Being 17 is a special age in a person’s life because it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood as well as a period of rapid development and change. It’s a time of freedom and excitement, but it’s also a time of ambiguity and confusion. It makes sense why so many artists have been inspired to write songs about being 17, capturing the highs and lows of being 17.
The best songs about being 17 from every genre and era are discussed in this piece. We’ll look at the themes and feelings that are expressed in these songs, as well as why this time period has been such a bountiful source of inspiration for songwriters.
Teenagers who reach the age of 17 often rebel and press the envelope as they explore their newly found freedom. We’ll examine songs that express this feeling of nonconformity and defiance, with lyrics that express the desire to rebel against conventions and standards.
But being 17 also means being vulnerable and learning about oneself. Music that relates to these struggles is frequently a source of comfort for teenagers as they navigate the challenges of relationships, identity, and self-worth. We’ll look at tracks that express the uncertainty and heartbreak of first loves, the fear of the future, and the quest for life’s meaning and purpose.
The tracks on this list are certain to bring back memories of that pivotal time in your life, whether you’re currently 17 or much older (or younger!). So sit back, relax, crank up the volume, and allow these songs to transport you back to the pleasures and difficulties of being 17 years old.
12 Best Songs About Being 17 – Here are our recommendations!
12: Seventeen – Ladytron
The British band Ladytron is known for their iconic synth-pop song “Seventeen.” The song, which was released in 2002, transports listeners back to the height of post-punk and new wave with its eerie melodies and electronic rhythms. The singer claims that she is “only seventeen” and that nothing can stop her as the lyrics examine the excitement and carelessness of youth.
The song’s memorable melodies and lively beat make it a dance floor favourite, and its ethereal voices and atmospheric production give it a classic feel. “Seventeen” honours the ability of music to transcend time and space while capturing the rebellious spirit of youth. It is evidence of both contemporary culture’s enduring vitality and the enduring appeal of synth-pop.
11: 17 – Avril Lavigne
Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne’s upbeat and nostalgic single “17” earns 11th place in this list . The song’s lyrics celebrate the fun of being impetuous and young, of staying up late and pursuing your goals. While Lavigne’s upbeat vocals effectively capture the spirit of youthful exuberance, the infectious melody and catchy refrain elicit a feeling of fun and excitement.
Anyone who has ever looked back on their teenage years with nostalgia and a feeling of longing will find “17” to be a playful and relatable anthem. It serves as a reminder to treasure the good times and hold on to our sense of wonder and adventure.
10: Seventeen – Sharon Van Etten
American singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten’s composition “Seventeen” is a sombre and emotional piece. The song, which was released in 2019, examines the pain of realising time has passed as well as the bittersweet nostalgia of remembering one’s youth. The words address the common experience of being lost and looking for purpose, and the soaring vocals and ferocious guitars convey a sense of desperation and longing.
The essence of getting older and the feeling of yearning for something that might no longer exist are perfectly captured by Van Etten’s honest and unvarnished delivery. The film “Seventeen” serves as a potent reminder that our experiences shape who we are and that, despite getting older, we can still cling to the hopes and aspirations we had as children.
9: Seventeen – Alessia Cara
Alessia Cara, a Canadian singer-songwriter, wrote a coming-of-age composition titled “Seventeen.” The 2018 single perfectly captures youth and the bittersweet nostalgia that comes with maturing. The song’s lyrics highlight the challenges and doubts that come with being an adolescent, including the desire to fit in, dealing with social pressure, and seeking one’s place in the world. Despite the difficulties, there is beauty and excitement in youth, as the catchy tune and upbeat rhythm serve as a reminder to viewers.
The song “Seventeen” urges us to treasure those formative years by celebrating the highs and lows of adolescence. Anyone who has ever been naive and optimistic will be able to relate to and find inspiration in this song.
8: At Seventeen – Janis Ian
An emotional and reflective composition, “At Seventeen” is performed by American singer-songwriter Janis Ian. The 1975 song, which talks to the universal struggles of adolescent insecurity and self-doubt. Ian expresses in her lyrics the agony of feeling like an outsider, of not being thought of as attractive enough or popular, and of longing for love and acceptance.
Listeners’ emotions are touched by the melancholy and emotional atmosphere that is created by her eerie vocals and the soft guitar strumming. The song’s timeless message continues to resonate with audiences today, telling us that the search for self-acceptance and belonging is a universal human experience. “At Seventeen” is a potent example of the long-lasting ability of music to unite us in our common humanity and our emotions.
7: Carmen – Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey‘s 2012 song “Carmen” is a melancholy and eerie lament. The melancholy lyrics about a young lady doomed by the lure of fame and the darker aspects of life are ideally complemented by the song’s atmospheric instrumental, which features a delicate piano and sombre strings.
With lyrics like “Darling, darling, doesn’t have a problem / Lying to herself cause her liquor’s top shelf,” the song speaks to the cost of pursuing the Hollywood ideal and the havoc it can inflict on those who fall under its spell. “Carmen” showcases Del Rey’s ability to create cinematic and emotionally charged songs that resonate with listeners on a deep level. Because of the song’s beauty, sorrow, and eerie beauty, fans continue to adore it.
6: Seventeen – Winger
Winger’s energetic and catchy hair metal anthem, “Seventeen,” was first published in 1988. The song is a classic representation of the glam rock period thanks to its hard-driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and catchy refrain. “I’m no puppet, I engrave my own path / Don’t need no mom and dad, I’ll be alright” are just a few of the lyrics in the song that honour youth and the freedom and excitement that comes with it.
Winger’s position as one of the biggest bands of the time was cemented when “Seventeen” became a huge hit, topping the charts. The song is still regarded as a revered hair metal classic and proof of the allure of rock and roll rebellion.
5: All Summer Long – Kid Rock
Kid Rock’s 2008 song “All Summer Long” is a sentimental and catchy rock-country fusion. The instrumental of the song, which significantly borrows from Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” creates a happy and upbeat atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the carefree spirit of summer.
The song’s lyrics, which include lines like “Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking ‘bout tomorrow” and “We were trying different things, we were smoking funny things,” capture the joy of being young and in love during the hot summer months. Instantly rising to the top of the rankings in several nations, “All Summer Long” has remained a popular summer anthem ever since.
4: It Was A Very Good Year – Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra recorded the timeless song “It Was A Very Good Year” in 1965. Melancholy lyrics and a gentle melody in this song focus on the passing of time and the transient nature of youth and beauty. The way the song is structured, with each stanza focusing on a different stage of life, contributes to the sentiment of reflection and nostalgia.
Since Sinatra sings the song with a feeling of wistful resignation, the song becomes an instant classic and is still well-liked today. In addition to serving as a testament to Sinatra’s enduring reputation as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, “It Was A Very Good Year” serves as a gentle reminder of the ability of music to convey the radiance and fragility of life.
3: 17 – Youth Lagoon
2011 saw the debut of “17,” an introspective and melancholic indie rock song by Youth Lagoon. The song’s sparse instrumental, which consists primarily of a soft piano and reverberating voices, creates an eerie and atmospheric atmosphere that is the ideal accompaniment to the lyrics, which are intensely personal.
The lyrics, which include “I’m sick of living, but I’m scared of dying,” speak to the feeling of being trapped in a small town and trying to find meaning and purpose in life as a teen. Youth Lagoon’s ability to express complicated feelings simply and honestly is on full display in “17,” a song that will speak to anyone who has ever felt lost or trapped. The song’s eerie beauty and profound emotionality continue to make it a fan favourite.
2: 17 – Kings Of Leon
2013 saw the debut of “17,” a rock ballad by Kings of Leon that is nostalgic and bittersweet. The melancholy lyrics about growing up and letting the past go are ideally complemented by the song’s atmospheric instrumental with its delicate guitar lines and soaring chorus. “Oh, what a world, I’m living in / Will you take my hand or let me go?”.
The chorus of the song expresses the pain of leaving behind youthful innocence and carefree days. The band’s transition from its early garage rock days to a more mature and introspective sound is demonstrated on “17.” Due to its heartfelt emotion and relatable words about the challenges of growing up, the song continues to be a fan favourite.
1: Dancing Queen – ABBA
The disco-pop anthem “Dancing Queen,” performed by the Swedish group ABBA in 1976, is a masterpiece. The song is a classic party anthem that is still in demand today thanks to its upbeat lyrics, pulsating rhythm, and catchy melody.
The chorus, “You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life,” quickly became a sing-along favourite because it expresses the joy and freedom of letting loose on the dance floor. “Dancing Queen” became a huge success, topping the charts in a number of nations and establishing ABBA as one of the most adored pop acts of all time.
The song continues to be a mainstay of any dance party soundtrack and is proof of the timeless appeal of disco music. Of Course, the subject of the song is a 17 year old girl.
12 Best Songs About Being 17 – Closing remarks and thoughts
In conclusion, music has always been a potent medium for expressing the complex emotions that are associated with this stage of life. The teenage years are a time of exploration, development, and self-discovery.
These songs about being 17 are especially meaningful because many of us are experiencing major changes and difficulties at this age as we approach adulthood. These songs authentically and emotionally capture the highs and lows of being 17 regardless of whether it’s the happiness of first love, the agony of loss, or the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
Through these tracks, we can revisit the wonder and the bewilderment of being 17, and we can recognize the universality of the experiences we underwent at that age. The specifics of each person’s life may vary, but we can all connect to the emotions and difficulties that come with being 17 to some extent.
We are reminded of the transformative power of music and its capacity to arouse strong feelings and memories as we reflect on these songs about being 17 years old. These tunes are evidence of the enduring influence of music on our lives and how it can aid in our understanding of the outside world.
Closing Remarks:
Therefore, these songs about being 17 continue to speak to us and serve as a reminder of the ability of music to capture the essence of life’s most transformative times, whether you are 17 and feeling these emotions for the first time or looking back on those formative years with nostalgia (or yet to get there).
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A music enthusiast who has taken his passion for music to the next level by starting his own blog. He spends most of his free time listening to new albums, attending concerts, and researching emerging artists.
What sets John apart from other music bloggers is his ability to connect with his readers on a personal level. His writing style is warm and engaging, making it easy for readers to relate to him as both a fellow music lover and someone who truly cares about the art form.
John’s love for music started at a young age when he discovered classic rock through his father’s vinyl collection. Since then, he has expanded his musical horizons to include everything from indie rock to hip hop and beyond.
As a blogger, John has found a way to share his love of music with others while also providing valuable insights into the industry.