Turning 21 is a rite of passage, marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It’s a time of excitement, uncertainty, and self-discovery. It’s no surprise that this milestone age has been a source of inspiration for musicians, who have written countless songs about the ups and downs of being 21. From the thrill of newfound freedom to the pangs of loneliness and heartbreak, the songs on this list capture the range of emotions that come with this pivotal time in life. Whether you’re currently 21, or looking back on your own experiences from a different perspective, these songs are sure to evoke memories and spark nostalgia. From classic rock anthems to contemporary pop hits, these are the 20 best songs about being 21.
1. “Twenty One” by Cranberries
“Twenty One” is a melancholic and nostalgic song by the Irish rock band Cranberries. The track is a tribute to the late frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan and reflects on the memories and experiences of the band’s youth. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics evoke a sense of longing and sadness, as the singer recounts the passage of time and the bittersweet feeling of growing up. With its atmospheric arrangements and emotional delivery, “Twenty One” is a powerful tribute to a fallen hero and a testament to the enduring influence of Cranberries’ music.
2. “21” by The Starting Line
“21” by The Starting Line is a high-energy pop punk track that celebrates the freedom and excitement of youth. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus are paired with lyrics that reflect on the rush of coming of age, and the feeling of limitless potential that comes with being young and carefree. With its driving guitar riffs and anthemic chorus, “21” is a feel-good anthem that captures the spirit of youthful energy and exuberance. This song is sure to get fans moving and singing along, making it a staple of the pop punk genre and a must-listen for anyone looking for a fun, energetic soundtrack to their next adventure.
3. “Twenty‐One” by Eagles
“Twenty-One” by the Eagles is a classic rock ballad that explores themes of growing up, regret, and the passage of time. The song features a slow and soulful melody, accompanied by the band’s signature harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. The singer reflects on missed opportunities and the lessons learned through experience, singing about the wisdom that comes with age and the regrets that linger from our younger years. With its timeless themes and memorable melody, “Twenty-One” is a classic Eagles track that has stood the test of time, and continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. This song is a must-listen for fans of classic rock, and is sure to evoke memories of youth and nostalgia for those who have experienced the trials and tribulations of growing up.
4. “21 and Invincible” by Something Corporate
“21 and Invincible” by Something Corporate is a pop-punk track that captures the feelings of youth and freedom. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat rhythm are paired with lyrics that reflect on the excitement and fear of facing the world for the first time. The singer reflects on the uncertainty and unpredictability of the future, and the sense of invincibility that comes with being young and fearless. With its high-energy chorus and celebratory spirit, “21 and Invincible” is a anthem for the young and restless, capturing the energy and excitement of youth in a powerful and memorable way. This song is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at live shows and a must-listen for fans of pop-punk and alternative rock.
5. “Mama Tried” by Waylon Jennings
“Mama Tried” by Waylon Jennings is a classic country song that reflects on the challenges of life and the sacrifices of a mother’s love. The song’s twangy guitar and soulful melody are paired with lyrics that tell a story of a rebel who tries to find his place in the world, despite the difficulties he faces. The singer pays tribute to his mother’s unconditional love and unwavering support, even as he struggled to find his own way in life. With its heartfelt lyrics and powerful delivery, “Mama Tried” is a timeless classic that has been covered by numerous artists and continues to resonate with fans of country music. This song is a must-listen for fans of classic country and those who appreciate the emotional depth and storytelling of the genre.
6. “21 Forever” by Punchline
“21 Forever” by Punchline is a pop-punk track that celebrates the spirit of youth and the feeling of immortality that comes with being young. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus are paired with lyrics that reflect on the excitement and freedom of being young and carefree. The singer reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and the desire to hold onto the memories and experiences of our younger years. With its high-energy chorus and upbeat tempo, “21 Forever” is a feel-good anthem that captures the spirit of youthful energy and exuberance. This song is sure to get fans moving and singing along, making it a must-listen for anyone looking for a fun and energetic pop-punk anthem.
7. “I’m a Man” by Bo Diddley
“I’m a Man” by Bo Diddley is a classic R&B track that showcases the singer’s signature sound and style. The song’s driving beat and electrifying guitar riffs are paired with lyrics that celebrate the power and confidence of masculinity. The singer boasts of his strength and prowess, declaring himself a man among men. With its bluesy guitar and energetic delivery, “I’m a Man” is a classic example of Bo Diddley’s innovative and influential sound, which helped to define the R&B genre and lay the foundation for rock ‘n’ roll. This song is a must-listen for fans of classic R&B and those who appreciate the roots of rock ‘n’ roll and its impact on modern music.
8. “Pensive” by Homebound
“Pensive” by Homebound is an emotional pop-punk track that explores themes of introspection and self-discovery. The song’s melodic guitar riffs and introspective lyrics are paired with a passionate vocal performance, creating a powerful and moving tribute to the journey of personal growth. The singer reflects on the challenges of navigating life and the struggle to find one’s place in the world, exploring the highs and lows of the human experience with honesty and vulnerability. With its powerful lyrics and emotional delivery, “Pensive” is a standout track from Homebound, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human condition and the struggles of growing up. This song is a must-listen for fans of pop-punk and those who appreciate music that speaks to the heart and soul.
9. “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” by Mary Chapin Carpenter
“He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” by Mary Chapin Carpenter is a poignant country ballad that explores themes of love and commitment. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar and tender vocals are paired with lyrics that tell the story of a man who takes his wife for granted, failing to see the depth of her love and devotion. The singer reflects on the complexities of relationships and the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of our loved ones. With its touching lyrics and emotional delivery, “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” is a powerful reminder of the importance of love and appreciation in relationships, making it a must-listen for fans of country music and those who appreciate songs that explore the human experience.
10. “21” by Gracie Abrams
“21” by Gracie Abrams is an introspective pop ballad that explores the complexities of growing up and navigating life’s challenges. The song’s mellow acoustic guitar and delicate vocals are paired with lyrics that reflect on the fear and uncertainty that come with entering adulthood. The singer reflects on the struggles of growing up and finding one’s place in the world, exploring the joys and struggles of the human experience with honesty and vulnerability. With its touching lyrics and emotional delivery, “21” is a standout track from Gracie Abrams, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human condition and the struggles of growing up. This song is a must-listen for fans of introspective pop and those who appreciate music that speaks to the heart and soul.
11. “Next” by The Weeknd
“Next” by The Weeknd is a sensual R&B track that explores themes of desire and temptation. The song’s smooth beats and seductive vocals are paired with lyrics that detail the singer’s pursuit of a forbidden love interest. The Weeknd’s smooth and alluring delivery perfectly captures the emotions of desire and temptation, creating a powerful and captivating listen. The song’s irresistible sound and explicit lyrics make it a standout track from The Weeknd, showcasing his unique style and vocal talent. “Next” is a must-listen for fans of contemporary R&B and those who appreciate music that pushes boundaries and explores the darker side of human desire.
12. “Anthem” by Blink-182
“Anthem” by Blink-182 is a fast-paced pop-punk anthem that celebrates the joys of youth and freedom. The song’s energetic guitar riffs and upbeat drumming are paired with lyrics that reflect on the carefree spirit of adolescence and the desire to escape the responsibilities of adulthood. The band’s signature blend of humor and sincerity creates a lively and enjoyable listen, capturing the essence of punk-rock and the youthful energy that defines the genre. “Anthem” is a standout track from Blink-182, offering a powerful tribute to the unbridled spirit of youth and the importance of embracing life’s opportunities. This song is a must-listen for fans of pop-punk and those who appreciate music that celebrates the joys of adolescence.
13. “21 Savage” by Damier Legato
“21 Savage” by Damier Legato is a hard-hitting rap track that pays homage to the iconic rapper 21 Savage. The song’s aggressive beats and powerful lyrics are paired with references to 21 Savage’s life and music, creating a dynamic and intense listen. The rapper’s confident delivery and intense lyrics perfectly capture the energy and intensity that define 21 Savage’s music, making “21 Savage” a must-listen for fans of the genre. This song is a standout track from Damier Legato, showcasing his lyrical skills and his ability to pay tribute to one of rap’s biggest stars. “21 Savage” is a must-listen for fans of hip-hop and those who appreciate music that pays homage to the legends of the genre.
14. “21” by H.E.R.
“21” by H.E.R. is a soulful R&B ballad that explores the challenges and emotions of young love. The song’s delicate piano and H.E.R’s powerful vocals are paired with lyrics that detail the ups and downs of a relationship at a young age. The singer’s emotive delivery perfectly captures the uncertainty and vulnerability that define young love, creating a deeply moving and relatable listen. “21” is a standout track from H.E.R, showcasing her soulful voice and her ability to craft powerful ballads that explore the complexities of relationships. This song is a must-listen for fans of contemporary R&B and those who appreciate music that tackles the emotions of young love with honesty and sensitivity.
15. “Twenty-One” by The Shirelles
“Twenty-One” by The Shirelles is a classic girl group hit from the early 1960s. The upbeat, lively song features tight harmonies and a catchy melody, making it a fun and memorable listen. The lyrics of “Twenty-One” center around the idea of wanting to grow up and experience all that life has to offer, and the excitement of finally reaching the age of 21. With its upbeat energy and infectious hook, “Twenty-One” is a standout track from The Shirelles, and a must-listen for fans of classic girl groups and early 1960s pop music. This song is a timeless classic that still sounds fresh and exciting today, and is sure to bring a smile to your face with its upbeat energy and memorable melody.
16. “Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne
“Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne is a classic rock song that was released in 1977. The song features a driving rhythm section and Browne’s signature expressive voice, and is a meditation on life on the road as a touring musician. The lyrics of “Running on Empty” describe the feeling of being constantly on the move and never having a moment to catch one’s breath. Despite the weariness that comes with the lifestyle, there is a sense of excitement and freedom in the song, as the narrator reflects on the experiences and memories that come with life on the road. With its powerful vocals and memorable melody, “Running on Empty” is a standout track from Jackson Browne and a must-listen for fans of classic rock. The song remains a fan favorite to this day, and is widely considered to be one of Browne’s best works.
17. “Twenty One” by Greyson Chance
“Twenty One” by Greyson Chance is a piano-driven pop ballad that reflects on the singer’s experiences growing up and the changes that come with aging. The song features Chance’s smooth and emotive vocals, as he sings about the excitement and uncertainty of entering adulthood. The lyrics of “Twenty One” express a sense of longing for the innocence and carefree days of youth, while also embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with growing up. The song’s simple but effective melody, combined with its relatable lyrics, make it a standout track that connects with listeners on an emotional level. Whether you’re 21 or not, “Twenty One” is a thought-provoking and introspective tune that showcases the talent of Greyson Chance and his ability to craft memorable and impactful pop music.
18. “Captain Jack” by Billy Joel
“Captain Jack” by Billy Joel is a classic rock song that tells the story of a young man who finds himself lost in a world of drugs and addiction. The song’s catchy and upbeat melody contrasts with the dark and thought-provoking lyrics, which describe the downward spiral of the narrator as he becomes addicted to drugs and falls into a life of crime and desperation. Joel’s distinctive vocals, combined with his playful piano playing, add to the song’s upbeat energy, while also conveying a sense of urgency and warning to the listener. “Captain Jack” is a powerful and thought-provoking anthem that highlights the dangers of drug addiction and the importance of seeking help. The song’s timeless message, combined with its upbeat melody, make it a standout track in Billy Joel’s extensive catalog of classic hits.
19. “21” by Yung Pinch
“21” by Yung Pinch is a dynamic and energetic hip-hop track that showcases the rapper’s impressive flow and lyrical prowess. The song’s upbeat and bass-heavy beat sets the stage for Pinch’s confident rhymes, which detail his experiences and reflections on life at the age of 21. Throughout the song, Pinch raps about his rise to fame, his struggles and successes, and his determination to continue making music. The song’s catchy chorus, memorable hooks, and infectious energy make it a standout in Yung Pinch’s discography. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop or just appreciate a great tune, “21” is sure to get you moving and grooving.
20. “Chapter Six” by Kendrick Lamar
“Chapter Six” is a powerful track by Kendrick Lamar, showcasing his lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities. The song takes the listener on a journey through Kendrick’s thoughts and experiences, touching on themes of self-reflection and introspection. With a haunting beat and intense delivery, “Chapter Six” is a standout track from Kendrick’s iconic discography.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
