Western graduation song ranking [2025]

Don’t Stop Believin’Journey36rank/position

Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Escape Tour 1981: Live In Houston)

Don’t Stop Believin’, with its message of “don’t stop believing,” is a top recommendation for the celebratory stage of an entrance ceremony because it puts you in a positive mood.

This song is a signature track by the rock band Journey, who produced many hits with their catchy melodies.

They also have other pop masterpieces like Open Arms and Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).

Be sure to give those a listen as well.

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis37rank/position

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

Oasis’s classic “Don’t Look Back in Anger” was included on their 1995 album and released as a single the following year, in 1996.

It enjoyed immense popularity, topping the charts in the UK.

As for the lyrics, they’re very abstract and frankly hard to understand, but since Noel Gallagher, who wrote the song, reportedly doesn’t fully grasp their meaning either, it’s probably not something to worry about too much.

The melody has a youthful feel to it, making it a perfect fit for occasions like graduation ceremonies.

That’s What Friends Are ForDionne Warwick38rank/position

Dionne Warwick – That’s What Friends Are For

It’s nice to let old memories blossom while listening to a smooth ballad, isn’t it? In that spirit, I’d love for you to hear “That’s What Friends Are For.” The original was sung by Rod Stewart, but you might be more familiar with the later cover versions by Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder.

The song celebrates a friendship that never changes, no matter what happens.

Enjoy the star-studded collaboration and take a moment to listen closely to the lyrics.

UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield39rank/position

Natasha Bedingfield – Unwritten (Official Video) (as featured in Anyone But You)

Natasha Bedingfield is a pop singer from London.

Her brother, Daniel Bedingfield, is also active as an artist.

She has released many catchy songs that even people who aren’t well-versed in music can enjoy, and she has several international hit songs.

“Unwritten” is one of her hits, featuring catchy lyrics that seem to give a push to those heading into a new environment.

It’s known overseas as a classic graduation song.

BreakawayKelly Clarkson40rank/position

Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway (VIDEO)

This is a must-listen classic for anyone who has just finished the major life event of graduation and is feeling anxious about the future or a new chapter! “Breakaway,” a massive hit by popular singer Kelly Clarkson—who won the first season of the hugely popular American audition show American Idol and truly lived a success story—moved many with lyrics that seem to depict Kelly’s own life.

It’s also the opening track of the album of the same name released in 2004, and some may fondly remember how both the song and the album became huge hits.

The story told through Kelly’s honest, soaring vocals is about a protagonist who grew up in a small town and musters the courage to step out into the world to seize success.

With simple yet powerful lyrics—sometimes you have to take a risk and leap to grab your chance—it’s exactly the kind of song that, as mentioned at the start, will resonate with those who feel uncertainty or doubt about their path after graduation!

I Hope You DanceLee Ann Womack41rank/position

Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance (Official Music Video)

Lee Ann Womack, a female country musician who represents the United States.

She was a popular country artist from the 1990s through the mid-2000s and has won several prestigious music awards, including Grammys.

Her song I Hope You Dance, known as a graduation anthem, was released in 2000 and became popular for its uplifting lyrics that give you a push forward.

Just the way you areBilly Joel42rank/position

Billy Joel – Just the Way You Are (Official Audio)

A sincere desire to accept someone just as they are seeps into the heart along with a gentle melody.

Released in 1977, this work is widely known as one of Billy Joel’s signature songs and is included on the album The Stranger.

Lauded as a Grammy Award–winning track, it has continued to be loved by many.

It’s the perfect song when you want to express your feelings to someone special or take a closer look at yourself.

A piece that nourishes the heart, it’s truly a gem of a love song befitting graduation season.