Graduations are something special. They signify the end of an era, the beginning of a new chapter and, most of all, they celebrate hard-earned accomplishment.
Whether you're a member of the Class of 2025 or are recognizing someone who is, mark the moment in music with this collection of graduation songs.
In the list below, you'll find a variety of classic and contemporary tunes for graduation day, including commencement staples like Elgar's “Pomp and Circumstance,” Vitamin C's enduring hit “Graduation,” as well as plenty of other favorites from artists like Taylor Swift, Whitney Houston, Ed Sheeran and Carrie Underwood.
From old-school '80s tunes like Timbuk 3's “The Future's So Bright” to more modern chart-toppers like Fun's memorable “We Are Young,” these songs are the perfect soundtrack to any celebration you're planning or participating in this year.
And, of course, it wouldn't be a proper playlist without at least a few tearjerkers in the roundup. So, grab some tissues and prepare to party, because you'll be doing a little of both with this collection of tunes tailor-made for graduation day.
'Graduation (Friends Forever)' by Vitamin C
Set to Pachelbel's Canon in D, this 2000 Vitamin C song remains an eternal favorite of graduates for its sentimental look back on the past and the bittersweet acknowledgement that post-graduation, everyone goes their separate ways.
'We Are Young' by Fun (Ft. Janelle Monáe)
With its rousing refrain, “Tonight, we are young. So, let's set the world on fire, we can burn brighter than the sun,” this Fun song truly captures the spirit of moment.
'Whenever You Remember' by Carrie Underwood
“Whenever You Remember” is a cut off Carrie Underwood's 2005 debut album, “Some Hearts,” and is practically made for graduation. Its poignant lyrics, combined with Underwood's passionate vocals, is sure to leave you in tears.
'Alright' by Supergrass
This jaunty, lighthearted tune by Supergrass captures the spirit of youth perfectly. It's also a reminder that even things will undoubtedly change after graduation, everyone's still gonna be alright.
'I Gotta Feeling' by Black Eyed Peas
This Black Eyed Peas' anthem remains an eternal favorite for celebrations of every kind, including weddings, birthdays and, of course, graduations.
'The Future's So Bright' by Timbuk 3
Grab your sunglasses! This 1986 tune by Timbuk 3, went all the way to No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in the day. Nearly 40 years later, “The Future's So Bright” remains a graduation staple.
'Unwritten' by Natasha Bedingfield
This Natasha Bedingfield song is about as good as it gets when it comes to graduation tunes. Listen closely to the lyrics and you'll understand why.
'Breakaway' by Kelly Clarkson
First they learn to walk, then run, then suddenly they're on the school bus. From there, it continues to be a series of goodbyes until, well, graduation. No one does it better than Kelly on this inspiring 2004 track.
'See You Again' by Wiz Khalifa (Ft. Charlie Puth)
Though “See You Again” is a tribute to the late actor, Paul Walker, its theme of letting go knowing one day your paths will cross again dovetails perfectly with the bittersweet feeling that comes with saying goodbye to friends at graduation time.
'Thnks fr th Mmrs' by Fall Out Boy
Patrick Stump is at his finest belting out this impassioned Fall Out Boy song from 2007. Noticeably missing all the vowels in its title, “Thnks fr th Mmrs” is your anthem if you're happy to be moving onward and upward.
'I'm Not Gonna Cry' by Corey Smith
Singer-songwriter Corey Smith tugs at the heartstrings with this poignant tribute to graduation day. The lyrics couldn't be more on point: “Sunday shoes, cap and gown, the whole town gathered around. Waited 18 years, now it's all coming down to this.” Tissue, anyone?
'Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day
Memorably used in one the very last episodes of “Seinfeld,” Green Day's “Good Riddance” went on to become an enduring classic. Decades later, it's still as popular as ever at proms, weddings and, yes, graduations.
'The Climb' by Miley Cyrus
Back when Miley Cyrus was still Hannah Montana, this inspirational ballad was used in Disney's Hannah Montana movie. A total tearjerker, it's best listened to with a box of tissues close by.
'Best Day of My Life' by American Authors
Woah-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh — for a lot of people, graduation day is the best day of their lives. So, don't look back.
'Good Old Days' by Macklemore (Ft. Kesha)
Macklemore and Kesha team up on this sweet tribute to the good old days. Sometimes you don't know you're living them until they're over. This heart-touching ballad is a reminder to live in the moment.
'We're All In This Together' by High School Musical Cast
There's no better send off than one that includes “High School Musical.” Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad, Taylor and the rest of the HSM gang say “so long” with this fan-favorite Disney flick.
'We Are The Champions' by Queen
For the graduates, the victors, the finally-finished, there's no substitute for this iconic Queen song from 1977. “We Are the Champions” will have everyone arm-in-arm, singing along in unison.
'Celebration' by Kool & The Gang
Yahoo! Celebrate good times with Kool & The Gang, c'mon! Everyone's gonna have a good time tonight, so celebrate. (It's alright.) This perennial party favorite is a must on your graduation day playlist.
'Long Live' by Taylor Swift
“It was the end of a decade, but the start of an age,” sings Taylor Swift in this 2010 song off her “Speak Now” album. “Long Live” captures all the melancholy that accompanies moving on.
'Castle on the Hill' by Ed Sheeran
Recalling young days and childhood friends, Ed Sheeran's “Castle On The Hill” is a trip down memory lane.
'I Lived' by OneRepublic
Seize the moment is the message in this 2013 OneRepublic song. With lyrics like “I owned every second that this world could give,” it's all the encouragement you need to embrace the next chapter, whatever it may bring.
'100 Years' by Five For Fighting
Don't play this one for the parents — it gets them every time. The Five for Fighting song chronicles the all-too-fast speed in which life passes you by.
'Blessings' by Hollow Coves
This dreamy acoustic ballad by Hollow Coves is a solid reminder to count all your blessings and hold on to the ones you love. Most of all, be grateful for each and every moment.
'You're Gonna Miss This' by Trace Adkins
Need a good cry? Here you go. Trace Adkins' ballad about the perils of wishing your life away will tug at your heart strings and encourage you to live in the present.
'Firework' by Katy Perry
It's your moment, so shine on like the firework you are. When you do, press play on this Katy Perry classic, then dance the night away.
'I'm on My Way' by the Proclaimers
A fan favorite from the “Shrek” soundtrack, this hit from The Proclaimers is a toe-tapping homage to setting out into the great wide open. Or, at the very least, walking across the podium and grabbing your degree.
'The Edge of Glory' by Lady Gaga
Celebrate your crowning achievement with a little Stefani Germanotta, better known, of course, as Lady Gaga. This 2011 hit song sums up the glory that accompanies graduation day.
'Waiting on the World to Change' by John Mayer
Not sure you're ready to go out into the real world? Don't worry, you aren't alone. John Mayer captures the uncertainty that comes with heading into the next chapter in his 2006 hit “Waiting on the World to Change.”
'One Moment in Time' by Whitney Houston
You'll get goosebumps listening to this Whitney Houston song that celebrates achievement. Originally composed for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, “One Moment in Time” is the perfect triumph tune to add to your graduation songs playlist.
'Pomp & Circumstance' by Sir Edward Elgar
It wouldn't be a commencement without at least one or two listens to the age-old graduation song, “Pomp and Circumstance.” Used in the coronation of King Edward VII, the march was soon embraced by schools the world over and has come to define graduation day.
