17 Best Songs About Being 24

Turn up the volume with these incredible songs about being 24. From funk to folk and many genres in-between, these songs discuss the hardships of young life, looking forward to the future, and everything that being 24 years old involves.

“Old Man” by Neil Young

Song Year: 1972

“Old Man” by Neil Young is a great song to add to any playlist, especially one with a theme around the number 24.

When Neil Young was 24 years old and began to see the monetary success of his music, he purchased a farm. On the farm was an old caretaker whom the song “Old Man” is about. The song speaks about how, despite the differences in their ages and situations, the two are very much the same.

Neil Young is a famous Canadian-American musician with an iconic folk sound and lyrics that make you think. Young is also renowned as a member of the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. This song referencing the age of 24 is from the album Harvest.

More recently, “Old Man” was covered by musicians like:

• Lizz Wright
• Dallas Green
• Puddle of Mudd
• Beck

“It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube

Song Year: 1992

“It Was a Good Day” by American rapper Ice Cube is a song about a 24-year-old describing the perfect day. Ice Cube raps about watching his favorite TV shows, playing dominos, and hanging out with rapper Lil' Kim. The number 24 is referenced by Ice Cube in this song, as he wonders if he'll live another 24 years.

“It Was a Good Day” is from Ice Cube's album, The Predator. This song peaked at number seven on the 1993 R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Billboard charts. Since its release, this song has been featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Interestingly, this hit song gained so much appeal that Goodyear and Ice Cube collaborated on a fundraising event by flying a blimp covered with lyrics from “It Was a Good Day.” Fans of the song have heavily debated the exact date of Ice Cube's perfect day based on the happenings mentioned in the lyrics.

“It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career” by Belle and Sebastian

Song Year: 1998

Scottish band Belle and Sebastian reference the age of 24 in their sad folk song “It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career.” This song talks about a 24-year-old dying and all of the lost potential from an early death. While not the happiest tune for celebrating a birthday, this song about loss is a message to listeners to live life to the fullest.

“It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career” is the first song on Belle and Sebastian's third album, The Boy with the Arab Strap. Upon the album's release,it peaked at number 12 on the UK Billboard charts. Since forming in 1996, this popular indie-pop band has produced more than ten albums.

“24K Magic” by Bruno Mars

Song Year: 2016

“24K Magic” was the first single from Bruno Mars' successful third studio album, 24K Magic, or XXIVK Magic. This chart-topping pop song has funk, R&B, and disco elements, making it the perfect song to dance to on your 24th birthday.

In fact, the song is so popular that “24K Magic” went 5x platinum in the United States and 6x platinum in Canada since its release.

In 2017, this toe-tapping song got nominated for Best R&B Song at the Billboard Music Awards. Meanwhile, the music video won Video of the Year and Best Dance Performance at the Soul Train Music Awards. The album 24K Magic won the 2018 Grammy Award as the Record of the Year.

“Speedboat” by Denzel Curry

Song Year: 2019

“Speedboat” is the second single from hip-hop and rap artist Denzel Curry's fourth studio album, ZUU. This song mentions the wealth and lavish lifestyle Curry experiences. Meanwhile, the chorus of this rap song repeats the singer's goal to live past the age of 24, making it a great addition to a playlist about being 24 years old.

American rapper Denzel Curry released his first album while he was still in high school; upon ZUU‘s release in 2019, Curry was 24. The album peaked at the 19th spot as one of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums of the year. It also reached the 32nd spot on the US Billboard 200 chart.

“24” by Game Theory

Song Year: 1985

Game Theory is an American pop band famous from the 80s. The song “24” is about the feeling young people experience that everything, including love, is just out of reach because of their age. The song references being 23 but wishing to be 24. Later, it mentions being 24 but desiring to be aged 25.

Blast this memorable song whenever you need reassurance that you're not alone in thinking that being 24 is hard.

“24” is from Game Theory's second album Real Nighttime. This tune is the second song after the eight-second intro “Here Comes Everybody.”

“No Hope” by The Vaccines

Song Year: 2012

“No Hope” by The Vaccines is one of the best songs to listen to when you're feeling down about being 24. The song references this specific age and how it feels like there's little hope that the existential crisis of adulthood will ever go away.

The Vaccines are a London group composed of musicians:

• Justin Hayward-Young
• Freddie Cowan
• Árni Árnason
• Yoann Intonti
• Timothy Lanham

The band is famous for its iconic sound, a mix of punk, pop, and rock influences.

“No Hope” is the lead single from The Vaccines' second album Come of Age. After its release, the album peaked at number one on the UK music charts.

“24” by Red House Painters

Song Year: 1992

If you're seeking a sad and slow song about the hardships of aging, “24” by Red House Painters is your anthem. This indie song poetically references how the singer is continually reminded of his age and how far he must go to appreciate life.

“24” is featured on the first studio album by Red House Painters, Down Colorful Hill. The album was recorded between 1988 to 1991 and released in 1992. The band was active from 1988 until they broke up in 2001.

“Twenty-somethings” by Judah and the Lion

Song Year: 2014

“Twenty-somethings” is a beautiful song by Judah and the Lion describing the experience of being somewhere in the middle between a teenager and 30. The lyrics reference the fear and anticipation of the future and the carefree ways of young adults. You can find “Twenty-somethings” on their debut album, Kids These Days.

Judah and the Lion is an American band with an alternative and folk sound. The band originally consisted of four members when founded in 2011. However, only guitarist Judah Akers and mandolin player Brian Macdonald remain.

“My 24th Birthday” by Dave

Song Year: 2022

Blast “My 24th Birthday” by British rapper Dave when you're celebrating yours. This meaningful song speaks about life at the age of 24 for a young rapper and thug who sees the dangers of the street.

Dave released “My 24th Birthday” as a single, which peaked at number fifteen on the UK R&B music charts. The song has strong beats and meaningful lyrics, making it the perfect song for reflection.

“Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun” by Beastie Boys

Song Year: 1989

The Beastie Boys are a world-renowned rap and punk band that formed in the late 1970s. “Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun” is a song formed from a spontaneous jam session that references the age of 24.

This song is a metaphor about how the path life takes us on after the age of 24 is like seeing a bullet coming to kill you before it hits its mark.

“Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun” is from Beastie Boys‘ second studio album Paul's Boutique. This album peaked at the fourteenth spot on the US Billboard top 200 charts in 1989. Since its release, the album has gone 2x platinum in the United States.

“Skywriter” by Jared Rocco

Song Year: 2017

“Skywriter” by Jared Rocco is one of the songs about being 24 that discusses the ups and downs of young adulthood. The lyrics of this age-appropriate song sing about being broke despite having an education and a diploma. The catchy chorus of “Skywriter” asks for a sign to be written in the sky to reveal the right path in life.

Find this song about the midlife crisis of a twenty-something on the album Escaping Reality.

“Get Cha Mind Right” by Kane & Abel

Song Year: 1999

“Get Cha Mind Right” by rappers Kane & Abel is another rap song about how on the street, being 24 makes you seem old. With a bumping rhythm and angry lyrics, this catchy song is from their fourth album, Rise to Power.

Kane & Abel previously went by the stage name Double Vision since the two American rappers are twin brothers. This song has the classic old-school hip-hop sound that will make any 24-year-old reminisce about their early youth.

“I'm 24 Now” by Sundial

Song Year: 2021

Sundial is an up-and-coming pop duo by twenty-somethings Jisu Kim and Dorothy Chan. “I'm 24 Now” expresses the feeling of being a failure at 24 because some friends are having babies, and others are married. Yet, the singer does not have clear plans for her future.

Sundial went viral in 2016 with their hit song “Your Text” and continues to see their fan base grow with new releases like “I'm 24 Now.”

“I'm 24” by Pat Stansik

Song Year: 2012

Pat Stansik is a comedic rapper who released the song “I'm 24” in 2012. The lyrics to this song ring true for all 24-year-olds. This song references feeling simultaneously young and old and being financially responsible for some things yet still financially dependent on his parents for others.

The hilarious music video features Pat Stansik rapping in relatable places for a 24-year-old, like a college dorm room, an office building, and a romantic date.

Since its release, this song got featured on the comedy website Funnyordie.

“Life's Too Fast” by Matt Corman

Song Year: 2019

Part of the experience of being aged 24 is feeling as if life is rushing you by, and rapper Matt Corman captures this feeling in his song “Life's Too Fast.”

“Life's Too Fast” is a song about how quickly the years go by and how little we pay attention to the things that matter. Rapper and actor Matt Corman references being 24 several times throughout this song.

With thoughtful lyrics and a head-bopping beat, this song off Cormac's album In My Head is a great addition to any 24-themed playlist.

“Twenty-four” by Switchfoot

Song Year: 2003

If you're looking for a beautiful song that captures the emotions of the in-between stages of young adulthood and adulthood, try listening to “Twenty-four” by Switchfoot.

Throughout the song “Twenty-four,” the number 24 gets referenced 17 times by the Christian rock band Switchfoot. This soft rock song captures the sadness of how quickly life changes in the span of 24 hours. The song pleads to a higher power for the strength to be strong enough to handle the changes of young adulthood.

“Twenty-four” is from Switchfoot's fourth studio album, The Beautiful Letdown.This well-received album won the 2003 Album of the Year at the San Diego Music Awards and peaked at number one on the US Christian Albums Billboard chart.

Top Songs About Being 24, Final Thoughts

Turn up the volume and get into the groove with these exciting, heart-pumping, and sad songs about the age of 24. All these musical pieces share a meaningful moment between artists and listeners who feel the many emotions that come with young adulthood.

Celebrate your 24th birthday or reflect on the good years with these 17 hit songs about being 24!