18 Songs About Growing Up

Music has a powerful way of capturing the human experience, and few experiences are as universal as growing up. There are countless songs that explore the joys, challenges, and nostalgia of growing up, spanning a wide range of genres and eras. Some of the most iconic songs about growing up have become cultural touchstones, capturing the essence of different generations and helping listeners connect with their own experiences.

One of the most well-known songs about growing up is Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days”. Released in 1984, the song tells the story of two former high school baseball players who reconnect and reminisce about their glory days. The track’s catchy melody and Springsteen’s signature gravelly voice capture the bittersweet nostalgia of looking back on youthful achievements, and its theme of longing for the past has resonated with listeners for decades.

Another classic song about growing up is “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John. Originally released in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the song was later re-recorded as a tribute to Princess Diana after her death in 1997. The song’s lyrics address the fleeting nature of fame and the struggles of growing up in the public eye, touching on themes of loss and remembrance.

More recently, Lorde’s hit song “Liability” has become a modern anthem about the challenges of growing up. The track’s sparse piano arrangement and poignant lyrics capture the vulnerability and isolation that can come with navigating adulthood, and its message of self-acceptance and self-love has resonated with listeners of all ages.

Other notable songs about growing up include “The Circle Game” by Joni Mitchell, “My Hometown” by Bruce Springsteen, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, and “When I Grow Up” by The Beach Boys. These songs and many others continue to capture the complexity and universality of the human experience of growing up, reminding us of the joys, struggles, and moments of wonder that come with it.

1. ‘When I Was A Boy’ by Jeff Lynne’s ELO

“When I Was A Boy” is a reflective and nostalgic rock ballad by the British rock band, Jeff Lynne’s ELO. Released in 2015, the song features a gentle melody, lush orchestration, and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s lyrics describe the innocence and wonder of childhood, with the narrator reflecting on his past and the dreams he once had. The song has become a fan favorite, thanks to its emotional depth and powerful message about holding onto hope and wonder despite the challenges of adulthood. Overall, “When I Was A Boy” is a moving and introspective song that touches on universal themes of hope, nostalgia, and the human experience.

2. ‘When You’re Young’ by The Jam

“When You’re Young” is a song by British punk rock band The Jam, released in 1979. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody, combined with frontman Paul Weller’s distinctive vocals, capture the carefree spirit and optimism of youth. The lyrics address the excitement and potential of being young, while also acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties of growing up. The song’s message of living life to the fullest while you can has resonated with generations of listeners, making it a timeless anthem of youth culture. “When You’re Young” is a classic example of The Jam’s energetic and socially conscious punk rock style.

3. ‘Wake Up’ by Arcade Fire

“Wake Up” is an anthemic and powerful indie rock song by the Canadian band, Arcade Fire. Released in 2004, the song features a soaring melody, driving beat, and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics are a call to action, urging listeners to wake up and live their lives to the fullest. The song has become a fan favorite, thanks to its epic and uplifting sound, as well as its inspiring message. Overall, “Wake Up” is a perfect example of Arcade Fire’s unique sound, which blends indie rock, baroque pop, and art rock influences into a cohesive and powerful whole.

4. ‘In My Life’ by The Beatles

“In My Life” is a classic song by The Beatles, released in 1965 on their album “Rubber Soul”. The song’s beautiful melody, poetic lyrics, and John Lennon’s heartfelt vocals make it one of the band’s most beloved tracks. The lyrics reflect on the people and experiences that have shaped the songwriter’s life, celebrating the beauty of memories and the power of love. The song’s timeless message of gratitude and reflection has resonated with generations of listeners, making it a perennial favorite and a true classic in the world of popular music.

5. ‘The Circle Game’ by Joni Mitchell

“The Circle Game” is a folk classic by the Canadian singer-songwriter, Joni Mitchell. Released in 1970, the song features a simple acoustic melody and poetic lyrics that capture the cyclical nature of life. The song’s lyrics describe the passage of time, with the narrator reflecting on the innocence and joy of childhood and the bittersweet realization that everything must eventually come to an end. The song has become an enduring classic, thanks to its timeless sound and universal message about the impermanence of life. Overall, “The Circle Game” is a poignant and introspective song that speaks to the human experience with honesty and depth.

6. ‘Castle on the Hill’ by Ed Sheeran

“Castle on the Hill” is a nostalgic and uplifting pop rock song by the British singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran. Released in 2017, the song features a driving beat, catchy guitar riff, and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics describe the singer’s memories of his childhood and teenage years growing up in the English countryside, and the people and places that shaped him into the person he is today. The song has become a fan favorite, thanks to its relatable lyrics and inspiring message about the power of memories and the importance of staying true to oneself. Overall, “Castle on the Hill” is a powerful and heartfelt song that speaks to the human experience with honesty and authenticity.

7. ‘Bros’ by Wolf Alice

“Bros” by Wolf Alice is an indie rock anthem that captures the nostalgia and innocence of childhood friendship. The song features upbeat guitar riffs and drum beats, which perfectly complement lead singer Ellie Rowsell’s ethereal vocals. The lyrics are a heartfelt tribute to a childhood friend, with Rowsell reminiscing about playing hide and seek, taking bike rides, and staying up late talking. The chorus is a catchy and emotional declaration of lifelong friendship, with Rowsell singing, “Are you wild like me?/ Raised by wolves and other beasts?/ I tell you all the time/ I’m not mad, just proud you’re mine.” “Bros” is a beautiful ode to the bonds of childhood friendships that can last a lifetime.

8. ‘True Faith’ by New Order

“True Faith” by New Order is a seminal electronic dance song that combines elements of pop and rock with the band’s signature synth-driven sound. The song features a hypnotic beat and memorable melody, with lead singer Bernard Sumner’s emotive vocals adding to the song’s dreamlike quality. The lyrics are a poetic and introspective exploration of the human condition, with Sumner singing about the search for truth, meaning, and connection. The chorus is a powerful and uplifting refrain, with Sumner singing, “I used to think that the day would never come/ But it did, and now I seem to have a new horizon.” “True Faith” is a classic New Order track that has become an anthem of self-discovery and hope.

9. ‘7 Years’ by Lukas Graham

“7 Years” by Lukas Graham is a soulful and reflective pop song that explores the journey of growing up and the passage of time. The song features a stripped-down piano melody and simple drum beat, which provides a perfect backdrop for lead singer Lukas Graham’s emotive vocals. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on life’s milestones, with Graham pondering the past, present, and future. The chorus is a powerful and catchy refrain, with Graham singing, “Soon I’ll be 60 years old/ Will I think the world is cold/ Or will I have a lot of children who can warm me?” “7 Years” is a moving tribute to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

10. ‘I Don’t Want to Grow Up’ by Tom Waits

“I Don’t Want to Grow Up” by Tom Waits is a punk rock-inspired anthem that captures the fear and anxiety of growing older. The song features a fast-paced, guitar-driven rhythm, with Waits’ gravelly voice giving the song an intense, raw energy. The lyrics are a defiant rejection of adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it, with Waits singing about wanting to remain a child forever. The chorus is a catchy and memorable refrain, with Waits singing, “I don’t want to grow up, I want to stay a Toys ‘R’ Us kid.” “I Don’t Want to Grow Up” is a rebellious and cathartic expression of the desire to hold onto youth and avoid the challenges of adulthood.

11. ‘There is a Light That Never Goes Out’ by The Smiths

“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths is an iconic indie rock ballad that captures the romantic yearning and melancholy of youth. The song features a haunting melody, with lush instrumentation that includes Johnny Marr’s signature guitar work, Andy Rourke’s driving bassline, and Morrissey’s emotive vocals. The lyrics are a poetic and wistful reflection on love, death, and isolation, with Morrissey singing about wanting to die in the arms of the one he loves. The chorus is a beautiful and timeless refrain, with Morrissey singing, “There is a light and it never goes out.” “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” is a masterful piece of songwriting that has stood the test of time as one of the greatest songs of the 80s.

12. ‘Disco 2000’ by Pulp

“Disco 2000” by Pulp is a catchy and upbeat Britpop classic that tells the story of unrequited love and youthful aspirations. The song features a groovy bassline, danceable drum beat, and frontman Jarvis Cocker’s distinct vocals. The lyrics are a nostalgic and hopeful reflection on a past crush, with Cocker singing about wanting to reconnect with his former love interest in the year 2000. The chorus is a memorable and sing-along refrain, with Cocker crooning, “Let’s all meet up in the year 2000/ Won’t it be strange when we’re all fully grown?” “Disco 2000” is a fun and infectious tribute to the power of music and the universality of youthful dreams.

13. ‘1979’ by The Smashing Pumpkins

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a nostalgic alt-rock anthem that captures the essence of suburban teenage life in the late 1970s. The song’s dreamy, melodic guitar riff and driving beat perfectly complement Billy Corgan’s introspective lyrics, which reflect on the feeling of being young and searching for meaning in a world that seems increasingly chaotic and confusing. The track’s catchy chorus and memorable hook make it one of the band’s most beloved songs, and its wistful mood has made it a classic of the 90s alternative rock era. “1979” is a timeless ode to the universal experience of growing up and coming of age.

14. Forever Young’ by Rod Stewart

“Forever Young” by Rod Stewart is a timeless rock ballad that celebrates the joys of youth and the desire to stay forever young. The song features a soaring melody and Stewart’s signature raspy vocals, along with beautiful piano and guitar instrumentation. The lyrics are a heartfelt and sentimental tribute to the idealism and wonder of childhood, with Stewart singing about the hope and dreams that never fade with age. The chorus is a powerful and uplifting refrain, with Stewart urging listeners to “stay forever young.” “Forever Young” is a beautiful and enduring ode to the spirit of youth and the power of eternal optimism.

15. ‘There Goes My Life’ by Kenny Chesney

“There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney is a touching country ballad about unexpected parenthood and the sacrifices that come with it. The song tells the story of a young man whose plans for the future are suddenly derailed when he discovers that his girlfriend is pregnant. The lyrics capture the conflicting emotions of fear, uncertainty, and ultimately, love, that he experiences as he adjusts to his new role as a father. Chesney’s emotive vocals and the song’s gentle melody and soft acoustic guitar create a bittersweet and poignant atmosphere that perfectly matches the song’s theme of unexpected life changes. “There Goes My Life” is a powerful testament to the transformative power of parenthood and the unexpected ways in which it can change our lives.

16. ‘Time’ by Pink Floyd

“Time” by Pink Floyd is an iconic progressive rock track that explores the theme of the fleeting nature of time and the human experience of mortality. The song features an intricate, layered arrangement that includes the use of clock sound effects, a driving drumbeat, and a haunting guitar solo that builds to a climax. The lyrics are introspective and philosophical, questioning the meaning of life and the purpose of our existence in a world that seems to move faster every day. “Time” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us to make the most of the precious time we have on this earth.

17. ‘Growin’ Up’ by Bruce Springsteen

“Growin’ Up” by Bruce Springsteen is a classic rock song that explores the themes of adolescence, identity, and the struggles of growing up. The song features a catchy guitar riff and Springsteen’s trademark raspy vocals, along with the powerful sound of the E Street Band. The lyrics are a humorous and poignant reflection on the awkwardness and confusion of teenage years, with Springsteen singing about wanting to be a rebel and standing out from the crowd. The chorus is a memorable and anthemic refrain, with Springsteen declaring, “I’m just growin’ up.” “Growin’ Up” is a timeless coming-of-age story that resonates with listeners of all generations.

18. ‘Sugar Mountain’ by Neil Young

“Sugar Mountain” by Neil Young is a poignant folk-rock ballad that reflects on the passage of time and the loss of youth. The song’s gentle, acoustic melody and Young’s melancholic vocals create a wistful and nostalgic atmosphere that perfectly captures the feeling of looking back on memories from one’s past. The lyrics express a sense of longing for the innocence and carefree spirit of youth, while acknowledging that such a time can never be recaptured. “Sugar Mountain” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us to cherish the present moment and the fleeting beauty of life.