Growing up can be both exciting and daunting as we experience new things. Music often accompanies the ups and downs of aging, providing us with tunes to help express these emotions.
Here’s a list of 20 songs about getting older:
Contents
- 1. “100 Years” by Five for Fighting
- 2. “Grow Old With Me” by Tom Odell
- 3. “1985” by Bowling for Soup
- 4. “I Don’t Want to Grow Up” by The Ramones
- 5. “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” by George Jones
- 6. “Cherry Bomb” by John Cougar Mellencamp
- 7. “Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers
- 8. “22” by Lily Allen
- 9. “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” by Garth Brooks
- 10. “Stay with You” by John Legend
- 11. “Dear Bobbie” by Yellowcard
- 12. “Wasn’t Expecting That” by Jamie Lawson
- 13. “I Ain’t As Good As I Once Was” by Toby Keith
- 14. “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
- 15. “Ghost” by Coheed & Cambria
- 16. “In the Backseat” by Arcade Fire
- 17. “Older” by They Might Be Giants
- 18. “Grow Old With Me” by Mary Chapin Carpenter
- 19. “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney
- 20. “When We Were Young” by Adele
- Conclusion
1. “100 Years” by Five for Fighting
This song is about how time goes by quickly and being with loved ones feels like it’s all a blur. This cheerful pop song talks about remembering growing up and trying to keep that feeling alive as we get older. The chorus encourages us to make the most of our lives in what little time we have.
2. “Grow Old With Me” by Tom Odell
Being with the person you love is precious, and this song captures that sentiment perfectly. A sweet ode to the idea of growing old with someone, this folk-pop ballad talks about being together and cherishing every moment. This feel-good track is for anyone who feels like they’ve found the one.
3. “1985” by Bowling for Soup
Getting stuck on the memory of being young and free, this pop-punk track looks back on the innocence of life when you’re young that is filled with hopes and dreams. The song is about how a young marriage often contains unfulfilled dreams, but the memories never die.
4. “I Don’t Want to Grow Up” by The Ramones
The classic punk anthem speaks for itself. Everyone can relate to the idea of wanting to stay young and carefree forever, and this song captures that sentiment perfectly. Though we may have preferred to stay children forever, time doesn’t stop for anyone.
5. “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” by George Jones
This country classic speaks for anyone feeling the pressures of aging. Despite his age, George Jones refuses to let society dictate how he should act and feel about getting older. This song is a great reminder that age doesn’t define how we live life.
6. “Cherry Bomb” by John Cougar Mellencamp
Teenage life is full of excitement and adventure, something this classic rock track understands. This song is about reminiscing about the good old teenage days when life was fun and carefree. This track is a great reminder to never forget the nostalgic memories of growing up.
7. “Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers
A touching tribute to the wisdom of growing old gracefully, this soulful classic is about how we can learn from our grandmothers who have experienced life longer than us.
The advice and love we receive from them are invaluable, and this song celebrates that. This is for anyone who has been blessed with a loving grandparent in their life.
8. “22” by Lily Allen
Getting old means you have your life planned out, but this pop track is about the opposite. This song voices out the confusion and uncertainty of aging and not knowing what to do with our lives.
While this song is light-hearted, it captures the feeling of being lost in the world at nearly thirty. This track is for anyone who has ever felt uncertain about the future.
9. “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” by Garth Brooks
“Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” is a country track that knows exactly how it feels to be stressed and responsibilities make you age quickly.
The song describes the many struggles that cowboys endure, such as being away from home often, missing out on friends’ life milestones, and constantly feeling left behind. It’s a reflective track that on the road of life, there’s no getting around growing older.
10. “Stay with You” by John Legend
Time marches on and life keeps changing, but this R&B track reminds us that love can remain the same. An inspiring song about everlasting commitment to someone you love, this track speaks of a bond that transcends time and age. As we grow older together, this song celebrates the beauty of loving somebody for better or for worse.
11. “Dear Bobbie” by Yellowcard
This indie track is an ode to getting older, but the narrator’s positive outlook on the situation is what makes this song special. It is a love letter from his grandfather to his grandmother and he looks back fondly on the memories they’ve shared.
This song is for anyone lucky enough to still be with the person they love. It’s a reminder that aging comes with plenty of tear-jerking memories, but like fine wine, those memories only get better with age.
12. “Wasn’t Expecting That” by Jamie Lawson
Love is unexpectedly beautiful, no matter how old you get, and this acoustic pop track captures that feeling perfectly. As time passes by, the narrator in this song is surprised at how his love has grown even more over time.
This track speaks of a relationship that’s stronger than ever despite the years they’ve spent together. This sentimental song just speaks of how loving a person can be something you least expect as you grow older.
13. “I Ain’t As Good As I Once Was” by Toby Keith
In the country song, “I Ain’t As Good As I Once Was,” a middle-aged cowboy is challenged to see if he can still do things he did in his younger days. From bar fights to flirting, this song captures the sentiment of growing older and being unable to keep up with what he used to do.
The comical music video goes to show that no matter how old you get, you can still bring a bit of mischief to the table.
14. “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days” is a classic rock track about growing up and reminiscing on memories of youth.
This song speaks of how life changes as you get older, but it also reminds us that we will always be able to look back fondly on those glory days. Filled with regret and nostalgia, this track celebrates the power of good memories, even in the face of growing older.
15. “Ghost” by Coheed & Cambria
This track is a reflective tune about being a good parent and if the person will replicate his parents’ mistakes in his own life.
This alternative rock song speaks to these feelings of growing older, insecurities about making the right decisions, and the desire to be perfect. This is for anyone who is new to the world of adulthood and is looking for a guiding light.
16. “In the Backseat” by Arcade Fire
“In The Backseat” is a song about growing up and memories of losing someone dear. This indie track speaks to how we try to control and cope with life’s changes, whether it be growing older or something else.
With its mix of indie rock and folk elements, This song is for those who want to take a trip down memory lane and don’t want to say goodbye just yet.
17. “Older” by They Might Be Giants
This quirky pop track is a humorous take on getting older. It speaks to the harsh reality that you’re older as the minute ticks by.
The anxiety of getting older and the realization that life is passing by are captured with the self-explanatory lyrics. Time does not move backward, but the narrator in this track can at least have a comical soundtrack to ease the pressure of age.
18. “Grow Old With Me” by Mary Chapin Carpenter
A soulful song about growing older together, “Grow Old With Me” speaks to the idea of living life’s days happily, in love, and with joy.
This song is about growing old with someone you’re deeply in love with, and how the two of you can not only weather life’s storms but grow closer together because of them. This track is for anyone who feels grateful for the special someone in their lives and wants to express it.
19. “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney
This country song is a reminder to be grateful for the good moments and not take time for granted. The music video of this track features a hundred-year-old man who tells his life story and encourages us to live every day with positivity, as we don’t know how much time we have. The secret to living a good life is to enjoy every moment, so don’t blink.
20. “When We Were Young” by Adele
“When We Were Young” is a song that reminds us of the happy memories we made when we were young, and how afraid we are of growing old.
Adele’s meaningful lyrics and captivating voice make this song perfect for anyone who takes the time to appreciate life but is also a bit sentimental about all of the times that have passed.
Whether you are with a long-time friend or an ex-lover, this song covers the spectrum of emotions that come with getting older.
Conclusion
As we age, plenty of songs are written about the emotions that come along with it. These 20 tracks about getting older will surely make you appreciate the moments in your life, whether it be a fond memory or an anxious moment.
So if you’re feeling a bit sentimental or nervous about growing older, put on one of these songs and make the most out of time.