25 Songs About Being 23

“Heart Attack at 23” by Y Kant Tori Read

Song Year: 1988

“Heart Attack at 23” is a song by a relatively unknown American synthpop band Y Kant Tori Read, from their album with the same name. Unfortunately, the album was a commercial flop, and the band disbanded shortly thereafter. However, the band’s lead singer Tori Amos went on to build a successful career, ranking 71st on VH1's 1999 “100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll.”

In this heartfelt song, Amos sings about the feeling of having a heartbreak so strong it feels like a heart attack. She tells young adult listeners that when love feels this way, it’s time to say goodbye, not die from the pain.

“23 Floors Up” by Teleman

Song Year: 2014

“23 Floors Up” is an alternative indie-pop song from the UK band Teleman. This song doesn’t explicitly mention being 23 years old but captures the emotion and turmoil that often comes with that age.

The song references a hotel room high up on the 23rd floor and how the singer must go back to the ground floor and return to the city. It’s up for debate whether this is a metaphor for the heartbreak young adults feel when coming down from cloud nine.

“Fairy Tales” by MC Jin feat. Teesa

Song Year: 2014

American rapper MC Jin released the song “Fairy Tales” on the album XIV:LIX in 2014. “Fairy Tales” features angelic chorus vocals from Teesa. The first line of this rap song mentions being 23 years old. The song shares a love story starting when MC Jin was 23 and ending with his happily ever after.

“All You Gotta Be When You're 23 Is Yourself” by Free Cake for Every Creature

Song Year: 2016

This indie-alternative song by Free Cake for Every Creature is from the 2016 album, Talking Quietly of Anything With You. It homes in on the topic of being 23. In particular, it encapsulates the hardships of not knowing what to do with your life. However, the comforting chorus reminds listeners that they can do anything they want.

“23” by Overcoats

Song Year: 2017

The song “23” by Overcoats is a sad song about a relationship that burned bright at the age of 23 but has now lost its spark. JJ Mitchen and Hana Elion are the soft voices behind this beautiful song about once being 23. You can find this tune on Overcoats' debut album, YOUNG.

“Drunk Walk Home” by Mitski

Song Year: 2014

If you’re in the mood for a song about the rage and frustration of being 23, look no further than “Drunk Walk Home” by Mitski. This indie-alternative song starts slowly with a powerful drum beat and angry vocals from Japanese-American singer Mitski. Among other things, Mitski sings about the desire to retire at 23.

“Catching Up” by Allstar Weekend

Song Year: 2010

“Catching Up” is the fourth track on Allstar Weekend’s debut studio album Suddenly Yours. It’s an electrifying mix of pop-rock and power pop that explores the topic of regrettable decisions and the feeling of being stuck in life. The band members reference the age of 23 as a moment in time when they could have chosen a life that made them happy.

“Grigio Girls” by Lady Gaga

Song Year: 2016

“Grigio Girls,” from Lady Gaga’s 2016 Joanne album, is one of many amazing songs from the 2010s. It’s about being young and needing a support system that can help make the world make sense.

The song tells the story of how, when she was 23, Lady Gaga met a 35-year-old woman who inspired her and supported her, especially over a glass of Pinot Grigio. In addition, she expresses what it’s like to be a 23-year-old woman with a strong group of girlfriends, with references to the Bachelorette TV show, the Spice Girls, and dyeing one another's hair.

“He Was My Brother” by Simon and Garfunkel

Song Year: 1964

Simon and Garfunkel released “He Was My Brother” in 1964. The iconic duo dedicated it to the civil rights activists Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, murdered by the KKK in June 1964. One of the victims, Goodman, went to school with Simon and was good friends with the band.

The song was featured on the band’s first album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. The album found little commercial success, and the two artists briefly went their separate ways. Fortunately for their loyal fans, they reunited and produced four more studio albums.

“Pardon Me” by Incubus

Song Year: 2000

Incubus released “Pardon Me” in 2000 as the lead single for their third studio album, Make Yourself.

This indie-rock and rap song captures the disillusionment of being 23. Instead of feeling like an adult who has it all together, lead singer Brandon Boyd sings about how he feels like he’s about to combust at 23.

“23 Go Into the End” by John Frusciante

Song Year: 2004

John Frusciante, the guitarist for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, is arguably one of the best guitar players around, dazzling fans and colleagues alike with his virtuoso performances.

The song “23 Go Into the End” is a fully instrumental song that showcases Frusciante’s unique ability to translate his thoughts, emotions, and esoteric themes into captivating notes. Featured on his album Shadows Collide With People,  it’s a great song to play in the background while contemplating what lies ahead in life.

“Take My Number” by Melissa Etheridge

Song Year: 2014

Melissa Etheridge is an American pop, rock, and country singer with songs that tell various stories inspired by her life experiences and other influences.

“Take My Number” from the album This Is M.E. expresses the sensation of being 23 with carefree lyrics about taking someone home. Mid-song, the lyrics reference being 23 and how young people are sometimes mistaken about what they truly want in life.

Best Songs About Being 23, Final Thoughts

Being 23 is complicated; you’re entering a new stage in life where everyone expects you to be an adult but still love being carefree and young at heart. Luckily, these hit songs about being 23 capture the essence of being in this mid-way moment.

Add these songs about being 23 to your next playlist and enjoy the angst, adventure, nostalgia, and love of young adulthood.