As we reach the golden age of 50, we often reflect on the path we have taken and the experiences we have gained. It can be a time of mixed emotions, from the daunting realization of aging to the wisdom and fulfillment that comes with experience. Some songs are inspired by this number and to also capture the significance of this event.
Here are songs about being 50 that provide a message that is both relatable and comforting for those who are reaching this milestone in their lives.
Contents
- 1. “Hood Blues” by DMX
- 2. “Ghetto Reporter” by Nas
- 3. “Daddy’s Gone” by Glasvegas
- 4. “Starting Over Again” by Dolly Parton
- 5. “50 Year Old Man” by The Fall
- 6. “She’s Turning 50 Today” by Reba McEntire
- 7. “Legacy” by Dane Cook
- 8. “Greed Kills More People Than Whiskey” by Tom T. Hall
- 9. “The Night Flight from Houston” by Laurie Anderson
- 10. “Cafe on the Corner” by Sawyer Brown
- 11. “When She Turns 50” by Guided By Voices
- 12. “Powder Blue” by Ween
- 13. “Rock and Roll” by Alvin and the Chipmunks
- 14. “Glamour Life” by Big Punisher
- 15. “Cheese” by Sammy Pharaoh
- 16. “Get A Job” by Slick Rick
- 17. “Legend of The South” by Upchurch
- 18. “Wither” by Seth Quinn
- 19. “Invent” by AJ Da Beatmasta
- 20. “Day Job” by Chameleonize
- Conclusion
1. “Hood Blues” by DMX
“Hood Blues” by DMX is a hip-hop song that talks about a fifty-year-old’s experience of life in the streets.
The track portrays a harsh and uncompromising view of life, which could be relatable with people who have struggled to make it to their 50s in a world that can be both unforgiving and unjust.
2. “Ghetto Reporter” by Nas
The rap song “Ghetto Reporter” by Nas confronts the challenges faced by musicians in the industry.
The lyrics, “When I’m fifty years old, I wanna have fifty-year-old fans” express a desire for the narrator to maintain a connection with fans of all ages, including those who are fifty years old when the narrator reaches that age.
3. “Daddy’s Gone” by Glasvegas
“Daddy’s Gone” by Glasvegas explores the yearning for a father figure who is absent from the narrator’s life.
Through the lyrics “I won’t be the lonely one / Sitting on my own and sad / A fifty year old,” the narrator expresses the determination to overcome the pain and move forward, choosing not to dwell on the past.
4. “Starting Over Again” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s “Starting Over Again” is a melancholic song about the challenges of breaking up a long-term relationship and starting anew, especially when approaching the age of 50.
The lyrics portray the pain of divorce, as the once-happy couple splits up their assets and goes their separate ways.
5. “50 Year Old Man” by The Fall
The Fall’s “50 Year Old Man” is a rock song that paints a picture of a middle-aged man who is struggling to keep up with the fast-paced world around him.
The lyrics showcase the frustration of the narrator as he navigates through computers that he can’t keep up with, yet he takes pride in his age and his capacity to stay relevant. Overall, the song portrays a sense of defiance and a refusal to conform to societal expectations of what it means to be a 50-year-old man.
6. “She’s Turning 50 Today” by Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire’s country song, “She’s Turning 50 Today,” tells the story of a woman who, despite facing heartbreak from her husband leaving her for a younger woman, decides to take control of her life on the day of her 50th birthday.
The chorus emphasizes the bittersweetness of this milestone birthday, but also the excitement of embarking on a new journey and not knowing what tomorrow may bring.
7. “Legacy” by Dane Cook
The song “Legacy” by Dane Cook explores the human desire to leave behind a lasting impact on the world. He uses a humorous anecdote about smashing an ice cream cone in a young boy’s face to illustrate this point.
Despite the absurdity of the situation, Cook argues that the boy will remember him forever and that the memory will become a part of his legacy.
8. “Greed Kills More People Than Whiskey” by Tom T. Hall
Tom T. Hall’s “Greed Kills More People Than Whiskey” is a country song that speaks about the dangers of greed. The narrator meets a 50-year-old cowboy who tells him that while whiskey may cause its fair share of problems, nothing kills people like greed.
The song reminds us of the importance of living a life with a sense of contentment, and not getting carried away with the pursuit of wealth.
9. “The Night Flight from Houston” by Laurie Anderson
Laurie Anderson’s “The Night Flight from Houston” is a song about a 50-year-old woman experiencing her first flight. She believed they were in outer space and spoke about the stars. The narrator appreciated the woman’s innocence and excitement at seeing the world from a new perspective.
10. “Cafe on the Corner” by Sawyer Brown
Sawyer Brown’s “Cafe on the Corner” is a song about a 50-year-old man who feels lost and out of place. He used to be a farmer, but there are no more fields to plow, and he has to find a new way to make a living.
He works at a cafe on the corner. The song highlights the struggles of people in middle age who have to start over and find a new way forward.
11. “When She Turns 50” by Guided By Voices
“When She Turns 50” by Guided By Voices is a country song that contemplates the future and aging. The narrator reflects on the passing of time and contemplates what life will be like when she turns 50.
The lyrics express uncertainty about whether the narrator will be alive by then, but promise to “bake the bread” if they are. It is a track that reflects on growing old and the inevitability of change, but also an appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
12. “Powder Blue” by Ween
The song “Powder Blue” by Ween speaks to the idea that at the age 50, one may have a sense of nostalgia for certain things or experiences that are hard to define but still hold a deep meaning.
The lyrics express a deep affection for the color powder blue, and the narrator promises to be true to it. Similarly, these elusive and enigmatic aspects may be worth pursuing and valuing when reaching the middle age.
13. “Rock and Roll” by Alvin and the Chipmunks
Alvin and the Chipmunks’ “Rock and Roll” is a song that reminds us that we all have the ability to rock the house and do our thing, no matter how old we are.
The fun track mentions that whether you’re five or fifty years old, it’s never too late to get back to doing what you love, whether it’s dancing or singing.
14. “Glamour Life” by Big Punisher
The song “Glamour Life” by Big Punisher is about the desire to live a luxurious life. The song speaks to the rapper’s humble beginnings and he has now achieved great success and is living a luxurious lifestyle.
His mother, who is now fifty years old, even owns a Hummer which highlights his success.
15. “Cheese” by Sammy Pharaoh
Sammy Pharaoh’s song “Cheese” is a testament to his journey through life, from his humble beginnings to where he is now, at 50 years old.
Despite the challenges he faced over the years, the singer persevered, using his talent for music to propel himself forward. This song is proof that success comes to those who persevere and stay humble.
16. “Get A Job” by Slick Rick
“Get A Job” by Slick Rick depicts the experiences of navigating fake friends, financial struggles, and societal pressures to conform.
The lyrics, “Fifty years old, and still you living with your parent?” shows the narrator’s exasperation with people who refuse to be self-sufficient and instead rely on others for support.
17. “Legend of The South” by Upchurch
“Legend of The South” by Upchurch is a country song about aging and the memories that come with it.
The lyrics describe the narrator’s vision of his future at the age of fifty, where he is sitting on his back porch smoking and listening to rock music. The track is a celebration of life, and the memories that make it worth living.
18. “Wither” by Seth Quinn
Seth Quinn’s “Wither” is a song about the passing of time and the realization that it waits for no one. The lyrics, “Tomorrow I’ll wake up and I’ll be fifty years old / Sitting watching time’s parade march on” reminds us that time is fleeting, and we must make the most of the time we have.
19. “Invent” by AJ Da Beatmasta
AJ Da Beatmasta’s “Invent” is a rap that talks about his journey in the music industry and how he’s still making money even at the age of 50. Despite the ups and downs of life, he remains focused on his passion and continues to invent new sounds and beats for his audience to enjoy.
20. “Day Job” by Chameleonize
The song “Day Job” by Chameleonize acknowledges the introspective quality that often comes with turning fifty, causing us to reflect on past decisions and contemplate our path in life. But the song reminds us that we are unique and the only ones who can cherish our life journey.
Conclusion
Turning 50 can be a life-changing moment for people who have reached this milestone. This age often marks a significant moment in our lives, and it can be a daunting realization of aging.
However, it can also be a time of newfound wisdom and experiences. Whether you are still discovering happiness or have achieved success, songs about being 50 can serve as a reminder to cherish your journey and appreciate your unique individuality.
