RAG MusicNostalgic Youth songs
A wonderful youth song

Youth-themed Western music. World classics and recommended popular songs.

Youth is one of the most important periods in life.

And when it comes to coloring that youth, music is indispensable, isn’t it?

But with Western songs, looking up the lyrics’ meanings can be a hassle, and you might struggle to find coming-of-age songs that really fit you.

So this time, we’ve picked out Western songs that are perfect for youth!

We also dive deep into the meanings of the lyrics, so don’t worry if you’re not confident in English!

Now, go find the perfect coming-of-age song in English for you!

Youth anthems of Western music: World-class masterpieces and recommended popular songs (11–20)

YOUTHTroye Sivan

Troye Sivan – YOUTH (Official Video)
YOUTHTroye Sivan

Troye Sivan, an Australian singer-songwriter who has risen to global fame on TikTok.

If you use TikTok, you’ve probably heard his songs at least once.

Among his works, the perfect track for youth is “YOUTH.” As the title suggests—meaning “young people” in Japanese—it’s a song about the youth of young people.

While the lyrics read like a love song, it’s likely his own message directed to his fans.

UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield

Natasha Bedingfield – Unwritten (Official Video) (as featured in Anyone But You)
UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield

Natasha Bedingfield’s hit song “Unwritten.” While it’s not all that well-known in Japan, it’s extremely famous overseas and enjoys overwhelming popularity as a coming-of-age anthem.

The charm of the song lies above all in its relatable lyrics: you may not have decided what you want to do yet, but you keep moving forward toward something.

If you’re a student worried because your future feels hazy, be sure to give it a listen.

SpringsteenEric Church

Eric Church – Springsteen (Official Music Video)
SpringsteenEric Church

Eric Church is an American singer-songwriter known for his country rock and Southern rock.

While he may not be very well-known in Japan, he enjoys popularity overseas for his strongly message-driven lyrics.

Among his works, Springsteen is a perfect fit for the theme of youth.

Its positive, powerful lyrics can light the way through the many struggles of adolescence.

Be sure to give it a listen.

19 You + MeDan + Shay

Dan + Shay – 19 You + Me (Official Music Video)
19 You + MeDan + Shay

Summer vacation is the time in our youth that most easily becomes filled with especially fun memories.

Whether it’s working a part-time job to save money, going to get your driver’s license, or taking trips and doing leisure activities with friends, everyone has some happy memories from summer break.

A song I highly recommend for that kind of youthful summer is “19 You + Me,” a classic by the musical duo Dan + Shay that portrays teenagers enjoying the summer.

It’s a highly energetic country track, so be sure to check it out.

SeventeenAlessia Cara

Alessia Cara – Seventeen (Official Video)
SeventeenAlessia Cara

Alessia Cara, a Canadian singer-songwriter attracting attention from around the world, is an artist who rose to popularity via YouTube and is widely expected to take center stage in the music scene.

Her youth-themed track “Seventeen” captures this spirit.

As the title suggests, it portrays a 17-year-old girl who, while struggling with decisions about her future, moves forward positively on her own path.

Since 17 is typically the age of a college freshman overseas, those planning to enter university should definitely give it a listen.