The age of 26 is a significant milestone for many people, marking a transition from the carefree days of youth into the responsibilities of adulthood. As such, it’s no surprise that this age has inspired countless songs across different genres of music and has experiences, stories, and emotions to tell.
Whatever the story, here are songs about being 26 that will resonate with anyone who has gone through this significant phase of life:
Contents
- 1. “Boutta be 26” by ELT
- 2. “26 Years” by ReyMarie
- 3. “Was it 26” by Chris Stapleton
- 4. “Twenty-Six” by LEX the Lexicon Artist
- 5. “Turning 26” by Kenny Maye
- 6. “Drinking in L.A.” by Bran Van 3000
- 7. “26” by Jake Jansen
- 8. “26” by Paramore
- 9. “Loser (V in the Middle)” by Lil’ Trik
- 10. “Sixteen” by Night Winds & Nicholas Roberts
- 11. “82×2” by Lil E$$o
- 12. “26” by Brasta
- 13. “26” by Ivish
- 14. “Periodically” by Jaquel Spivey
- 15. “26” by Lauv
- 16. “26 Days” by RashDash
- 17. “Say Their Names” by JD Lawrence
- 18. “Case” by Dubldragon
- 19. “Better Man” by Arnold The Painter
- 20. “Progress” by Lil Ressie
- Conclusion
1. “Boutta be 26” by ELT
ELT’s R&B track “Boutta be 26” touches on the theme of feeling unenthusiastic about turning 26 and reflects on the regret of not having achieved success at this particular stage of life. The song is relatable to anyone who may not be thrilled about getting older.
2. “26 Years” by ReyMarie
“26 Years” by ReyMarie is a song that explores the idea of feeling disconnected and estranged from someone who has known you for a long time.
The lyrics question the depth of the relationship, asking if the person really knows you after 26 years of being in each other’s lives. The phrase “26 years, 26 years don’t matter at all” suggests that the passing of time does not necessarily equate to a closer connection.
3. “Was it 26” by Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton’s “Was It 26” is a country song that reflects on the singer’s past and the feeling of time slipping away. The lyrics describe a life lived hard and recklessly in youth, with little thought for the consequences.
The repeated refrain of “twenty-five or was it twenty-six” highlights the blurred memory of those years and the sense of regret and longing for a second chance.
4. “Twenty-Six” by LEX the Lexicon Artist
A song about feeling anxious with age, “Twenty-Six” by Lex the Lexicon Artist talks about the artist’s apprehension towards turning 27 and how the thought of her past at the age of 26 is like going into a dark basement.
The song reflects on the singer’s growth, regrets, and fear towards the future, as she navigates her way through life at 26.
5. “Turning 26” by Kenny Maye
“Turning 26” by Kenny Maye is a rap song about reflecting on life as one approaches their 26th birthday. The lyrics touch on the struggles and trauma the artist has faced in their life, including being misquoted, lied about, and even shot at.
The song is a powerful reflection on the challenges of life and the need to protect oneself while also striving for peace and love.
6. “Drinking in L.A.” by Bran Van 3000
Living in the moment and not caring about life’s uncertainties, Bran Van 3000’s “Drinking in L.A.” is a song about the aimlessness and uncertainty of being in your mid-twenties.
The lyrics “the payback will be later” suggest a desire for immediate pleasure and gratification, even though the consequences may come later. Overall, the song captures the feeling of being young, restless, and searching for meaning and purpose in life.
7. “26” by Jake Jansen
In the song “26” by Jake Jansen, the artist talks about turning 26 and feeling like there’s no popular song to celebrate it. He compares it to the popular songs for ages 22, 23, 24, and 25.
The song also talks about his uncertainties about his future and feeling like he hasn’t accomplished much in his life. Jansen acknowledges the irony of writing a song about the absence of a song for 26 and his frustration with people’s indifference towards 26th birthdays.
8. “26” by Paramore
“26” by Paramore is a song that expresses the struggle of holding onto hope in the face of disappointment and heartbreak. The lyrics talk about how someone has brought the narrator down, making them feel as though their dreams and aspirations are out of reach.
The line “And they say that dreaming is free, but I wouldn’t care what it cost me” shows that even though chasing dreams may come at a cost, it’s worth it to the narrator. This song is a powerful reminder to never give up on your dreams, even when it feels like the world is against you.
9. “Loser (V in the Middle)” by Lil’ Trik
“Loser (V in the Middle)” is a rap song that reflects on the struggles of growing up in a tough neighborhood and feeling like an outsider. The lyrics talk about how the narrator is 26 years old and still feels like a joke.
This track is a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles of growing up in a difficult environment and the impact it can have on a person’s sense of self-worth.
10. “Sixteen” by Night Winds & Nicholas Roberts
A song that reminisces about the good old days of high school and the nostalgia that comes with growing up, “Sixteen” expresses the longing for the past, where the world was full of possibilities and life was simple.
The song reflects on the changes that come with growing older, such as deadlines and bills, and how different life is at 26 compared to when they were 16. It is a heartfelt song that captures the bittersweet feelings of growing up and the longing for the past.
11. “82×2” by Lil E$$o
In the rap song “82×2” by Lil E$$o, the artist expresses his aspirations of achieving his goals and attaining success while emphasizing his disdain for spending time with insincere individuals.
The track also portrays his determination to not waste time and retire from his profession by the age of 26.
12. “26” by Brasta
“26” by Brasta is a hauntingly beautiful song about the narrator’s desire to live a short but meaningful life. The lyrics express a deep longing to hold onto youth and love, and the fear of losing oneself as time goes by.
The song’s title, “26,” represents the age at which the narrator wishes to die, which may seem morbid, but it reflects their desire to live life to the fullest before it’s too late. Overall, the song speaks to the desire to hold onto youth and love.
13. “26” by Ivish
The song “26” by Ivish expresses the feeling of invincibility and youthful energy at the age of 26. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is unsure about his future and wants to improve himself before he dies.
The song reflects the conflicting emotions that can arise at this age, between the desire for success and the fear of mortality.
14. “Periodically” by Jaquel Spivey
From the musical “A Strange Loop,” This song by Jaquel Spivey is a touching tribute to a son on his 26th birthday. The lyrics express the love and concern of a mother who wants her son to know that she will always be there for him, no matter what.
Despite differences in opinion expressed in the song, the love between mother and son shines through in the song. It is a heartfelt reminder to always cherish the ones we love, and to hold onto the values that matter most to us.
15. “26” by Lauv
“26” by Lauv tells the story of a young man who achieved success through his music but now finds himself struggling with the consequences of fame and fortune. Despite being only 26 years old and wealthy, the protagonist realizes that money cannot buy happiness or time.
Lauv’s track speaks to the challenges of navigating success and the pressures that can come with it, highlighting the importance of self-care and finding balance amidst the chaos.
16. “26 Days” by RashDash
RashDash’s “26 Days” is a touching country tune that expresses a mother’s appreciation for finally having the opportunity to spend time with her daughter. The lyrics of the song concentrate on the narrator’s realization that she didn’t recognize what she was missing out on when her child was young.
As she spends time with her daughter on her 26th birthday, she comes to the realization that time has flown by too quickly. This heartfelt track emphasizes the importance of spending time with one’s children, as they grow up so quickly.
17. “Say Their Names” by JD Lawrence
“Say Their Names” by JD Lawrence is a powerful song that emphasizes the importance of recognizing the victims of police brutality and systemic racism.
The song lists the names of various individuals who were taken away before they could fulfill their dreams, one of the victims was Breonna Taylor, who was killed before she turned 26. “Say Their Names” serves as a reminder to continue the fight for equality and justice for all.
18. “Case” by Dubldragon
Dubldragon’s song “Case” talks about the struggles of mental health and the journey of self-discovery. At 26 years old, the narrator reflects on his life and how far he has come, despite the challenges he has faced.
The lyrics touch on the importance of support from loved ones and the difficulty of asking for help. “Case” is a moving song, a powerful reminder to never give up on yourself and to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the road may seem.
19. “Better Man” by Arnold The Painter
The song “Better Man” by Arnold The Painter is a contemplative song that portrays turning 26 as a critical juncture in life, prompting both personal development and obstacles that accompany aging.
The lyrics, “I’m 25, almost 26, and I got enough problems at home” indicates that with each passing year, more responsibilities are added to one’s plate. The track is a reflection on the artist’s journey towards self-improvement and the challenges they have faced along the way.
20. “Progress” by Lil Ressie
Lil Ressie’s rap song reflects on his journey towards achieving his dream as a rapper. As a 26-year-old man from the projects, he shares the struggles and hardships he has faced in his pursuit of progress.
The track serves as an inspiration for those who are determined to make something of themselves and see progress in their lives.
Conclusion
Songs about being 26 showcase the diversity of experiences and emotions that come with this milestone age. Whether it’s a reflective ballad or an upbeat anthem, these songs serve as a reminder that growing older can be both exciting and challenging, but ultimately, it’s a journey worth taking.
