Tear-jerking coming-of-age songs in Western music

GraduationVitamin C

Vitamin C – Graduation (Friends Forever) [Official Music Video]

Even youth has its endings and turning points.

Among them, graduation is perhaps the most memorable, isn’t it? “Graduation,” sung by Vitamin C, as the title suggests, is a work themed around graduation, featuring moving lyrics that, even in the face of parting, show respect for each person’s path.

In the English-speaking world, it’s no exaggeration to say that this song is synonymous with graduation.

If you’re approaching your own graduation, be sure to check it out.

When You’re GoneAvril Lavigne

Translate the following Japanese into English:"Avril Lavigne When you’re gone 和訳 (Acoustic ver.)"Translation: "Avril Lavigne ‘When you’re gone’ Japanese translation (Acoustic ver.)"

A singing voice that seems to stretch on forever.

It asks, as you’re walking away, Do you know how much I need you? The feelings we never had when you were simply there—everyone has them—and while there’s no use crying over spilled milk, it never seems to go quite so smoothly, does it?

We Are Young ft. Janelle MonáeFun

Fun.: We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Here’s the single released in 2011 by the artist who debuted in 2008.

Janelle Monáe appears as a featured guest.

It’s a powerful track, but the lyrics are a bit pathetic: a guy who got dumped trying desperately to win her back.

Maybe those cringeworthy experiences are part of being young.

Hang in there, young man.

Never Grow UpTaylor Swift

Never Grow Up

This song, released in 2010 by an American country-pop singer who is also a singer-songwriter, has heartbreakingly poignant lyrics expressing a wish for a child not to lose their pure cuteness, not to bear the burdens of the world, and not to grow up.

Moreover, those lyrics blend with her sweet, unaffected voice to evoke an indescribable feeling.

BeautifulChristina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera – Beautiful (Official HD Video)

I think it’s a song everyone has heard at least once.

It carries the message that “everyone is different, but each person is beautiful.” No matter what anyone says, it makes you want to be confident in yourself and live strongly.

First and foremost, I want to always be on my own side.

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

Because time cannot be stopped, people face forward and keep moving on.

Yet no matter how far apart we become, I’ll be by your side whenever you need me.

This song portrays that kind of strong friendship.

It’s reassuring to have someone who’s always on your side, no matter what.

Let Her GoPassenger

Passenger | Let Her Go (Official Video)

I think there are times when we take something for granted, lose it, and only then realize how precious it is.

This song is about that kind of feeling that anyone can have.

The warm sun, a lover by your side, the feeling of happy times.

It makes us recognize the importance of these everyday things we take for granted.