The Soundtrack of Your Twenties: 14 Songs About Being 20 That You Need to Hear Right Now

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Written By John Red

Founder of Handsounds, avid music lover of all genres and tastes. 

It’s exciting, transformative, and self-discovering to be in your 20s. The feeling of crossing the threshold from childhood to adulthood may be both thrilling and overwhelming. There are innumerable songs that perfectly express what it’s like to be in your 20s, as music has always been a reflection of the times. The best songs about being 20 will be discussed in this article.

The diversity of 20-something experiences is reflected in the songs about being twenty. The mood of these songs can range from joyful and lively to reflective and depressing. They can reflect the dread and uncertainty that come with growing up, or they can capture the excitement of experiencing life to the fullest.

The Soundtrack of Your Twenties: 14 Songs About Being 20 That You Need to Hear Right Now

Songs about turning 20 are particularly intriguing due to their capacity to arouse strong emotions. The exhilaration of first love through the sadness of loss and disappointment may all be recalled through these songs, along with the greatest and worst parts of our youth.

This article will examine some of the most well-known songs about turning 20 across many genres and eras. We will spotlight the songs that best express the joys and challenges of being young and navigating life, from rock and pop to hip-hop and country.

This post is for you if you’re looking for inspiration for your current 20-something journey or for a nostalgic walk down memory lane. Prepare to see the highs and lows of adolescence through the prism of music.

14 Best Songs About Being 20 – Here are our recommendations!

14: Youth – Troye Sivan

The upbeat and catchy pop song “Youth” by Troye Sivan honours the fun and freedom of youth. The 2015 song, which has Sivan’s trademark dreamy vocals and a powerful beat that will have fans dancing along, was released. The words pay homage to youth’s carefree spirit and sense of invincibility. “Youth” is the ideal song for anyone wishing to live in the present and experience life to the fullest thanks to its contagious melody and inspiring message.

13: 20 Something – SZA

SZA’s soulful and emotional R&B song “20 Something” perfectly expresses the ambiguity and confusion of being in your twenties. SZA’s expressive vocals and poetic lyrics, which tackle the difficulties of growing up and finding your place in the world, are featured in the 2017 single. “20 Something” is a realistic and touching testament to the difficulties of navigating maturity thanks to its melancholy tune and heartfelt lyrics.

12: Not Nineteen Forever – The Courteeners

The Courteeners’ peppy indie rock song “Not Nineteen Forever” embodies the carefree attitude of youth and invincibility. The song, which was released in 2008, has upbeat guitar riffs and lyrics that extol the delights of present-day living. “Not Nineteen Forever” is a timeless anthem for anyone who desires to escape the demands of adulthood and recapture the carefree days of their childhood thanks to its catchy tune and appealing chorus. 

11: Wings – Little Mix

Little Mix’s ‘Wings’ is a motivating pop song that exhorts listeners to accept their uniqueness and pursue their aspirations. The song, which was released in 2012, has a catchy chorus that will get listeners singing along, as well as the group’s strong vocals. The song’s lyrics are an ode to self-assurance and the notion that, if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. “Wings” is the ideal anthem for anyone who wishes to extend their wings and soar thanks to its uplifting message and contagious tune.

10: Twenty-Somethings – Judah & The Lion

Judah & the Lion’s folk-infused indie rock song “Twenty-Somethings” perfectly conveys the nostalgic melancholy of being in your 20s. The song, which was released in 2016, combines the band’s trademark acoustic and electronic sounds with moving lyrics that examine the rewards and challenges of growing up. “Twenty-Somethings” is the ideal anthem for everyone who wishes to reflect on the past and look to the future with hope and optimism thanks to its melancholy melody and contemplative message.

9: Numb Little Bug – Em Beihold

Em Beihold’s mournful and reflective indie folk ballad “Numb Little Bug” examines the inner anguish of being in your 20s. The 2018 song’s poetic lyrics, which explore the struggle of finding your place in the world, are accompanied by Beihold’s soothing vocals and deft guitar playing. “Numb Little Bug” is a touching and moving hymn to the difficulties of growing up and the search for meaning and purpose thanks to its honest message and melancholy tune. 

8: 22 – Taylor Swift

Okay, so maybe 2 years too old, but cut me some slack. The joyful and bouncy pop song “22” by Taylor Swift honours the carefree spirit of youth and living in the moment. The song, which was released in 2012, has a catchy chorus that will get listeners moving.

It also showcases Swift’s humorous vocals. The song’s lyrics pay homage to the excitement, liberation, enjoyment, and adventure that come with turning 22. “22” is the ideal anthem for anyone wishing to enjoy their youth and live life to the fullest thanks to its contagious melody and inspiring message.

7: Young, Wild And Free – Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa Ft. Bruno Mars

The cheerful hip-hop anthem “Young, Wild and Free” by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa featuring Bruno Mars honours the carefree spirit of youth and living life to the fullest. The song, which was released in 2011, has the performers’ relaxed vocals and a catchy chorus that will have fans singing along. The song’s lyrics pay homage to youth, freedom, and individual expression. “Young, Wild and Free” is the ideal song for anyone who wants to let loose and have a good time thanks to its contagious beat and upbeat message.

6: Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield

Natasha Bedingfield’s infectious pop song “Unwritten” exhorts listeners to embrace life’s limitless possibilities and live without regrets. The song, which Bedingfield sang, was released in 2004 and has a catchy tune that will get listeners singing along. The song’s lyrics celebrate self-discovery and the notion that the future is unwritten and brimming with possibility. “Unwritten” is the ideal song for anyone who wants to seize the day and live life to the fullest because of its inspiring message and catchy melody.

5: Daydream – Tori Kelly

Tori Kelly’s “Daydream” is a daydreamy (shock), introspective R&B song that examines the feelings and challenges of growing up. The song, which was released in 2020, has Kelly’s deep voice and a calm tune that will draw listeners into a world of reflection. The lyrics pay moving homage to youth’s wistful nostalgia and the need to preserve connections and memories. “Daydream” is the ideal song for everyone who wishes to reflect on their path and find peace inside themselves thanks to its genuine message and calming melody.

4: Schoolin’ Life – Beyonce

Beyoncé’s passionate and energetic R&B song “Schoolin’ Life” honours life’s experiences and teachings. The song, which was released in 2011, has Beyoncé’s assured vocals and an upbeat tempo that will get fans moving. The song’s lyrics pay homage to the belief that life is the greatest teacher and that every moment offers an opportunity to advance one’s development. “Schoolin’ Life” is the ideal song for everyone who wishes to embrace their journey and appreciate the highs and lows of life thanks to its uplifting message and contagious rhythm.

3: At Least I Look Cool – Sasha Alex Sloan

Sasha Alex Sloan’s peppy pop song “At Least I Look Cool” addresses the pressures and vulnerabilities of growing up in the internet era. The song, which was released in 2019, has a captivating melody and Sloan’s sultry voice, which will have fans singing along. The song’s lyrics pay homage to the notion that, as long as you are confident in yourself, it’s acceptable to not have everything sorted out.

2: Pushing 20 – Sabrina Carpenter

The musical song “Pushing 20” by Sabrina Carpenter is an insightful look at the difficulties and uncertainty of turning 20. The song, which was released in 2019, has evocative vocals by Carpenter and a sombre rhythm that will draw listeners into a world of reflection. The song’s lyrics pay homage to the notion that growing up is a journey filled with ups and downs, and that sometimes the best course of action is to simply take each day as it comes.

1: Under 21 – Save Ferris

The joyful ska punk song “Under 21” by Save Ferris highlights the benefits of being carefree and young. The song, which was released in 1997, showcases the band’s upbeat vibe and lead singer Monique Powell’s strong voice. The song’s lyrics pay homage to the liberation and exhilaration of being under 21 as well as the enthusiasm of embarking on life’s adventures for the first time. “Under 21” is the ideal song for everyone who wishes to enjoy the fun of being young and relive the nostalgia of their childhood thanks to its contagious rhythm and entertaining lyrics.

14 Best Songs About Being 20- Closing remarks and thoughts

The best songs about turning 20 are a representation of the singular and formative process of leaving adolescence and entering adulthood. These songs represent the highs and lows of this critical period in our lives, from the emotions of excitement and freedom to the challenges of finding your place in the world.

Songs about being 20 are no exception to the rule that music is a potent form of self-expression. There is a song out there that can relate to your situation, whether you’re experiencing loneliness, falling in love, or are simply trying to make sense of everything.

These songs’ capacity to appeal to listeners of various ages and socioeconomic levels is what makes them so timeless. They serve as a reminder that we are all going through the same experience of being young and trying to figure out life.

These songs take on much more significance as we become older and leave our 20s behind. They serve as a reminder of the events and people who helped mould who we are today. They act as a time capsule of memories that we can look back on in the future since they encapsulate the essence of our childhood.

Closing remarks:

Take a moment to appreciate the power of music in capturing the essence of being young and figuring it all out, whether you’re in your 20s or just reflecting on that period of your life. These songs celebrate growing up and serve as a gentle reminder that music and memories will always be there for us to hold onto, no matter where life takes us.

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