Life is fleeting. That much we know. Every cliché like “live in the moment” or “enjoy it while it lasts” reminds us that our time on earth is short and we must make the most of it. We live for the moments that make us forget time moves fast, those moments, often accompanied with the perfect song, in which one feels infinite. But what songs bring along the feeling of time standing still? The tunnel song from The Perks of being a Wallflower is a blueprint, but there are so many more. Here are ten songs to make you feel like you’re in your own coming of age movie, the perfect song for your infinite moment. 

“Heroes- 2017 Remaster” – David Bowie

“Heroes” is the song originally deemed as the ‘tunnel song’ in the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Because of its impact through the reputable movie, and with lyrics like, “we could steal time just for one day, we can be heroes for ever and ever.” It has set the standard for what a coming of age song is supposed to sound like and the feeling it is supposed to bring.

1. “Freakin’ Out On the Interstate”– Briston Maroney

“Freakin’ Out On the Interstate perfectly replicates the feeling of driving at night with the windows all the way down. This can be listened to in silence while enjoying the beautiful instrumentals or one can scream sing the painfully often relatable lyrics of figuring out a relationship through adolescence such as, “you got a lot on your mind, and your heart, it looks just like mine, there’s no use in wasting your time, anymore.”

2. “The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home” – Declan Mckenna 

Senior year is the time for big decisions, either in dread or anticipation; we all must decide whether to leave our hometown life behind or stay a bit and adjust to adulthood. “The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home” expresses the desire to leave and never come back, in spite of the uncertainty of life beyond one’s childhood home.

3. “Clay Pigeons” – Michael Cera 

Michael Cera may not be known for his music, but he surprised most with a cover of the song  “Clay Pigeons” originally by Blaze Foley. This song paints the picture of a strange yet peaceful life singing, “I’m going down to the Greyhound station, gonna get a ticket to ride … ride ’til the sun comes up and down around me ’bout two or three times.” which is oddly comforting to the listener and brings along the wistful hope of  growing into a comfortable life.

4.“Cigarette daydreams” – Cage The Elephant 

“Cigarette Daydreams” is an incredibly popular coming-of-age song and was probably already expected to show up on this list. It tells the story of every teen figuring out life with the often repeated lyric “looking for the answer.” Yet bringing reassurance to the listener by saying, “you were only seventeen.” Those growing up quick are still allowed to feel young.

5. 5. “Stubborn Love” and “Angela” – The Lumineers

This is two songs, but it counts as one because they are both by The Lumineers, and one song does not overtake the other in creating the feeling of being in a coming of age movie. “Stubborn Love” shows the truth of the temporary teen romance.

Shown in the intro, “She’ll lie and steal and cheat.” Then again in the third stanza, “It’s better to feel pain, than nothing at all.” While “Angela” expresses the wonders of moving on to a new phase in life saying, “when you left this town, with the windows down, and the wilderness inside.”

In the sad story of one who fell back into the comfort of her hometown after taking the risk and leaving everything behind.

6. “The Nights” – Avicii 

“The Nights” is the black sheep on this list, with a vibe not quite like all the other songs. But, with the lyrics, “He said: ‘One day you’ll leave this world behind so live a life you will remember.’” This song is a great reminder to live life to the fullest each day and to not get caught up in the stress of growing up.

7. “Buzzcut Season” and “Ribs” – Lorde 

“Buzzcut Season” and “Ribs” are a gut wrenching transition from “The Nights” as the songs by Lorde focus on the saddest part of getting older, leaving behind childhood friends. “Buzzcut season” is the denial of having to move on with the lyrics, “Favorite friend, I live in a hologram with you.” Then “Ribs” hits reality with the chorus “This dream isn’t feeling sweet, We’re reeling through the midnight streets, And I’ve never felt more alone, It feels so scary getting old.” Coming of age is bittersweet, and these songs portray the bitter part perfectly.

8. “Drops of Jupiter”- Train

Although this song has been around for longer than the class of ‘21, it still holds a special place in the hearts of all who listen to it. It is a great reminiscence to the childhood wonder of growing up and getting lost inside dreams of the future. “Now that she’s back in the atmosphere, with drops of Jupiter in her hair, she acts like summer and walks like rain, reminds me that there’s a time to change.” These are now the dreams that the seniors get to pursue.

9. “Junior Varsity”- Dayglow

“Junior Varsity” is the epitome of a high school song. Reminiscing on the change from freshman year to life beyond high school. “Let’s celebrate we never made the team, we’re in the real world now not junior varsity.”

10. “Long Live “- Taylor Swift 

As we grow up, “Long Live” reminds listeners to never forget the childhood memories that deserve to be cherished forever. Swift recalls the magic of childhood imagination with the lyric, “I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.”

Then asks her loved ones from the past to never forget her, “If you have children someday, When they point to the pictures, Please tell them my name.”

In one song, Swift manages to capture every emotion felt in a coming of age movie, creating the perfect background song for that infinite moment.