It might feel a bittersweet—a whole lot of happy, a little overwhelming, a whole lot of well, what do I do next?!—which is why we put together the ultimate playlist of graduation songs to get you all up in your feelings. Keep reading for 60 graduation songs that’ll make you cry, make you laugh, and unlock tons of memories from the past few years. And if you need help writing a card for another fellow graduate, check out 101 messages to write in a graduation card for the class of 2022.
60 Best Graduation Songs
1. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C
Just as ’90s music icon Vitamin C sings you’ll all stay friends forever, “Graduation (Friends Forever)” will indeed forever go down in history as the best graduation song of all-time. It’s instantly recognizable, it’s played at like, every graduation ever (whether it’s kindergarten or 8th grade graduation), and at its core, it’s the absolute pinnacle of everything a graduation song should be. Our Fave Line: “‘Cause we’re moving on, and we can’t slow down/These memories are playing like a film without sound.”
2. “We Are Young” by fun. featuring Janelle Monae
A classic bar song, “We Are Young” by fun. and Janelle Monae is also an excellent graduation song. Since it’s all about, well, beingyoung and having a good time with your friends, it also makes an awesome addition to any graduation playlist. Our Fave Line: “Tonight/We are young/So let’s set the world on fire/We can burn brighter than the sun.”
3. “Congratulations” by Post Malone, Quavo
It’s a feel-good, up-beat tune that’s all about beating the odds, you know? And when graduation time rolls around, it can certainly feel like you overcame all the obstacles thrown at you. Now that you’ve conquered graduation day, it’s only right that you sing along to “Congratulations.” Our Fave Line: “Dreamed it all ever since I was young/They said I wouldn’t be nothing/Now they always say congratulations.”
4. “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons
Perhaps a little less on the nose than some others on this list, “It’s Time to Begin” is about starting a new chapter in life. Still totally on theme as you leave your old life behind post-graduation, this Imagine Dragons song is one you’ll want to jam out in the car to. Our Fave Line: “Right to the top, don’t look back/Turning to rags and giving the commodities a rain-check.”
5. “Young Forever” by JAY-Z, Mr. Hudson
Who doesn’t want to be forever young? JAY-Z and Mr. Hudson say—or rather, sing and rap—it best in this absolute bop from 2009 that’ll make you instantly feel all the feels. Our Fave Line: “So, we live a life like a video/When the sun is always out and you never get old/And the champagne’s always cold/And the music is always good.”
6. “The World Is Yours” by Nas
Graduation day isn’t just about leaving behind what you’ve come to know; it’s about hope. And for hopeful graduates looking forward to the future, “the world is yours” is a message you just might need to hear right now. Because it is—it’s your oyster. Our Fave Line: “Whose world is this?/The world is yours, the world is yours/It’s mine, it’s mine, it’s mine.”
7. “Memories” by Maroon 5
Feeling more sentimental than hopeful? No one can blame you. As you get ready to put your younger years and school days behind you, pay homage to all you’ve been through with your friends, teachers, and coaches with the emotional Maroon 5 ballad “Memories.” Our Fave Line: “There’s a time that I remember, when I did not know no pain/When I believed in forever, and everything would stay the same.”
8. “Am I Wrong?” by Nico & Vinz
We love this one for the strong message it sends about thinking outside of the box. Lyric by lyric, “Am I Wrong?” by Nico & Vinz shows graduates that it’s okay to step outside of your comfort zone (or even the comfort zone of others). You’re not wrong for trying something different, living a little different. Get creative, try things, and whenever possible, always try to look at things with a different perspective. Our Fave Line: “Am I tripping for having a vision?/My prediction; I’mma be on the top of the world.”
9. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
As you grow, it’s important to keep dreaming, so hold tight to your vision and never give up on the idea that you can do anything. Because you can—on graduation day and every day after. Need a little reminder? Definitely add “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors to your graduation party playlist. Our Fave Line: “I had a dream so big and loud/I jumped so high I touched the clouds/I stretched my hands out to the sky/We danced with monsters through the night.”
10. “God’s Plan” by Drake
We all know that Drake has several hits that could probably make this list, but our favorite solo song of his is “God’s Plan” by Drake. It’s all about doing good, moving past what the naysayers may think or say about you, and just doing what’s in God’s plan for you. Need we say more? Our Fave Line: " don’t wanna die for them to miss me/Yes, I see the things that they wishin’ on me."
11. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House
It may be over, but as long as you have the memories, it’s never really over. Plus, there’s so much more ahead of you than what you’re giving up or leaving behind. So long as you have good people, as this song suggests, everything will be okay. Our Fave Line: “There’s a battle ahead/Many battles are lost/But you’ll never see the end of the road/While you’re traveling with me.”
12. “We Made It” by H.E.R.
Yes, you did; you made it! Some of the lyrics to H.E.R.’s “We Made It” will make you tear up, while others will bring a smile to your face as you remember some of your favorite memories. Either way, it’s a can’t-miss graduation song. Our Fave Line: “All those nights hopin’ that we’d find it/Lookin’ at the sky, like thank God that you’re with me/You’re with me/Run red lights and following the signs/It’s been a long ride and I just can’t believe/Can’t believe we made it.”
13. “Glorious” by Macklemore featuring Skylar Grey
One day far in the future, you’ll look back and realize these were the glory days. Until then, though, hype yourself up for all the good to come and all the good you’ve already experienced with this banger of a Macklemore song featuring Skylar Grey. Our Fave Line: “Been chasing dreams, but I never slept/I got a new attitude and a lease on life/And some peace of mind/Seek and I find I can sleep when I die/Wanna piece of the pie, grab the keys to the ride.”
14. “Titanium” by David Guetta featuring Sia
Always a go-to choice to play when you need hyping up, “Titanium” by David Guetta and Sia is about being the underdog who just won’t quit. On graduation day, that can be a super relatable feeling, so be sure to sing it at the top of your lungs because you are bulletproof and you have nothing to lose! Our Fave Line: “Cut me down/But it’s you who’ll have further to fall/Ghost town and haunted love/Raise your voice.”
15. “Good Riddance (Time of Our Lives)” by Green Day
“Good Riddance (Time of Our Lives)” has become synonymous with graduations of all kinds since it came out in 1997. That’s because the lyrics wax poetic about growing up, moving on, and saying goodbye. It’s sentimental, emotional, and by the final verse, it’ll have you bawling. Our Fave Line: “So take the photographs and still frames in your mind/Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time.”
16. “Stronger” by Kanye West
As you scream-rap the chorus of Kanye West’s “Stronger” be sure to think about all the work and all-nighters you put in. You worked your butt off to get here! And though it may have felt at times that all that effort was going to kill you, it didn’t. It made you stronger! Our Fave Line: “Now that that don’t kill me/Can only make me stronger/I need you to hurry up now ‘Cause I can’t wait much longer.”
17. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
Everyone knows the story of how Fleetwood Mac was basically hanging on by a thread by the time they wrote their eleventh studio album, the record “Dreams” was on. But though Stevie Nicks wrote it in an attempt to process her break-up (and really, the break-down of Fleetwood Mac), it’s still incredibly applicable to graduation. It’s all about freedom, not holding someone back, and going after the dreams you didn’t know could be a reality. Our Fave Line: “It’s only me who wants to wrap around your dreams/And have you any dreams you’d like to sell?”
18. “Jump Around” by House of Pain
OK, so this one isn’t exactly sentimental but it’s a real pump-up jam all about being the greatest. And on graduation day, you should totally feel like the greatest. So, jump around! Our Fave Line: “Pack it up, pack it in, let me begin/I came to win, battle me that’s a sin.”
19. “Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran could teach a masterclass in storytelling through songwriting (IMHO) and “Castle on the Hill” is one of those songs that just feels so good to listen to. It doesn’t matter if you’re not from the U.K. or if you never broke your arm as a kid; what he’s really talking about is childhood and how it feels to reunite so many years later after leaving the childhood behind. And it’s beautiful, relatable sentiment. Our Fave Line: “Found my heart and broke it here/Made friends and lost them through the years/And I’ve not seen the roaring fields in so long/I know I’ve grown, but I can’t wait to go home.”
20. “Onto the Next One” by JAY-Z
Again, not the sweetest sentiment there is but you know, you deserve to pop off a little after getting that diploma. This chapter is over and honey, you’re onto the next one! So, let’s get it! Our Fave Line: “Came in the Range, hopped out the Lexus/Every year since, I been on that next sh–.”
21. “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts
Whether you’re graduating high school or college, you’re still about to dip your toes into uncharted waters. Either way, “the real world” or “real life” is going to smack you in the face a little bit and that’s OK because it’s totally normal. It’ll be what helps you grow up and learn. But there’s no more relatable song than “I’ll Be There For You” to play when you’re feeling a little targeted by life. It’s a gentle, happy-go-lucky-sounding reminder that even when it’s all falling down around you, your friends got your back. Our Fave Line: “Your mother warned you there’d be days like these/But she didn’t tell you when the world has brought/You down to your knees that.”
22. “Good Old Days” by Macklemore featuring Kesha
We know you don’t want to hear it but one day, you’ll blink and you’ll be old. “Good Old Days” by Macklemore featuring Kesha reminds you of just how precious those good old days are… even while you’re still living them. Our Fave Line: “Someday soon, your whole life’s gonna change/You’ll miss the magic of these good old days.”
23. “Wings” by Little Mix
U.K. girl group Little Mix was always good for bringing up the mood and boosting confidence. One of their most confident tracks ever is “Wings,” which is just a girl-to-girl reminder that you’re amazing and no one can bring you down even if they tried. Because your wings were made to fly! Our Fave Line: “I’m firing up on that runway/I know we’re gonna get there someday.”
24. “Holy Ground” by Taylor Swift
From the Red era,“Holy Ground” is definitely about one of Taylor Swift’s exes (though we won’t begin to speculate who), but even though some of its lyrics are relationship-specific, standing on a graduation stage can totally feel like holy ground. There’s no looking back on the past, right? Because where you stand right now is a sacred place—it’s a physical embodiment of the meaningful change that’s about to take place. Our Fave Line: “And darling, it was good/Never looking down/And right there where we stood/Was holy ground.”
25. “Hollywood” by Jonas Brothers
In a similar vein, “Hollywood” by Jonas Brothers is all about the brotherly trio’s rise to fame during their Disney Channel days. But it sure is applicable to life after graduation. Life is changing, big things are happening, and people are starting to take notice. That’s you, post-graduation! Our Fave Line: “As time was ticking, we were winning/and it all was going as planned.”
26. “Thnks fr th Mmrs” by Fall Out Boy
Sometimes things never actually feel as sweet or exciting as we make them out to be in our head. Right? “Thnks fr th Mmrs” by Fall Out Boy pretty much nails that awkward feeling. It’s still good but, you know, it’s not as great as everyone says it is. #Relatable Our Fave Line: “One night and one more time/Thanks for the memories/Even though they weren’t so great.”
27. “A Letter to My Younger Self” by Quinn XCII featuring Logic
What would you say if you were to write a letter to your younger self today? This track is what Quinn XCII and Logic would say to themselves. Our Fave Line: “I know you’re scared, leavin’ this home/You’re not that used to livin’ alone/You’re not that used to speakin’ your mind/You’re too used to waitin’ in line.”
28. “Closer” by The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
There’s something about “Closer” by The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey that is just so comforting (especially if it’s a college graduation you’re celebrating. The lyrics call out that feeling of growing apart and even make relatable references to those college years like having a roommate and moving to a new city in a beat-up old car. Our Fave Line: “We ain’t ever getting older.”
29. “No Such Thing” by John Mayer
Right as John Mayer was exploding onto the pop music scene, he used “No Such Thing” to imagine what it’d be like to revisit the old school and classmates of his past. With vindicating lyrics that almost make you get excited for your 10-year reunion, it’s full of hope and optimism about what the future will hold and how successful you’ll be. Our Fave Line: “I just can’t wait ’til my 10-year reunion/I’m gonna bust down the double doors/And when I stand on these tables before you/You will know what all this time was for.”
30. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
Even on graduation day, you’re a work in progress that’s only beginning. You may not yet know where you’re going to end up, but Natasha Bedingfield has a few choice words of encouragement for you. Feel everything, blaze your own trail, and rest assured that you don’t have to adhere to anyone’s plan but your own. Our Fave Line: “I’m undefined/I’m just beginning/The pen’s in my hand/Ending unplanned.”
31. “Time of Our Lives” by Pitbull, Ne-Yo
Know that feeling all too well of being a broke high school or college kid? “Time of Our Lives” by Pitbull and Ne-Yo has a hilarious way of making you feel not so bad about grinding hard but still being unable to pay your rent. #AhToBeYoung. Our Fave Line: “This is the last $20 I got/But I’ma have a good time ballin’ out.”
32. “Good Life” by Kanye West, T-Pain
Bump this Kanye West/T-Pain hit from 2007 because you are living the good life! You graduated! The best things in life are free! (Except that degree—smh.) Our Fave Line: “The good life, let’s go on a living spree/Sh–, they say the best things in life are free.”
33. “Growing Up (Sloane’s Song)” by Macklemore featuring Ed Sheeran
Originally titled “Sloane’s Song,” “Growing Up” by Macklemore and featuring Ed Sheeran is really a love letter to Mackelmore’s daughter, Sloane. He wrote it, of course, before she was born when he was feeling vulnerable and perhaps even anxious about becoming a father. But even though parenthood might not be a phase of life you’re in just yet, there are plenty of relatable lyrics that fit the bill for graduation day. After all, it’s all about changing, growing up, and still figuring things out. Our Fave Line: “Times are changing, I know, but who am I if/I’m the person you become/If I’m still growing up.”
34. “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic! At the Disco
If there’s someone in your life—whether it’s a parent, guardian, family member, or loved one—who voraciously supported you throughout your education, be sure to stand on that graduation stage and think of them while you sing this Panic! At the Disco jam in your head. It’s all about showing the people who believed in you that you finally overcame. Our Fave Line: “All my life, been hustling/And tonight is my appraisal.”
35. “She Looks So Perfect” by 5 Seconds of Summer
This 5 Seconds of Summer breakout hit could easily also find itself on a poolside summer playlist, but there are a few sentimental lines in there that have us unexpectedly walking down memory lane. Sure, it’s about a hottie who, yeah, looks great while wearing her boyfriend’s American Apparel underwear, but it’s also about being underdogs together in your hometown. That desire to get out? It’s an understandable one and now that you’re graduating, you’re about to do it for real! Our Fave Line: “Let’s get out, let’s get out/‘Cause this deadbeat town’s only here just to keep us down.”
36. “Hey Brother” by Avicii
A love letter to one’s family, “Hey Brother” imagines putting everything on the line for the people who were there for you. Whether that’s a brother, a friend, or a roommate, if you’ve gone through life together and would do anything for each other, this is a beautiful song to get emotional to as you prepare to say goodbye. Our Fave Line: “Oh, if the sky comes falling down/For you/There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do.”
37. “Graduation Day” by Kanye West
A quick little diddy that’s not always family appropriate, “Graduation Day” by Kanye West is a fun way to lament about the growing pains of graduating. Toward the end, it even calls out Ye’s mom, Donda, and discusses the life she wants for her son. And if you have parents or guardians that want the best for you, you’ll totally get that feeling of not wanting to disappoint them. Our Fave Line: “I got something better than school, but don’t tell anybody/ My mama would kill me, so don’t tell anybody/ She wants me to get a good-a– job, just like everybody/ She ain’t walked in my shoes, I’m just not everybody.”
38. “Airplanes” by B.o.B. featuring Hayley Williams
B.o.B. reminisces about life before he was famous as he raps “Airplanes” but so much of it can be applied to life after graduation. If you’ve ever wished on a shooting star or dreamed about having success in your future, you’ll totally see where this song is coming from. Our Fave Line: “Somebody take me back to the days/Before this was a job, before I got paid/Before it ever mattered what I had in my bank/Yeah, back when I was tryna get a tip at Subway.”
39. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
Ah, Harry. He just… gets us. There are a lot of philosophical interpretations of Styles’ latest single but it really gets us that he’s singing about life changing. That feeling’s never more relevant than on graduation day. Our Fave Line: “In this world, it’s just us/You know it’s not the same as it was.”
40. “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
Pretty sure “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals is about a past lover but with a chorus lyric like “Sometimes, all I think about is you/Late nights in the middle of June,” well, we can’t help but think about graduation. Our Fave Line: “Sometimes, all I think about is you/Late nights in the middle of June.”
41. “Graduation” by benny blanco with Juice WRLD
Guided by a sampling of Vitamin C’s original “Graduation,” benny blanco and Juice WRLD give the song their own spin, rapping about math teachers and the classmates they grew up with. Our Fave Line: " I was waiting for my graduation/Growing impatient/What I didn’t know was this grown-up world/Was just school in a blown-up world."
42. “Forever” by Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Eminem
You know what you’ll want to capture and hold onto forever? That feeling of walking across the stage in your cap and gown. Because up until this point, graduating may have been the biggest, most important milestone of your life. So, remember how good it feels as you rap along with Drake, Kanye, Lil Wayne, and Eminem in “Forever.” Our Fave Line: “It may not mean nothin’ to y’all/But understand nothin’ was done for me/So I don’t plan on stoppin’ at all.”
43. “Something Big” by Shawn Mendes
Something big is happening! After all, life as you know it is about to change as you move onto bigger and better things and that’s exactly what Shawn Mendes is singing about in one of his first-ever singles since getting social media famous. Our Fave Line: “Something big, I feel it happening/Out of my control/Pushing, pulling, and it’s grabbing me/Feel it in my bones.”
44. “Just a Cloud Away” by Pharrell Williams
Feeling a little melancholy on your big day? No worries; it’s temporary. Blast “Just a Cloud Away” by Pharrell for an instant mood booster and reminder that beautiful days of sunshine are ahead. Our Fave Line: “This rainy day is temporary/The contrast is why we got ’em/‘Cause sun shining through is just a cloud away.”
45. “Changing” by John Mayer
As John Mayer says, in all phases in life, we’re never done changing. You’re changing now at this big moment in your life, but you’ll continue changing, too—again and again. So, really embrace the fact that you’re a beautiful work-in-progress and if you’re feeling anxious about the unknown, try to cut yourself some slack. Our Fave Line: “I am not done changing/Out on the run, changing/I may be old and I may be young/But I am not done changing.”
46. “Young & Alive” by Bazzi
There’s nothing like being young and alive, right? Bazzi’s “Young & Alive” feels like bottled truth, that’s how relatable it all feels. Our Fave Line: “Ridin’ my bike like I’m too young to drive/Careless and free like it’s 2005.”
47. “When We Were Young” by Adele
Get ready to absolutely bawl your eyes out. Adele may be belting out a tune about a young relationship that took time for granted, but man, does it really hit home when fitting it into the context of graduation day. Our Fave Line: “Let me photograph you in this light/In case it is the last time/That we might be exactly like we were/Before we realized/We were scared of getting old.”
48. “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas
“I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas will always feel like the good old days (whether you were alive when it came out or not—LOL!). It’s all about living life to the fullest, having the time of your night, being young in this moment, and having the best night you could possibly have… all with your friends." Our Fave Line: “I know that we’ll have a ball/If we get down and go out, and just lose it all/I feel, stressed out, I wanna let it go/Let’s go way out, spaced out, and losin’ all control.”
49. “These Days” by Macklemore featuring Jess Glynne and Dan Caplen
Is it just us or is Macklemore just slaying the graduation day playlist game? Anyways, his song “These Days” is a poignant take on looking back at being young. Our Fave Line: “I hope someday we’ll sit down together/And laugh with each other about these days, these days.”
50. “Now” by Paramore
The future you’ve always dreamed of? It’s coming! It’s just around the bend, which is why “Now” by Paramore feels like such an explosive, hopeful song for the moment. You’re now one step closer to everything you’ve ever worked for. Embrace how good it feels in this moment and know that you’ll get there eventually! Our Fave Line: “It’s there’s a future, we want it, now.”
51. “Live While We’re Young” by One Direction
#TBT to the days of One Direction. Harry might be living his best life now that he has an impressive solo career, but when it comes to graduation songs, we’d be remiss to mention 1D’s very powerful, very insightful “Live While We’re Young.” Because that’s the whole point of this time, right? Living while we’re young! Our Fave Line: “We’re ‘bout to make some memories tonight/I wanna live while we’re young.”
52. “Youth” by Troye Sivan
Before you separate from the people you spent the last few years with and go down your different paths, it’s totally okay—and normal—to acknowledge that you grew up together. Thank them for sharing your formative years with you by playing “Youth” by Troye Sivan—a serious, yet lighthearted song about the memories we share with the people we grew up with. Our Fave Line: “My youth is yours.”
53. “Hall of Fame” by The Script featuring will.i.am
On graduation day, you should feel like nothing short of a rockstar. This song by The Script and will.i.am will absolutely have you feeling like one. Our Fave Line: “You can be a hero, you can get the gold/Breakin’ all the records they thought never could be broke.”
54. “You Were Good to Me” by Jeremy Zucker, Chelsea Cutler
As you prepare to say goodbye to the people you grew up with or the place that’s been your home for the last few years, “You Were Good to Me” will have you in your feelings for sure. Because these people? This life? They and it were good to you. And now? You can move on. Our Fave Line: “And now I’m closin’ every door/‘Cause I’m sick of wantin’ more/You were good to me.”
55. “This Is What Makes Us Girls” by Lana Del Rey
There’s something comforting about Lana Del Rey singing about her teenage years. Not every line may be relatable, but that feeling of doing it all, breaking the rules, and living every day to the fullest is certainly one we all want to feel. Our Fave Line: “Everybody knew that we had too much fun.”
56. “Pompeii” by Bastille
“Pompeii” by Bastille is all about embracing the ways your life is about to change but still being able to remember what it was like before. Because nothing really changes even though it all changes, right? Our Fave Line: “But if you close your eyes/Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?”
57. “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco
If you ever felt like your full-time job was actually just having high hopes, just praying it would all work out in the end, then you’ll love blasting “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco. Once that success comes, once you can show all those naysayers how far you’ve come, it’ll feel so amazing and vindicating. Our Fave Line: “Mama said/Fulfill the prophecy/Be something greater/Go make a legacy.”
58. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
This song needs no introduction; just remember to never stop believing and keep chasing after your dreams—whether that’s graduating, getting another degree, or landing your dream job. Just keep moving forward! Our Fave Line: “Workin’ hard to get my fill/Everybody wants a thrill/Payin’ anything to roll the dice/Just one more time.”
59. “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” by Jamie xx, Young Thug, Popcaan
Good times are on their way, baby! Yes, some days will be hard and some challenges will be hard. But remember and hold fast to those good times. They’re in the past but more are coming in the days ahead, too! Our Fave Line: “Come have a good time/(I know there’s gonna be good times).”
60. “We’re All in This Together” from High School Musical
Last but definitely not least, we couldn’t just leave out the ultimate graduation song—no matter how corny it may be! “We’re All in This Together” by the cast of the Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical will always be the golden standard of graduation songs (and music videos). Our Fave Line: “We’re all in this together/Once we know that we are, we’re all stars/And we see that.” Next up, the best graduation gifts for the class of 2022.
