25 Songs About Being 25

14. “What's Up” by 4 Non-Blondes

Song Year: 1992

Though this song may be more famous as a meme now, the lyrics are still powerful and it is still one of the best songs from the 1990s.

Linda Perry's powerful voice charges ahead to tell a story about an over-cautious, anxious 25-year-old who is still looking for a point in her life.

15. “Damaged Kids” by Broadside

Song Year: 2015

Broadside joins many other bands in singing about being unable to commit to anything at 25 in “Damaged Kids.”

The narrator cannot do anything or find a destination in life without being beset by questions. Thus, they wonder if they are shy or if something more sinister is going on.

16. “Secrets From a Girl” by Lorde

Song Year: 2021

Lorde explores how quickly time goes by in “Secrets From a Girl” and talks about suddenly being halfway through her 20s.

She begins the song by talking about the end of a night out and the sad, almost nostalgic feeling that comes after it. Then she sings about how we could not wait to grow up as kids. But all of a sudden, the years go by, and you find yourself closer to 30 than 15.

17. “The Night Has Opened My Eyes” by The Smiths

Song Year: 1984

This is one of the stranger songs from an already strange discography. The Smiths' “The Night Has Opened My Eyes” tells the story of two 25-year-olds who accidentally conceive a child and need to suddenly figure out how to raise it and start a family.

For 25-year-olds who may be on the path to having children, this song is likely very relatable.

18. “25” by The Pretty Reckless

Song Year: 2021

The Pretty Reckless's 25 is a song people who hated their teenage years can relate to. The lyrics handle the passing of time and the inevitability of death.

Singer Taylor Momsen tells us about how she idolized rock stars as a teenager and could not picture life past her teens.

Suddenly, she finds herself at 25, surprised to be alive while many of her idols are dead, many even having taken their own lives.

19. “Twenty-Somethings” by Judah and the Lion

Song Year: 2014

While “Twenty-Somethings” is not specifically about being 25, it handles the feelings of being this age quite well.

The lyrics embrace the perspective of someone who is rushing around trying to find a way to make a living and make themselves happy at the same time.

20.“Chocolate” by Snow Patrol

Song Year: 2004

Gary Lightbody wrote “Chocolate” about cheating on his girlfriend and uses this ubiquitous candy as a metaphor for himself.

Though not everyone commits infidelity, “Chocolate” reflects the state of in-betweens that is being 25. The song's protagonist is caught between being a child and learning to be a good person as an adult.

21. “First Love/Late Spring” by Mitski

Song Year: 2014

Mitski, like Lorde, addresses how she wanted to act like a grown person as a child. But now that she is the age she wanted to be – 25 – she feels like a confused child.

But she addresses another difficult part of being 25: falling deeply in love but not wanting to be hurt as you have been in the past.

22. “Getting Started” by Sam Fender

Song Year: 2021

Do not be fooled by the first lyrics of this song. Though Sam Fender mentions being 18, the song's perspective is a 25-year-old looking back on what they thought were failed dreams.

But now – though they are 25 now – it is just the beginning and they can make something out of their life.

23. “A Praise Chorus” by Jimmy Eat World

Song Year: 2001

This anthemic song from Jimmy Eat World, an icon of the 2000s, has a different take on the cliche “live in the moment” philosophy.

Rather than encourage the listener to be reckless, the lyrics say not to take everything so seriously. They profess that even at 25, most of the way through your youth, you can start living earnestly and sincerely.

24. “Beach Front Property” by Spanish Love Songs

Song Year: 2020

Though “Beach Front Property” never mentions the number 25, you can imply that the lyrics are about being this age. They discuss being broke, watching people get nostalgic for their youth, and hoping for a miracle and direction – all classically typical of being 25.

25. “Right About Now” by Millencolin

Song Year: 2000

Swedish Punk Band Millencolin reaches a resolution about life in “Right About Now” – to live more deliberately. Singer Nikola Sarcevic documents his struggle to find a feeling of freedom through the first five years of his twenties.

Now that he is 25, he is still not at the top of the mountain, but he no longer sees the need to get there – just the need to be happy and pay attention to the life he has in reality, not in imagination.

Best Songs About Being 25, Final Thoughts

So, if you're feeling the weight of being 25 or want to reminisce about your youth – you can use this list of songs to do both. All 25 songs capture the essence of this age and what it feels like.