Our twenties are the times that we make key life decisions that will take us in a multitude of directions. When things don't work out the way we want them to, it's not out of our intention, but the impact is greater than we ever want it to be, and it eats us up to our core. In some cases, we'll resort to sad songs or ice cream to console ourselves. In other cases, we'll be the happiest person on the planet. Whether it's the girl who is crying over the last guy who walked all over her, a guy who is hurting because he actually develops feelings for a special someone who isn't interested in him, a job seeker who is struggling, or simply because imagination isn't the reality, these 17 song lyrics are all ones we can relate to, understand, and appreciate, because this is the time of our lives.
1. "And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain, don't carry the world upon your shoulders" Hey Jude (The Beatles)
We all go through pain as 20-somethings, and we more often than not feel like we are responsible for all of it, when we're just trying to do our part. Don't eat another person's dog food, just eat your own.
2. "It's a better place since you came along" Better Place (Rachel Platten)
It's important for all of us to know that even though we feel like the world is crashing down in front of us, we have done good in it. We've had our mistakes, but we've definitely had a positive impact.
3. "Everyone else in the world can see it, everyone else but you" What Makes You Beautiful (One Direction)
Sometimes we see a different person than the others see when we look at ourselves in the mirror and all we see is our own flaws, shortcomings, or imperfections, and we miss the big picture that there's beauty in us regardless of how we appear to ourselves.
4. "And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change, and break away" Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson)
In the open, I mentioned how our twenties are a time to make some decisions, and one of those decisions can be trying something new, especially traveling to a new place.
5. "Why can't you see, that you belong with me" You Belong With Me (Taylor Swift)
One common event that happens in a lot of pursued romantic relationships is that a guy can leave one girl for another (in this context), and the first girl sees how the other girl is less deserving of being with him, leaving the first girl searching for answers.
6. "I know exactly who I am" Who I Am (Jessica Andrews)
This is about identity, and it's one that we claim, but we are still growing into it, and increasing our understanding of ourselves. We know exactly who we are now, but that may change over time.
7. "I won't just survive, oh you will see me thrive" Rise (Katy Perry)
Our twenties will be full of challenges, and it's a reminder that we have what it takes to pull through, that we should never doubt ourselves.
8. "If I was you, I'd wanna be me too" Me Too (Meghan Trainor)
There are things to love about the self.
9. "When your dreams give out, I will carry you, carry you" Carry You (Clay Aiken)
When we're in a time of struggle, we might give up, but when we talk to a friend, he or she will remind us not to and will be there for us.
10. "When your wings are broken, borrow mine so yours can open too" Stand By You (Rachel Platten)
Many of us want to find a way to get off the ground, and when we feel lost, we have a hard time being able to succeed and we want a person that will be on our side through all the struggles.
11. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" Stronger (Kelly Clarkson)
The struggles we face on a day-to-day basis will be draining on our minds and our hearts, but we have the strength in ourselves to overcome it.
12. "I was told when I get older all my fears would shrink but now I'm insecure and I care what people think" Stressed Out (Twenty One Pilots)
In our twenties, we face a lot of uncertainty, and as a result we may be afraid to take giant leaps of faith. But this leap of faith will lead us in a possibly new direction should we decide to take it.
13. "I don't want to miss a thing" Don't Want To Miss A Thing (Aerosmith)
For some of us, we decide to spend our twenties living, traveling, and just enjoying our lives.
14. "This love has taken its toll on me" This Love (Maroon 5)
A lot of us are using our twenties are a time to date, find love, and get engaged and then married, and it's a lot to put on our hearts especially since we put in so much effort to make it work but it doesn't.
15. "Here I am once again, I'm torn into pieces" Behind These Hazel Eyes (Kelly Clarkson)
This song is about a guy who broke the girl's heart, but heartbreak comes in more varieties than just relationships. Feeling rejected really tears us apart too, and we face that a lot especially in our twenties.
16. "Braced myself for the goodbye, cause that's all I've ever known" Mine (Taylor Swift)
When we live our twenties out, there will be people who we say goodbye to, and there will be people that leave. This song by Taylor Swift references relationship experiences where one girl is left for another girl, but it also teaches the importance of finding that those who stay are worth finding.
17. "Because you live, I live" Because You Live (Jesse McCartney)
There are people who motivate us, and when we hit rock bottom, they remind us why we're here and that it's worth the struggle.
