Turning 17 is a big deal. It’s a time when many young people feel like they are finally becoming adults. They are no longer kids, but they are not quite adults yet. This can be a confusing time, and it is reflected in the music of 17 year olds.
In this blog post, we will discuss 42 songs that capture the experience of being 17. These songs come from a variety of genres, and each one tells its own unique story. We hope you enjoy listening to them as much as we enjoyed putting this list together!
17 Again by Eurythmics.
This song is all about the joys and struggles of being 17 years old. It speaks to young people everywhere, with lyrics expressing the feelings of growing up, making mistakes, and feeling uncertain about what lies ahead in the future. The upbeat melody makes this a great sing-along song for any age.
17 by Avril Lavigne.
Released in 2004, this song captures the bittersweetness of being 17. Through her heart-warming lyrics and her signature pop punk sound, Lavigne details the joys and anxieties that come along with being a teenager.
From having crushes to navigating high school drama, she conveys how it feels to be on your own for the first time.
Along with the nostalgic, yet empowering chorus “ I’m gonna make it through this year if it kills me”, Lavigne serves as a reminder that we can get through anything life throws at us.
17 by Cross Canadian Ragweed.
This country rock song from 2003 captures the feeling of being 17, as it tells a story about finding love at that age and all the emotions that come with it.
The song celebrates the time in life when teenage romance is still new and exciting, but there’s also an underlying feeling of anxiety about the future.
It speaks to how difficult it can be to make tough decisions and how precious those moments of young love are.
The lyrics invoke a strong sense of nostalgia, as they recall the innocence and naivety that 17-year-olds often have about life.
17 by Kings Of Leon.
This classic track from the band’s 2003 debut album Youth and Young Manhood speaks of being 17, at a time in life when everything seems to be changing.
The song captures that moment between childhood and adulthood where you know something different is just around the corner.
Lyrics like “I’ve been down, I’ve been out, I’m just seventeen so give me room to breathe” perfectly encapsulate the feeling of being on cusp of something new.
If you ever feel a little lost, like you’re not quite sure which way to go next, 17 is the song for you.
17 by Pink Sweat.
This song is an ode to the newfound freedom that comes with turning 17. It speaks of the optimism and enthusiasm felt when you turn this age, with lyrics like “I’m making plans for my future, yeah I’mma be alright”. The upbeat melody will have you singing along in no time!
17 by Youth Lagoon.
This dreamy, thoughtful track was released in 2011 as part of the album The Year of Hibernation. The song’s lyrics capture typical teenage anxieties and a sense of wistful longing for something better.
It is an ode to the time between childhood and adulthood, a liminal space that can feel both exciting and daunting at once. The vulnerable vocals and hazy instrumentals evoke the emotional rollercoaster of being 17 in a way that is both poignant and comforting.
17 by Zhavia Ward.
The 2020 single is a powerful and emotional song about the ups and downs of being 17. It captures the confusion, pain, and joy that come with growing up in an honest way.
Zhavia sings her heart out over a soulful beat as she reflects on life’s complex journey. The lyrics are raw and speak to anyone who has ever felt lost or alone at a young age.
It’s an inspiring and uplifting song that offers solace to listeners as they navigate the complicated path of growing up. For anyone who has ever been 17, this is a must-listen track.
17 Crimes by AFI.
This classic punk rock song is the perfect anthem for anyone who feels like they don’t fit in or doesn’t know what their purpose in life is.
The lyrics tell a story of teenage angst, confusion, and rebellion against authority as the narrator sings about being 17 and facing all of life’s uncertainties head on.
It’s an empowering and inspiring song that will make any 17 year old feel like they have the strength and courage to take on the world. If you’re feeling lost or alone, give this track a listen and know that someone else out there feels just like you do.
1980s Horror Film by Wallows.
Released in 2020, this single is about the frustrations of growing up. It paints a picture of teenage insecurity and angst, taking listeners back to the tumultuous years of being seventeen.
The song speaks to the heart of anyone who has felt out of place or overwhelmed navigating through the teenage years. With its dark, brooding instrumentals and haunting lyrics, it creates a world that is both comforting and oppressive.
Wallows gives voice to the emotions of being seventeen: alienation, uncertainty, and hope. It’s an anthem for anyone who has ever felt lost in their teenage years.
With its vivid storytelling and dreamlike soundscape, “1980s Horror Film” captures the chaotic beauty of growing up and finding your own way.
It’s a song to relate to, laugh at, and dance to; a perfect encapsulation of the struggles and joys of being seventeen.
23 by Chase Atlantic.
This song is about the feeling of being 17 and all the emotions that come with it. Vocalist Mitchel Cave sings about how he’s scared for his future but also excited to explore what life has in store.
He reflects on the relationships he’s built and lost over the years, and speaks of all the ways his life has changed since he was 17.
The song is full of nostalgia, but also hope for the future. It’s an anthem for all those who feel they are in limbo between childhood and adulthood and don’t know what to make of it all.
All Summer Long by Kid Rock.
This song is all about nostalgia for a carefree summer, when the protagonist was 17 years old. He looks back fondly on the memories of being seventeen with his friends and enjoying life without any worries or responsibilities.
The lyrics capture both the joys and struggles of growing up as an adolescent, while still looking ahead to adulthood with hope and optimism.
Animal by Ellie Goulding.
This song is about a teenage girl who’s 17 and about to find out she’s pregnant. She doesn’t know how to tell her parents and questions what will become of her future.
The song is sung from her perspective as she expresses her doubts, fears, and hopes for the future. With lyrics like “How could I’ve been so naive, I’m 17 and I’m on my own”, the song reflects the struggles of a teenager who’s facing an unexpected situation.
Despite the heavy theme, Ellie Goulding’s beautiful voice brings a sense of optimism to the track as she encourages her young listener to do what feels right in their hearts.
Animal is an honest look at teenage motherhood and the difficult choices that come with it. It’s a reminder of the strength and resilience teens have to face life’s challenges.
Anthems for a Seventeen Year Old Girl by Broken Social Scene.
This song captures the coming-of-age experience of being 17 with its dreamy, upbeat sound. It talks about all the excitement and uncertainty that comes with growing up and trying to figure out where you fit in the world.
The lyrics reflect on the feeling of belonging while also looking forward to what lies ahead, creating a perfect soundtrack for any seventeen year old.
At Seventeen by Janis Ian.
Released in 1975, this song is about a girl reflecting on her life as a seventeen-year-old. She talks about being overlooked, feeling alone and not understood by her peers. It’s an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in.
“And those of us with ravaged faces
Lacking in the social graces
Desperately remained at home
Inventing lovers on the phone”
The message of the song is that no matter what your age, it’s ok to feel like you don’t quite fit in. It’s about accepting yourself for who you are and knowing that things will get better as you grow older.
Born In Chicago by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
This classic blues song tells the story of a young man who is 17 years old and living in Chicago. He’s trying to survive on his own, but he’s struggling with loneliness and poverty.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life for many young people growing up in an urban environment.
For anyone looking for songs about being 17 that capture the trials and tribulations of growing up, this one is a must-listen.
Carmen by Lana Del Rey.
This song perfectly captures the bittersweetness of being 17 and having to make your own decisions.
The narrator is feeling nostalgic for what it was like before she had to take responsibility for her life, singing “Carmen, why’d you have to grow up so fast?/ Why couldn’t I just keep you in the past?”
The song is full of beautiful imagery that evokes the emotions of being at a crossroads in life. Lana Del Rey uses her unmistakable vocals to convey both the joy and confusion of this age, singing “I felt so free for a little while/ But my wings were clipped and I began to learn/ To me, that’s the hardest part of being 17.”
This song perfectly encapsulates the experience of growing up and having to make difficult decisions. It is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their own life choices.
Damn You Seventeen by Lady A.
This 2009 hit is all about the struggles, excitement, and newfound freedom that comes with being 17. With nostalgic lyrics such as “Seventeen was a number I barely survived/Ridin’ around town in my momma’s car”, Lady A gives listeners a glimpse into their teenage years.
The song celebrates the beauty of growing up and captures the bittersweet feeling of leaving childhood behind. It’s a tune that will bring back memories for many adults and inspire teenagers to embrace their age and enjoy life’s moments.
Dancing Queen by ABBA.
Released in 1975, this classic hit by ABBA is an iconic song about the joys and struggles of being 17.
The lyrics paint a picture of a young person who is ready to take on the world, but also feels vulnerable and unsure of themselves. It’s full of teenage angst and rebellion, perfectly encapsulating what it means to be a teenager.
It’s a timeless classic that is beloved by people of all ages, and can bring back fond memories of those carefree teenage days.
Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks.
This song captures the feelings of being 17, “Just like the white winged dove, sings a song, sounds like she’s singing, whoa oh-oh-oh”.
This classic rock tune from 1981 speaks to those experiences and emotions that arise when you are still very young yet so close to adulthood.
Nicks evokes nostalgia and longing in the verses and chorus, enabling the listener to really feel a connection to their own teenage years.
Furr by Blitzen Trapper.
This song is about a 17 year old boy who’s been through life’s struggles and comes out the other side with a new perspective.
He finds himself in a small town, trying to make sense of what he’s gone through, but ultimately finding strength in his newfound freedom.
The lyrics are full of emotion and longing for simpler times and show how much he has grown up in the process.
The chorus of “It’s alright, I’m 17” is a reminder that life continues on, despite sadness and hardship. It’s an ode to teenage resilience and the hope for better days ahead.
He’s Seventeen by The Supremes.
Written and composed for The Supremes in 1965 by Motown songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland, “He’s Seventeen” is a classic ode to teenage yearning.
With a groovy dance beat and soulful vocals, the song captures the excitement of being young — but also expresses the insecurity of the teenage years.
The Supremes’ lead singer, Diana Ross, sings of a girl in love with an older man — something that wasn’t too uncommon back then!
She finds comfort and reassurance when her beau tells her he’s only seventeen — as young as she. This upbeat tune is sure to get anyone up on their feet, singing and dancing along with The Supremes.
I Saw Her Standing There by The Beatles.
Released in 1963, this classic rock and roll anthem tells the story of a young man’s first encounter with love. He is 17 years old, and he is captivated by the beauty of the girl he sees standing there.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of teenage innocence, as it speaks about the feelings that come along with falling in love for the first time. It’s an unmistakable reminder of the joys, hopes, and dreams that come with being 17.
I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman by Britney Spears.
This hit single from the early 2000s touches on the angst, confusion, and growing pains of being a teenager.
In it, Britney expresses her desire to have independence, yet still, be treated with kindness as she navigates her teenage years.
The song is an anthem for teens everywhere who feel like they’re stuck between childhood and adulthood, and it remains a beloved song for many.
It Was A Very Good Year by Frank Sinatra.
Released in 1965, this classic song is about looking back on life as a 17-year-old and realizing how much has changed since then.
With lyrics like “I was seventeen and I felt so invincible”, it’s no wonder why people continue to relate to the song even after almost 60 years.
It Was A Very Good Year is a beautiful reflection on lost innocence and the bittersweet passage of time.
Nothing Like the First Time by Katy Perry.
A song celebrating teenage dreams and the joy of being 17. The lyrics are lighthearted, playful and nostalgic as Perry looks back on her own life at that age with fondness.
Her vocal delivery is filled with youthful energy that captures perfectly the carefree spirit of youth.
Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me) by Frankie Valli.
Written by Bob Gaudio and Jake Holmes, the song is about a teenage boy who has to cope with the challenge of being 17. He worries that he may not be able to understand what life is all about or find a way to fit in.
The lyrics reflect the confusion and turmoil associated with going through adolescence. Although the protagonist expresses his doubts and fears, the song also contains a strong message of hope and resilience.
The boy ultimately finds strength in his own uniqueness, which allows him to face the struggles of being 17 with confidence. By embracing his individuality and trusting in himself, he is able to overcome any challenge that comes his way.
This inspiring anthem provides comfort and reassurance to anyone who is struggling with the many changes that come with being 17.
Paradise By The Dashboard Light by Meatloaf.
Released in 1977, this song was written by Jim Steinman and tells the story of a young couple as they drive around together.
In it, the protagonist reflects on being seventeen years old – “I remember every little thing as if it happened only yesterday/ Parkin’ by the lake, and there was not another soul in sight/ And I never had a girl lookin’ any better than you did.”
The song goes on to describe the couple’s relationship and their hopes for the future. It’s a perfect song for anyone who remembers being seventeen years old – full of nostalgia and youthful optimism.
Put a Penny in the Slot by Fionn Regan.
This song is about a 17-year-old boy on his way to adulthood, and it captures the bittersweet feeling of coming of age. The protagonist in the song has just left school and is trying to make sense of life as a young adult.
He feels conflicted between wanting to grow up fast and enjoying the last days of being young, free, and full of energy.
The lyrics are nostalgic, as the protagonist looks back and reflects on all the things he used to take for granted, like “putting a penny in the slot” at the local arcade.
This song captures perfectly all the emotions that come with being 17 – excitement, confusion, and nostalgia – making it perfect for anyone who is feeling a little bit lost and uncertain in their journey to adulthood.
Seventeen Ain’t So Sweet by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.
Released in 2008, this single expresses the confusion and anxiety of being 17 years old. The chorus is a plea to be granted more time to take control of his life and make something of himself: “Give me one more chance cause seventeen ain’t so sweet/I’m ready for my wings I’m ready to leave”.
Seventeen by Alessia Cara.
This song speaks to the unique insecurities and anxieties that come with being 17. Cara perfectly captures the emotions of wanting to be older, of feeling like you don’t fit in, and of having your own ideas about what is right for yourself.
The upbeat melody offers a contrast of joy and hope as it carries its message: “At seventeen / You don’t know much, but you know what’s up.”
Seventeen by Coffey Anderson.
This upbeat country song looks at the joys and struggles of being 17. With lyrics like “It’s a time of stepping out and standing tall,” it captures the feeling of newfound freedom that comes with turning 17.
It also speaks to the difficulties of growing up, saying “It’s a time for getting knocked down and getting back up again.” The song is an inspiring reminder that no matter how hard things get, you can always get back up and keep going.
Seventeen by Tim McGraw.
This song tells the story of a 17-year-old boy reliving the moments of his life as he approaches adulthood. It captures the emotions associated with growing up, from excitement and anticipation to fear and uncertainty of the future.
McGraw’s vivid lyrics paint a picture of teenage romance and adventure, combined with a sense of nostalgia for all that will soon be lost. With its upbeat melody and heartfelt message, Seventeen stands as a classic testament to the joys and challenges of being seventeen.
Strawberry Wine by Deana Carter.
This song is about a seventeen-year-old girl coming of age, and the realization that life isn’t always what it seems.
The lyrics tell the story of longing for freedom and independence while also underlining the bittersweet feeling of growing up too fast.
The chorus poignantly captures this sentiment as Cater sings, “Strawberry wine – Seventeen – Feelin’ like I’m on the edge of seventeen.”
The Heat Is On by Miss Saigon.
This classic musical number from the Broadway show Miss Saigon tells the story of a young 17-year-old girl named Kim, who is in love with an American G.I.
The song follows their tumultuous relationship as they try to make it work despite all odds. With powerful lyrics like “At seventeen, life can be so confusing,” it captures the pain and joy of being a teenager in love.
It’s a powerful reminder that no matter what age someone is, they can still experience powerful emotions.
This Year by The Mountain Goats.
The Mountain Goats, an American folk-rock band, released “This Year” in 2004. The song tells the story of a 17 year old struggling against depression and loneliness, with the chorus repeating the lines “I’m gonna make it through this year if it kills me”.
This powerful message resonates with many teens who are dealing with teenage angst and feeling like they are alone in the world.
The song’s uplifting message encourages them to make it through their teenage years and come out on top, regardless of the hardships they face. It also serves as a reminder that no one is ever really alone – there’s always someone willing to listen and help.
Tree by the River by Iron & Wine.
This song captures the feelings of being 17 perfectly, with a gentle folk melody and lyrics that tell the story of a young person reflecting on their life so far. The narrator looks back at childhood memories and contemplates the future ahead.
In particular, they focus on the growth experienced while coming into adulthood, as symbolized by a tree growing by a river. The chorus echoes the imagery of a tree, singing “the trees by the river, they sway and surrender.”
This captures the idea of embracing life and all its changes even when it can seem overwhelming. The song is a beautiful reminder to take time to appreciate the moments that come with growing up and being 17.
What A Nice Way To Turn 17 by The Crystals.
Released in 1964, this upbeat pop song tells the story of a teenage girl who is excited to finally turn 17. From going out with friends and experiencing freedom for the first time, to growing up and facing responsibilities, this track captures the joys of being 17.
It’s a light-hearted reminder that although growing up can be challenging at times, it’s also an exciting journey. With its catchy beats and lively melodies, What A Nice Way To Turn 17 is a classic track that will bring back fond memories of teenage hood for many listeners.
You You You You You by The 6ths.
This song by The 6ths from their album Wasps Nests is an ode to being 17. The lyrics paint an idyllic picture of carefree days, with the singer wishing they could stay 17 forever. The track is a charming and upbeat tune that perfectly captures the feeling of youth and nostalgia.
More Songs about being 17
Hurricane by Hamilton
I Don’t Want to Get Over You by The Magnetic Fields
Let’s Go by The Cars
Rock Show by Blink 182
Seventeen by Jet
Seventeen by Ladytron
Seventeen by Marina And The Diamonds
Seventeen by Mat Kearney
Seventeen by RAC
Seventeen by Sharon Van Etten
Seventeen by Stone Cold Fox
Seventeen by Winger
Seventeen Forever by Metro Station
Sexy + 17 by The Stray Cats
That Girl Has Love by Rooney
Conclusion
Being 17 is a powerful time full of growth and discovery, so it’s no wonder there are so many great songs out there about the experience.
From angsty grunge-rock to heartfelt pop, these tunes provide a soundtrack for those special moments that make the seventeenth year so memorable.
Whether you’re belting out the chorus to “17” in your bedroom or finding solace in the soulful melodies of “Seventeen,” these songs can offer a much-needed reminder that no matter how uncertain you feel, you are not alone.
So crank up the volume and enjoy this curated collection of songs about being 17!
