25 Songs Every Girl Should Hear Before She Turns 17
Life lessons. Soulful lyrics. A soundtrack for growing up.
🎶 Introduction
I remember the summer I finished school so vividly. My anthem? “No Scrubs” by TLC—and yes, I sang it loud and proud:
“I don’t want no scrub, a scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me…”
It was fierce, it was catchy, and it made me feel strong in a way nothing else could. And honestly? Maybe it’s why I married a guy who’s definitely not a scrub.
That’s the thing about music—it sticks. It teaches. It empowers. And for tweens and teens, music can shape how they see themselves and the world far more than a lecture ever could.
This playlist isn’t just about fun beats (although those are here too). It’s a collection of 25 unforgettable songs that help girls build confidence, understand change, reflect on life, and stay grounded in who they are becoming. It’s an invitation to share meaningful messages in a language they’ll actually listen to.
Play it in the car, the kitchen, or while dancing around the house. Sing your hearts out together. Or simply let the words flow through the background of your everyday moments—because even if she’s not singing along, she’s still hearing the truth in the lyrics.
👉 Caveat: I’m no music expert—just a mom (or mentor!) who believes in the power of a good tune and a life lesson. This playlist isn’t ranked—just curated with love. Feel free to play in any order, shuffle, or let the lyrics lead the way.
🎧 The Playlist
- 1. Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell
“It’s life’s illusions I recall, I really don’t know life at all.”
Lesson: Life is complex. Stay humble. Stay open. - 2. Girl on Fire – Alicia Keys
“Looks like a girl, but she’s a flame.”
Lesson: You can be soft and powerful at the same time. - 3. Vienna – Billy Joel
“Slow down, you crazy child.”
Lesson: You don’t have to figure it all out right now. Let life breathe. - 4. I Am Light – India.Arie
“I am not the mistakes that I have made.”
Lesson: You are more than your past. - 5. Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
“I had a feeling I could be someone.”
Lesson: Hope and heartbreak often travel together. Both shape you. - 6. Brave – Sara Bareilles
“Let the words fall out.”
Lesson: It’s brave to speak up—even when your voice shakes. - 7. Fifteen – Taylor Swift
“In your life you’ll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team.”
Lesson: Don’t shrink your dreams for someone else. - 8. The Climb – Miley Cyrus
“Ain’t about how fast I get there, ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side.”
Lesson: The journey is the real win. - 9. Let It Be – The Beatles
“There will be an answer.”
Lesson: Sometimes peace is more powerful than control. - 10. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
“Can I handle the seasons of my life?”
Lesson: Change is the only constant. Trust yourself to evolve. - 11. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
“I used to cry, but now I hold my head up high.”
Lesson: Strength isn’t the absence of pain—it’s what you do with it. - 12. What Colour Is the Wind? – Charlie Landsborough
“What colour is the wind, said the child with a tear in his eye.”
Lesson: Sometimes the most powerful things can’t be seen—only felt. - 13. You Learn – Alanis Morissette
“You live, you learn, you love, you learn.”
Lesson: Every mistake is a teacher. - 14. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
“Today is where your book begins.”
Lesson: You hold the pen. Choose courage over fear. - 15. Lost Boy – Ruth B.
“I’m a lost boy from Neverland.”
Lesson: It’s okay to feel out of place while you find yourself. - 16. True Colors – Cyndi Lauper
“Don’t be afraid to let them show.”
Lesson: Authenticity is your superpower. - 17. Rainbow – Kacey Musgraves
“There’s always been a rainbow hanging over your head.”
Lesson: Even on your hardest days, hope is quietly waiting. - 18. Someone Like You – Adele
“Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead.”
Lesson: Love can break you—and still be worth having felt. - 19. Dancing Queen – ABBA
“You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life.”
Lesson: Don’t forget to celebrate being young. Joy is medicine. - 20. Run the World (Girls) – Beyoncé
“Who run the world? Girls.”
Lesson: Collective girl power is unstoppable. - 21. Yellow – Coldplay
“Look at the stars, look how they shine for you.”
Lesson: You are someone’s miracle—even if you don’t see it yet. - 22. Fight Song – Rachel Platten
“This is my fight song.”
Lesson: You can reclaim your power—no matter how small you feel. - 23. Forever Young – Rod Stewart
“Be courageous and be brave / And in my heart you’ll always stay / Forever young.”
Lesson: Grow strong. Stay kind. Stay you. - 24. Grow As We Go – Ben Platt
“I don’t know who we’ll become… but I believe we’re worth growing into.”
Lesson: Growth is the goal—alone or together. - 25. You’ve Got a Friend – Carole King
“Winter, spring, summer, or fall / All you have to do is call.”
Lesson: You are never alone. Real friendship holds space.
💖 Final Thought
If you’re looking for a way to get closer to your tween without being forced or unauthentic—this playlist is a fantastic place to start. These songs carry wisdom, emotion, and encouragement that speaks straight to the heart. Let the music do what words sometimes can’t.
Because when you play these songs together, you’re not just sharing music.
You’re sharing values. You’re sharing stories. You’re building a bond.
And one day, she’ll hear that song again—and remember you.
