11 Top Songs About Being 39 Years Old

Turning 39 is a milestone for many people, marking the end of a decade and the start of a new one. In this article, we will explore the best songs about being 39 years old, from the introspective to the humorous and everything in between.

1. “Thirty-Nine and Holding” by Jerry Lee Lewis

Song Year: 1980

You can relate to this song if you've lied about your age.

The song “39 and Holding” by Jerry Lee Lewis is about a man still holding onto his youth even though he's getting older. Despite being 39 years old, he still tries to act and dress like he did in his twenties.

He frequents places where the music is loud and the crowd is young, hiding his age with Clairol and the dim lighting. The man knows he should have let go of his youth, but he's holding onto it as tightly as possible.

The lyrics depict the man as afraid of getting older and losing his identity, so he tries to hold onto his youth.

2. “No Spare Parts” The Rolling Stones

Song Year: 1978

The Rolling Stones' “No Spare Parts” is a touching tribute to loved ones who are missed. The song was released in 1978 and featured Mick Jagger's soulful vocals and the band's signature bluesy guitar riffs.

Jagger's lyrics speak to the hardships of addiction throughout the song and how to deal with these issues. The song starts with a hard truth as Jagger sings and mentions a friend’s father dying from alcoholism at thirty-nine years old.

Despite the somber subject, the song is about hope and coming home to loved ones. With its gentle rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, “No Spare Parts” is a beautiful reminder of the enduring power of love.

3. “Hollywood” by MARINA

Song Year: 2010

MARINA's “Hollywood” is a scathing critique of the entertainment industry's obsession with youth and superficial beauty. The song was released in 2010 and featured MARINA's powerful vocals and a catchy synth-pop beat.

In the lyrics, MARINA talks about a Polish woman called Anya, who is 39, and reflects on the futility of staying relevant in Hollywood.  The song is a poignant reminder of the toll that Hollywood's toxic culture can take on one's self-esteem and mental health.

4. “A Lil Bit Of Everything” by U.T.P, G-Unit

Song Year: 2005

“A Lil Bit Of Everything” is a rap collaboration between U.T.P and G-Unit. The track features gritty lyrics and hard-hitting beats.

The song spends a lyric referencing a 39-year-old father on the run from the law. This showcases the harsh realities the rappers experienced and the dangerous environment they grew up in.

5. “Leavin’ The Top 40 Behind” by Neil Young

Song Year: 1985

Neil Young's “Leavin' The Top 40 Behind” is a reflective track that sees the artist coming to terms with getting older. Released in 2007, the song's somber tone is accentuated by Young's plaintive vocals and acoustic guitar work.

The lyrics speak of Young facing old age and the challenge of maintaining one’s identity. As musicians age, they tend to lose relevance and spend less time making successful chart-toppers. Young contemplates his future and acknowledges that he may not be as important to music as he seems.

6. “Mister Love” The Itchyworms

Song Year: 2005

The Itchyworms' “Mister Love” is a catchy and humorous ode to the trials and tribulations of dating. The song features a bouncy guitar riff and the band's trademark whimsical lyrics.

The song’s lyrics form a call and response between readers and the band as “Mister Love.” The caller tells Mister Love he’s thirty-nine years old and never had a girlfriend. While Mister Love responds he doesn’t need a girlfriend as she’ll create more problems.

The song is a lighthearted take on the anxieties and insecurities that come with being single, and it's sure to make listeners smile and tap their feet along with the beat.

7. “John Lee Supertaster” by They Might Be Giants

Song Year: 2004

With an upbeat tempo and quirky lyrics, “John Lee Supertaster” showcases They Might Be Giants' signature style.

Released in 2004, the song tells the true story of a supertaster named John Lee, who uniquely experiences flavors. The track's catchy chorus and playful instrumentation make it a fun listen.

The song begins as an announcer mentions he’s 39 years old, and he starts to the tale of John Lee and superstars.

8. “Don Nicholson” by John Kerslake

Song Year: 2013

John Kerslake's “Don Nicholson” tells the story of a man who tragically lost his life in a storm at the age of 39. The song's acoustic guitar and harmonica create a somber, reflective mood that captures the emotion of the lyrics.

While the song was never a chart-topper, its poignant storytelling and raw emotion make it a standout in Kerslake's catalog.

The song follows the true story of Nicholson’s Grandfather and his short life in Western Queensland, Australia. He lived a wild life, grew up and married, and had four daughters. But, his wild side got the best of him.

After spending time in prison and as a traveling businessman, Don Nicholson’s life was cut short during an epic storm.

9. “Bold” by Aesop Rock, Busdriver, Rob Sonic

Song Year: 2013

“Bold” is a collaborative track by three hip-hop artists, Aesop Rock, Busdriver, and Rob Sonic. The song features witty and clever lyricism, touching on themes of aging and feeling out of place in a youth-oriented culture.

“Bold” is introspective, as the artists contemplate their place in the world as they approach their forties. The production is atmospheric and experimental, with intricate and glitchy beats.

10. “Trippin’ Out” by The D.C. Show

Song Year: 2022

The D.C. Show takes you on a wild ride while tripping on mushrooms in their song “Trippin’ Out.” This humorous rap song is wild and crazy and follows the rappers throughout their day.

The song features rap verses over an electronic beat and a catchy chorus that will get stuck in your head. The vibe is energetic and playful, with a dash of absurdity. The lyrics are laced with references to Mario, karaoke, and space, making it entertaining.

The song references being stuck tripping for forty years and that the rapper is thirty-nine years old. This is a nod to the feeling of time distortion under the influence of psychedelic substances.

11. “California Snow” by Tom Russell

Song Year: 2001

“California Snow” tells the story of a struggling man in his late thirties trying to provide for his children after his wife left him. The song has a country feel, and Russell's gravelly voice gives it an air of authenticity.

Released in 2001, the song did not achieve significant chart success, but it is considered a fan favorite among Tom Russell's discography.

The lyrics capture the hardship and loneliness of life on the road as a working musician, painting a vivid picture of the dusty roads and barren landscapes of the American Southwest.

Best Songs About Being 39 Years Old, Final Thoughts

As we conclude this musical journey, we've explored several songs about being 39 years old, each with its unique perspective and sound.

From pop to country, turning forty is a major event in a musician’s career, and each sings about the journey differently. Did we miss your favorite song about being 39 years old? We’d love to hear about it.