made her a colorful coat out of ragged materials.

26. Glory Days, Bruce Springsteen

“I think I'm going down to the well tonight, and I'm gonna drink till I get my fill. And, I hope when I get old I don't sit around thinking about it, but I probably will.”

Bruce Springsteen sings a song about the memories of youth. He thinks of the past as his “glory days,” when everything was less complicated. He also emphasizes the importance of time—that it passes quickly, so we should treasure the time we have with our loved ones.

According to sources, the song is autobiographical, especially the first part, where Bruce recounts his encounter with Joe Depugh, a former baseball teammate.

27. Teenagers, My Chemical Romance

“‘Cause they got methods of keeping you clean; they're gonna rip up your heads, your aspirations to shreds, another cog in the murder machine.”

Teenagers is considered to be one of the best coming-of-age songs, although it is a bit dark. Gerard Way has a way of using music to communicate rebellion. How does someone overcome society’s expectations? This song is a revolution anthem for teens who feel pressured to someone people they aren’t.

28. 7 Years, Lukas Graham

“It was a big, big world, but we thought we were bigger. Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker.”

Lukas Graham talks to his mom in this song. He reminisces about the time when his mom told him the importance of making friends and valuing life. As the song proceeds and he grows older, he seeks to apply the values he learned so that he won’t have any regrets.

29. Good Riddance, Green Day

“It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time. It's something unpredictable but in the end, it's right. I hope you had the time of your life.”

Billie Joe Armstrong originally wrote this song for his girlfriend who moved to Ecuador. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the band revealed that the song’s meaning soon changed because of how people interpreted it. It eventually became an anthem about how people come and go, and how this is something we need to accept, whether we like it or not.

30. We’re Going to Be Friends, The White Stripes

“Tonight I'll dream while I'm in bed when silly thoughts go through my head about the bugs and alphabet. And, when I wake tomorrow I'll bet, that you and I will walk together again.”

We’re Going to Be Friends is one of the few songs by The White Stripes that diverts from the band’s usual style. It is the story of two young friends who spend their childhood together. As time goes by, they grow and change.

31. Growing Pains, Ludacris

“And I guess the bad can get better, gotta be wrong before it's right. Every happy phrase engraved in my mind, I've always been a go-getter.”

Growing up is a universal concept—we all grow up, after all. But it is something different when you grow up in poverty. How does one adapt to a life full of struggles and adversity? Ludacris explains how to so in this song.

32. Grown Up, Danny Brown

“Rushin' out of kids just be grown up. Whoever thought I'd be the greatest growing up?”

Grown Up is yet another autobiographical song, this time featuring Danny Brown, who sings about how he was able to rise to where he is today.

It is difficult to be successful, especially when you are part of a struggling community. Nonetheless, you strive and survive because it is part of the whole process.

33. I’m Just a Kid, Simple Plan

“I'm just a kid and life is a nightmare. I'm just a kid; I know that it's not fair. Nobody cares 'cause I'm alone and the world is having more fun than me.”

Simple Plan is one of those bands that always give us relatable content, especially songs that appeal to teens and young adults. I’m Just a Kid, for instance, talks about the struggles of growing up and being an adolescent in a world full of judgmental people.

34. My Wish, Rascal Flatts

“I hope you never look back, but ya never forget all the ones who love you, in the place you left. I hope you always forgive, and you never regret, and help somebody every chance you get.”

My Wish deviates from Rascal Flatt’s usual music style since it is in the form of a ballad. It is not about growing up, per se, but rather about wishing someone well and hoping that they enjoy a life full of love and support.

35. Ready, Set, Go, Tokio Hotel

“Ready, set, go. It's time to run. The sky is changing, we are one. Together we can make it, while the world is crashing down.”

Bill Kaulitz says that his song serves as the band’s story—one about chasing your dreams and being brave enough to start new adventures. Growing up is not simply waiting for the days to pass by—it is about taking risks, seizing moments, and grabbing chances.

36. Wake Up, Arcade Fire

“Children wake up; hold your mistake up, before they turn the summer into dust if the children don't grow up.”

Wake Up is a highlight from Arcade Fire’s debut album and has long been a crowd favorite. It talks about the naivety of childhood—a stage in life where innocence is at its best. Moreover, it focuses on the importance of living life as is, without regrets, and always in the moment.

37. West Coast, Fidlar

“I'm growing up but nothing's changing. I'm so sick of this stupid place. It's so suburban and so boring. I should try and get a life.”

West Coast talks about living in a single place most of your life and wanting to break free. Moving away is part of growing up. While it is important to treasure our roots, it is equally significant to chase our dreams and pursue the life we have always wanted.

38. Opposite of Adults, Chiddy Bang

“Ayo, I once was a kid, all I had was a dream. Mo' money. mo' problems, when I get it, I'ma pile it up. Now I'm dope wonder-bread we can toast.”

Finding your place in the world is one of the struggles you face while growing up. Where do you belong? Where do you actually fit in? That is what Chiddy Bang talks about in this song. No matter the circumstances, you need to prioritize yourself. Stay true to who you are and you will eventually find your place.

39. 17, Youth Lagoon

“When I was seventeen, my mother said to me, “Don't stop imagining. The day that you do is the day that you die.”

The song 17 may well be a reference to that short period of time just before adulthood. The song is generally about feeling misunderstood as a child. It talks about the struggles of not being able to fit in with the rest of the world.

40. Kids, MGMT

“The memories fade like looking through a fogged mirror; decisions to decisions are made and not bought. But, I thought this wouldn't hurt a lot, I guess not.”

Andrew VanWyngarden sings this song as an ode to childhood and all the memories that came with it. It was written while the band was dreaming of a fantasy world where it is easy to live a life full of happy moments. The song generally aims to elicit a feeling of nostalgic innocence.

41. Seasons (Waiting on You), Future Islands

“People change, but you know some people never do. You know, when people change, they gain a piece but they lose one too.”

What does growing up involve? Seasons by Future Islands seem to have the answer—falling in love, letting go, and learning from your mistakes. Like the various seasons of the year, people change as they grow up. They get stronger through their life experiences.

42. Teenage Talk, St. Vincent

“That was before we had made some terrible mistakes. That’s just teenage talk. I don’t think the past is better, better, just ‘cause it’s cased in glass, protecting us from our now and later.”

The song is basically what the title suggests—talking to your friends about your teenage years. It was written by Annie Clark, who was inspired by her life in Texas back in the day. She made some mistakes while a teenager, but she also learned a lot along the way.

43. Young, Kenny Chesney

“In our rock ‘n roll tee shirts and our typically bad attitudes, had no excuses for the things that we'd done. We were brave, we were crazy, we were mostly young.”

This song tells the story of a guy who is young and having fun with his friends. It provides a lot of nostalgia for listeners, especially those who had similar experiences when they were kids. Growing up is fun, but eventually we all come to the point where we realize we are no longer young—and that’s when we start wishing for days past.

44. The Best Day, George Strait

“Lookin’ at him, I said, “I can't believe, son, that you've grown.” He said, “Dad this could be the best day of my life. Been dreamin' day and night, about being like you, just me and her.”

The Best Day tells the story of a father from the perspective of his son. The “best day” being referred to is the son’s wedding day, when he tells his father that he hopes to be like him—a man who loves and cherishes his family

45. Winter, Tori Amos

“Hair is gray and the fires are burning. So many dreams on the shelf. You say I wanted you to be proud. I always wanted that myself.”

Tori Amos celebrates fatherly love in this emotional rendition of this song. It speaks of how a father wishes for his daughter to live a happy life once he is gone. As such, he teaches her valuable life lessons.

But more than that, the song is a reminder that everyone reaches a point in life where we want the people around us to be happy, even without our presence. This is why it is so important to show how much we love and care for them while we still can.

46. The Suburbs, Arcade Fire

“So can you understand that I want a daughter while I’m still young? I want to hold her hand and show her some beauty before this damage is done.”

This isn’t a song for the suburbs, but rather a song from the suburbs. It focuses on preserving beauty and innocence and talks about the fact that although change is good, we all need to treasure what we grew up with.

47. Cats in the Cradle, Harry Chapin

“I've long since retired, my son's moved away. I called him up just the other day. I said, “I'd like to see you if you don't mind,” He said, “I'd love to, Dad, if I could find the time.”

Cats in the Cradle has a very straightforward message—family is more important than work. We need to make time for our loved ones (especially our children) while we still can. The song reminds us that time can’t be run in reverse, so we need to cherish the moments we have with them.

48. In My Life, The Beatles

“Though I know I'll never lose affection for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more.”

All of The Beatles’ songs are timeless, but this may be one of the most heartfelt numbers they ever wrote. It does not focus on growing up, but rather emphasizes the importance of looking back at the memories that you shared with the most important people in your life.

49. Youth, Shawn Mendes ft. Khalid

“My youth, my youth is yours. Trippin' on skies, sippin' waterfalls. My youth, my youth is yours. Runaway now and forevermore.”

This song represents Shawn Mendes’s attempt to become more socially conscious through his lyrics. He wrote it to let the world know his generation’s thoughts about anxiety and mental instability.

50. Don’t You Worry Child, Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin

“That's where I had my first heartbreak. I still remember how it all changed. My father said, “Don't you worry, don't you worry child. See, Heaven's got a plan for you.”

Don’t You Worry Child is actually a love song full of innocence and naiveté. The narrator expresses his lingering feelings for an old, teenage love, but at the same time finds a way to be strong after a heartbreak. It speaks of how one should learn from such failures to become more mature and reasonable.

51. When They Reminisce Over You, Pete Rock & CL Smooth

“When they reminisce over you, listen to the funky song as I rock on. And, that's word is bond. I'm not playin'. Everybody, just coolin’.”

This song is a tribute to Trouble T-Roy, the singer’s partner in his rap duo. It is a classic, having been covered by many other artists. A song about growing up, it retells the story of T-Roy and how he was able to have a significant impact on Pete Rock’s life.

Final Words on Songs About Growing Up & Coming of Age

Did you find a song kin this collection that reflected your life and experience growing up? Regardless of who we are or what we go through, life can be a roller coaster of emotions and experiences. We need to make the best of it while it lasts.

We hope that these songs about growing up and coming of age have made you realize what is important in life. Enjoy every moment you have—after all, you only live once.

And if you're looking for more resources on songs, be sure to check out these blog posts: