Graduation season is upon us. Don’t start celebrating without the perfect set list!
Cue the random tears, bursts of both excitement and nostalgia and your newfound, “don’t give a fudge,” carefree attitude because graduation season is nearly upon us, friends.
And with all of the emotions of this time of year, it’s necessary to turn to the one thing that is always there for us: music. We’ve gathered some of the best graduation songs of all time to help you give a soundtrack to this rollercoaster time of year. We recommend listening to these to celebrate your senior trip and to sob into pints of Ben & Jerry’s with your roommates in the dark; both are appropriate settings.
1. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C
The name says it all, and the lyrics say even more. Eighteen years after it was released, this song is still No. 1 on the most important songs to have on your graduation playlist.
2. “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
Our wish for you is that you listen to this song on graduation day and just try not to get emotional.
3. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
If it’s good enough to soundtrack Seinfeld‘s farewell broadcast, it’s good enough to help you say farewell to the past four (or five) (or six+) years.
4. “Don’t Forget Where You Belong” by One Direction
Who knows where post-graduation life will take you? No matter where you end up, never forget the place you came from!
5. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
Graduation means the end of one chapter and the start of another, and this Miley Cyrus song reminds you to enjoy every page turn along the way.
6. “Here’s To Never Growing Up” by Avril Lavigne
The anthem of seniors everywhere. A lot of the “lasts” are happening, and these three minutes and 45 seconds let you escape that reality a little bit longer.
7. “Live Like We’re Dying” by Kris Allen
It doesn’t get much more inspirational than Kris Allen in this one. Live every last moment with these people to the fullest!
8. “Rivers And Roads” by The Head and the Heart
This one slows it down a bit, but it reminisces on all of the changes that are bound to happen after graduation. You might want to grab a few tissues!
9. “Whenever You Remember” by Carrie Underwood
Carrie has brought countless graduates through with this one, and we’ll definitely remember it and her for years to come.
10. “On Top Of The World” by Imagine Dragons
These next few years could be some of the best of your life. Live life on top of the world, and enjoy every moment!
11. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
It worked for the Breakfast Club, and it’ll work (even better?) for graduation. We won’t ever forget about this song!
12. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
Lee Ann Womack uses this tearjerker to remind us to stop and take in every moment along this rollercoaster ride of a life.
13. “We Are Young” by Fun. featuring Janelle Monae
While adulthood might seem like it’s just around the corner, this song reminds us that at least for tonight, we’re still young. #Yolo, amiright?
14. “Started From The Bottom” by Drake
It’s not easy to get to the point where you’re handed that sophisticated diploma. Celebrate your achievements and remember how far you’ve come to get here.
15. “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars
Turn this one on and prepare for whatever room you’re in to transform into an instant dance party. “Oh they don’t know? Oh they don’t know? / They gon’ know as soon as we walk in.”
16. “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” by Baz Luhrmann
A true classic and a true inspiration. These wise words will be quotable on graduation Instagram captions for many years past and many years to come.
17. “Youth” by Troye Sivan
While exciting, this time of year can make you want to escape reality for a bit, and Troye Sivan puts those feels into words with this catchy beat.
18. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
The future can be scary, but Natasha Bedingfield reminds us that it can be so incredibly exciting, too! You get to write your next chapter. Bless up.
19. “The Greatest” by Sia
Graduation gives you even more freedom to be the greatest, and Sia is here to remind you to not give up!
20. “Surprise Yourself” by Jack Garratt
“Speak and open up your mind / It’s something you should do all the time / Keep exploring, seek and find / You know you might surprise yourself” (#blessed)
