24 Most Popular Songs About Being 30
Soundtrack for life’s third decade—where reflection meets reinvention.
Turning 30 is more than a milestone—it’s a rite of passage. These songs about being 30 explore themes like growth, nostalgia, hope, and responsibility. Whether you’re searching for literal age‑30 anthems or tracks that resonate deeply in your thirties, this playlist balances pop, hip‑hop, country, indie, and soft rock.
Here are the 24 most popular songs about being 30, each capturing a unique facet of life at the big three‑zero.
1. “30 Something” by Jay‑Z (2006) – Swaggering Midlife 30-Something Anthem
Contents
About this song:
- Album: Kingdom Come
- Release Date: November 21, 2006
- Artist: Jay-Z
- Genre: Hip-Hop / Rap
- Key Lyric: “I’m 30 something, I’m so focused.”
“30 Something” by Jay-Z, released in 2006 on the album Kingdom Come, is a bold declaration of success and maturity in his thirties.
The track reflects Jay-Z’s transition from street hustler to businessman, using age as a badge of honor.
He contrasts youthful recklessness with adult confidence, boasting about financial security, responsibility, and self-assurance.
Produced by Dr. Dre, the beat leans into a smooth, sophisticated groove, underscoring Jay-Z’s message: life begins when you stop proving yourself and start owning who you are.
It’s an anthem for anyone stepping into their 30s with ambition and pride.
2. “My Next Thirty Years” by Tim McGraw (2000) – Optimistic Song for People in Their 30s
About this song:
- Album: A Place in the Sun
- Release Date: July 17, 2000
- Artist: Tim McGraw
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “My next thirty years are gonna be the best years of my life.”
Tim McGraw’s “My Next Thirty Years” was released in 2000 as the fifth single from his hit album A Place in the Sun.
Written by Phil Vassar, the song celebrates turning 30 as a fresh chapter filled with hope, balance, and second chances.
Rather than mourning lost youth, McGraw leans into adulthood with plans to “watch my weight, eat a few more salads, and drink a little lemonade.”
His warm, everyman delivery captures the joy of personal growth and reflection.
This track became a country radio staple, resonating with listeners embracing the wisdom that comes with age.
3. “Thirty” by The Weather Station (2017) – Poetic Indie Reflection on Turning 30
About this song:
- Album: The Weather Station
- Release Date: October 6, 2017
- Artist: The Weather Station
- Genre: Indie Folk
- Key Lyric: “That was the year I was thirty.”
“Thirty” by The Weather Station, released in 2017 on their self-titled fourth album, is a lyrical meditation on reaching adulthood with unspoken fears.
Tamara Lindeman’s songwriting is intimate and narrative-driven, painting scenes of early mornings, urban restlessness, and fleeting emotional clarity.
Her breathy, poetic delivery explores the quiet crisis of becoming thirty—when the world expects certainty but you’re still carrying doubt.
The track’s minimalist arrangement highlights the vulnerability in its lyrics, making it resonate with listeners navigating the same emotional terrain.
It’s a poignant indie reflection on the subtle ache of growing older without all the answers.
4. “100 Years” by Five for Fighting (2003) – Life Milestone Song for Age 30 and Beyond
About this song:
- Album: The Battle for Everything
- Release Date: November 17, 2003
- Artist: Five for Fighting (John Ondrasik)
- Genre: Soft Rock / Adult Contemporary
- Key Lyric: “I’m thirty-three for a moment, still the man, but you see I’m a ‘they.’”
“100 Years” by Five for Fighting, the stage name of singer-songwriter John Ondrasik, is a moving timeline of life stages told through the lens of fleeting time.
Released in 2003, the piano-driven ballad became a career-defining hit and a staple at graduations and milestone birthdays.
The lyrics pause at various ages—15, 22, 33, 45—marking moments of love, loss, and purpose.
The section on turning 30 is particularly emotional, portraying the duality of confidence and change.
Ondrasik’s gentle voice and reflective tone remind listeners to appreciate each phase before it slips away.
5. “Vienna” by Billy Joel (1977) – Slow-Down Message for Ambitious 30-Year-Olds
About this song:
- Album: The Stranger
- Release Date: September 29, 1977
- Artist: Billy Joel
- Genre: Soft Rock / Singer-Songwriter
- Key Lyric: “Slow down, you crazy child.”
Though it never charted as a single, “Vienna” has grown into one of Billy Joel’s most beloved deep cuts since its 1977 release on The Stranger.
Inspired by a trip to Austria and a conversation with his father, the song offers a message of patience for those feeling rushed by adulthood.
Joel warns against burnout and ambition without meaning, encouraging listeners—especially thirtysomethings—to take their time.
With its timeless melody and empathetic lyrics, “Vienna” has become an anthem for people confronting pressure to “have it all” by age 30.
It’s a reminder that life unfolds on your schedule—not anyone else’s.
6. “30 Years Old” by Kris Allen (2016) – Honest Pop Ballad About Being 30 and Still Growing
About this song:
- Album: Letting You In
- Release Date: March 18, 2016
- Artist: Kris Allen
- Genre: Pop / Singer-Songwriter
- Key Lyric: “I’m thirty years old and I’m still learning.”
“30 Years Old” by Kris Allen, featured on his 2016 album Letting You In, is a reflective pop track about entering a new decade with humility and perspective.
Best known as the Season 8 winner of American Idol, Allen uses this song to confront personal expectations versus reality at age 30.
The lyrics embrace imperfections and ongoing growth, with a gentle acoustic arrangement that complements the introspective theme.
Rather than framing thirty as a finish line, Allen emphasizes it as a checkpoint in a lifelong journey of learning.
It’s a comforting song for anyone navigating early adulthood with uncertainty and hope.
7. “7 Years” by Lukas Graham (2015) – Life Timeline Song Reaching the Age of 30
About this song:
- Album: Lukas Graham (Blue Album)
- Release Date: September 18, 2015
- Artist: Lukas Graham
- Genre: Pop / Soul-Pop
- Key Lyric: “Soon I’ll be 30 years old, our songs have been sold.”
“7 Years” by Danish band Lukas Graham became a worldwide sensation in 2015, blending storytelling and emotional honesty into a coming-of-age anthem.
The song follows the narrator’s life from childhood to adulthood, imagining how success, family, and legacy will evolve.
When it reaches the line about turning 30, there’s a noticeable shift—an awareness of time’s passing and the pressure of real-world milestones.
Lead singer Lukas Forchhammer drew from his own upbringing in Copenhagen to shape the autobiographical tone.
With its piano-driven melody and soulful vocals, the track resonates with listeners reflecting on the road to and through thirty.
8. “30” by Bo Burnham (2021) – Darkly Funny Song About Turning 30 During a Crisis
About this song:
- Album: Inside (The Songs)
- Release Date: June 10, 2021
- Artist: Bo Burnham
- Genre: Comedy / Synthpop / Alt-Pop
- Key Lyric: “30 is the new 20… just 10 years late.”
Bo Burnham’s “30” was released in 2021 as part of Inside (The Songs), the Emmy-winning comedy special that captured the isolation of the pandemic.
In this track, Burnham uses sharp humor and synthy production to mock the personal and societal expectations placed on people by the age of 30.
The song is self-deprecating but packed with insight, touching on anxiety, aging, and millennial burnout.
Burnham’s rapid-fire lyrics swing between comedy and existential dread, making it brutally relatable for anyone hitting 30 under less-than-ideal circumstances.
It’s a cathartic listen for people grappling with both milestones and mental health.
9. “In My 30s” by Brian McKnight (2011) – Smooth R&B Track for Mature Thirty-Somethings
Unavailable on Spotify at this time.
About this song:
- Album: Just Me
- Release Date: July 12, 2011
- Artist: Brian McKnight
- Genre: R&B / Soul
- Key Lyric: “In my 30s, I’m finally the man I wanted to be.”
“In My 30s” by Brian McKnight appears on his 2011 album Just Me, showcasing his signature blend of romantic balladry and personal reflection.
The song celebrates the growth and self-assurance that comes with reaching your thirties, with lyrics focused on maturity, self-love, and emotional clarity.
McKnight’s silky vocals glide over mellow R&B instrumentation, offering a message of confidence that contrasts the insecurities often portrayed in songs about aging.
Though lesser-known than his 1990s hits, this track is a heartfelt affirmation for listeners who’ve stepped into their 30s with wisdom and intention.
10. “Turn Back Time” by Muscadine Bloodline (2023) – Country Regret Song About Leaving 29
About this song:
- Album: Turn Back Time (Single)
- Release Date: March 2023
- Artist: Muscadine Bloodline
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “If I could turn back time, I’d be twenty-nine again.”
Released in 2023, “Turn Back Time” by country duo Muscadine Bloodline reflects on the bittersweet moment of aging out of your twenties.
The song pairs acoustic guitar and storytelling lyrics to explore themes of nostalgia, regret, and emotional honesty.
Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton sing about missed opportunities and the realization that youth doesn’t last forever.
Rather than despair, the tone is contemplative—wishing for one more year of freedom before the weight of adulthood sets in.
It’s a relatable anthem for anyone feeling the tug between the past and their 30-something future.
11. “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” by Baz Luhrmann (1997) – Spoken-Word Advice for 30-Year-Olds
About this song:
- Album: Something for Everybody
- Release Date: 1997
- Artist: Baz Luhrmann
- Genre: Spoken Word / Ambient
- Key Lyric: “Don’t worry about the future, or know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.”
“Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” is a unique spoken-word piece produced by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann in 1997.
Based on a satirical column by Mary Schmich, the song delivers a series of life lessons—many directly aimed at those in their twenties and thirties.
Narrated over ambient, relaxing music, the advice is practical, poetic, and emotionally grounded.
From encouraging sunscreen to warning against nostalgia, it offers real-world guidance for people navigating adulthood.
Though not a traditional “song,” its influence endures, especially among listeners approaching or entering their 30s with more questions than answers.
12. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac (1975) – Emotional Song About Life Changes Around 30
About this song:
- Album: Fleetwood Mac
- Release Date: July 11, 1975
- Artist: Fleetwood Mac
- Genre: Folk Rock / Soft Rock
- Key Lyric: “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing, ’cause I built my life around you.”
Written by Stevie Nicks and released in 1975, “Landslide” is a deeply personal ballad about change, growth, and the fear of letting go.
Though Nicks was only in her mid-20s when she wrote it, the song has become an anthem for thirtysomethings confronting identity shifts, failed relationships, and personal reinvention.
The acoustic guitar arrangement by Lindsey Buckingham enhances the song’s emotional intimacy.
“Landslide” is reflective without being bitter, helping listeners accept the natural evolution of life—especially during transitional moments like turning 30.
Its quiet strength has made it timeless.
13. “30s” by Future Islands (2017) – Synth-Driven Confessional for Life in Your Thirties
About this song:
- Album: The Far Field
- Release Date: April 7, 2017
- Artist: Future Islands
- Genre: Indie Rock / Synthpop
- Key Lyric: “In my 30s I’m falling apart.”
“30s” by Future Islands appears on their 2017 album The Far Field, blending dark synths with emotionally charged vocals.
Frontman Samuel T. Herring delivers a raw, expressive performance, capturing the confusion and exhaustion that can come with your thirties.
Rather than focus on romantic nostalgia or simple aging, the song zeroes in on the complexity of adulthood—where time, responsibility, and identity often clash.
The lyric “I’m falling apart” resonates with listeners who feel emotionally fragmented despite outward stability.
This track feels both danceable and devastating, a rare combination that mirrors real-life struggles of being thirtysomething.
14. “I’m Not 30 Yet” by Jaya The Cat (2001) – Rebellious Ska-Punk Song About Avoiding 30
About this song:
- Album: Basement Style
- Release Date: 2001
- Artist: Jaya The Cat
- Genre: Ska Punk / Reggae Rock
- Key Lyric: “I’m not thirty yet, and I’m not going.”
Jaya The Cat’s “I’m Not 30 Yet” is a tongue-in-cheek anthem of denial from the Boston-based ska-punk band.
Released in 2001 on their debut album Basement Style, the track mixes reggae rhythms with punk energy to create a playful, rebellious atmosphere.
The lyrics capture the feeling of resisting the inevitable responsibilities of adulthood, poking fun at the idea that turning 30 means you have to “grow up.”
It’s a track that thrives on humor and chaos, ideal for listeners clinging to youth with a beer in hand and zero apologies.
Perfect for the almost-thirty crowd who’d rather laugh than worry.
15. “Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson (2015) – Healing Song Resonating with 30-Something Women
About this song:
- Album: Piece by Piece
- Release Date: February 27, 2015
- Artist: Kelly Clarkson
- Genre: Pop / Ballad
- Key Lyric: “Piece by piece, he restored my faith.”
“Piece by Piece” is a powerful ballad from Kelly Clarkson’s seventh studio album of the same name.
Written after the birth of her daughter, the song contrasts the abandonment she experienced from her own father with the healing she found in her husband.
Clarkson’s emotional delivery—especially in the live version—strikes a chord with listeners who’ve navigated heartbreak and rediscovered stability.
For women in their 30s, the message hits hard: healing doesn’t come all at once, but rather piece by piece.
It’s a song about survival, redemption, and emotional resilience.
16. “30” (Album) by Adele (2021) – Vulnerable Soul-Pop Album About Life After 30
About this song:
- Album: 30
- Release Date: November 19, 2021
- Artist: Adele
- Genre: Pop / Soul / Vocal
- Key Lyric: “Go easy on me, baby.”
Adele’s 30 isn’t just named after a milestone—it’s an emotional document of her life falling apart and being rebuilt during her early 30s.
Released in 2021 after a six-year hiatus, the album chronicles her divorce, co-parenting journey, and search for self-acceptance with raw, unfiltered honesty.
Songs like “Easy on Me” and “My Little Love” reveal the vulnerability of starting over in your thirties with scars, wisdom, and grace.
More than a breakup record, 30 is a soul-pop manifesto for grown-up pain and healing.
It connects deeply with listeners who’ve realized that age 30 doesn’t come with a blueprint.
17. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol (2006) – Tender Rock Ballad for Restless 30-Somethings
About this song:
- Album: Eyes Open
- Release Date: June 6, 2006
- Artist: Snow Patrol
- Genre: Alternative Rock / Soft Rock
- Key Lyric: “Would you lie with me and just forget the world?”
Released in 2006, “Chasing Cars” became a breakout hit for Northern Irish band Snow Patrol, earning acclaim for its emotional restraint and sincerity.
Built around a slow-building guitar progression and Gary Lightbody’s vulnerable vocals, the track is a plea for stillness, intimacy, and connection.
For thirtysomethings overwhelmed by the pace of life or emotional burnout, it offers a moment of quiet introspection.
Its use in pivotal TV scenes (like Grey’s Anatomy) cemented its cultural resonance.
A gentle anthem for anyone learning to slow down and feel something real—especially after thirty.
18. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World (2001) – Pop-Punk Encouragement for Age 30 Doubts
About this song:
- Album: Bleed American
- Release Date: July 24, 2001
- Artist: Jimmy Eat World
- Genre: Pop Punk / Emo
- Key Lyric: “It just takes some time, little girl, you’re in the middle of the ride.”
“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World is one of the most enduring pop-punk anthems of the early 2000s.
Its upbeat tone and reassuring lyrics remind listeners that uncertainty and feeling “behind” are just part of the process—especially true for anyone facing the pressures of turning 30.
Originally written to uplift the band during a difficult time in their career, the track found mass appeal among young adults dealing with self-doubt and change.
Even decades later, its message still applies to 30-year-olds who need to hear: it’s okay to not have it all figured out.
19. “Drive” by Incubus (2000) – Alt-Rock Reflection on Taking Control in Your 30s
About this song:
- Album: Make Yourself
- Release Date: November 20, 2000
- Artist: Incubus
- Genre: Alternative Rock
- Key Lyric: “Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there.”
“Drive” marked a turning point for Incubus, showcasing a more thoughtful, introspective side of the band’s sound.
Written by lead singer Brandon Boyd, the song is about confronting fear and taking ownership of your path—an especially relevant message for people entering their 30s.
With a jazzy guitar riff and mellow rhythm, it reflects the quiet decision to grow up without losing your edge.
“Drive” is about recognizing that you may not control what happens to you, but you can choose how you respond.
That realization hits harder with age—and with a decade or two of hindsight.
20. “What’s My Age Again?” by blink‑182 (1999) – Pop-Punk Rebellion That Echoes at 30
About this song:
- Album: Enema of the State
- Release Date: June 1, 1999
- Artist: blink-182
- Genre: Pop Punk / Alternative Rock
- Key Lyric: “Nobody likes you when you’re 23.”
While technically about being 23, blink-182’s breakout single “What’s My Age Again?” grows more ironic and poignant with each passing year.
By the time listeners hit 30, the punchline feels sharper—especially for those still navigating the awkward space between youth and adulthood.
Fueled by fast drums, a catchy guitar hook, and sarcastic lyrics, the song became a defining anthem of the slacker generation.
At 30, it transforms from a joke about immaturity into a reminder that growing up is often more about mindset than milestone.
It’s punk rock nostalgia with a wink at the thirty-year-old listener.
21. “All I Want” by Joni Mitchell (1971) – Yearning Folk Song That Deepens in Your Thirties
About this song:
- Album: Blue
- Release Date: June 22, 1971
- Artist: Joni Mitchell
- Genre: Folk / Singer-Songwriter
- Key Lyric: “I want to talk to you, I want to shampoo you.”
“All I Want” opens Joni Mitchell’s classic Blue album with a rush of emotion, vulnerability, and poetic honesty.
Though written in her 20s, the song takes on deeper meaning with age, especially for thirtysomethings navigating longing, loneliness, and complicated love.
Mitchell’s delicate acoustic strumming is paired with lyrics that swing between aching need and playful affection, perfectly capturing the emotional complexity of adult relationships.
The rawness of the recording and openness in her delivery make this track timeless—and uniquely resonant for anyone trying to balance freedom and intimacy at 30.
22. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield (2004) – Empowering Pop Song About Possibility at 30
About this song:
- Album: Unwritten
- Release Date: November 29, 2004
- Artist: Natasha Bedingfield
- Genre: Pop / Inspirational
- Key Lyric: “Live your life with arms wide open.”
“Unwritten” became Natasha Bedingfield’s breakout hit in 2004, instantly recognizable for its soaring chorus and uplifting message.
Though it became a youth anthem in the 2000s, the song has since taken on a second life as a 30s empowerment track.
It reminds listeners that no matter your age, your story is still being written.
Its blend of piano, beats, and affirming lyrics makes it a favorite for people redefining themselves in adulthood—be it through career, relationships, or self-worth.
For thirtysomethings looking for motivation, “Unwritten” is a joyful call to personal agency and reinvention.
23. “Turning 30” by Muscadine Bloodline (2023) – Country Song About Facing the Big 3-0
About this song:
- Album: Teenage Dixie
- Release Date: February 24, 2023
- Artist: Muscadine Bloodline
- Genre: Country / Americana
- Key Lyric: “Twenty-nine’s a long way from seventeen.”
“Turning 30” is a heartfelt track by country duo Muscadine Bloodline, featured on their 2023 album Teenage Dixie.
The song captures the bittersweet emotions of aging—recognizing how far you’ve come, and how fast time moves.
With smooth vocals and storytelling lyrics, it touches on fading youth, shifting friendships, and the quiet acceptance that comes with maturity.
The arrangement leans into acoustic textures and southern nostalgia, offering comfort instead of panic.
It’s a relatable soundtrack for anyone waking up on their 30th birthday and realizing life looks different—but not worse—than they once imagined.
24. “Black Out Days” by Phantogram (2013) – Haunting Indie Song Capturing 30s Restlessness
About this song:
- Album: Voices
- Release Date: October 2013 (single), February 18, 2014 (album)
- Artist: Phantogram
- Genre: Indie Electronic / Trip-Hop
- Key Lyric: “Stay away from me.”
“Black Out Days” by Phantogram is a moody, hypnotic track that expresses emotional numbness and existential unrest.
Released just before singer Sarah Barthel entered her 30s, the song has become a kind of anthem for modern disconnection.
Built on a driving beat and distorted vocal loops, it captures the tension between wanting to feel something deeply and protecting oneself from the chaos of adult life.
Though not explicitly about age, its atmosphere resonates with listeners in their 30s confronting burnout, overstimulation, or emotional distance.
It’s a dark mirror for a decade of questions.
Conclusion: Songs That Capture the Truth About Turning 30
Turning 30 is one of life’s most pivotal moments—a time when reflection meets ambition, and nostalgia meets growth. The songs on this list explore every facet of that experience, from self-discovery and heartbreak to hope, humor, and reinvention.
Whether you’re embracing your thirties with open arms or grappling with the weight of expectation, these tracks remind us that being 30 is not a finish line—it’s a powerful new beginning.
From pop anthems and indie reflections to raw ballads and rebellious rock, these songs about being 30 speak to the shared emotions of a generation stepping into adulthood on their own terms.
So cue up the playlist, turn it loud, and remember: 30 isn’t the end of youth—it’s the start of something even better.
