Five songs that capture the college experience
The college experience is truly a unique one, especially when expressed through music. Whether it’s getting pumped up for a party, commiserating about a bad breakup or midterm, or just living the life of the young and invincible, music is an integral part of our everyday experience here in college.
There happens to be a lot of messages related to collegiate life in many of our favorite song lyrics as well. Here are some “college experience” lyrics that many will find relatable.
- “Campus” by Vampire Weekend
The title makes it a bit obvious but this song talks about all the romantic parts about college life. “You’re walking across campus / Cruel professor / studying romances” is just one of the lyrically poetic descriptions that accurately represent the college life.
- “School Spirit” by Kanye West
Of course one of our favorite rappers has to be on this list. Many of Kanye’s songs represent the ultimate party life (and are perfect for party/tailgate playlists), but this song is the perfect shoutout to college life. He makes a reference to several greek houses — “Alpha, step / Omega, step / Kappa, step / Sigma, step” is how he starts off this iconic college song. It takes it a step further by expanding on West’s choice of career in the music industry based on his experience at college — “Told ‘em I finished school and I started my own business/ They say, ‘Oh you graduated?’ / No, I decided I was finished.”
- “Brave” by Sarah Bareilles
Honestly, for a lot of people, college is truly the time where you find yourself. Though this song isn’t directly related to the college experience. Lines like “Say what you wanna say / and let the words fall out / honestly I wanna see you be brave” express how as young adults, we’re at a critical point in learning who we are and are coming into our own. We are learning to stand up for ourselves, and learning to be brave.
- “Wonderwall” by Oasis
This is your classic, young and nostalgic song about lasting friendship. The line, “And all the walls that lead you there were winding / and all the lights that lead you there are blinding,” reminds us of the uncertainty of a future that seems so far and yet so close, which is perfectly relatable to college seniors on the brink of entering the real world.
- “Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi featuring Ratatat and MGMT
Though often used as a party song, the lyrics in this one represent that struggle all of us college kids can relate to. We are all free in a way we have never really experienced before, and are learning what really matters. “I’m in the pursuit of happiness and I know / everything that shine ain’t always gonna be gold.”