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Getting older can be intimidating, but these coming-of-age songs about growing up can help you reminisce about your childhood and be hopeful for your future.
Really pay attention to the lyrics of these pop, rap, rock, and country songs, so you can learn to live your life to the fullest.
54 Songs About Growing Up
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✨ Speaking of your inner child, have you downloaded your free inner child healing workbook yet? 👇
POP SONGS ABOUT GROWING UP
1. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C
The ultimate song about growing up, “Graduation” reminds you that you have your whole life ahead of you after high school.
Relatable lyrics:
And so we talked all night about the rest of our lives
Where we’re gonna be when we turn twenty-five
I keep thinking times will never change
Keep on thinking things will always be the same
2. “Kids” by MGMT
Most often not, being a “Kid‘ means you get to be carefree — if only for a little while.
Relatable lyrics:
You were a child crawlin’ on your knees toward it
Makin’ Mama so proud, but your voice is too loud
We like to watch you laughin’
You pick the insects off plants,
No time to think of consequences
Honor your inner child:
👉 12 Fun-Filled Inner Child Subscription Boxes
3. “7 Years” by Lukas Graham
“7 Years” is an emotional song about taking your parent’s advice of living your life to the fullest.
Relatable lyrics:
Once, I was twenty years old, my story got told
I was writing ’bout everything I saw before me
Once, I was twenty years old
4. “Here’s to Never Growing Up” by Avril Lavigne
“Here’s to Never Growing Up” is about teens and young adults who want to be able to do things that adults do (like drinking and partying) but never having to deal with the consequences.
Relatable lyrics:
Singing, “Here’s to never growing up”
We’ll be runnin’ down the street yelling, “Kiss my ass”
I’m like, “Yeah, whatever, we’re still living like that” (Like that)
5. “17” by Youth Lagoon
When you need a reminder to honor your inner child and listen to what it’s telling you, play “17“.
Relatable lyrics:
When I was seventeen
My mother said to me
“Don’t stop imagining.
The day that you do is the day that you die.”
6. “Patience” by Tame Impala
Our life is made up of seasons, and “Patience” offers that even though it might not seem like it, things can turn around as we grow older.
Relatable lyrics:
Just growin’ up in stages
(Lay down, low down)
Livin’ life in phases
Another season changes
And still, my days are shapeless
7. “Kids in America” by Kim Wilde
If you love the music scene, “Kids in America” inspires you to keep your youth alive with the music you listen to.
Relatable lyrics:
We’re the kids in America (Woah)
We’re the kids in America (Woah)
Everybody live for the music-go-round
8. “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin
“Don’t You Worry Child” tells the story of how, sometimes, our childhood was not what it seemed.
Relatable lyrics:
There was a time I used to look into my father’s eyes
In a happy home, I was a king, I had a golden throne
Those days are gone, now the memory’s on the wall
I hear the songs from the places where I was born
9. “Dancing Queen” by Abba
“Dancing Queen” is hands down one of the most iconic songs about dancing to ever be made, and it’s all about letting yourself feel free at seventeen.
Relatable lyrics:
You are the dancing queen
Young and sweet,
Only seventeen
Have you hear these self-love songs?
👉 52 Self-Love Songs (to Boost Your Confidence and Self-Esteem)
10. “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” by Britney Spears
The legendary Britney Spears sings about the awkward stage from being a girl to feeling like an adult in “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman“.
Relatable lyrics:
I’m not a girl
Not yet a woman
All I need is time, a moment that is mine
While I’m in between
I’m not a girl
11. “We Are Young” by Fun ft. Janelle Monáe
If you want to forget your responsibilities of adulthood for a while, “We Are Young” will be your anthem.
Relatable lyrics:
Tonight
We are young
So let’s set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun
More ways to connect with your younger self:
👉 13 Nostalgic Activities to Reconnect with Your Inner Child
12. “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson
“Breakaway” provides comfort as you break away from your childhood home and enter the “real world”.
Relatable lyrics:
I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly
I’ll do what it takes ’til I touch the sky
And I’ll make a wish
Take a chance, take a change
And break away
13. “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
Life should be more than just the rise and grind of work, and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” inspires you to let loose.
Relatable lyrics:
That’s all they really want
Some fun
When the working day is done
Oh, girls—they wanna have fun
More ways to have fun:
👉 33 Sentimental Toys for Your Inner Child (for 90s Babies)
14. “18” by 5 Seconds of Summer
At times a little inappropriate, “18” is all about looking forward to exploring your sexuality.
Relatable lyrics:
You got me waiting in a queue
For a bar I can’t get into
I’m not old enough for you
I’m just waiting ’til I’m eighteen
15. “Young” by The Chainsmokers
First loves are intense and feel like they’ll always be your last love, but “Young” looks at the harsh reality of most relationships.
Relatable lyrics:
We were so young when
We thought that we knew how to love
Fought about anything,
Everything led to dysfunction
16. “Teenage Mind” by Tate McRae
Teenagers often think they know everything, and “Teenage Mind” reminds us that we’re always growing and looking for genuine connections.
Relatable lyrics:
Some girls get all done up, lose their face to repair
They attend every party, but it’s taking them nowhere
Some think it’s funny, say they don’t even care
But on the inside they wish they were there
17. “Sixteen” by No Doubt
Even though “Sixteen” year olds are still very young, they’re allowed to have a valid opinion, wants, and needs.
Relatable lyrics:
Now you’re finally sixteen
And you’re feelin’ old
But they, they won’t believe
That you got a soul
18. “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” by The Sound of Music
“Sixteen Going On Seventeen” encourages teenagers to not have being in a relationship as the end goal.
Relatable lyrics:
You are sixteen going on seventeen
Baby, it’s time to think
Better beware, be canny and careful
Baby, you’re on the brink
Coming-of-age movie recommendations:
👉 27 Movies About Childhood Friends (Filled with Nostalgia)
ROCK SONGS ABOUT GROWING UP
19. “Forever Young” by Youth Group
If you’re a fan of The O.C., then “Forever Young” probably fills you with happy, sad, and nostalgic feelings.
Relatable lyrics:
Let us die young or let us live forever
We don’t have the power but we never say never
Sitting in a sandpit, life is a short trip
The music’s for the sad men
More TV show recommendations:
👉 28 Coming-of-Age TV Shows (Bursting with 90s and 2000s Nostalgia)
20. “Dammit” by Blink-182
Sometimes we lose track of our responsibilities in a relationship, but “Dammit” encourages us to step up to the plate.
Relatable lyrics:
But everybody’s gone,
And I’ve been here for too long
To face this on my own,
Well, I guess this is growing up
21. “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
“Glory Days” sings about reminiscing on the wonderful, good ol’ days.
Relatable lyrics:
Well, there’s a girl that lives up the block
Back in school, she could turn all the boys’ heads
Sometimes on a Friday, I’ll stop by and have a few drinks
After she put her kids to bed
22. “I’m Just A Kid” by Simple Plan
Sadly, we can sometimes feel like we’re wasting our youth away, and “I’m Just A Kid” encaptures this feeling.
Relatable lyrics:
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
Tonight
23. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
Life is filled with highs and lows, and “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” stresses that you make the most of it.
Relatable lyrics:
So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it’s worth it was worth all the while
24. “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” by The Ramones
“I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” is all about not wanting to live the standard life that we’re led to believe.
Relatable lyrics:
When I see the 5 o’clock news
I don’t wanna grow up
Comb their hair and shine their shoes
I don’t wanna grow up
25. “Teenagers” by My Chemical Romance
If you grew up feeling like you don’t fit into the crowd, “Teenagers” will give you the boost to live your authentic life.
Relatable lyrics:
They said “All teenagers scare the living shit out of me
They could care less as long as someone’ll bleed”
So, darken your clothes or strike a violent pose
Maybe they’ll leave you alone, but not me
Movies about bullying:
👉 28 Best Movies About Bullying (for Teens, Kids, and Adults!)
26. “Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard
“Ocean Avenue” relives the fun, carefree times of being a teenager in love.
Relatable lyrics:
There’s a place off Ocean Avenue
Where I used to sit and talk with you
We were both 16 and it felt so right
Sleeping all day, staying up all night
27. “We’re Going To Be Friends” by The White Stripes
Your first days of high school were super memorable, and “We’re Going to Be Friends” reminisces on this.
Relatable lyrics:
Fall is here, hear the yell
Back to school, ring the bell
Brand new shoes, walking blues
Climb the fence, books and pens
I can tell that we are gonna be friends
28. “High School Never Ends” by Bowling For Soup
Even as we get older, “High School Never Ends” reminds us that we’re all a little immature at times.
Relatable lyrics:
Then when you graduate
Ya take a look around and you say, “Hey, wait!
This is the same as where I just came from
I thought it was over! Aw, that’s just great”
29. “West Coast” by FIDLAR
When you want more out of life than the 9 to 5, “West Coast” motivates you to go after more in life.
Relatable lyrics:
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
30. “100 Years” by Five For Fighting
I remember thinking how cheesy (and almost annoying) “100 Years” was growing up, but now it makes me super emotional.
Relatable lyrics:
I’m fifteen for a moment
Caught in between ten and twenty
And I’m just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
And now that I’m in my 30s, I realize just how fast life flies by.
31. “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus
“Teenage Dirtbag” is all about having a teenage crush who you think is above you.
Relatable lyrics:
‘Cause I’m just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Yeah, I’m just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Listen to Iron Maiden, baby, with me, ooh
32. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
Having sex for the first time can be a (somewhat) scary experience, and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” expresses that that’s normal.
Relatable lyrics:
Load up on guns, bring your friends
It’s fun to lose and to pretend
She’s over-bored and self-assured
Oh no, I know a dirty word
33. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
Trying new things on a regular basis can help you stay “Forever Young“.
Relatable lyrics:
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart, you’ll always stay
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young
34. “When You Were Young” by The Killers
Starting a new relationship can cause you to feel the same butterflies you used to feel “When You Were Young“.
Relatable lyrics:
And sometimes you close your eyes
And see the place where you used to live
When you were young
35. “When I Grow Up” by Garbage
Growing up doesn’t automatically make you more mature, and “When I Grow Up” speaks about living out your youth well into adulthood.
Relatable lyrics:
When I grow up,
I’ll be stable
When I grow up,
I’ll turn the tables
36. “Teenage Kicks” by The Undertones
“Teenage Kicks” looks back at the lust and raging hormones we often felt as a teenager.
Relatable lyrics:
Are teenage dreams so hard to beat
Every time she walks down the street
Another girl in the neighborhood
Wish she was mine, she looks so good
37. “Our Lives” by The Calling
“Our Lives” warns you to live your life to the absolute fullest, because memories fill our lives with the best times.
Relatable lyrics:
Cause these are the days worth living
These are the years we’re given
And these are the moments
These are the times
Let’s make the best out of our lives
38. “Vienna” by Billy Joel
“Vienna” is one of those songs about growing up that speaks to your soul.
Relatable lyrics:
Slow down, you crazy child
And take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while
It’s all right, you can afford to lose a day or two, ooh
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?
39. “Only The Young” by Journey
When you’re younger, you get to be more carefree, and “Only The Young” insists that us adults should feel that freedom as well.
Relatable lyrics:
Only the young can say
They’re free to fly away
Sharing the same desires
Burnin’ like wildfire
40. “The Kids Aren’t Alright” by The Offspring
As “The Kids Aren’t Alright” expresses, kids usually feel like anything’s possible before the real world sinks in.
Relatable lyrics:
When we were young the future was so bright (Whoa)
The old neighborhood was so alive (Whoa)
And every kid on the whole damn street (Whoa)
Was gonna make it big and not be beat
41. “Fat Lip” by Sum 41
“Fat Lip” is all about going against the grain and being the opposite of society’s expectations.
Relatable lyrics:
I know I’m not the one you thought you knew back in high school
Never going, never showing up when we had to
Attention that we crave, don’t tell us to behave
I’m sick of always hearing “act your age”
42. “18 And Life” by Skid Row
Living through childhood trauma causes you to grow up fast, and “18 And Life” prefaces this.
Relatable lyrics:
Ricky was a young boy, he had a heart of stone
Lived nine to five and worked his fingers to the bone
Just barely out of school, came from the edge of town
Fought like a switchblade so no one could take him down
More songs about childhood trauma:
👉 40 Child Abuse Songs (When You Had a Bad Childhood)
43. “I’m Eighteen” by Alice Cooper
Society expects us to be fully grown when “I’m Eighteen“, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Relatable lyrics:
Cause I’m eighteen
I get confused every day
Eighteen, I just don’t know what to say
Eighteen, I gotta get away
44. “My Generation” by The Who
“My Generation” talks about how older generations can be quite judgmental towards younger generations.
Relatable lyrics:
People try to put us down (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Just because we get around (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Things they do look awful cold (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I hope I die before I get old (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
45. “Smokin’ In The Boy’s Room” by Mötley Crüe
As the name implies, “Smokin’ In The Boy’s Room” is about being a rebel and smoking in the bathroom at school.
Relatable lyrics:
Sittin’ in the classroom thinkin’ it’s a drag
Listening to the teacher rap-just ain’t my bag
When two bells ring you know it’s my cue
Gonna meet the boys on floor number 2
RAP SONGS ABOUT GROWING UP
46. “8Teen” by Khalid
“8Teen” showcases what it’s like to fall in love for the first time while having strict parents.
Relatable lyrics:
Because I’m eighteen
And I still live with my parents
Yeah they’re not like yours
Well yours are more understanding
47. “Same Drugs” by Chance The Rapper
With references to Peter Pan, “Same Drugs” mentions growing up and becoming dependent on drugs.
Relatable lyrics:
When did you change?
Wendy, you’ve aged
I thought you’d never grow up
I thought you’d never
48. “When I Grow Up” by NF
Sometimes you can’t help but think “When I Grow Up“, because you can go and live out your wildest dreams.
Relatable lyrics:
Yeah, when I grow up, you know what I wanna be?
Take a seat, let me tell you my ridiculous dreams
I wanna rap—yeah, I know it’s hard to believe
And I can tell you’re already thinkin’ I will never succeed
49. “Growing Up” by Macklemore and Ed Sheeran
If you’re a parent, you’ll relate to the message “Growing Up” provides: you’re doing the best you can.
Relatable lyrics:
Sometimes I don’t know who I am
Sometimes I question why I’m here
I just wanna be a good dad
Will I be? I have no idea
50. “Young, Dumb & Broke” by Khalid
“Young, Dumb & Broke” offers a glimpse into high school relationships and how they can be filled with fun and love.
Relatable lyrics:
I’m so high at the moment
I’m so caught up in this
Yeah, we’re just young, dumb and broke
But we still got love to give
COUNTRY SONGS ABOUT GROWING UP
51. “Fifteen” by Taylor Swift
When we’re “Fifteen“, we feel like we’ve got the whole world figured out, but life is about not thinking too far into the future.
Relatable lyrics:
‘Cause when you’re fifteen
And somebody tells you they love you
You’re gonna believe them
And when you’re fifteen
Feeling like there’s nothing to figure out
52. “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” by Billy Ray Cyrus feat. Miley Cyrus
“Ready, Set, Don’t Go” is about watching your kid grow up and chase their dream and you supporting them — even when it hurts to let them go.
Relatable lyrics:
I’m at the startin’ line of the rest of my life
As ready as I’ve ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in my eyes
The prize is mine to win
53. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
“Landslide” expresses how scary it can be to get older and have things change.
Relatable lyrics:
Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too
54. “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift
When you’re a kid, life can seem so simple, and “Never Grow Up” encourages you to keep that youthful innocence.
Relatable lyrics:
Oh darling, don’t you ever grow up
Don’t you ever grow up, just stay this little
Oh darling, don’t you ever grow up
Don’t you ever grow up, it could stay this simple
Have fun with your inner child:
👉 13 Nostalgic Activities to Reconnect with Your Inner Child
Best songs about growing up
The 54 songs about growing up featured above showcase what it’s like to get older in the fun, memorable, and even emotional lyrics.
Life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and you’re never too old to honor your inner child.
💾 Bookmark this page for the best songs with lyrics about growing up.
More inner child healing posts:
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- 101 Healing Inner Child Affirmations (to Reparent Yourself)
- 70 Healing Inner Child Quotes (to Help Overcome Childhood Trauma)
- 13 Nostalgic Activities to Reconnect with Your Inner Child
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- 17 Must-Have Healing Gifts for Your Inner Child
- 11 Ways to Heal Childhood Trauma Spiritually (and Awaken Your Inner Child)
- 23 Inner Child Oracle Cards (for Deep Shadow Work)
- 23 Tarot Decks (for Intense Inner Child Work)
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