48. My Generation – The Who
The song was released in 1965 and is easily one of The Who’s most recognizable songs. It’s been said to have “encapsulated the angst of being a teenager,” and has been characterized as a “nod to the Mod counterculture.” Pete Townshend wrote it on a train ride from London to Southampton in 1965, on his 20th birthday. He explained: “‘My Generation’ was very much about trying to find a place in society. I was very, very lost. The band was young then. It was believed that its career would be incredibly brief.”