63 Best Graduation Songs Ever - Music Industry How To (2024)

Table of Contents
1. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C 2. “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)” by Green Day 3. “Moment 4 Life” by Nicki Minaj ft. Drake 4. “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men 5. “Goodbye” by Spice Girls 6. “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and The Heart 7. “Closing Time” by Semisonic 8. “We Are Young” by Fun. ft. Janelle Monae 9. “Everybody’s Free To Wear Sunscreen” by Baz Lurhman 10. “All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem 11. “This Is the Day” by The The 12. “I Can” by Nas 13. “Firework” by Katy Perry 14. “To Sir With Love” by LuLu 15. “With a Little Help From My Friends” by Joe co*cker 16. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers 17. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor 18. “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve 19. “Baba O’Riley” by The Who 20. “Graduate” by Third Eye Blind 21. “Here’s to the Night” by Eve 6 22. “Going Away to College” by Blink 182 23. “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper 24. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth 25. “Today” by Smashing Pumpkins 26. “Here’s to Never Growing Up” by Avril Lavigne 27. “The Edge Of Glory” by Lady Gaga 28. “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan w/ The Band 29. “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts 30. “Graduation” by Benny Blanco ft. Juice Wrld 31. “Goodbye to You” by Scandal 32. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World 33. “Dance Hall Days” by Wang Chung 34. “No Such Thing” by John Mayer 35. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper 36. “Forever Young” by Alphaville 37. “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas 38. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey 39. “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals 40. “We Are The Champions” by Queen 41. “I Want You To Know” by Zedd ft. Selena Gomez 42. “Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks 43. “Float On” by Modest Mouse 44. “Sing” by My Chemical Romance 45. “Cups (When I’m Gone)” by Anna Kendrick 46. “Congratulations” by Post Malone ft. Quavo 47. “Am I Wrong” by Nico & Vinz 48. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield 49. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds 50. “Started From the Bottom” by Drake 51. “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan 52. “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree 53. “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce 54. “Life Is A Highway” by Tom Cochrane 55. “Live Your Life” by T.I. ft. Rihanna 56. “Good Morning” by Kanye West 57. “Another Brick in the Wall, Part Two” by Pink Floyd 58. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes 59. “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus 60. “The Freshmen” by The Verve Pipe 61. “In My Life” by The Beatles 62. “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove 63. “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield Top Graduation Songs Of All Time, Final Thoughts References
63 Best Graduation Songs Ever - Music Industry How To (1)

Whether it was the best four years of your life or you barely survived, graduation day is a time for celebration.

You'll never forget the all-night parties and late-night cram sessions, especially with our list of the best graduation songs as your soundtrack. Now toss your cap into the air!

Contents

1. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C

Song year: 2000

Vitamin C wrote the quintessential cap and gown song with her single “Graduation (Friends Forever).” The track is about youthful friendships slipping away after school, set to the melancholy tune of 17th-century composer Pachelbel's “Canon in D.”

The song acknowledges what friendships mean to us when we're younger and expresses how their importance ensures that whatever may come, they last forever.

2. “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)” by Green Day

Song year: 1997

Though Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong wrote “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” as an angry song to an ex, the acoustic strums and sorrowful nostalgia of the single have turned it into a graduation anthem.

With lyrics full of hard-earned wisdom sung in the aggressive fashion of punk rock, the track is a bittersweet and beautiful ode to looking back.

3. “Moment 4 Life” by Nicki Minaj ft. Drake

Song year: 2010

Nicki Minaj's hip hop story of success, “Moment 4 Life,” is a hard-hitting track worthy of every graduation party. The song is about two friends that watch each other grow up and succeed in accomplishing their dreams.

Minaj uses the story to highlight how important it is to slow down and celebrate your accomplishments. It's a wise bit of advice for every graduate.

4. “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men

Song year: 1992

Boyz II Men's classic R&B slow jam “End of the Road” was one of the most successful songs of the '90s. The song's soulful harmonizing and deep groove is the perfect backdrop for the group's tale of the end of a relationship.

Though Boyz II Men sings about romance, the song works just as well when translated to graduation. Sometimes it's hard to let go of the bonds built in school, making “End of the Road” a graduation tear-jerker.

5. “Goodbye” by Spice Girls

Song year: 1998

After Geri Halliwell, better known as Ginger Spice, left the Spice Girls, the group topped the charts with the single “Goodbye.” The dramatic pop ballad's heartfelt farewell to a friend feels authentically emotional, no doubt due to the genuine friendship of the band.

For all graduates moving away from their best friends and first relationships, “Goodbye” captures the sadness and warmth of letting go of a loved one.

6. “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and The Heart

Song year: 2011

Indie folk group The Head and The Heart's emotionally packed song “Rivers and Roads” encapsulates what many graduates feel as they set off on their own for the first time.

By singing about separation from friends and family with beautiful harmonies, the band wears their fears on their sleeves. It's a cathartic anthem that begs for a sing-along – most likely a tearful one.

7. “Closing Time” by Semisonic

Song year: 1998

Based on a quote from Roman philosopher Seneca, Semisonic uses the nightly barroom ritual of the “last call” as a metaphor for new beginnings on their alternative hit single “Closing Time.”

With an inescapably catchy piano hook and equally ferocious electric guitars, the song meditates on the end and beginning of all things. It's wisdom in the most unlikely of all spots, a bar at closing time, that graduates can take to heart.

8. “We Are Young” by Fun. ft. Janelle Monae

Song year: 2011

Fun. and Janelle Monae team up for one of the most commencement ready, soaring anthems of youth ever put to tape on their hit single, “We Are Young.”

The song's lyrics are inspired by a particularly wild night for the lead singer and capture his feelings of regret and appreciation for friendship while at his lowest point. Though you might not party as hard as a rock star, everyone can relate to this tale of youthful indiscretion.

9. “Everybody’s Free To Wear Sunscreen” by Baz Lurhman

Song year: 1997

Originally written as a hypothetical commencement speech in the Chicago Tribune by journalist Mary Schmich, film director Baz Luhrman took the words of advice and set them to music for his song “Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen).”

The plainspoken lyrics are witty and sardonic, mixing practical advice with contradictions and sarcasm. The result is a song that captures life's complexities with a wink and a smile.

10. “All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem

Song year: 2007

LCD Soundsystem became critical darlings with the release of their single “All My Friends.” The song has no chorus but relies heavily on repetition that builds in intensity, giving the song a sprawling and cinematic feeling.

While the song's narrative is up for interpretation, there's no doubt that its best lines are about seizing the day. The indie-rock anthem has continued to age well, with Rolling Stone naming it one of the best songs of all time in 2021.

11. “This Is the Day” by The The

Song year: 1983

The The's quirky new wave classic “This Is the Day” tells the story of someone looking back on their life wistfully while juxtaposing their past with the limitless possibilities of the new day.

The band utilizes keyboards and accordions to create a unique mix of organic and synthesized sounds. The seeming contradictions of the instrumentation helps illustrate the forward and backward-looking narrative of the lyrics.

12. “I Can” by Nas

Song year: 2003

Over a Beethoven sample and with the help of a children's choir, hip hop elder statesmen Nas lays out an inspirational ode to the dreams of the youth with his hit single, “I Can.”

Nas is most commonly known for his lyrically dense appraisals of life on the streets but wrote this song as a gift for his daughter. It is his highest-charting song ever and has become a staple of graduations.

13. “Firework” by Katy Perry

Song year: 2010

Katy Perry lit up the Billboard charts with her smash hit single “Firework.” The dance-pop anthem sold millions of records and would become one of the era's defining pop songs.

The song's success is due to its life-affirming messages of positivity in the face of adversity. This track begs you to sing and dance along, and it's the perfect sentiment for all graduates as they plot to take on the world.

14. “To Sir With Love” by LuLu

Song year: 1967

The title track from the film of the same name, LuLu's '60s pop ballad “To Sir With Love” is a swinging proclamation of appreciation for the teachers that have helped shape a student's life.

While the film has faded from memory, LuLu's song remains a classic graduation track for those with an important mentor in their lives.

15. “With a Little Help From My Friends” by Joe co*cker

Song year: 1968

Thanks to an iconic performance at the Woodstock Festival, Joe co*cker's cover of The Beatles' “With a Little Help From My Friends” became the definitive version of the Fab Four's composition.

co*cker's version switches the song from standard time to a waltz beat, giving it a soulful swing for the crooner to lean into with his wailing vocals and wild theatrics. This song is a '60s classic, but any graduate that wants to celebrate their friendships will love this track.

16. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

Song year: 1972

The bonds of friendship and community that we build during school can last a lifetime. The sentimental Bill Withers classic “Lean On Me” captures the importance of friendship and accountability many of us feel as we look back on the people that helped us achieve our goals.

With his soulful voice and simple piano chords, Withers gives thanks and offers support to his loved ones. It's an inspiring and heartfelt track for any commencement ceremony.

17. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor

Song year: 1970

The wistful melancholy of James Taylor's “Fire and Rain” comes from the singer's experiences with death and addiction. While most graduates won't know the depths of these feelings, the effectiveness of Taylor's composition is how relatable it manages to feel.

Looking back at the past, the good and the bad, is part of the bittersweet ritual of graduation. A track as powerful as “Fire and Rain” helps validate our hard-earned wisdom.

18. “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve

Song year: 1997

Britpop group The Verve scored a massive alternative hit with their classic '90s single “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” Over lush orchestration, the band layout a somewhat cynical view of life, but it's hard not to want to sing along with the band's assessment of the human condition.

For graduates, the feelings of excitement and loss accompanying their coming of age are bittersweet. Whether it's a good cry or a fist pump, The Verve elicits emotion.

19. “Baba O’Riley” by The Who

Song year: 1971

While The Who's “Baba O'Riley” is a celebrated classic rock track considered an homage to youth, Pete Townshend wrote the song after The Woodstock Festival from a pointedly anti-hippie perspective.

But let's not let the musings of an old rock star steal our joy. With its soaring chorus and arpeggiated synths, the song creates a powerful swirl of rock and roll. It's just deliriously intoxicating as the teenagers that helped form the counterculture of the '60s.

20. “Graduate” by Third Eye Blind

Song year: 1997

Alt-rockers Third Eye Blind used graduation as a metaphor for creative success in their single “Graduate.” With its chiming guitar riff and throat-shredding scream, this song defiantly states that Third Eye Blind will not go quietly without leaving its mark.

“Graduate” is a rocking song with a bold sentiment. Its inclusion on a graduation playlist could turn a walk across the stage into a mosh.

21. “Here’s to the Night” by Eve 6

Song year: 2001

Eve 6's “Here's to the Night” has become a staple of graduation parties since its release in 2001.

The song is a ballad that celebrates all the nights spent together in youth while knowing that they're fleeting and don't last forever. The song's music video features video footage of the band at a school party, hammering home the track's purpose.

22. “Going Away to College” by Blink 182

Song year: 1999

Blink-182 captured the genuine fears of leaving behind loved ones after graduation on their pop-punk anthem, “Going Away to College.”

In typical Blink-182 fashion, the song juxtaposes sincerity with humor, making their lyrics about leaving behind a partner for college feel raw and authentic. The track's punk energy makes the difficulty of growing up feel worth a group singing along.

23. “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper

Song year: 1972

For those students that felt school was more of a chore than a joy, Alice Cooper's “School's Out” is a cathartic rock and roll anthem fit for the ringing of the final bell.

The song became Alice Cooper's first hit and one of his signature songs. Because of its literal subject matter, the single is often used in film and television revolving around high school.

24. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth

Song year: 2015

Rapper Wiz Khalifa teamed up with singer-songwriter Charlie Puth to write a tribute song to Paul Walker for the soundtrack to Furious 7. The single, “See You Again,” became an international chart-topper, with its themes of love and loss resonating beyond cinephiles.

The emotionally charged track is just the right amount of sentiment and sing-along to keep graduation parties going all night.

25. “Today” by Smashing Pumpkins

Song year: 1993

Though the song is about mental illness, The Smashing Pumpkins' “Today” has become a life-affirming anthem thanks to its seemingly positive refrain.

With catchy melodies and buzzing electric guitars, the band wrote one of the most iconic alternative tracks of the '90s. For students that want to mosh instead of dance, there isn't a better song for capturing the excitement of graduation.

26. “Here’s to Never Growing Up” by Avril Lavigne

Song year: 2013

Co-written by Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, Avril Lavigne's “Here's To Never Growing Up” is an anthem for living life loud and proud and celebrating the night as if you'll never have to face adulthood.

While we know that's not possible, the song's sentiment is one all graduates share as they stare down the realities of facing the adult world. Crank up this pop-rock single and savor the last nights of youth.

27. “The Edge Of Glory” by Lady Gaga

Song year: 2011

Lady Gaga wrote “The Edge of Glory” after the death of her grandfather. By taking its sonic inspiration from disco and '80s pop, the track injects the joy of a dancefloor into a meditation on the final moments of life.

This exploration of the afterlife burst out of the speakers with life. Interpreting the song as one about new beginnings, it's a fitting slice of electropop that will get every graduate moving.

28. “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan w/ The Band

Song year: 1974

Bob Dylan wrote the affectionate folk song “Forever Young” for his oldest son. While Dylan claims he was trying to avoid being sentimental, the hopes and dreams that the songwriter expresses for his child are beautifully simple.

The track serves as a reminder to hold fast to your wonder and dreams, making it one of the best graduation songs ever.

29. “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts

Song year: 1994

As the theme song for the hit television show Friends, The Rembrandts' “I'll Be There for You” is one of the most recognizable songs of its era.

The song's blast of power pop is full of energy and positivity, reminding us of the nostalgia of the TV show and the power of friendship. There's no better song to let your friends know that you'll be there for them even after graduation.

30. “Graduation” by Benny Blanco ft. Juice Wrld

Song year: 2019

Sampling Vitamin C's commencement staple “Graduation” for their track of the same name, Benny Blanco and Juice Wrld updated the song with an emo-trap sound and a more aggressive and humorous take on the high school experience.

The single is a refreshing update on the Vitamin C original. In taking a caustic approach to appraising the high school experience, the duo allows the audience to laugh along.

31. “Goodbye to You” by Scandal

Song year: 1982

For some students, the years spent with classmates are some of the best of their lives. For others, the end can't come soon enough. If you're a member of the latter group, the new wave group Scandal's “Goodbye to You” will be your graduation anthem.

Even though the song is quite the kiss-off, like most '80s pop-rock, “Goodbye to You” is still dancefloor-ready.

32. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World

Song year: 2001

Jimmy Eat World's emo anthem “The Middle” is all about staying true to yourself in the face of peer pressure and negativity. The massive guitar hooks and sing-along chorus of the single landed the band on the Billboard charts, helping them break into the mainstream.

This catchy single is a welcomed affirmation for any student getting ready to leave their home that they should always be themselves.

33. “Dance Hall Days” by Wang Chung

Song year: 1984

Wang Chung's '80s new-wave dance hit “Dance Hall Days” is a nostalgically tinged song about growing up and love that will fit in on any graduation playlist.

While dance halls are a thing of the past, it's hard not to imagine a homecoming dance or prom night when Wang Chung sings of being on point on the dancefloor.

34. “No Such Thing” by John Mayer

Song year: 2002

John Mayer sings from the perspective of a high school graduate on his breakout hit single “No Such Thing.” The song is critical of the idea of a so-called real world and expresses the belief that chasing what you love is the ultimate purpose of a happy life.

The song is an inspirational take on pursuing dreams and living life to be happy and serves as a great message to recent graduates.

35. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper

63 Best Graduation Songs Ever - Music Industry How To (2)

Song year: 1983

Cyndi Lauper's first Billboard number-one single, “Time After Time,” is now synonymous with '80s ballads and is considered one of the best love songs of all time by many fans and critics.

Whether you're saying goodbye to a partner or a best friend, the emotional weight of Lauper's ballad will resonate with every graduate that wants to make a promise to someone they're leaving behind.

36. “Forever Young” by Alphaville

Song year: 1984

Alphaville's new wave single “Forever Young” tackles the threat of nuclear war and the loss of innocence over a bed of synthesizers and an anthemic chorus.

While the song's themes are heady, it still maintains a simplistic lyrical approach that helps the song present itself as much as a coming-of-age song as an ode to Cold War paranoia.

37. “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas

Song year: 2009

The Black Eyed Peas anthem of positive energy and electric nights, “I Gotta Feeling,” took dancefloors across the world by storm. The track is an infectious blast of goodwill and partying that rocketed the band to the top of the charts.

This Grammy-winning track will get everyone on the dancefloor while setting a positive vibe for a night to remember.

38. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

Song year: 1981

Journey's rock and roll tribute to the power of dreams and positive thinking, “Don't Stop Believin',” has become one of the most celebrated rock and roll anthems ever.

The song's story of moving on to bigger and better things is universal, and its refrain is as catchy as it is inspirational. “Don't Stop Believin'” serves as great advice to any graduate.

39. “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals

Song year: 1998

Considered one of the greatest songs of the '90s, The New Radicals' “You Get What You Give” is bursting with an aggressive positivity that could only exist during its era.

With its alternative rock blend of piano and crushing electric guitars, the song's messages of anti-consumerism and self-actualization are as relevant today as they were over two decades ago.

40. “We Are The Champions” by Queen

Song year: 1977

Queen's arena rock anthem “We Are the Champions” is one of the most recognizable songs ever written. Thanks to its message of overcoming the odds to claim victory, the song has become a staple of sporting events and victory parades, allowing it to transcend genre and era.

Getting to the finish line of school is a victory in itself, and this iconic song of celebration is the fist-pumping punctuation to a job well done.

41. “I Want You To Know” by Zedd ft. Selena Gomez

Song year: 2015

German producer Zedd teamed up with Selena Gomez for the EDM hit single, “I Want You to Know.” This hard-hitting electropop song is a full-on dance number that pairs heavy electronics with Gomez's lyrics that touch on themes of love and seizing the moment.

Whether you're looking for inspiration or something to shake your hips to, this track will fit into any graduation party flawlessly.

42. “Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks

Song year: 1998

The Chicks' “Wide Open Spaces,” a tale of a young girl leaving home to follow her dreams, is tailor-made for graduates. The song's relatable story and soaring chorus resonated with audiences across musical genres, and the single proved a crossover hit for the bluegrass-inspired country band.

The starry-eyed and hopeful pop-country song is an anthem for graduates striking out on their own to try their fortunes in greener pastures.

43. “Float On” by Modest Mouse

Song year: 2004

Modest Mouse had toiled away in relative obscurity until their indie-rock singe dedicated to optimism in the face of adversity, “Float On,” unexpectedly hit the mainstream charts early in the century.

The song's verses find the narrator in ridiculous situations, but every scenario dissolves into a meditation on silver linings and looking on the bright side of life. It's a cheerful reminder to all graduates to take life as it comes.

44. “Sing” by My Chemical Romance

Song year: 2010

One of My Chemical Romance's signature songs, “Sing” is an anthem for shouting out who you are and what you believe in no matter the consequences.

The emo band's sound is tempered on “Sing” by a pop-soul influence that made the song somewhat of a crossover effort. Its popularity and tamer sound garnered a Grammy Award nomination and a performance in the TV show Glee.

45. “Cups (When I’m Gone)” by Anna Kendrick

Song year: 2013

Inspired by an A.P. Carter folk song and a children's clapping game, the track “When I'm Gone” went from a viral sensation to a cover called “Cups” by actress Anna Kendrick in Pitch Perfect.

The song's unlikely trajectory from folk to film speaks to its universal theme of blazing a unique path through life. This attitude couched in the rhythm of a child's game makes the song a fitting farewell for graduates.

46. “Congratulations” by Post Malone ft. Quavo

Song year: 2016

Post Malone and Quavo are in full celebration mode on their trap-influenced hit single “Congratulations.” The song's themes of perseverance and patience underscore the chorus' anthemic delivery of its titular line, while its mellow delivery has all the swagger of full-blown senioritis.

Look no further than this Post Malone track to turn the post-commencement ceremony party into a raging celebration.

47. “Am I Wrong” by Nico & Vinz

Song year: 2013

Nico & Vinz had the highest-charting Norwegian single in the US since A-Ha's “Take on Me” with their international hit “Am I Wrong.” Over slide guitar and heavy percussion, the duo lay out their experience of feeling that their musical dreams were cast aside and considered silly and friends.

Nico & Vinz had the last laugh with their success, making their song about proving the haters wrong the very vehicle to do it.

48. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

Song year: 2004

Natasha Bedingfield's iconic '00s single “Unwritten” is a brightly colored dose of acoustic guitar optimism. The single would crack the top ten and would cement itself in the era as the theme song of the TV show The Hills.

The track is all about the possibilities of the future and the ability of each of us to achieve our dreams, making it wholly appropriate for graduates as they set off to write the next chapter in their lives.

49. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds

Song year: 1985

New wave group Simple Minds recorded the hit single “Don't You (Forget About Me)” as an afterthought at their label's insistence. The band thought so little of the single they didn't include it on a studio album, but the classic high school movie The Breakfast Club would feature the song.

The film's success helped shoot the track to the number one spot on the pop charts and make the single synonymous with high school.

50. “Started From the Bottom” by Drake

Song year: 2013

Drake's theme of rising through the ranks to become a success, “Started From the Bottom,” is a minimalist piece of hip-hop production that highlights the rapper's braggadocious rhymes.

Fashioning himself as the underdog, Drake goes through his struggle while always returning to his memorable refrain. It's a singularly catchy sentiment that will hype up every graduation celebration.

51. “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan

Song year: 1995

Sarah McLachlan reminds us to cherish our loved ones in her adult contemporary ballad “I Will Remember You.” The song finds McLachlan looking back are her life, using the passing of time as a warning against letting life slip through your fingers.

With its beautiful piano accompaniment and wise message, the song has become a classic entry in the canon of graduation songs. If this is on the playlist, be sure to bring some kleenex.

52. “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree

Song year: 1994

Des'ree wrote her classic '90s R&B single “You Gotta Be” as an anthem about finding yourself. The lyrics read like a great piece of advice given to a graduate, and when put to music, they have a deep groove that invites everyone on the dancefloor.

The song was Des'ree's first top-five hit in the states. The track found life with a new generation through its inclusion in the '10s TV show Pen15.

53. “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce

Song year: 2011

Beyonce scored an all-time great feminist anthem with her single “Run the World (Girls).” The empowering song highlights a female-focused future and features electropop instrumentation and an infectious refrain.

This Queen Bey track will get all the girls at the party waving their hands in the air and shaking their hips as they get ready to go off on their own to run the world.

54. “Life Is A Highway” by Tom Cochrane

Song year: 1991

Canadian singer-songwriter Tom Cochrane cracked the American top ten with his '90s pop-rock single, “Life Is a Highway.” Over thundering drums and rocking guitar riffs, Cochrane's highway metaphor twists and turns through love and adversity, but it ultimately takes the listener on the unforgettable journey of life.

While we encourage all graduates to drive the speed limit, there's nothing wrong with leaning into the turns.

55. “Live Your Life” by T.I. ft. Rihanna

Song year: 2008

T.I. and Rihanna combined forces for the eighth chart-topping hit between the two artists, “Live Your Life.” Over an Eastern European pop sample, Rihanna's sultry vocals create a unique canvas for T.I.'s typical rags-to-riches hip hop story.

While many hip hop songs cover this lyrical territory, this single is notable for its sincere and positive affirmations. It's an inspiring and catchy track that will spice up any graduation.

56. “Good Morning” by Kanye West

Song year: 2007

Kanye West capped off the first phase of his recording career and its subsequent themes of education and racial implications with his album Graduation.

The first track on the album is “Good Morning,” a laid-back synthesizer-laced groove that meditates on his success. Kanye considers his emergence in pop culture as cap and gown, and he treats it with the same importance as a commencement.

57. “Another Brick in the Wall, Part Two” by Pink Floyd

Song year: 1979

Pink Floyd's record producer took them out of their comfort zone, insisting on a disco beat and children's choir on the prog-rock band's classic single, “Another Brick in the Wall.”

The result was a song that protested physical violence and overbearing educational systems without sounding like a protest song. The single sold millions of copies while garnering a Grammy Award nomination and is now considered one of the best rock songs ever.

58. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

Song year: 1987

The iconic duet from the film Dirty Dancing, “(I've Had) The Time of My Life,” was a number one hit across the world on its way to becoming one of the most iconic film ballads of all time.

Bill Medley's gruffly soulful croon and Jennifer Warnes' pure tone are a match made in heaven. This song has captivated generations of sentimental romantics and will be a hit at graduation.

59. “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus

Song year: 2013

After years of balancing dreams, drama, and coursework, graduation is a time to party. Miley Cyrus' hit single “We Can't Stop” is a party anthem with lyrics that doubles as self-affirmations over a plodding electronic dance beat.

The song signaled Cyrus' pivot to a more mature sound after her time as the childhood star of Hannah Montana. Its maturity and depth will imbue that same energy to graduation parties.

60. “The Freshmen” by The Verve Pipe

Song year: 1992

The Verve's '90s alternative rock single “The Freshmen” is a buzzy slice of pop-rock that wears its heart on the tattered sleeve of its oversized sweater.

The song's subject matter has been debated by fans, with the band even changing their tune on its meaning. Regardless of the specifics, the story of wisdom earned from the naivety of a freshman will resonate with students finishing their time in school.

61. “In My Life” by The Beatles

Song year: 1965

The Beatles' beautifully nostalgic “In My Life” is an honest assessment of the importance of all the different people and moments that shape a person.

There are too many moments to hold at once, and often people move away and change, but here The Beatles remind us over an intricate harpsichord that their meaning to you never has to fade.

62. “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove

Song year: 2011

Saying goodbye isn't easy, but at least Grouplove has given us an appeal for someone not to leave that can make us dance. The single “Tongue Tied” is a burst of indie-pop synthesizers, and dancefloors drum beats that beg the listener to scream along.

“Tongue Tied” captures the soaring emotions of a graduates' final night with their peers in a sweaty mess of danceable catharsis.

63. “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield

Song year: 1970

Curtis Mayfield's soul masterpiece “Move on Up” is a rhythmically propulsive track anchored by Mayfield's smooth vocals delivering pearls of wisdom with every exciting blast of horns.

The track remains relevant to a generation of hip hop fans as a sample in Kanye West's “Touch the Sky,” but the original will blow minds and shake hips while setting the tone at any graduation party.

Top Graduation Songs Of All Time, Final Thoughts

Some students wish it would never end, while others couldn't wait for it to be over, but whatever your experience, the real world begins.

After all the effort that you've put into navigating classwork, parents, and social networks, graduation is a time to look back on your hard work with a sense of pride.

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best graduation songs ever. Caps off to you!

63 Best Graduation Songs Ever - Music Industry How To (2024)

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