13 Best Songs About Being 100 Years Old

As the saying goes, age is just a number. But what if that number was 100? While many of us will never reach this remarkable milestone, several songs explore what it might be like to live for a century.

Here are some top songs about being 100 years old.

1. “100 Years” by Five For Fighting

Song Year: 2004

“100 Years” is a song by American singer-songwriter John Ondrasik, who performs under the name Five For Fighting. Released in 2004, the song reached the top 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the present moment. Ondrasik sings about the different stages of life, from the age of 15 to 99, and reminds listeners that each moment in someone’s 100 years of life is precious and should be appreciated.

2. “Cryin’ Time” by Ray Charles

Song Year: 1966

“Cryin' Time” is a classic country song originally written and recorded by Buck Owens in 1964. However, it was the legendary Ray Charles who brought the song to wider fame with his 1966 cover version. Charles' soulful interpretation of “Cryin' Time” features his trademark raspy vocals, backed by a grooving rhythm section and warm, melodic horns. In the lyrics, he tells his lover that if he lives to be 100 years old, his love for her could not grow any stronger.

3. “Someday I’ll Be a Saturday Night” by Bon Jovi

Song Year: 1994

“Someday I'll Be Saturday Night” is a classic rock song by Bon Jovi, released in 1994. The song tells the story of a struggling musician who dreams of making it big and finding success, but is faced with numerous obstacles along the way. The lyrics are filled with a sense of determination and hope, urging the listener to keep pushing forward and never give up on their dreams. He says that even though he is only 16, he feels like he’s 100 years old.

4. “Temporary Feeling” by Hannah Ellis

Song Year: 2017

“Temporary Feeling” is a song by country-pop singer-songwriter Hannah Ellis, released in 2017. The song is about the bittersweet nature of a relationship and how she finds herself wanting to leave. She says it is a temporary feeling and that she will still be around when she is 100 years old. Ellis's emotive vocals are backed by acoustic guitar and piano, creating a heartfelt and intimate atmosphere that perfectly captures the song's themes.

5. “Stolen Car” by Bruce Springsteen

Song Year: 1980

“Stolen Car” is a haunting ballad by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. It was released as part of his 1980 album “The River”. It features a sparse, melancholic arrangement, with Springsteen's vocals and acoustic guitar accompanied by subtle synthesizer and percussion.

The lyrics describe a man who feels trapped in a loveless relationship and longs to escape his mundane life by stealing a car and driving away. He asks his lover if she remembers the letters he used to write her and she says they make her feel 100 years old.

6. “I’ll Be Doggone” by Marvin Gaye

Song Year: 1965

“I'll Be Doggone” is a classic soul song by American singer Marvin Gaye, released in 1965. The track features Gaye's smooth, soulful vocals over a grooving rhythm section and a catchy horn arrangement.

It describes the narrator's love for his partner and his commitment to never let her go if they live to be 100 years old. The catchy chorus has become one of the most recognizable in Gaye's vast repertoire of music.

7. “Heavy Rain” by Figure Walking

Song Year: 2019

“Heavy Rain” is a haunting and introspective song by Figure Walking, a Canadian indie rock duo. The song's lyrics explore longing, loss, and the search for meaning in an overwhelming world — a challenge even if you live to be 100 years old.

The steady drumbeat that adds a sense of urgency and momentum to the track, while the vocals are raw and emotional, conveying a sense of vulnerability and desperation that draws the listener in. Overall, “Heavy Rain” is a powerful and evocative song that speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with life's big questions and the struggle to find one's place in the world.

8. “What Once Was” by Austin Plaine

Song Year: 2019

“What Once Was” is a song by Austin Plaine. With its gentle acoustic guitar and tender vocals, the song explores themes of loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Plaine's lyrics are deeply emotional, painting vivid pictures of memories that have faded and relationships that have been left behind.

He sings about how looking back at the age of 100 on things that once seemed so important can ultimately become insignificant, and how the people we love can drift away from us as we grow and change.

9. “Possum Slim” by Brian Jackson

Song Year: 1976

“Possum Slim” is a soulful and bluesy track by Brian Jackson, a renowned jazz pianist, and composer. The song features smooth and groovy instrumentation, with Jackson's impressive keyboard skills taking center stage.

The lyrics tell the story of a mysterious and elusive character named Possum Slim, who is said to be over 100 years old and seems to have a wild and unpredictable nature. Jackson's soulful vocals add to the overall vibe of the song, creating a captivating and immersive listening experience.

10. “Go Gently” by Paul Resnik

Song Year: 2021

“Go Gently” is a song written and performed by Paul Resnik, an accomplished singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. The song, which features Resnik's smooth vocals and acoustic guitar, is a poignant reminder to live life with kindness and compassion towards others. The lyrics of “Go Gently” tell the story of someone who has lived to be 100 years old but does not like the world that he sees around him.

11. “Dull Life” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Song Year:2009

“Dull Life” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs is a high-energy indie rock track that channels the band's signature blend of punk, garage, and new wave influences. The song features driving guitar riffs and Karen O's fierce vocals, which deliver biting lyrics about feeling stuck in a monotonous routine as if it is a 100-year-old beast.

The track's catchy hooks and anthemic chorus make it a standout from the band's repertoire, showcasing their ability to craft danceable yet introspective rock songs. “Dull Life” is a relatable and empowering song that encourages listeners to break free from the mundane and embrace the excitement and unpredictability of life.

12. “Spare Parts” by Chuck Snow

Song Year: 2020

“Spare Parts” is a poignant country ballad by Chuck Snow, It tells the story of a man who feels like he's just a collection of discarded parts and that he was never meant to live to be 100 years old.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life filled with heartache and disappointment, where every relationship leaves the protagonist feeling more broken and used than before. Snow's vocals are perfectly suited to the song, conveying a sense of weariness and resignation that makes the listener feel every bit of the protagonist's pain.

13. “Free Breakfast” by Bruce Lee Band

Song Year: 2019

“Free Breakfast” by Bruce Lee Band is an upbeat ska punk song with a catchy melody that's sure to get you dancing. The song features a horn section that adds an infectious energy to the music, and the lyrics are about the simple joys of getting a free breakfast at a hotel. The protagonist says to wake them early because they’re 100 years old and might not be back again.

The vocals are delivered with a punk rock edge, and the guitar riffs are fast and energetic. The overall vibe of the song is one of carefree fun, and it's impossible not to feel uplifted by the joyful spirit of the music.

Top Songs About Being 100 Years Old, Final Thoughts

These songs about being 100 years old offer a range of perspectives on what it might be like to reach this remarkable milestone. Whether it's reflecting on a life well-lived, lamenting lost time, or celebrating the joys of a long and full life, these songs provide a unique window into the human experience of aging.

Despite their different approaches, they all share a common thread of reverence for the wisdom and resilience that come with a century of living. As we listen to these songs, we can reflect on our journeys through life and appreciate the challenges and joys that come with each passing year.