21 Best Childhood Memory Songs

Nostalgia is a beautiful way to remind you of the carefree days of childhood. Music has the incredible ability to take us back and also bring back old feelings. Here, we've collected a few of the best childhood memory songs to take you back to your early years.

1. “Summer of '69” by Bryan Adams

Song Year: 1984

There is no other song in music that brings up the pangs of nostalgia like this hit from Canadian Bryan Adams. Released in the '80s, “Summer of '69” is all about the simple days of growing up, forming a band, receiving a first kiss, and learning about life. What sets this song apart from the others is its optimistic vibe. Memories may be in the past, but this tune still has our feet tapping.

2. “Boys of Summer” by Don Henley

Song Year: 1984

Summer vacations are instant memory makers, and the Eagles' Don Henley knew how to capture those memories with this catchy tune. Of course, summers can also be about those budding romances that seem to fizzle as the days get colder.

Regardless, summer love as a child or a teen is something we all know something about. This Henley hit proves that the feelings are the same for everyone.

3. “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin

Song Year: 1974

If there has ever been a song that led to more tears shed and leaky noses, then we'd like to see it. “Cats in the Cradle” is the song that many people immediately conjure up when thinking about childhood memories. The repetition of lines from iconic nursery rhymes in the chorus reminds many people of the times that are now behind them.

This hit by Harry Chapin is about regret and the desire to be a better parent. But the most crucial portion of this song is the understanding that cycles can repeat, regardless of the best intentions.

4. “Strawberry Wine” by Deanna Carter

Song Year: 1996

This saccharinely sweet country hit from the '90s is all about first loves and the first taste of wine as a young teenager. While we wouldn't encourage teenagers to drink wine, there's something unique and memorable about small moments of teenage rebellion that make this time of life special.

The song begins with Carter reminiscing about her first kiss with a boy named Johnny. Then, she talks about summer days that seemed to linger forever and the sweet taste of strawberry wine she and Johnny shared. Carter's lyrics evoke a feeling of innocence and longing as she remembers the warmth of the summer sun and the joy of being young and free.

5. “In My Room” by The Beach Boys

Song Year: 1963

A child's room can create a sense of comfort and safety like a warm blanket. Still, this tune from The Beach Boys is about those moments of quiet solitude and reflection in your bedroom as a child and teen.

This song tells the story of a young boy who escapes to his room whenever he feels overwhelmed. He can be in this space and free from the world's worries. The song also speaks to how special a child's room can be. It is a place of comfort and refuge where imagination can run wild.

6. “For Youth” by BTS

Song Year: 2022

BTS is one of the most prolific groups in the world and they got to where they are today by writing songs aimed at the younger generation. Their powerful lyrics relate to the struggles that many young people have with today’s world but provide hope for the future.

“For Youth,” one of the last songs the group released before they went on hiatus, talks about the band’s journey over the last decade. It reminds the listeners how far they have come in their youth and reminisces on the ups and downs of this period of life.

7. “Fifteen” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2008

The queen of youth and young love, Taylor Swift, finally appears on this list! The song speaks of the innocent love between two fifteen-year-olds, full of naivety and optimism. However, it also speaks of the growing pains of entering adulthood, when many of us learn lessons the hard way.

The lyrics are full of the good times spent in high school while also recognizing the struggles faced. Swift speaks of the mistakes we make in life and how we must learn to forgive ourselves and others. “Fifteen” is a powerful reminder of how fragile our teenage years can be and how we must take the time to appreciate the people we meet and the memories we make.

8. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart

Song Year: 1988

There is only one message you can take from this 1988 Rod Stewart hit: enjoy your childhood and cherish it forever. The song has become an anthem for the young at heart, reminding us to cherish life's moments and enjoy each day we have. It's a timeless classic that will continue to bring hope and joy to many for years to come.

9. “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins

Song Year: 1995

Aimlessness as a teenager is a built-in feature of growing up, and The Smashing Pumpkins' “1979” is an anthem for those feelings. Lead singer Billy Corgan wrote the song based on his experiences growing up in the Chicago suburbs. As a result, the song is an emotional reflection of teenage angst and nostalgia.

10. “When I Was a Boy” by Electric Light Orchestra

Song Year: 2015

A fan favorite from Electric Light Orchestra, “When I Was a Boy” was the lead single off their album Secret Messages. Jeff Lynne wrote and produced the song, which peaked at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart. The song is a nostalgic reflection of the innocence of childhood, with its simple and uplifting melody making it an enduring classic of modern rock and roll.

11. “We Are Young” by fun

Song Year: 2012

An explosive pop hit with powerful vocals and an equally powerful arrangement, “We Are Young” by fun is a shot in the arm like the energy of youth. The song captures the joys and innocence of growing up and how those memories can stay with us for a lifetime.

The lyrics vividly depict the past and how small moments can be so significant. It has become an anthem for young people and appeared in various television shows and movies. The song also helped fun win two Grammy awards.

12. “Photograph” by Nickleback

Song Year: 2005

Put your pitchforks away, music snobs. The band that launched a thousand think-pieces on why they are the worst band of all time has a catchy song about those bygone days. The Canadian group's hit is all about the treasured memories of the teen years that always seem to come flooding back whenever you look back at the photos of that era.