[2025] Focus on the lyrics! A roundup of coming-of-age Western songs you’ll totally relate to

FifteenTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Fifteen

This is a song by American artist Taylor Swift that makes you feel as if you can hear the buzz of a high school classroom and the carefree chats with your best friend.

The work delicately captures the author’s first love, first heartbreak, and irreplaceable friendship from when she was 15, as if leafing back through a diary.

The anecdote that she teared up during recording speaks to the depth of emotion poured into it.

Included on the acclaimed 2008 album Fearless, it was also used in a project supporting teen charitable activities.

As we climb the steps toward adulthood, the sparkle and the pain we experience all become essential parts of the person we’ll be, this song gently teaches us.

It’s a treasure of a piece that will stay close to the heart of anyone living their youth right now.

ChocolateThe 1975

The 1975 – Chocolate (Official Video)

Just hearing the sprightly guitar riff conjures up images of piling into a car with friends and hitting the city at night.

This track by the popular British band The 1975 is a coming-of-age anthem about escaping the dull routine of everyday life.

The thrill of hiding from the police and the conspiratorial bond of sharing secrets you can’t tell adults capture the sweet yet bittersweet glow of youth itself.

Released in March 2013, it became their breakout song and was included on their debut album, The 1975.

It’s no surprise it was nominated for “Anthem Of The Summer” at the UK Festival Awards.

It’s the perfect song for nights when you want to break free from a constricting daily grind and savor that heady feeling of doing something just a little bit bad.

Fight SongRachel Platten

Rachel Platten – Fight Song (Official Video)

An anthem track about the moment of making a decision.

It was released in 2015 by American singer-songwriter Rachel Platten.

The track has been used widely in media, including the TV drama Supergirl and commercials for Ford.

Miss IndependentKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Miss Independent

A track released in 2003 by American singer Kelly Clarkson.

It’s a pop track incorporating R&B elements that became a hit worldwide and was certified Gold in both the United States and Australia.

The music video was filmed in Los Angeles.

Don’t ForgetDemi Lovato

Demi Lovato – Don’t Forget

A glam rock ballad released in 2009 by American singer Demi Lovato.

The Jonas Brothers were involved in its production.

Featuring falsetto vocals, the track became a hit in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries.

We Are YoungFun. ft. Janelle Monáe

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

A track that sings about passionate, fun, and at times troublesome youth.

It was released in 2011 by the New York-based indie pop band fun.

The track stylishly fuses elements of pop, rock, and alternative.

Nothing Would ChangeThe Linda Lindas

The Linda Lindas – “Nothing Would Change”

With a single live video released in May 2021, The Linda Lindas captured the hearts of rock fans around the world.

Taking their name from a Japanese film, they’re a punk band from Los Angeles made up of teenage members.

From their album “No Obligation,” let’s spotlight a coming-of-age track where sparkle and wistfulness coexist.

The song voices a feeling of frustration—almost resignation—that even if you try to change something, the world might not change at all.

Yet it gently stays by the side of that powerlessness, ultimately becoming an anthem that affirms small acts of resistance and step-by-step action.

Its contrast between sweet-and-sour, ’50s-style girl-group choruses and a breakneck punk sound sharpens the song’s bittersweet message.

When you’re down about your own limitations, listening to it will surely give you the courage to look ahead.