Being 13 can be awesome. You have so much ahead of you, you’re gaining more independence, and you’re really starting to find yourself.
That said, adolescence can also be a tough time for many kids, dealing with growing up and being accepted into the world as a teenager in society.
For many teens, music can be a life enhancer, or a way to cope with the struggles faced by thirteen-year-olds entering their teenage years.
So without further ado, here are some of the best 13 songs about being 13 that are perfect for a teenager’s playlist.
“Don’t Treat Me Like a Child” by Helen Shapiro
Song year: 1962
An upbeat 60s song, “Don’t Treat Me Like a Child” is sure to bring back memories of how it felt to be thirteen when everyone thought of you as a child, even though you felt very grown up.
This fast-paced tune will have you tapping your toes to the beat of this catchy teen song with a message directed toward older people who treat teens like children.
“Not Too Young, Not Too Old” by Aaron Carter
Song year: 2001
This catchy song is about how you have the best of both worlds when you’re thirteen. You are old enough to do grown-up stuff. But young enough to play the innocent card if you do something wrong.
“Thirteen Thirtyfive” by Dillon
Song year: 2011
This sad song is about losing a child at birth and meeting them again in heaven when they are thirteen and you are thirty-five. It sings of all the things you will do together when you meet again.
The vocals and strong lyrics of this incredible tune are addictive and will have you wanting to listen to the song repeatedly.
“Dear Me Thirteen” by Kate Meadley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IuUTq_HQFc
Song year: 2013
A fast-paced song, “Dear Me Thirteen” will have you singing along to the beat in no time. This catchy song is ideal for any teen music playlist.
This song teaches teens about self-love and reminds teens they are perfect just the way they are. Soon enough, their teen years will be behind them and they can look back at all the fun times they had growing up.
“The Best Day” by Taylor Swift
Song year: 2008
A beautiful song about growing up and having a wonderful mother and family to help make problems seem less traumatic.
The lyrics sing about being thirteen and having mean friends. A terrific mom takes you out of school and spends the day shopping and eating ice cream to forget all about the mean girls.
This is a beautiful song for thirteen-year-old girls to help them learn to ignore mean girls and concentrate on spending time with family and friends who make them feel good about themselves.
“Thirteen” by Johnny Cash
Song year: 1994
Johnny Cash puts a nice spin on being thirteen with this solemn country song about being born and given a number thirteen instead of a name. It is a great song to add to your playlist when you are a rebellious thirteen-year-old looking for a song to soothe.
“Young, Dumb & Broke” by Khalid
Song year: 2017
Another song that is perfect for a teen playlist, “Young, Dumb & Broke” is about growing up through adolescence with no money or ambition to make it past high school.
“Conversations With My 13-Year-Old Self” by Pink
Song year: 2006
This song by Pink is about having a conversation with yourself back when you were thirteen and how alone you felt growing up.
If you could talk to your thirteen-year-old self, you would give yourself and hug and remind yourself that these hard times won’t last forever and everything will eventually be alright.
“Thirteen” by Ben Kweller
Song year: 2006
This beautiful song is perfect for anyone who wants to remember the long-lost feeling of first love when you were thirteen.
The soft melody of this recent hit is relaxing and ideal for an easy morning pick-me-up song.
“Was I Ever 13” by Jann Arden
Song year: 2022
Another uplifting song is about being thirteen and growing up in a home with an alcoholic father and adolescent problems.
The strong lyrics take you through the trials and tribulations of your teen years and how it seems like years ago when you eventually grow up.
“This One’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride
Song year: 2003
This upbeat country song by Martina McBride is for all the thirteen-year-olds out there who struggle with high-school, mean girls, fake friends, and fitting in.
The song lyrics help teenagers know they are not alone and that one day they will find their way and fit in with something they are good at.
“Thirteen” by Big Star
Song Year: 1972
This easy-listening 70s tune by Big Star is about a boy catching feelings for a girl at thirteen and how real first love can be. The catchy lyrics sing about telling your father how in love you are.
Re-recorded in 2020, Grace VanderWaal puts a beautiful spin on her rendition of the song for the Disney movie Star Girl. VanderWaal’s raspy voice sings out the lyrics to the song in perfect harmony.
“My Generation” by The Who
Song Year: 1965
Our list of best songs about being thirteen could not be complete without mentioning this classic 60s song by the Who.
The lyrics of this hit describe the feelings that go through the mind of teenagers and how they struggle with dealing with older people who can’t understand them.
After generations have passed, this song is still relatable to many teens and is the perfect addition to a thirteen’s playlist.
Best Songs About Being 13, Final Thoughts
This concludes our list of the best 13 songs about being 13. Thirteen is a trying time in an adolescent’s life. Music is a therapeutic remedy to help teens get through those troubled times and put a smile on their faces.
I hope you enjoyed our choice of songs. Let us know if you have any favorite songs we forget to add to the list. We’d love to hear from you.