30 Best Graduation Songs

Graduation songs are very important because they help in the creation of lovely and enduring memories. Moreover, they assist celebrants in saying goodbye to a variety of ties and experiences they have had over some time. In addition, these songs assist graduates in making the most of the present while preparing them for the future.

Meanwhile, there are so many songs that could fit a graduation ceremony and we have taken time to select some of the best for you. Is your graduation around the corner? grab your headphones and slide through our list. It’s your moment and these songs will help make it count.

Awesome Songs for Your Graduation

30. Graduation (Friends Forever)

• Artist: Vitamin C. (Colleen Ann Fitzpatrick)
• Release Date: March 7, 2000
• Genre: Pop, dance-pop, electropop, alternative rock

Also referred to as ‘Friends forever’ the song Graduation is a response to how friends drift apart soon after they finish from high school.

Lyrics

But when we leave this year, we won’t be coming back
No more hanging out ’cause we’re on a different track
And if you got something that you need to say
You better say it right now
‘Cause you don’t have another day …

29. We Are the Champions

• Artist: Queen
• Release Date: 7 October, 1977
• Genre: Rock

In 1977–1978, “We Are the Champions” was released as a single in many countries, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The song has become an anthem for victories at events including graduation ceremonies.

Lyrics

I’ve paid my dues
Time after time
I’ve done my sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes
I’ve made a few
I’ve had my share of sand
Kicked in my face
But I’ve come through…

28. My Future

• Artist: Billie Eilish
• Release Date: July 30, 2020
• Genre: R&B, ambient

Billie’s My Future is a reminder that even though the present looks scary, there are better times on the other side.

Lyrics

‘Cause I, I’m in love
With my future
Can’t wait to meet her
And I, I’m in love
But not with anybody else
Just wanna get to know myself…

27. Graduation Day (The Four Freshmen song)

• Artist: Four Freshmen
• Release Date: April, 1956
• Genre: Jazz, pop

This song describes the kind of mixed feelings people encounter on their graduation. It also recounts on the past times they will remember through the years.

Lyrics

There’s a time a for joy
A time for tears
A time we’ll treasure through the years
We’ll remember always
Graduation day…

26. I Hope You Dance

• Artist: Lee Ann Womack
• Release Date: October 26, 2010
• Genre: Dance-pop

I Hope You Dance is a mid-tempo country-pop ballad in which the narrator expresses her wishes to an unknown “you.” It has also become a piece that is enjoyed by graduates on their graduation day as they look forward to a future that is ‘unknown.’

Lyrics

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance…

25. Never Say Never

• Artist: Justin Bieber
• Release Date: June 8, 2010
• Genre: Teen pop

Never Say Never is a teen pop track that includes hip-hop elements. The song is a motivational track, containing inspirational lyrics about a life filled with adversity.

Lyrics

See I never thought that I
Could walk through fire
I never thought that I
Could take the burn
I never had the strength
To take it higher
Until I reached the point
Of no return…

24. Going Away to College

• Artist: Blink-182
• Release Date: June 1, 1999
• Genre: Pop punk, skate punk

Going Away to College is a song inspired by Can’t Hardly Wait (1998), a teen movie that centers on a group of high school students graduating and “facing an uncertain future.”  The also song x-rays the life of an adolescent boyfriend, grappling with the reality that his relationship may change upon graduating from high school.

Lyrics

I haven’t been this scared in a long time
And I’m so unprepared, so here’s your valentine
Bouquet of clumsy words, a simple melody
This world’s an ugly place, but you’re so beautiful…

23. I Was Here

• Artist: Beyoncé
• Release Date: 2011
• Genre: R&B

I Was Here is a reflective R&B ballad, in which Beyoncé vulnerably reviews her past, wanting to leave an impact on the world before her life comes to an end. Moreover, it has been enjoyed by people, including graduates who are making transitions from one place to another.

Lyrics

I was here, I lived, I loved, I was here
I did, I’ve done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know I was here…

22. Don’t Stop Believin’

 

• Artist: Journey
• Release Date: October 19, 1981
• Genre: Rock

‘Journey’ was one of the most popular rock groups of the early 1980s, with hits songs like Don’t Stop Believin. In the song, two folks board a midnight train going somewhere else, leaving behind previous lives they had in their hometown. This happens to be the kind of feeling high school school students have when moving to college.

Lyrics

Strangers waitin’
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searchin’ in the night
Streetlights, people
Livin’ just to find emotion
Hidin’, somewhere in the night…

21. I Will Remember You

• Artist: Sarah McLachlan
• Release Date: 1995
• Genre: Pop

Sarah’s I Will Remember You fits right into the scheme of things during graduation by reminding students that they should not miss out on future by staying glued to the past.

Lyrics

Remember the good times that we had?
I let them slip away from us when things got bad
How clearly I first saw you smilin’ in the sun
Wanna feel your warmth upon me, I wanna be the one…

20. The Climb

• Artist: Miley Cyrus
• Release Date: March, 2009
• Genre: Country pop, country rock

This is an inspirational song that speaks to overcoming life’s obstacles and realizing one’s dreams.  With this song, a lot of graduates could find inspiration and courage to step into independent life for the first time.

Lyrics

There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose
Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb…

19. All I do is Win

• Artist: DJ Khaled
• Release Date: February 8, 2010
• Genre: Hip hop

Dj Khaled’s All I Do is Win has become a major sensation for graduation ceremonies. Besides, the energy, upbeat, and lyrics of the song are always in time to capture the moment.

Lyrics

‘Cause I never been defeated and I won’t stop now
Keep your hands up get ’em in the sky
For the homies didn’t make it and my folks locked down
I never went nowhere
But they saying Luda’s back
Blame it on that conjure
The hood call it Luda’gnac

18. Photograph 

• Artist: Nickelback
• Release Date: August 8, 2005
• Genre: Post-grunge

Nickelback’s Photograph is mostly autobiographical and it revolves around the nostalgic memory of schooling and growing up in a small town. The theme of the song happens to be something that every graduating student can relate to.

Lyrics

And this is where I went to school
Most of the time had better things to do
Criminal record says I broke in twice
I must have done it half a dozen times…

17. Goodbye To You

• Artist: Scandal
• Release Date: September 1982
• Genre: Power pop, new wave

This song was actually written about leaving a toxic relationship behind. However, students are able to relate to it, especially those who had to deal with those kinds of relationships before leaving school.

Lyrics

Those times I waited for you seem so long ago
I wanted you far too much to ever let you go
You know you never got buy, I feel it too
And I guess I never could stand to lose
It’s just a pity to say goodbye to you
Goodbye to you-ooh…

16. Congratulations 

• Artist: Post Malone Ft. Quavo
• Release Date: November 4, 2016
• Genre: Trap

This song songs was inspired by Malone’s career success and rise to fame. He also speaks about his early struggles and how he was able to prove people wrong when they thought he would not be able to succeed in life. The song has become a hit that several graduating students relate to when they look back at the many hurdles they had to overcome while in school.

Lyrics

I was patient (yeah)
Oh, I was patient (ayy, ooh)
Now I can scream that we made it (we made it)
Now everyone, everywhere I go, they say ‘gratulation (uh)
Young nigga, young nigga, graduation (yeah)….

15. Graduation Song

• Artist: Pevan & Sarahhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBR1rJcKn60
• Release Date: January 10, 2022

Pevan & Sarah’s On My Way is a graduation song that enumerates the accomplishments of the singers as they complete a phase in their educational pursuits. The song states how the the graduates have become faster, smarter, and stronger after their study contact.

Lyrics

I’m on my way – watch me be the best that I can be. (I’m on my way!)
My brain is a little bit stronger, My hair is a little bit longer,
My teacher’s a little bit prouder, My heart beats a little bit louder.
Look at all, the friends I’ve made, These memories will never fade.
I am proud of me and all that I can be, Watch and you will see…

SEE ALSO: 25 Best Wedding Songs That Should Be on Your Playlist

14. Celebration 

• Artist: Kool & the Gang
• Release Date: 1980
• Genre: Post-disco, funk

Moving away from a longtime experience could be met with different emotions. But in the classic hit from decades past, Kool & The Gang urge people to embrace change joyfully.

Lyrics

There’s a party goin’ on right here

A celebration to last throughout the years

So bring your good times, and your laughter too

We gonna celebrate your party with you

13. School’s Out 

• Artist: Alice Cooper
• Release Date: April 26, 1972
• Genre: Hard rock, glam rock

Alice’s School’s Out indicates the school year ended forever, and the school itself has been literally blown up. It incorporates the childhood rhyme, “No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks” into its lyrics. Several graduating classes love to listen to this.

Lyrics

No more pencils, no more books
No more teachers, dirty looks
Out for summer, out ’til fall
We might not come back at all…

12. Firework

• Artist: Katy Perry
• Release Date: October 26, 2010
• Genre: Dance-pop

Though not primarily written for graduation ceremonies, Katy Perry’s Firework is a motivational song that can make those who were invisible during the school year feel more accepted and loved.

Lyrics

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July…

11. Hey Look, Ma!  I Made It! 

• Artist: Panic
• Release Date: February 26, 2019
• Genre: Electropop

Hey Look, Ma! I Made It! is a self-congratulatory tune that also deals with the mental duress inherent in any type of self-achievement. This is totally appropriate for the graduate who has worked hard and finally made it to the top.

Lyrics

All my life, been hustling
And tonight is my appraisal
‘Cause I’m a hooker sellin’ songs
And my pimp’s a record label
This world is full off demons
Stocks and bonds and bible traders
So I do the deed, get up and leave
A climber and a sadist, yeah…

10. Today My Life Begins

• Artist: Maroon 5 song
• Release Date: September 20, 2019
• Genre: Reggae-pop

Memories is a song that pays homage to the memory of a loved one. This has also become a song that many graduates utilize in order to keep the memory of their pairs who they may not meet again.

Lyrics

i’ve been working hard so long
seems like pay has been my only friend
my fragile heart’s been done so wrong
i wondered if i’d ever heal again

9. Prom

• Artist: SZA
• Release Date: 2012
• Genre: Pop, dance-pop, jazz

This song is a reflection of prom and also the age when friends are growing apart and have decided where and what they’re doing with their lives. The theme of the song makes it perfect for graduation.

Lyrics

Baby the money’ll make it easier for me
To run and hide out somewhere
(So far away)
Hopping through poppy fields
Dodging evil witches
These houses keep dropping everywhere

8. Good Life

• Artist: Kanye West and T-Pain
• Release Date: October 2, 2007
• Genre: Pop rap

Lyrically, this song sees West celebrating his success and being determined to succeed. Moreover, the lines and tune of the song could spice up any graduation ceremony.

Lyrics

We put the good in the good in the good life (the good life)
We put the good in the good in the good life (I said the good life)
We put the bad in the past, now we alright (we alright)
Ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy (yeah)
Ayy (uh)

7. Goodbye

• Artist: Spice Girls
• Release Date: 24 November 1998
• Genre: Pop

Goodbye is a pop ballad that lyrically consists of a group’s farewell to a friend. Similarly, the song could mark a historic day when a graduating class will be bidding themselves farewell.

Lyrics

Goodbye my friend
I know you’re gone, you said you’re gone
But I can still feel you here
It’s not the end
Gotta keep it strong
Before the pain turns into fear
So glad we made it…

6. End of the Road

• Artist: Boyz II Men
• Release Date: 1992
• Genre: R&B

Although the theme of the song is centered around relationships, the title of the song could depict the situation of a graduation class.

Lyrics

Although we’ve come
To the end of the road
Still I can’t let go
It’s unnatural
You belong to me
I belong to you

5. Run the World

• Artist: Beyoncé
• Release Date: 2011
• Genre: Electropop, R&B

Now this is exclusive to girls. For a graduation day for any lady, this song hits differently. Its title and lyrics comprise an unapologetically aggressive message promoting female empowerment. Since to be educated is to be empowered, some girls can’t help but put this on a replay on their graduation day.

Lyrics

My persuasion
Can build a nation
Endless power
With our love we can devour
You’ll do anything for me…

4. Moment 4 Life

• Artist: Nicki Minaj
• Release Date: December 7, 2010
• Genre: Hip hop

Moments 4 Life is a hip-hop song that lyrically relates to maintaining a feeling of accomplishment and enjoying the moment.

Lyrics

I wish that I could have this moment for life
For life, for life
‘Cause in this moment, I just feel so alive
Alive, alive…

3. Best Day of My Life

• Artist: American Authors
• Release Date: March 19, 2013
• Genre: Pop rock, indie folk, alternative rock

What other day would you rather have as the best day of your life? For many, it is their graduation day and for this reason, this song fits just perfectly.

Lyrics

I had a dream so big and loud
I jumped so high I touched the clouds
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh, wo-o-o-o-o-oh
I stretched my hands out to the sky
We danced with monsters through the night
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh, wo-o-o-o-o-oh

2. Started from the Bottom

• Artist: Drake
• Release Date: February 1, 2013
• Genre: Hip hop, progressive rap

Every academic journey is a progressive one that requires you to start from the ‘bottom.’ Now that you are at the ‘top’, this song could spice up your celebration in a unique way.

Boys tell stories ’bout the man
Say I never struggled, wasn’t hungry, yeah, I doubt it, nigga
I could turn your boy into the man
There ain’t really much I hear that’s poppin’ off without us, nigga
We just want the credit where it’s due
I’ma worry ’bout me, give a fuck about you
Nigga, just as a reminder to myself
I wear every single chain, even when I’m in the house

1. Try Everything

• Artist: Shakira
• Release Date: February 23, 2016
• Genre: 

Shakira’s Try Everything was recorded for the 2016 Walt Disney Animation Studios film, Zootopia. The philosophy of the song is that things could get hard, but the only way to succeed is if you keep trying.

Lyrics

Look how far you’ve come, you filled your heart with love
Baby, you’ve done enough, take a deep breath
Don’t beat yourself up, no need to run so fast
Sometimes we come last, but we did our best