Senior year is probably one of the most bittersweet moments people ever go through. The transition from living at home to becoming an adult and having to fend for yourself is never going to be easy. BUT at least there is always music to get us through. 

1. “Bittersweet” by Big Head Todd & The Monsters

While my dad was in high school he was in a band, and he used to sing this song to my mother. I have heard the story forever, and it is so sweet and cute. After listening to this song again, I realized how beautiful the lyrics really are and how well they represent high school life, so… top of the playlist.

2. “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift 

This song should actually be ILLEGAL! I have not been able to listen to it once this year without sobbing. It is such a beautiful representation of childhood and the bittersweet feeling of growing up. It makes me want to criticize my younger self one second and then hold her the next. 

3. “Fine Line” by Harry Styles

This song is the BEST song ever created. The lyrics are beautiful. The instrumental part creates a literal feeling of, what I like to call, musical catharsis. This is my absolute favorite Harry Styles song to ever exist. 

4. “Murder in the City”  by The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers are probably one of the best music groups of their era. They are musical, philosophical geniuses. This song is so pure and family-centered. It starts out with the lines, “If I get murdered in the city, don’t go revengin’ in my name. One person dead from such is plenty.” The mismatched pitch and beautiful imperfections make this song so impactful. There is one line in particular that I really love: “But pay attention to the list. Make sure my sister knows I loved her. Make sure my mother knows the same. Always remember there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name.” 

5. “Used To Be Young” by Miley Cyrus 

I grew up with Hannah Montana. I watched the show, all the movies, and when I went to my first concert and Miley Cyrus came out… I cried. However, after two minutes I became a devoted lifelong fan. “Used To Be Young” is one of the best songs for senior year. 

6. “Chasing Pavements” by Adele

This song took up each spare second of the writing process for my college essay. I love Adele, and I always need encouragement. This is the best song from the album 19. It doesn’t exactly connect to senior year, but at the same time it does.

7. “Shadow Dancing” by Andy Gibb 

This is incredibly random, but I just love this song. It will be on almost every playlist I create. It reminds me of Gilmore Girls, and I immediately correlate that with growing up. 

8. “Slip Away” by Luke Hemmings

Luke Hemmings is the lead singer of the band 5 Seconds of Summer. During the Covid pandemic, he released his first solo album, When Facing the Things We Turn Away From. This song is about a failing romance, so don’t ask me how it makes me think of high school graduation, just know that it does. 

9. “it’s time to go” by Taylor Swift 

Taylor is on the playlist twice for a reason…I felt like a playlist of only Taylor would be a little overwhelming for some. Anyways, back to the point, this song is one of the additional tracks for the album evermore. I love this song so much because it is truly realistic. It tells a beautiful story about life, and it just feels like growing up.

10. “Full Moon” by The Black Ghosts

I don’t really have much of an explanation for this one, I just really love the song and it felt like it belonged. 

11. “Roslyn” by St. Vincent & Bon Iver

I have been a Bon Iver fan since I exited the womb. He is one of the greatest artists to ever grace the Earth, throw in St. Vincent, and you are going to have a masterpiece. That is exactly what “Roslyn” is. It embodies happy, sad, ecstatic, and yet depressed, if you know what I mean. This song is so nostalgic and so present in my life. From my 11-year-old self that listened to it thinking she was so unique, to my current self that is more humble ( …although knowing this song for so long has definitely fueled my musical narcissism), more mature, and still obsessed with this song. 

12. “You’re On Your Own, Kid” by Taylor Swift 

Just kidding, I couldn’t not put in another Taylor song. “You’re On Your Own, Kid” is my favorite song from the Midnights album. It is literally growing up embodied in a song. It starts with playing in the sprinklers, and ends with burned bridges. Name something more perfect. 

13. “Live While We’re Young” by One Direction

I take best for last VERY seriously. I debated for hours about what should be the final song, of course, it had to be One Direction. My childhood was One Direction, I don’t think my inner child has ever really gotten over the break up and she probably never will. “Live While We’re Young” was a song written for high school students. It is a reminder to not get stuck behind all the busy stuff, and focus on living life and not just going through the motions. 

Senior year is full of bittersweet moments and taking the time to embrace them and be fully present is important, but taking time for yourself is just as important. So, when in doubt, listen to music. (aka Taylor Swift)