Eighteen
Mia Stegner Lyrics


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I turned eighteen this May
I remember being seventeen like it was yesterday

I haven't got my license, because I'm afraid of driving
But I can make a cookie in a mug - I'd call that thriving
From joy to tears, a lot can happen in a year

I turned eighteen this May
I remember being seventeen like it was yesterday

I'm unreasonably stressed about college and the future
I clench my jaw at night so hard I make marks in the mouth guard
That I got to keep my jaw in place and keep my teeth from grinding away

I turned eighteen this May
I remember being seventeen like it was yesterday

I'm unreasonably excited about college and the future
I just can't wait to see what happens next for me and for the ones I love and for my country;
Despite challenges, oh change is on the way

I turned eighteen this May
I remember being seventeen like it was yesterday

I still don't know how to be a grownup, but I'm learning, and I think I'll be okay;
I'll need some help along the way, but one day
I'll learn to make my bed and set appointments, maybe even wear matching socks

Some days, my anxiety disorder makes me feel like I should be labeled "out of order."
But I know I'm getting better every day;
I found hope in the dark that I've kept from slipping away

I turned eighteen this May
I remember being seventeen like it was yesterday

I already have a tattoo. Cigarettes don't interest my throat
But maybe I'll buy a lottery ticket, and baby I can't wait to vote

Will I always be a kid, or have I been grown up since age nine?
I guess I can call myself an adult, I suppose that legally I'm mine

I turned eighteen this May
I turned eighteen this May




I turned eighteen this May
I turned eighteen this May

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Eighteen" by Mia Stegner reflect the complex emotions and experiences of turning eighteen and transitioning into adulthood. The repetition of the chorus "I turned eighteen this May, I remember being seventeen like it was yesterday" emphasizes the rapid passage of time and the nostalgia for the innocence of youth.


The first verse touches on the fear of driving and the small victories in life, like making a cookie in a mug. This juxtaposition captures the bittersweet nature of growing up - the mix of fear and excitement, challenges and accomplishments. The line "From joy to tears, a lot can happen in a year" highlights the wide range of emotions that come with age and experiences.


The following verses delve into the conflicting feelings about the future and growing responsibilities. There is a sense of anxiety about college and the unknown, yet also a sense of anticipation and optimism. The mention of clenching the jaw at night symbolizes the internal struggles and pressure that can come with adulthood, but also the determination to persevere.


The lyrics touch on themes of personal growth and mental health, with references to an anxiety disorder and finding hope in darkness. The acknowledgment of needing help and still learning how to navigate adulthood conveys a sense of vulnerability and resilience. The mention of getting better every day reflects a message of perseverance and self-acceptance.


The final verse explores the idea of adulthood and the blurred lines between childhood and maturity. The mention of getting a tattoo and contemplating adult activities like buying a lottery ticket and voting symbolizes the mix of youthful curiosity and newfound responsibilities. The uncertainty of whether one has truly become an adult or if it is a gradual process underscores the complexity of growing up. The repetition of "I turned eighteen this May" throughout the song reinforces the significance of this milestone and the introspective journey of self-discovery and growth.


Line by Line Meaning

I turned eighteen this May
Celebrating turning eighteen in the month of May


I remember being seventeen like it was yesterday
Reflecting on the passage of time and how quickly seventeen passed


I haven't got my license, because I'm afraid of driving
Expressing fear and hesitation towards obtaining a driver's license


But I can make a cookie in a mug - I'd call that thriving
Finding small victories in the midst of challenges


From joy to tears, a lot can happen in a year
Acknowledging the range of emotions and experiences in a year


I'm unreasonably stressed about college and the future
Feeling overwhelmed by thoughts of college and what the future holds


I clench my jaw at night so hard I make marks in the mouth guard
Physical manifestation of stress and anxiety


That I got to keep my jaw in place and keep my teeth from grinding away
Using a mouth guard to protect teeth from grinding due to stress


I'm unreasonably excited about college and the future
Feeling optimistic and eager about upcoming opportunities


I just can't wait to see what happens next for me and for the ones I love and for my country;
Anticipating positive developments in personal and national life


Despite challenges, oh change is on the way
Remaining hopeful despite facing obstacles


I still don't know how to be a grownup, but I'm learning, and I think I'll be okay;
Navigating adulthood while acknowledging the learning process


I'll need some help along the way, but one day
Recognizing the importance of support on the journey towards maturity


I'll learn to make my bed and set appointments, maybe even wear matching socks
Embracing responsibilities and self-care habits associated with adulthood


Some days, my anxiety disorder makes me feel like I should be labeled 'out of order.'
Struggling with mental health challenges that impact daily life


But I know I'm getting better every day;
Recognizing personal growth and progress in managing anxiety


I found hope in the dark that I've kept from slipping away
Discovering resilience and optimism during difficult times


I already have a tattoo. Cigarettes don't interest my throat
Making choices that reflect personal preferences and values


But maybe I'll buy a lottery ticket, and baby I can't wait to vote
Looking forward to participating in adult activities like voting


Will I always be a kid, or have I been grown up since age nine?
Questioning the transition from childhood to adulthood


I guess I can call myself an adult, I suppose that legally I'm mine
Acknowledging legal adulthood while still adjusting to the new role




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave
Written by: MAYA ELLYND STEGNER BODE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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