Thirteen (song)

"Thirteen" is a song by the American rock band Big Star. Rolling Stone describes it "one of rock's most beautiful celebrations of adolescence", and rated it #396 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.^[4] It was written by Alex Chilton and Chris Bell.

B-side"Watch the Sunrise"

Released1974

RecordedLate 1971

StudioArdent, Memphis

Quick facts Single by Big Star, from the album #1 Record ...

"Thirteen"
Label to the single with mislabeling as "Don't Lie to Me"
Single by Big Star
from the album #1 Record
B-side	"Watch the Sunrise"
Released	1974
Recorded	Late 1971
Studio	Ardent, Memphis
Genre	Folk[1] pop[2] jangle pop[3]
Length	2:34
Label	Ardent
Songwriters	Alex Chilton Chris Bell
Producer	John Fry
Big Star singles chronology
"Don't Lie to Me" (1973) "Thirteen" (1974) "O My Soul" (1974)

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Bill Janovitz of Buffalo Tom writes in his AllMusic review of the song, "There are few songs that capture the aching innocence of adolescence as well" and calls it a "perfect melancholy ballad".^[5] The song encompasses folk and pop characteristics with its use of simple lyrics and the acoustic guitar.^[5][1]

Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian rated it as Big Star's 2nd best song, calling it "a gorgeous song" that "goes straight to the heart."^[6] Kachejian particularly praised the "beautiful harmonies" and felt that it influenced bands such as the Replacements.^[6]

The song was originally featured on the 1972 album #1 Record. It was released as a single by Big Star with “Watch the Sunrise” as the B-Side, on Ardent Records,^[7] but was mislabeled as “Don’t Lie to Me”.

"Thirteen" was featured in the season 3 finale, season 4 premiere, season 6 finale, and season 8 finale of That '70s Show.^[8] The song was covered by Grace VanderWaal and Graham Verchere in the 2020 movie Stargirl on Disney+ with a Grace Vanderwaal only performance appearing as a bonus on the soundtrack.