· Alice Darla · Trending
Songs About Growing Up: Lyrics That Capture the Rollercoaster of Life
One moment, you’re playing tag at recess, and the next, you’re navigating taxes, career decisions, and love—hopefully not all at once.
The beauty of music, though, is that it helps make sense of it all. Musicians across generations have captured the bittersweet process of growing up, the good, the bad, and the downright awkward.
Here, we dive into the best songs that perfectly articulate what it’s like to grow up.
1. Tame Impala – “Patience”
Kicking things off with Tame Impala, “Patience” might just be an anthem for anyone still wondering if they’ve got it all figured out. Most of us don’t.
Kevin Parker sings of growing up in stages—not knowing where the journey will lead, but trusting in the ride.
And isn’t that what adulthood is all about? Trying, failing, trying again, and hopefully enjoying the view.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Just growin’ up in stages / Livin’ life in phases”
2. Supergrass – “Alright”
Supergrass brings us an unfiltered dose of nostalgia with “Alright.” It’s that euphoric feeling of being young, carefree, and having a whole world to explore.
You know, before the weight of responsibility turns your daily adventure into a grocery list of errands.
But let’s not be cynical—sometimes it’s nice to remember when everything was just, well, alright.
Coming-of-age lyric: “We are young, we run green / Keep our teeth nice and clean”
3. Chance The Rapper – “Nostalgia”
Nostalgia hits differently, and Chance captures it perfectly in his aptly titled track.
He reminisces on SpongeBob and simpler times, before the realities of adulthood stepped in.
There’s an inevitable contrast here between innocent memories and the harsh truths of growing up.
But that’s the thing with childhood memories—they’re sometimes the only place left where everything still feels right.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Round here we lose best friends like every week / I like to think we playin’ a long game of hide and go seek”
4. Blink-182 – “What’s My Age Again?”
Everyone hits a point where they’re technically an adult but feel far from it. Blink-182’s “What’s My Age Again?” captures that awkward, in-between phase.
Adult responsibilities? Sure. But pranking people just because? Absolutely.
Growing up isn’t always about getting serious—sometimes, it’s about holding onto the dumb fun that keeps you grounded.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Nobody likes you when you’re twenty-three”
While you’re here check out Adam’s song by Blink 182
5. The 1975 – “Give Yourself a Try”
Ah, self-love. Growing up means realizing that taking care of yourself is harder than it looks, but crucial nonetheless.
The 1975’s “Give Yourself a Try” is an anthem for anyone coming to terms with their flaws and learning to move forward.
There’s no roadmap for getting older—only lessons, heartbreaks, and victories along the way.
Coming-of-age lyric: “And what would you say to your younger self? / Growing a beard’s quite hard / And whiskey never starts to taste nice”
6. The Ramones – “I Don’t Want to Grow Up”
The Ramones say what we all sometimes feel: no thanks to growing up. Bills, taxes, societal expectations—no wonder many of us wish we could just hit “pause.”
But amidst the thrashing guitars and rebellious vibes, there’s something comforting here.
It’s okay to admit growing up sucks sometimes, but at least you’re not alone.
Coming-of-age lyric: “I don’t want to grow up / I don’t want my hair to fall out”
7. Lorde – “Tennis Court”
Lorde takes a more reflective stance on youth in “Tennis Court,” with lines that evoke both excitement and a tinge of apprehension.
It’s the feeling of standing at the edge of adulthood, knowing everything is about to change.
When you’re young, you savor every carefree moment, unsure of what comes next, but eager to see it all unfold.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Pretty soon I’ll be getting on my first plane / I’ll see the veins of my city like they do in space”
8. Oasis – “Fade Away”
Not every childhood dream pans out, and Oasis doesn’t shy away from the disillusionment that comes with growing older.
“Fade Away” speaks to those big dreams that slip through your fingers and the harsh reality that life doesn’t always turn out as planned.
And yet, there’s something almost comforting about the honesty—growing up means making peace with your unfulfilled dreams, even if it takes time.
Coming-of-age lyric: “When I was young / I thought I had my own key / I knew exactly what I wanted to be”
Check out our deep dive into Wonderwall one of our favourites.
9. John Mayer – “Stop This Train”
Sometimes, growing up feels like you’re on a runaway train, and all you want is for it to slow down. John Mayer’s “Stop This Train” articulates that exact fear: the rapid march of time.
But at some point, you realize that no one really has it all figured out—we’re all just passengers on this ride, doing our best not to derail.
Coming-of-age lyric: “So scared of getting older / I’m only good at being young”
10. Bruce Springsteen – “Glory Days”
Springsteen’s “Glory Days” perfectly captures the essence of reminiscing.
You know, those nights when you sit with old friends and laugh about the stupid things you did when you were younger.
Those were the glory days—sometimes they’re just stories, but they’re the stories that remind you who you were, and maybe who you still are.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Glory days / Well they’ll pass you by / Glory days / In the wink of a young girl’s eye”
Dive into Bruce Springsteen’s discography
11. Billie Eilish – “Getting Older”
Billie Eilish hits home with her reflections on the vulnerability and complexity of adulthood in “Getting Older.”
The once-wide-eyed innocence gradually gives way to understanding—not always a comforting realization, but one that makes you stronger.
It’s a nod to every quiet realization that maybe growing up isn’t the fairy tale we imagined, but something infinitely more real.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Things I once enjoyed / Just keep me employed now”
If you like this, you’ll certainly love What was I made for?
12. Taylor Swift – “Never Grow Up”
Taylor Swift’s “Never Grow Up” feels like a quiet wish—both for herself and her listeners.
It’s a gentle reminder to hang on to those small moments that feel perfect, because they do eventually fade.
Growing up isn’t all bad, but there are moments we all wish we could stay young forever.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Oh, darling, don’t you ever grow up / Don’t you ever grow up, it could stay this simple”
13. Ed Sheeran – “Castle on the Hill”
Ed Sheeran takes us on a nostalgic journey back to his teenage years in “Castle on the Hill.”
The song paints vivid pictures of youth—crashing cars, getting drunk with friends, and longing for home.
It’s an ode to those formative years that shape who you are, full of both freedom and recklessness.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Had my first kiss on a Friday night / I don’t reckon that I did it right”
14. David Bowie – “Changes”
David Bowie’s “Changes” is an anthem for embracing growth. The lyrics speak to how quickly life evolves and the importance of adapting to those shifts.
It’s a powerful reminder that change is an inevitable part of life, and growing up means constantly reinventing yourself.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Ch-ch-changes / Just gonna have to be a different man”
15. Green Day – “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”
Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” is a reflective track about the passage of time and the importance of cherishing moments as they come.
It’s a staple at graduations for a reason—growing up is full of farewells, and this song captures the sweet sadness of moving forward.
Coming-of-age lyric: “It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right / I hope you had the time of your life”
16. Katy Perry – “Teenage Dream”
Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” captures the feeling of invincibility that comes with young love.
It’s carefree, thrilling, and reminds us of a time when everything felt new and endless.
Growing up may mean outgrowing some of these feelings, but the memories linger forever.
Coming-of-age lyric: “You make me feel like I’m living a teenage dream”
Dive into Katy Perry’s discography here
17. The Killers – “When You Were Young”
The Killers bring a sense of nostalgia and reflection with “When You Were Young.”
It’s a song that evokes memories of youthful dreams and the sometimes harsh reality of adulthood.
It’s about reconciling who you thought you’d be with who you’ve become.
Coming-of-age lyric: “He doesn’t look a thing like Jesus / But he talks like a gentleman, like you imagined when you were young”
Dive deep into the lyrics of The Killers classic Mr Brightside
18. Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”
Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” is a tender reflection on change, growth, and the inevitable passing of time.
Stevie Nicks wrote this song at a time when she was questioning her path, and it resonates with anyone grappling with the fear of growing older and the constant changes life brings.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’ / ‘Cause I built my life around you”
Landslide never get’s old so find out more about this classic
19. Alessia Cara – “Seventeen”
Alessia Cara’s “Seventeen” is a nostalgic look back at the fleeting nature of youth.
It’s a reminder to appreciate every stage of life as it happens, even when you’re eager to move on to the next chapter.
The song is both a celebration and a lament of growing up too fast.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Oh, my, my, my / I was a king under your control”
20. Joni Mitchell – “The Circle Game”
Joni Mitchell’s “The Circle Game” beautifully captures the cyclical nature of life.
It’s a reminder that growing up is an ongoing journey, full of changes that come and go like the seasons.
The song is both comforting and bittersweet, a testament to the inevitability of change.
Coming-of-age lyric: “We can’t return, we can only look behind / From where we came”
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21. Harry Styles – “Sign of the Times”
Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” is an introspective ballad that tackles the challenges of growing up in an unpredictable world.
It’s about facing fears and pushing forward, even when the future feels uncertain.
It’s a call to hold on and embrace the journey, no matter how daunting.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Just stop your crying / It’s a sign of the times”
22. Rod Stewart – “Forever Young”
Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young” is a heartfelt wish for his children to live fulfilling, joyful lives.
It’s a song that celebrates youth, resilience, and the hope that the next generation will always find their way, no matter what life throws at them.
Coming-of-age lyric: “May the good Lord be with you / Down every road you roam”
23. Tracy Chapman – “Fast Car”
Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” is a poignant narrative about the desire to escape, to move on, and to find a better life.
It’s about the struggles of growing up in difficult circumstances and the hope of breaking free.
The song perfectly captures the restless yearning that often accompanies young adulthood.
Coming-of-age lyric: “You got a fast car / I want a ticket to anywhere”
Read our full lyrics analysis of Fast Car!
24. John Mellencamp – “Jack & Diane”
John Mellencamp’s “Jack & Diane” tells the story of two American teenagers in love, capturing the innocence of youth and the realization that life is going to change.
It’s a reminder that those carefree days of young love don’t last forever, but they’re worth remembering.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Oh yeah, life goes on / Long after the thrill of living is gone”
25. Lord Huron – “The Night We Met”
“The Night We Met” by Lord Huron is a haunting reflection on the past, love, and the longing to return to a simpler time.
Growing up is often about moving forward, but sometimes it’s also about wishing you could go back to a moment when things were less complicated.
Coming-of-age lyric: “I had all and then most of you, some and now none of you”
26. MGMT – “Kids”
MGMT’s “Kids” is a nostalgic anthem that reflects on the carefree nature of youth and the harsh realities that come with growing older.
The song captures the feeling of realizing that the world isn’t as simple or kind as it seemed when you were young.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Control yourself / Take only what you need from it”
27. Fun. – “We Are Young”
Fun.’s “We Are Young” is an anthem of youthful exuberance, capturing the spirit of living in the moment.
It’s about those nights where you feel invincible, even if it’s just for a little while.
Growing up might mean fewer of these moments, but they’re the ones that stick with you.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Tonight / We are young / So let’s set the world on fire / We can burn brighter than the sun”
28. Avril Lavigne – “Here’s to Never Growing Up”
Avril Lavigne’s “Here’s to Never Growing Up” is a celebration of youth and a refusal to let go of the carefree spirit that defines it.
It’s a rebellious anthem for anyone who wants to hold onto the fun and freedom of being young, no matter what age they are.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Singing Radiohead at the top of our lungs / With the boom box blaring as we’re falling in love”
29. Elton John – “Rocket Man”
Elton John’s “Rocket Man” is a powerful metaphor for feeling lost in the vastness of adulthood. It’s about the isolation that sometimes comes with growing up, and the longing to find your place.
It speaks to those moments when you feel like you’re floating, disconnected, and searching for purpose.
Coming-of-age lyric: “And all this science, I don’t understand / It’s just my job five days a week”
30. Simon & Garfunkel – “The Boxer”
Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” is a haunting reflection on resilience and the struggles faced in life.
Growing up is full of obstacles, and this song speaks to the persistence required to keep moving forward, even when life keeps knocking you down.
Coming-of-age lyric: “In the clearing stands a boxer / And a fighter by his trade”
Dive deep into one of our favourite classics Sound of Silence.
31. Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here”
Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is a poignant reflection on loss and longing, themes that often become more pronounced as we grow up.
It’s about missing someone who was once a significant part of your life, and the emotional weight that comes with change and growing apart.
Coming-of-age lyric: “How I wish, how I wish you were here”
32. Bob Dylan – “Forever Young”
Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” is a hopeful anthem wishing for resilience and happiness throughout the journey of life.
It’s a song that encourages the listener to stay true to themselves and embrace the beauty of growing up while holding onto their youthful spirit.
Coming-of-age lyric: “May you stay forever young”
33. The Beatles – “In My Life”
The Beatles’ “In My Life” is a reflective ballad that looks back at the people and places that have shaped one’s life.
Growing up is about collecting memories—some bittersweet, some joyous—and this song captures the essence of appreciating every moment and every person that has left an impact.
Coming-of-age lyric: “All these places have their moments / With lovers and friends I still can recall”
34. Miley Cyrus – “The Climb”
Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” is an inspiring anthem about perseverance and the challenges of growing up.
It’s about facing obstacles, pushing forward, and understanding that the journey itself is just as important as the destination.
The song is a reminder that growth is often a slow and steady climb.
Coming-of-age lyric: “There’s always gonna be another mountain / I’m always gonna wanna make it move”
35. R.E.M. – “Nightswimming”
R.E.M.’s “Nightswimming” is a nostalgic reflection on the innocence of youth and the fleeting nature of those carefree moments.
It captures the beauty of a simple night spent swimming, evoking the feeling of freedom that comes with being young and unburdened by life’s responsibilities.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Nightswimming deserves a quiet night”
36. Bruce Springsteen – “Growin’ Up”
Bruce Springsteen’s “Growin’ Up” is a spirited anthem about the rebelliousness and freedom of youth.
It tells the story of a young person navigating life’s challenges while holding onto their individuality.
It’s about embracing the trials and tribulations that come with growing up.
Coming-of-age lyric: “I took month-long vacations in the stratosphere / And you know it’s really hard to hold your breath”
37. Death Cab for Cutie – “Good Help (Is So Hard to Find)”
Death Cab for Cutie’s “Good Help” speaks to the challenges of adult life, including career pressures and societal expectations.
Growing up often means realizing that the world is more complicated than it seemed, and this song captures the struggle of trying to find your way in a demanding world.
Coming-of-age lyric: “It’s been a battle just to wake and greet the day”
38. Florence + The Machine – “Dog Days Are Over”
Florence + The Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over” is about letting go of the past and embracing change.
Growing up is all about learning when to move on and celebrate the new opportunities that come your way, even if it means leaving something behind.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Happiness hit her like a train on a track”
Find out about the inspiration behind the Lyrics of Dog Days Are Over
39. Taylor Swift – “Fifteen”
Taylor Swift’s “Fifteen” looks back at the ups and downs of being a teenager.
It’s a song that captures the innocence, heartbreak, and self-discovery that define those formative years.
Growing up is about learning hard lessons and realizing that you’re stronger than you thought.
Coming-of-age lyric: “When you’re fifteen and somebody tells you they love you / You’re gonna believe them”
40. Alphaville – “Forever Young”
Alphaville’s “Forever Young” is an iconic song that expresses the desire to hold onto youth and the fear of growing old.
It captures the hope that the carefree spirit of youth can last forever, even as we face the inevitability of time.
Coming-of-age lyric: “Forever young, I want to be forever young / Do you really want to live forever?”
Growing up is never just one thing. It’s euphoric, it’s heartbreaking, it’s complicated—and it’s yours.
From carefree anthems to melancholy reflections, these songs are here to remind you that the chaos of growing up is a shared experience, one that brings us together, even when it feels isolating.
So turn up the volume, sit back, and let these tracks guide you through the stages of life.
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