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The 12 Best Songs About Growing Up, Ranked

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Published Feb 27, 2024

When it comes to emotional music, not much compares to songs about growing up. Growing up is a universal experience that we all navigate through, filled with moments of joy, heartache, and self-discovery. Music has a unique way of capturing the essence of these formative years, providing a soundtrack to our memories and emotions. From anthems of youthful rebellion to poignant reflections on the passage of time, here are the 12 best songs about growing up that have resonated with listeners across generations.

12. "We Are Young" - Fun. feat. Janelle Monáe

Album: Some Nights

Release Year: 2011

With its anthemic chorus and spirited melody, "We Are Young" encapsulates the invincible spirit of youth. The song's themes of living in the moment and embracing fleeting moments of joy make it a timeless anthem for those navigating the tumultuous journey of growing up.

11. "Teenage Dream" - Katy Perry

Album: Teenage Dream

Release Year: 2010

Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" is a nostalgic ode to the intoxicating rush of first love and the reckless abandon of youth. Its infectious melody and dreamy lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for the innocence and passion of adolescence, resonating with listeners of all ages.

10. "Fast Car" - Tracy Chapman

Album: Tracy Chapman

Release Year: 1988

Tracy Chapman's ballad "Fast Car" paints a vivid portrait of escaping the constraints of poverty and striving for a better life. The song's raw emotion and poignant storytelling capture the longing for freedom and independence that often accompanies the journey into adulthood.

9. "Young" - The Chainsmokers

Album: Bouquet

Release Year: 2013

The Chainsmokers' "Young" is an electrifying anthem about seizing the moment and living life to the fullest. With its euphoric beats and empowering lyrics, the song encapsulates the fearless spirit of youth and the desire to break free from societal constraints, making it a quintessential song about growing up.

8. "Wake Me Up When September Ends"

Album: American Idiot

Release Year: 2004

Green Day's "Wake Me Up When September Ends" is a powerful exploration of loss, grief, and the passage of time. The song's evocative lyrics and emotive melody strike a chord with listeners, capturing the universal experience of grappling with tragedy and growing pains.

7. "The Middle" - Jimmy Eat World

Album: Bleed American

Release Year: 2001

Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle" is an uplifting anthem about resilience, self-acceptance, and finding your place in the world. With its catchy hooks and empowering message, the song has become a beloved anthem for anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain while navigating the challenges of growing up.

6. "Ribs" - Lorde

Album: Pure Heroine

Release Year: 2013

Lorde's "Ribs" is a meditation on the fleeting nature of youth and the fear of growing older. With its ethereal production and introspective lyrics, the song captures the anxiety and uncertainty that accompanies the notion of growing up.

5. "Glory Days" - Bruce Springsteen

Album: Born in the U.S.A.

Release Year: 1984

Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" is a wistful reflection on the passage of time and the nostalgia for the carefree days of youth. The song's rousing chorus and vivid storytelling evoke a sense of longing for the innocence and exuberance of adolescence, making it a timeless classic about growing up.

4. "Landslide" - Fleetwood Mac

Album: Fleetwood Mac

Release Year: 1975

"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac is a soul-stirring reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Stevie Nicks' noteworthy vocals and introspective lyrics resonate with listeners, serving as a poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of growing up and facing life's challenges.

3. "1979" - The Smashing Pumpkins

Album: Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

Release Year: 1995

The Smashing Pumpkins' "1979" is a nostalgic reflection on teenage angst, rebellion, and the search for identity. Its infectious melody and evocative lyrics transport listeners back to the carefree days of youth, making it a beloved anthem for anyone who has ever felt the exhilaration and confusion of growing up.

2. "Don't You (Forget About Me)" - Simple Minds

Album: The Breakfast Club Soundtrack

Release Year: 1985

Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)" is an iconic anthem of teenage rebellion and defiance, immortalized by its association with the classic coming-of-age film, The Breakfast Club. Its anthemic chorus and anthological lyrics resonate with listeners of all ages, serving as a timeless reminder of the universal desire to be seen and understood during the tumultuous journey of growing up.

1. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - Nirvana

Album: Nevermind

Release Year: 1991

Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" revolutionized the music industry and became an anthem for disaffected youth around the world. With its raw energy, scathing lyrics, and explosive chorus, the song captured the disillusionment and alienation of a generation coming of age in a rapidly changing world. Its enduring popularity and cultural impact solidify its place as the ultimate song about growing up.