The Kids Are Alright: 5 Songs That Were Written by Teenagers

Some of the greatest songs written and recorded in the last few decades came from the minds of young musicians. These five songs are some of the most famous works out there that were actually written by teenagers!

1. “Alright” by Supergrass

This 1995 Britpop hit was written by Gaz Coombes when he was only 19 years old. Ironically, it’s a song about the short nature of youth. Despite being so young, Coombes wrote this hit in a way that connected with the younger generation who already seemed to be mourning their most youthful years. It’s one of Supergrass’s biggest hits to date.

2. “Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush

Kate Bush is quite famous for writing and performing a lot of amazing music when she was still more or less a kid herself. “Wuthering Heights” is the most famous example, as Bush wrote the track at only 18 years old before recording and releasing it in 1978.

It’s an artistic piece of work that is both well-written and sung in quite a unique way. Both of those talents launched Bush into art-pop stardom soon after.

3. “These Days” by Jackson Browne

When it comes to songs written by teenagers, “These Days” by Jackson Browne is one that is the subject of a bit of a conspiracy theory. Browne allegedly wrote the song in the 1960s when he was only 16 years old. However, some believe that the song was actually written by his parents.

The rumor likely came about due to the weary, mature, and wise lyrics of the song. There’s no way a kid could write something like that, right? That being said, it is very much likely that Browne wrote it himself. And the fact that he mustered up something this heartbreaking at such a young age is quite sad.

4. “My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder quite famously (though still allegedly) wrote this hit at the tender age of 16 in the late 1960s. Some believe he was actually 19 when he penned the tune. Regardless, “My Cherie Amour” was released when Wonder was 19 years old. The song was finished with the assistance of Henry Cosby and Sylvia Moy, his longtime mentor. Apparently, the song was written about Wonder’s girlfriend, whom he met at a school for the blind in Michigan.

5. “Hand In Glove” by The Smiths

The Smiths’ Johnny Marr was only 19 years old when he wrote the band’s debut single, “Hand In Glove”, a few years before it was released in 1983. The song is technically a mutual effort between Marr and Morrissey, but it’s worth mentioning that Marr came up with the guitar riff for “Hand In Glove” before he hit his 20s.

Photo by David Redfern/Redferns

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