You’re 23! Or someone you know is. Either way, we’ve collected the best songs about being 23 that are out there, ready for this very memorable year. Here they are.
“Twentythree” by Yellowcard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heS-pGag5HA
Song Year: 2003
The song “Twentythree” by Yellowcard is from the band’s fourth studio album Ocean Avenue. This song is about growing up and how it’s time to let go of the past.
While it didn’t get any critical acclaim, the Ocean Avenue album peaked at number 23 on the 2004 US Billboard charts.
“23” by Jimmy Eat World
Song Year: 2004
The alternative-rock band Jimmy Eat World released one of the best songs about being 23 on their fifth album, Futures. This fan-favorite banger beautifully portrays all the angst and anguish of being heartbroken by unrequited love at a young age. The song peaked at number six on the US Billboard charts.
“What’s My Age Again?” by Blink-182
Song Year: 1999
This iconic pop-punk anthem was the lead single on Blink-182’s third album, Enema of the State. It became one of the band’s most popular songs, peaking on various music charts across the globe.
The song is about an immature person who needs to act his age but changes his mind and decides that being yourself shouldn’t be associated with a number. From the twinkling of the strumming guitar to the unapologetic lyrics, it’s a hit worthy of any playlist.
“23” by Sam Hunt
Song Year: 2021
“23” by country singer Sam Hunt is the lead single from his highly anticipated third studio album with a yet-to-be-determined release date. It’s a heartfelt song about dedicating a particular time in your life to a person and reminiscing about all the fond memories you’ve created together.
Most notably, the song peaked at number one on country music charts in US and Canada following its release. It also peaked at number 13 on Australia’s Country Hot 50 and did well on various other charts.
“23” by Mike Will Made-it, Miley Cyrus, Juicy J, & Wiz Khalifa
Song Year: 2013
This hip-hop song was written and produced by Mike Will Made It, but features a few other heavy hitters in the music industry, including Miley Cyrus rapping her verse to the surprise of the critics.
The lyrics reference Air Jordan sneakers and the number 23 in different ways. Moreover, they celebrate having a great time and dancing the night away, making this a worthy contender for a 23rd birthday playlist.
“Wishing I Was 23” by R5
Song Year: 2013
“Wishing I Was 23” by the pop-rock bank R5 was a bonus song from their album Louder, which peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard 200 charts in the first week of release. The lyrics are from the perspective of a 17-year-old boy in love with a 23-year-old woman. He wishes to be of the same age as her and reflects on his emotions for her.
Interestingly, R5 was formed by siblings Rocky Lynch, Ross Lynch, Riker Lynch, and Rydel Lynch, and their mutual friend Ellington Ratliff. Despite finding commercial success, only two band members, Rocky and Ross, would go on to pursue new goals in 2018 under the name The Driver Era, which also became the new handle for all of the band’s social media presence.
“23” by Chayce Beckham
Song Year: 2021
Chayce Beckham wrote “23” a year prior to performing it on the famous TV show American Idol, which he ultimately won in its 19th season. This also made him the only person ever on that show to win with an original song. The lyrics tell the story of his early life and how, at 23, no one can beat him at the drinking game.
Following its successful debut, the song hit the top rank on iTunes. Moreover, it peaked at number 25 on the US country charts following its release as a single.
“23” by God Lives Underwater
Song Year: 1995
“23” is a slow indie-rock song by the American rock band God Lives Underwater from their second album Empty. The lyrics are about the pain and hardships one experiences in life. By the age of 23, that pain is almost too much to handle, but the singer perseveres onwards anyways.
“Ab’s Song” by Ben Bridwell and Iron & Wine
Song Year: 2015
“Ab’s Song” was originally released by the American rock band The Marshall Tucker Band in 1973. The band’s guitarist Toy Caldwell wrote most of their songs, including this one that he dedicated to his wife, Abbie.
This cover by Ben Bridgewell and Iron & Wine stays true to the song’s soft, folky sound. The lyrics are about love and caring for your significant other, even if they die young.
“Wasted” by Cartel
Song Year: 2007
“Wasted” is a song by the pop-punk band Cartel that talks about hardships encountered at different stages in life, including the age of 23. The chorus reminds listeners that even if things are difficult at seven, eighteen, 23, or 32, there’s still so much more to look forward to.
The song is featured twice on the band’s album Cartel, in the original version and a remix with the world-renowned Haitian rapper and musician Wyclef Jean.
“23” by Wallice
Song Year: 2021
“23” by indie pop singer Wallice is told from the perspective of a 22-year-old reminiscing about their life so far and anticipating how, by turning 23, things can start looking up.
Wallace attended music school in New York but dropped out to pursue her dream, which she references in this song from her album Off the Rails. As such, it’s a relatable song for anyone looking forward to figuring things out in their adult life.
“23” by Shakira
Song Year: 2014
“23” is one of the best Shakira songs from her self-titled album, Shakira, and revolves around her love story with soccer star Gerard Piqué. When the two met, Shakira was 33 years old, whereas her love interest was 23.
Quite candidly, Shakira describes her inner thoughts and feelings about him. She points out the differences between the two, one seeking an anchor, a missing piece in their life, while the other being a carefree spirit. She finds solace and common ground in their shared love.
“Twenty-Three” by IU
Song Year: 2015
IU is the stage name for the South Korean singer and songwriter Lee Ji-eun. This K-pop star released the song “Twenty-Three” in 2015. It’s about the difficulties of choosing one path in life when there are so many options to choose from.
Featuring funky and pop beats, the song took the number-one spot on the 2015 South Korean music charts.
“Heart Attack at 23” by Y Kant Tori Read
Song Year: 1988
“Heart Attack at 23” is a song by a relatively unknown American synthpop band Y Kant Tori Read, from their album with the same name. Unfortunately, the album was a commercial flop, and the band disbanded shortly thereafter. However, the band’s lead singer Tori Amos went on to build a successful career, ranking 71st on VH1’s 1999 “100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll.”
In this heartfelt song, Amos sings about the feeling of having a heartbreak so strong it feels like a heart attack. She tells young adult listeners that when love feels this way, it’s time to say goodbye, not die from the pain.
“23 Floors Up” by Teleman
Song Year: 2014
“23 Floors Up” is an alternative indie-pop song from the UK band Teleman. This song doesn’t explicitly mention being 23 years old but captures the emotion and turmoil that often comes with that age.
The song references a hotel room high up on the 23rd floor and how the singer must go back to the ground floor and return to the city. It’s up for debate whether this is a metaphor for the heartbreak young adults feel when coming down from cloud nine.
“Fairy Tales” by MC Jin feat. Teesa
Song Year: 2014
American rapper MC Jin released the song “Fairy Tales” on the album XIV:LIX in 2014. “Fairy Tales” features angelic chorus vocals from Teesa. The first line of this rap song mentions being 23 years old. The song shares a love story starting when MC Jin was 23 and ending with his happily ever after.
“All You Gotta Be When You’re 23 Is Yourself” by Free Cake for Every Creature
Song Year: 2016
This indie-alternative song by Free Cake for Every Creature is from the 2016 album, Talking Quietly of Anything With You. It homes in on the topic of being 23. In particular, it encapsulates the hardships of not knowing what to do with your life. However, the comforting chorus reminds listeners that they can do anything they want.
“23” by Overcoats
Song Year: 2017
The song “23” by Overcoats is a sad song about a relationship that burned bright at the age of 23 but has now lost its spark. JJ Mitchen and Hana Elion are the soft voices behind this beautiful song about once being 23. You can find this tune on Overcoats’ debut album, YOUNG.
“Drunk Walk Home” by Mitski
Song Year: 2014
If you’re in the mood for a song about the rage and frustration of being 23, look no further than “Drunk Walk Home” by Mitski. This indie-alternative song starts slowly with a powerful drum beat and angry vocals from Japanese-American singer Mitski. Among other things, Mitski sings about the desire to retire at 23.
“Catching Up” by Allstar Weekend
Song Year: 2010
“Catching Up” is the fourth track on Allstar Weekend’s debut studio album Suddenly Yours. It’s an electrifying mix of pop-rock and power pop that explores the topic of regrettable decisions and the feeling of being stuck in life. The band members reference the age of 23 as a moment in time when they could have chosen a life that made them happy.
“Grigio Girls” by Lady Gaga
Song Year: 2016
“Grigio Girls,” from Lady Gaga’s 2016 Joanne album, is one of many amazing songs from the 2010s. It’s about being young and needing a support system that can help make the world make sense.
The song tells the story of how, when she was 23, Lady Gaga met a 35-year-old woman who inspired her and supported her, especially over a glass of Pinot Grigio. In addition, she expresses what it’s like to be a 23-year-old woman with a strong group of girlfriends, with references to the Bachelorette TV show, the Spice Girls, and dyeing one another’s hair.
“He Was My Brother” by Simon and Garfunkel
Song Year: 1964
Simon and Garfunkel released “He Was My Brother” in 1964. The iconic duo dedicated it to the civil rights activists Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, murdered by the KKK in June 1964. One of the victims, Goodman, went to school with Simon and was good friends with the band.
The song was featured on the band’s first album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. The album found little commercial success, and the two artists briefly went their separate ways. Fortunately for their loyal fans, they reunited and produced four more studio albums.
“Pardon Me” by Incubus
Song Year: 2000
Incubus released “Pardon Me” in 2000 as the lead single for their third studio album, Make Yourself.
This indie-rock and rap song captures the disillusionment of being 23. Instead of feeling like an adult who has it all together, lead singer Brandon Boyd sings about how he feels like he’s about to combust at 23.
“23 Go Into the End” by John Frusciante
Song Year: 2004
John Frusciante, the guitarist for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, is arguably one of the best guitar players around, dazzling fans and colleagues alike with his virtuoso performances.
The song “23 Go Into the End” is a fully instrumental song that showcases Frusciante’s unique ability to translate his thoughts, emotions, and esoteric themes into captivating notes. Featured on his album Shadows Collide With People, it’s a great song to play in the background while contemplating what lies ahead in life.
“Take My Number” by Melissa Etheridge
Song Year: 2014
Melissa Etheridge is an American pop, rock, and country singer with songs that tell various stories inspired by her life experiences and other influences.
“Take My Number” from the album This Is M.E. expresses the sensation of being 23 with carefree lyrics about taking someone home. Mid-song, the lyrics reference being 23 and how young people are sometimes mistaken about what they truly want in life.
Best Songs About Being 23, Final Thoughts
Being 23 is complicated; you’re entering a new stage in life where everyone expects you to be an adult but still love being carefree and young at heart. Luckily, these hit songs about being 23 capture the essence of being in this mid-way moment.
Add these songs about being 23 to your next playlist and enjoy the angst, adventure, nostalgia, and love of young adulthood.