Why is turning 30 crucial? For some, it means becoming an adult and improving oneself, but it’s a hard change for others. A lot can occur in 30 years, and people who love music have created songs that express their emotions about this milestone. Here are some songs that were inspired by turning 30.
Table of Contents
- 21. “Time Crisis” by Sammus
- 20. “Vienna” by Billy Joel
- 19. “30” by Workday Release
- 18. “My Next 30 Years” by Tim McGraw
- 17. “A Place In This World” by Taylor Swift
- 16. “Baby Girl” by Sugarland
- 15. “29/31” by Garfunkel and Oates
- 14. “Dear Marie” by John Mayer
- 13. “Don’t Forget Who You Are” by Joelle Hochstedler
- 12. “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins
- 11. “30” by Bo Burnham
- 10. “30” Remix by Mark Durksen (2017 Single)
- 9. “Turning 30” by Randy Stonehill
- 8. “Rise” by Josh Rouse
- 7. “Lather” by Jefferson Airplane
- 6. “Joy” by PJ Harvey
- 5. “Drip” by Mike Posner
- 4. “Beer Fridge” by Scott Owen
- 3. “If I Have To” by Alita
- 2. “30” by Badflower
- 1. “7 Years” by Lukas Graham
21. “Time Crisis” by Sammus
This liberating song is by Sammus, released under the album name “Infusion” in 2016. The song’s chorus suggests people should not be afraid or ashamed of turning thirty. Instead, they should do what they want and live life on their own terms.
20. “Vienna” by Billy Joel
The song “Vienna” is a message to young people who want to accomplish many things quickly. The chorus advises them not to worry about doing everything right away because they have lots of time. It was released in 1977 under Billy Joel’s album “The Stranger.”
19. “30” by Workday Release
The song “30” by Workday Release talks about how hard it can be to turn thirty, saying that when you become an adult, you have more things to worry about and may not have as much freedom. This soulful acoustic song was released in 2021 under “The Workday Release.”
18. “My Next 30 Years” by Tim McGraw
If you’re into contemplative songs, this song by Tim McGraw will surely move you. “My Next 30 Years” reflects on the narrator’s life as he celebrates his age and looks forward to the future. This track was released in 1999 under the album “A Place in the Sun.”
17. “A Place In This World” by Taylor Swift
“A Place In This World” by Taylor Swift is from her 2006 album of the same title. This song is about how hard it is to figure out who you are and where you belong. The words explain how the singer is unsure and confused as she tries to find her way.
16. “Baby Girl” by Sugarland
“Baby Girl” is an inspirational song about following your dreams, how family matters, and what success means. It was released in 2002 and got a nomination in the Country Music Association Awards for Single of the Year.
15. “29/31” by Garfunkel and Oates
“29/31” by Garfunkel and Oates is from their “Secretions” album released in 2015. It shares different perspectives on love and aging. The playful ukulele accompaniment adds flavor to this funny song.
14. “Dear Marie” by John Mayer
“Dear Marie” is a song by John Mayer with a touch of country folk. The song’s message is addressed to a girl named Marie, with whom the singer wants to reconnect. It speaks about lost love and regrets that hopeless romantics will surely relate to. It is a 2013 track under the album “Paradise Valley.”
13. “Don’t Forget Who You Are” by Joelle Hochstedler
This 2021 song by Joelle Hochstedler speaks about the importance of family and the assurance it brings to a person, with the encouragement not to forget where you came from. For those looking for an inspirational song, “Don’t Forget Who You Are” is a must-listen.
12. “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins
This MTV Video music awardee is a mix of alternative rock, pop, indie, and folk by the band The Smashing Pumpkins. Released in 1995 under the album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,” it revolves around youth, freedom, and the feeling of not thinking much about the passing of time.
11. “30” by Bo Burnham
This song by Bo Burnham captures the feelings and frustrations that come when one turns 30. It also looks back on the past and gives a vivid picture of how much has changed in this generation. Topics such as pressures and societal expectations are touched on in the lyrics of this song, making it an interesting track from his album “Inside.”
10. “30” Remix by Mark Durksen (2017 Single)
“30” is a single by Mark Durksen, released in 2017. Durksen performs this rap remix to commemorate when he turned 30 years old. It speaks of his gratefulness to God for the opportunities that came his way.
9. “Turning 30” by Randy Stonehill
“Turning 30” by Randy Stonehill is a soulful track that talks about the singer’s realization of how time passes so swiftly. It comes with regrets, hopes, and finding life’s purpose before time finally runs out. This is a good song for those who experience the same feeling of being unable to do things before life here on earth ends.
8. “Rise” by Josh Rouse
This feel-good song is from Josh Rouse’s 2003 album “1972”. This song speaks powerfully to those stuck and afraid to move forward. It also reflects on the singer’s disappointments and hopes.
7. “Lather” by Jefferson Airplane
“Lather” is from Jefferson Airplane’s 1968 “Crown of Creation ” album. The song is about getting older and feeling like you’re losing the things you used to enjoy. The main character, Lather, is turning thirty and realizes that he’s not as young as he used to be.
6. “Joy” by PJ Harvey
This piece by PJ Harvey tells a story of a woman named Joy who cannot experience the world entirely because of her limitations. The way the song was sung speaks the stories of people like Joy who are helpless and holding on in life.
5. “Drip” by Mike Posner
“Drip” by Mike Posner is from his “A Real Good Kid” album released in 2019. It tells about the singer’s frustrations, feeling something is still missing despite what he has already achieved in life.
4. “Beer Fridge” by Scott Owen
The song “Beer Fridge” is a happy and sentimental way of saying thank you to a dependable old refrigerator that the narrator and his friends have had for a long time. This song by Scott Owen was released in 2022 under the album of the same title.
3. “If I Have To” by Alita
Here’s another song about heartbreak and moving on. “If I Have To” is about a relationship that’s not going well and deciding to move on if things don’t get better. This song by Alita is from her 2020 album of the same title.
2. “30” by Badflower
“30” by Badflower is an alternative-indie song from the album “Soundtrack To Summer 2020.” The song is about someone who feels unsure and worried as he ages 30. He thinks the world is changing too fast and can’t keep up.
1. “7 Years” by Lukas Graham
This Grammy Awardee “Song of the Year” has become a big hit for its relatable message. “7 Years” by Lukas Graham is about a person’s journey from when he was seven years old until he turned sixty. He talks about what he went through and what he hoped for during different times of his life as he grew up. It was released in 2015 under Lukas Graham’s Blue Album.
30 is indeed a significant phase in life for most of us. Whether it’s a time of growth or a difficult transition, it’s a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future.