85 Songs About Being Young

FlourishAnyway believes there is a playlist for just about any situation and is on a mission to unite and entertain the world through song.

Enjoy Your Youth Like a Superhero

Being young is like wearing a superhero costume. You have special powers, boundless energy, and you can change the world—whether it needs changing or not. Plus, you look terrific in spandex. Enjoy your youth while it's here.

While some people trade in their cape for a business suit or mom jeans, others continue to keep it fresh on the inside. I hope you're one of them. Regardless of whether you're young or young at heart, celebrate the hope, freedom, and discovery of youth with a playlist of pop, rock, and country songs. We have a long list to start you out!

1. "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart

This rock song from 1988 is a warmhearted wish that a loved one will have all the best in life, from making the right choices to having the right attitude and spiritual guidance. Above all, it is a wish that he or she will maintain the wonder of a youthful heart, no matter their actual age.

May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you're far from home
And my you grow to be proud, dignified and true
And do unto others as you'd have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever young. (Forever young)

2. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

According to this uplifting 2004 pop song, the true glory of youth is that your life is unwritten, a blank page, and you have the pen. Are you ready to write your story? The narrator encourages you to dig down deep and find who you want to be. Will you be a hero, rebel, jester, caregiver, explorer, or something else? Fully embrace your role(s) in life and remember that you are the author of your own life story.

3. "We Are Young" by Fun (Featuring Janelle Monáe)

A Grammy Award-winner and 2011 global hit, this pop song describes the blind confidence of being young, especially when you're surrounded by friends. The narrator and his friends are out on the town living it up, and they want to make sure that they each get home safely. The song was inspired by a night of heavy drinking.

Tonight, we are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun.

4. "Young" by Kenny Chesney

Too often, people squander their youth wishing they were older, then spend their old age trying to recapture the magic of their younger years. This 2001 country song highlights the good parts about the narrator's growing up years. While in the rearview mirror, it all seemed pretty good, you have to admit that mirrors are renowned for their blind spots.

Most of the narrator's memories involve hanging out with his wannabe rebel friends. They donned rock and roll t-shirts and sported bad attitudes. In his mind, they'll always be young.

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5. "Good Life" by Three Days Grace

The young narrator in this 2010 hard rock song still searching for his identity. People are stepping over him, and all he wants is a little of the good life. Although he feels reluctant about acting, he knows that the only one who can make it happen is him. It's time to take a stand.

6. "Jack & Diane" by John Cougar Mellencamp

This 1982 rock song is a classic teenage anthem. It celebrates two 16-year-olds, a football star and his girlfriend. Jack and Diane live an idyllic, carefree life exploring their newfound independence and emerging sexuality before the full-time responsibilities of adulthood set in.

Since its release, the tune has become a cultural mainstay, and Jack and Diane have been mentioned in a number of pop, rock and country songs. How many of these songs that reference Jack and Diane do you know?

7. "Stressed Out" by Twenty-One Pilots

Trying to recapture the security of his childhood days, the narrator in this 2015 rock song raps that he wishes he could turn back time to the good old days. Instead of facing the pressures of adulthood, he wishes he could have the safety of his mother singing him to sleep and the stressfree days spent playing with his brothers.

Instead, he is faced with the adult reality of making money in a world where even his creativity provides little release. (Just wait until you have a house and kids of your own, buddy. That's when the real stress begins. No offense.)

8. "Springsteen" by Eric Church

Have you ever had a song that took you back instantly to your glory days? For the guy in this 2012 country tune, it's an old Bruce Springsteen soundtrack that does the trick. He's transported back to his 17-year-old self and the July Saturday night when he and a young love interest spent hours beneath the stars belting out Springsteen tunes.

That summer the narrator was the gasoline to her fire. Now, however, all that remains is his tattoo with her name on it and the memories. He's convinced that all these years later she'd still know who he was if he just whispered her name. I'd bet he's right.

9. "Young Blood" by Bea Miller

This 2014 pop song is a youth anthem that captures the essence of today's generation. It proclaims that young people can break rules, question authority, and chart their own course but have to power through the dark times. With the energy and will of young blood running through their veins, today's generation can craft their own luck and find strength in one another as they rewrite tomorrow. Oh, the power and hope of being young and having the world at your feet!

10. "Live While We're Young" by One Direction

Before they grew up and became men, the boys in One Direction were suggesting some adultlike hanky-panky in this 2012 pop song. Surely, they couldn't have been old enough to shave yet?

The song's narrator tries to talk a girl into sneaking out of her house all night long and making believe their attraction is love: "Tonight let’s get some and live while we’re young." When you're young, you often think with your britches, and if you're not careful, you can spend a lifetime dealing with the consequences.

11. "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry

Mesmerized by the invincibility of youth, the narrator of this 2010 electropop love song believes she's found the love of her young life. She feels ready to take a chance on the dream she's imagined with her partner. He's her missing puzzle piece, and their future all starts tonight. That's at least how she sees it.

12. "Young Volcanoes" by Fall Out Boy

This 2013 rock song has a contagious beat, and its young narrator is feeling powerful and unbeatable. In addressing his lover, he describes how their youth, raw power, and beauty makes them poised for victory. They'll discover that part of the challenge of being young volcanoes is not to destroy everything in your path with your ferocious energy.

13. "Sixteen" by Thomas Rhett

Nostalgia runs thick in this country song from 2017. The narrator recalls that as a teen, he was in such a big hurry to grow up. He couldn't wait to have his driver's license when he was a 15-year-old just learning how to drive. After turning 16, however, he looked forward to turning 18, which would earn him an unsupervised Saturday night without a curfew.

As an 18-year-old, he had the right to vote and smoke but looked forward to turning the legal drinking age, 21. Rather than living in the moment, he always wanted something more.

Now as a married man reflecting on his life, he regrets not cherishing each life stage more. Do you value the life you have today, or are you instead too busy pining away for tomorrow?

14. "Seventeen" by Alessia Cara

Wanting to freeze time at age 17, the girl in this R&B song from 2016 is struggling with the reality that we must all grow up eventually. She wants to cling to the carefree, safe feeling of being young. She doesn't want to grow up. Although we can't stop time from ravaging our bodies, we don't have to let it diminish our spirits. How old do you feel on the inside?

15. "Youth" by Troye Sivan

If you pair off with someone at a young age, you are dedicating some of the best years of your life to them. Make sure they are worthy of your sacrifice. The narrator of this 2015 pop song clearly believes that his lover is. He proclaims, "my youth is yours" as he asks his partner to run away.

The smitten young man doesn't know what their future together holds—whether their love will last a short time or a lifetime. How their love story evolves could accordingly leave him feeling content or bitter. Let's hope he has decided wisely.

16. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper

This 1983 pop ditty was an anthem for teen girls back in my day, and it's still just as catchy and relevant now. (Cyndi Lauper was "totally rad" in the 1980s with her nontraditionally colored hair, although that style is anything but shocking now.)

The song celebrates the partygoing lifestyle of a gal who stays out late and talks on the phone in the middle of the night, much to the chagrin of her parents. She wants to be the focus of attention and simply have fun. Who can blame her for that?

17. "You Make Me Feel So Young" by Frank Sinatra

1956 was a very good year. That's when Ol' Blue Eyes recorded this jazz classic. One of his more famous numbers, the song features a narrator who professes feeling absolutely jubilant over his sweetheart:

You make me feel so young
You make me feel so spring has sprung
And every time I see you grin
I'm such a happy in-di-v i-du-al.

They run, sing, and play games like a couple of kids, and he knows that even when they're old she'll still keep him feeling young at heart.

In his real life, Sinatra was prone to bouts of mild to severe depression, was married four times, and had numerous extra-marital affairs. He did, however, remain close to his ex-wives, several of whom claimed they never truly emotionally broke up.

18. "Young Forever" by Eric Paslay

Recalling the love of his youth, the man in this 2018 country song reminds his old flame of their endless summers, their unbroken hearts, and falling in love for the first time. He remembers their relationship as an uncomplicated, magical love, in which they both felt invincible. Young people often do. Wistfully, he yearns to recapture that feeling but realizes on some level that the sense of being young forever will only be a distant memory.

19. "Die Young" by Kesha

The message behind this worldwide pop hit from 2012 is to make the most from today, living it like it's your last. The narrator depicts living life carefree, on the wild side. She and her friends engage in passion and dancing without caring who is watching. There may be hell to pay in the morning, but tonight they're young and living it up.

20. "Fifteen" by Taylor Swift

In this 2009 country tune, Taylor Swift paints the picture of herself as a high school freshman on the first day of school. Shyly, she tries to navigate the school's hallways, and later she learns to steer her way through friendships and dating relationships. Although at 15 years old she didn't know yet who she was supposed to be, she spent the next several years figuring her life out.

Even More Songs About Being Young

© 2019 FlourishAnyway

Comments

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 28, 2020:

Peggy - I like that song as well. I'm glad you enjoyed this list!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on March 28, 2020:

"You make me feel so young" sung by Frank Sinatra is a great song. I did not realize that Frank Sinatra suffered from depression. That is quite a long list!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 19, 2019:

Christopher Nowak - Thanks for the song suggestion.

Christopher Nowak on December 19, 2019:

What about BAD COMPANY'S YOUNG BLOOD?!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on July 17, 2019:

Carolina - Thanks. I altered the language to be gender neutral. I've always wanted to do a playlist of love songs that don't specify the gender of the people involved. Maybe with readers' assistance I can start on that.

Carolina on July 17, 2019:

For YOUTH by Troye Sivan - he's actually gay so he's asking his ~male~ lover to run away with him, not female. It would be "He proclaims, "my youth is yours" as he asks him to run away with him," not "He proclaims, "my youth is yours" as he asks her to run away with him."

Robert Sacchi on April 07, 2019:

You too have a good weekend. These are fun lists.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 06, 2019:

Bob - Thanks for the suggestion. I have Donny Osmond's version on the related playlist of songs about young love. (I've tried to more or less offer a couple of young love songs here but stick with youth in general so as not to duplicate the whole list.) I sure do remember that song! I appreciate you. Have a good weekend.

Robert Sacchi on April 05, 2019:

What about "Puppy Love" by Paul Anka?

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 05, 2019:

Ann - It sounds like those grandchildren of yours are keeping you plenty young! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on aging. Have a great weekend.

Ann Carr from SW England on April 04, 2019:

Another great list, thought there are many I don't know! I'm glad I was brought up in the 50s and 60s, the ages of innocence for me. I wouldn't want to be young now as there is far too much awareness of the world that children were once protected from, perhaps mainly due to the internet (which has its good points nevertheless).

I'm still young at heart, though. Seeing life through the eyes of my grandchildren keeps me firmly fixed on the beauty and amazement of the world around us; everything is fresh and wonderful! I make sure I look through the surface now, to find depth and new discoveries.

Ann

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 25, 2019:

RoadMonkey - It's lovely that you have such fun memories of your siblings. I often think of mine back in the day as well. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your memories.

RoadMonkey on January 24, 2019:

I think two of the first "young" songs I heard were "Happy birthday sweet sixteen" and "The young ones" from the film, with Cliff Richard. I loved the "happy birthday" song so much I tried to force my brothers to sing it to me on my birthday!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Bob, Not a problem. It actually happens now and again. I'll add the song suggestion. I appreciate you.

Robert Sacchi on January 20, 2019:

So it is. I should have read the list more carefully, or used the browser's search feature. Does "Sixteen Candles" by the Crests count?

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 20, 2019:

Bob - Thanks for the visit. "Young Turks" is actually on there at #28. I almost missed it myself. Have a great weekend.

Robert Sacchi on January 19, 2019:

Another great list that brings up memories and a look at recent music.

What about "Young Turks" by Rod Stewart?

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 18, 2019:

Nurtjahja J - I appreciate your visit and kind comment.

Nurtjahja J from Malang on January 18, 2019:

Amazing, Music makes us more refreshed

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 10, 2019:

Mary - Either we conquer the world or the world conquers us. It's the ambition and optimism of youth that causes us to seek the challenge. I hope you ended up on the right side of that battle.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 10, 2019:

Jo - Experience provides a lot of insight. I'm glad you enjoyed the playlist. Have a great week.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 10, 2019:

Linda - I'm glad you found this useful. Thanks for reading and commenting.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 10, 2019:

Liz - Glad you enjoyed this!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 10, 2019:

Shawindi Silva - Thank you!

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on January 09, 2019:

I have to find time to listen to these songs just to remind me of those days when we were young and thought we could conquer everything.

Jo Miller from Tennessee on January 09, 2019:

Except when my bones remind me, I often forget that I'm not still young. And except for those sometimes aching bones, I like the old young me better than I did the young young me.

Great list, as usual.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on January 07, 2019:

This is an interesting and useful look at youth. Though you’ve described music, you’ve brought up some important points about real life as well.

Liz Westwood from UK on January 07, 2019:

I feel like I have had a bonus 6 songs in your article as the link was for 74. Another great compilation.

Shawindi Silva from Sri lanka on January 06, 2019:

I like your article so much !

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 05, 2019:

Dora - I'm so glad your spirit is youthful and vibrant. It matches your smile.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 05, 2019:

Devika - Thank you for stopping by. Stay young at heart.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on January 04, 2019:

Interesting! The lyrics I've read could also be sung by an oldie, at least those of us who are still young at heart. This. for me, is a reminder to live happily regardless of my age. Thanks!

Devika Primic on January 04, 2019:

Isn't that amazing! I am impressed of how you created so many lists of songs.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 03, 2019:

Pamela - Thank you for your kind comment. I like Eric Church, too! Have a wonderful rest of your week!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 03, 2019:

Nell - I'm working on a separate playlist of songs about young love so I've added your suggestion to that one.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 03, 2019:

Tim, my kind-hearted friend who always has something positive to say - Although it'd be nice to be rail thin again and have no ailments, I otherwise would not go back. There's something to be said about the confidence and learning that comes with being better than 40. I added the Sam Cooke song and replaced the Blink 182 song with something new. Thanks for letting me know! Have a great week! I'm looking forward to going to Universal and Disney next week. That'll make me feel brand new!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 02, 2019:

Heidi - I sure like Mandy Patinkin for that. What a great voice.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on January 02, 2019:

Flourish, I still feel young inside, not a day over high-school, but my body didn't get the memo.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on January 02, 2019:

Flourish, I never knew there was this many songs about youth. I lvoe many of them and Eric Church was one of my favorites. You did a great job again with the huge number of songs you listed and gave information about many of them.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 02, 2019:

Doris - Thank you for the kind kudos. I hope this coming year is as fun as Cyndi Lauper's song. We can all afford to let loose a little and reclaim the fun of our youth. Hope this year leaves you feeling younger.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 02, 2019:

Frances - What a light, uplifting approach! May all the best be yours in the coming year!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 02, 2019:

Linda - For a long time, no matter my actual, age I felt 17. Now, I feel about 24. I hope you're young on the inside, too.

Nell Rose from England on January 02, 2019:

'We are young, heartache to heartache' la la la lol! Pat Benatar! Great list, and so true. oh to be young again!

Tim Truzy from U.S.A. on January 02, 2019:

Oh, the memories of youth, Flourish. How much fun was that? It went by before I could say good-bye. Love your playlist.

I thought about one, but I see so many songs with similar titles I wonder if it was remade.

It was called (I think) Only 16 by Sam Cook.

The narrator sings:

"She was only 16, Only 16, ... she was too young to fall in love and I was too young to know."

There was also that song by Boyz 2 men: It's Hard to Say Good-bye to Yesterday.

Is it me or did you put the Blink 100 song twice. Is my age playing tricks on me? (lol)

Much respect and happy New Year to a prolific, entertaining, and thoughtful writer,

Sincerely,

Tim

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on January 02, 2019:

Of course, I love your Frank Sinatra pick!

For my addition, I'll get all Broadway and go with "Younger Than Springtime" from South Pacific.

Great playlist for the "young" New Year! Cheers!

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on January 02, 2019:

All these songs about youth, just when I was complaining that the new year is just another year to make me older. I like the Cyndi Lauper the best, I think. You always put so much detail and attention into your song lists. This is another good one.

Frances Metcalfe from The Limousin, France on January 02, 2019:

You've started 2019 with a bang, Flourish! Rod Stewart takes me back...but as Michael Caine remarked, there's no point looking over your shoulder at lost years, there's nothing you can do about those past times, keep on looking ahead and make the most of what is to come.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 02, 2019:

Bill - Don't be too hard on yourself. I hope you have a fabulous 2019!

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on January 02, 2019:

Flourish, what a great way to start the new year. We all need a reminder that although we've added another year, we can still be young at heart. Glad you included Stevie Nicks--best female rocker of all time. Her voice is amazing!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on January 02, 2019:

Oddly, the first one I thought of was the last one on your list. I think I need to sharpen my mental tools for 2019. Not a good start by me. :)