63 Best Graduation Songs for the Ultimate Graduation Playlist
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Graduation is finally here, and you know what that means: It’s time to find the best graduation songs to build out the ultimate graduation playlist. While some people are busy nailing their graduation quotes and writing the perfect graduation speech, you’ve found the best graduation music to bring every ceremony and post-grad event to a new level. (Don’t worry, we most definitely have plenty of your favorite pop bangers.)
While graduation music itself is kinda…dreary…we’ve rounded up good songs for graduation that’ll help you savor your actual graduation days and everything else leading up to it. From Vitamin C's classic "Graduation (Friends Forever)" to Justin Bieber's "Company" and Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life," these songs will surely make you feel nostalgic as you look to the future.
Check out our ultimate graduation playlist on Spotify.
1. “Future” by Paramore
Graduation is bittersweet, but the idea of what comes next is even more exciting. You’ll want to scream along as Hayley Williams sings about all the possibilities this next stage in your life holds.
2. "Company" by Justin Bieber
No matter what your next steps are, don't take your BFF or significant other's company for granted as the future brings inevitable change.
3. “Paris" by The Chainsmokers
If you want to get lost in a particular memory, look to the DJ duo to inspire you to find that special "Paris" moment you want to hold onto forever.
4. "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth
Now don't get too lost. Remember, it's never a goodbye, but always a see you later.
5. "Congratulations" by Post Malone feat. Quavo
Let's switch gears for a bit, because you also deserve to congratulate yourself. Go ahead and crack a smile as you think about walking across the stage with that well-deserved diploma.
6. "Confident" by Demi Lovato
Own your accomplishments and upcoming plans like the boss that you are. Play this a few times and you'll be strutting down the halls with pure exuberance.
7. "All In My Head" by Fifth Harmony feat. Fetty Wap
For those of you down to flex a little with this Fifth Harmony single, this goes out to you.
8. "Humble" by Kendrick Lamar
At the same time, let Kendrick remind you to stay humble.
9. "Bounce Back" by Big Sean
Senior year was likely no walk in the park, but you've made it to the end. Cheers to not giving up and all the times you bounced back.
10. "Reminder" by The Weeknd
Wherever you end up, take cues from The Weeknd to never forget where you came from and stay true to who you are.
11. "I Want You to Know" by Zedd feat. Selena Gomez
Now for those of you who never got around to laying all your feelings out there, this is your chance before or on — depending on how much you like to procrastinate — the big graduation day.
12. "Fine By Me" by Andy Grammer
Whether or not people take it how you want them to, throw this feel-good song onto your playlist and we guarantee you'll feel great no matter what.
13. "Green Light" by Lorde
This is an incredible song to have on repeat the weeks before graduation day to get that balance of living it up and welcoming the future.
14. "Stay Together" by Noah Cyrus
Take Noah's lyrics to heart if you want to have one of those memorable, careless nights with your friends.
15. "Moment 4 Life" by Nicki Minaj feat. Drake
Then again, memories are forever, which means these moments are for life.
16. "Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C
No graduation playlist should be without this '90s classic that will 100% make you ugly cry on the big day.
17. "Scared to Be Lonely" by Martin Garrix and Dua Lipa
Title aside — lose yourself in Dua Lipa's powerhouse vocals and Martin's drops, and you'll no longer be scared to face what's to come on your own.
18. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
The rest really is still unwritten. Instead of freaking out about not knowing exactly what your future holds, get excited about all the possibilities in store for you.
19. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
The only place to go from here is up — like Miley says, “just keep pushing on,” no matter what mountain stands in your way.
20. “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson
Like Kelly, you have to learn how to spread your wings and fly on your own in this post-high school world. Don’t worry, you got this.
21. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
Life post-graduation isn’t going to be easy, but Rachel Platten’s empowering anthem will remind you that you’re strong and able to conquer any challenge in your way.
22. "The Motto" by Drake feat. Lil Wayne and Tyga
All together now, you only live once... YOLO. This 2011 hit still applies, so from now on take this mentality to your last few classes.
23. “Started From the Bottom” by Drake
Celebrate where you’ve been and how far you’ve come since those awkward days as a freshman.
24. “Change” by Taylor Swift
Graduation is all about change and breaking down the barriers that held you back. Swift said it best: “These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down / This revolution, the time will come for us to finally win / And we’ll sing hallelujah.”
25. “Forever Young” by Jay-Z ft. Mr. Hudson
Growing up is great, but sometimes you need to treasure the best moments in life. Go ahead, enjoy yourself — and your youth!
26. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
Moving on is hard, sometimes we just want things to go back to the way they were. Even for a moment.
27. “Party” by Bad Bunny
Ayy, we’re turning up for graduation day. It’s a party and this is the anthem.
28. “100 Years” by Five For Fighting
This iconic Five For Fighting song reminds you life’s too short not to be happy or chase your dreams. On the cusp of a new chapter, chase your heart’s desires.
29. “About Damn Time” by Lizzo
It’s about damn time that you got your diploma, am I right?
30. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
Because good friends last a lifetime.
31. “Something Big” by Shawn Mendes
Graduation is all about celebrating your wins, even if you never thought you’d make it to the finish line.
32. “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson
Rock out with Kelly, because you’ll never have another “moment like this.”
33. “Graduation” by Benny Blanco and Juice WRLD
The graduation remix we didn’t ask for, but definitely deserve.
34. “Going Away to College” by Blink 182
Perfect for a high school graduation or sentimental slideshow, this rock anthem is an unexpected graduation banger.
35. “I Love College” by Asher Roth
Get ready for the best time of your life with this classic.
36. “Schools Out” by Alice Cooper
This 1970s classic will set the perfect vibe for any graduation party: “School’s out forever!”
37. “Live While We’re Young” by One Direction
This song says it all: “Let’s have a celebration.”
38. “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga
Graduation is just the beginning. You’re on “the edge of glory” now!
39. “One Step at a Time” by Jordin Sparks
Keep Jordin’s lyrics — “It's gonna happen when it's/Supposed to happen that we/Find the reasons why/One step at a time” — in mind as a reminder that failure is bound to happen and success doesn’t happen overnight.
40. “A Letter to My Younger Self” by Ambar Lucid
Things might not always go according to plan, but remember “the universe is gonna give you muchas flores.”
41. “Goodbye” by Spice Girls
Saying goodbye to friends can be hard — thankfully, we’ll always have this song to remind us of the good times we had together.
42. “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic at the Disco
Hey look, Ma, I made it…all the way to graduation.
43. “Good Old Days” by Macklemore feat. Kesha
A reminder to enjoy this momentous occasion because “some day, these will be the good old days.”
44. “Meant to Be” by Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line
The perfect song if you need a little life advice to take into the next chapter of your life.
45. “In My Feelings” by Drake
Let’s be real, aren’t we all a little emotional during graduation?
46. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
Celebrate the best day of your life with a song that says exactly that.
47. “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy feat. Bruno Mars
It’s called manifesting. Get into it.
48. “Get Into It (Yuh)” by Doja Cat
Speaking of getting into it, this song will have everyone dancing at the graduation after party.
49. “Memories” by Maroon 5
The ultimate modern day graduation song honoring your friends, your success, and the memories you made along the way.
50. “7 Years” by Lukas Graham
There won’t be a dry eye at your graduation ceremony with this song blasting over the speakers.
51. “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa
Make like Dua and dance the night away with this graduation anthem. Bonus points if you coordinate a group dance to the Barbie choreo.
52. “Teenage Dream” by Olivia Rodrigo
You got your whole life ahead of you, why not spend the beginning of adulthood screaming your guys out to this angsty anthem?
53. “On My Mama” by Victoria Monét
Now this is a hype-up song that’ll get your grad party off to the right start. Why not blast this reminder of how dang good you all look in your grad robe?
54. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine
A little on the nose, but it’s time to celebrate making it through the dog days of exams with this Florence + The Machine classic.
55. “Live Your Life” by T.I., Rihanna
Usher in the new chapter in your life with this feel-good song. Let it be a reminder to live in the moment and enjoy the here and now.
56. “Wake Me Up” by Avicii
Like EDM icon Avicii once said, we don’t know when the journey will end, but we know where to start: at your epic grad party!
57. “Permission to Dance” by BTS
Let the boys of BTS set the vibe with this banger. Put on your dancing shoes and burn it up on the dancefloor.
58. “We’re All in This Together” by High School Musical Cast
Alright, alright, don’t knock this until you see how much your guests will like it. This Disney classic is a great way to ring in your new chapter.
59. “Night Changes” by One Direction
Like our fave fab 5 said, the night changes quickly so enjoy it while you can.
60. “End of Beginning” by Djo
Is graduation the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? Whichever way you choose to look at it, this song is certain to get your grad guests in the right vibe.
61. “Feather” by Sabrina Carpenter
Anyone else feel as light as a feather now that high school is done? Yeah, same.
62. “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish
As you wind down the night, this moody Billie Eilish song perfectly captures the other side of graduation.
63. “We Are Young” by fun featuring Janelle Monae
Much like fun and Janelle Monae, you and your BFFs are ready to set the world on fire, metaphorically of course.
Graduation Playlist
We rounded up the best songs for graduation all in one place. Dance, sing-along, and celebrate your success with these hits.
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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
