3 Songs That’ll Make You Wish You Were a Teenager in the 1970s

Some people may be young in age, but they possess old souls—and that’s exactly how one music lover describes themselves. Growing up in the digital age, they often find themselves looking back with a bit of envy at the generations that came before. And there’s one decade they just can’t shake from their daydreams: the 1970s.

Sure, the clothes, the vibe, and the culture were all incredible, but what really draws them in is the music. If you’ve ever wished you had lived during that era, these three songs might just strike a chord with your nostalgic side.

“Free Bird” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
There’s no conversation about ’70s rock without mentioning “Free Bird.” Released in 1973, it’s a Southern rock classic that blends elements of blues, folk, metal, and good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll.

It captures a feeling of freedom, rebellion, and youth that still resonates today. You can almost picture a group of teenagers in the ’70s, windows down, cruising through small-town streets with nothing on the agenda but chasing the night.

“Big Yellow Taxi” – Joni Mitchell
When Joni Mitchell released “Big Yellow Taxi” in 1970, she didn’t just give the world a catchy tune—she delivered a powerful message wrapped in a bright, upbeat melody. On the surface, the song sounds playful and lighthearted, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find it’s packed with social commentary that still resonates decades later.

It’s that rare kind of protest song that doesn’t shout—it sings. That made it all the more powerful, especially in a decade when young people were beginning to question authority and rethink the status quo. Mitchell’s voice, both literally and figuratively, offered a fresh perspective that was bold yet accessible.

“The Boys Are Back in Town” – Thin Lizzy
If fun had a soundtrack, it would probably sound a lot like Thin Lizzy’s 1976 smash hit, “The Boys Are Back in Town.” From the first riff, the song bursts with energy—it’s bold, loud, and captures the feeling of a weekend rolling in with endless possibilities.

This track is more than just a celebration of reunion; it’s about that electric moment when friends get back together after being apart for too long. The excitement, the inside jokes, the late nights—it’s all wrapped up in this high-energy anthem that still gets crowds moving nearly 50 years later.