[2026] A Collection of Tear-Jerking Coming-of-Age Songs in Western Music

Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)Green Day

Green Day – Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) [Official Music Video] [4K UPGRADE]

Speaking of youth, this Green Day song comes to mind.

It’s a staple that’s been sung at graduation ceremonies across the U.S.

for years.

The singer wrote it after breaking up with his girlfriend, and to express the small anger he felt in his heart, he titled it “Good Riddance,” meaning “good riddance” in Japanese.

It’s the perfect song for a season of farewells.

She Used To Be MineSara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles – She Used To Be Mine (Official Video)

It’s a song about looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger.

I had changed so much from who I used to be that even I couldn’t recognize myself.

It’s a mysterious song that makes you think about when and how you changed.

This Is MeThe Greatest Showman

The Greatest Showman Cast – This Is Me (Official Lyric Video)

It’s an inspiring song that makes you want to accept yourself and hold your head high.

It carries a powerful message: “Even though each person looks and acts differently, it’s strange not to be accepted.

Everyone has their own strengths.” It fills you with joy.

We Are YoungFun. ft. Janelle Monáe

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

We’re a four-piece band who met at a music university.

Life can be tough with work, love, and everything in between, but this song carries a bright message: you can make every day the best day of your life.

It’s an uplifting track that makes you want to enjoy each day to the fullest.

We Are The WorldUSA For Africa

U.S.A. For Africa – We Are the World

This song was created to support fundraising efforts for famines in Africa.

Living in a vast world, we need to help one another to get by—that powerful message is embedded in the song.

It remains a classic that is still sung around the world today.