Tear-jerking graduation songs in Western music. Classic tracks for graduation season and recommended popular songs.

Life is a HighwayRascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts – Life is a Highway – Official Video

One song that really lifts you up is Rascal Flatts’ “Life is a Highway.” It’s my top recommendation for anyone feeling anxious about what comes after graduation.

The song likens life to the road—neither is straight, and you might run into accidents along the way.

Precisely because everyone walks a different path, you should definitely give this track a listen!

GoodbyeSpice Girls

Spice Girls – Goodbye (Official Music Video)

Spice Girls’ “Goodbye” is a must-listen for anyone who truly wants to say a heartfelt “goodbye” at graduation with no regrets.

The Spice Girls are an idol group, and this song’s emotions really match when girls are expressing their feelings to each other.

You might feel close one moment and awkward the next—whether it’s with the opposite sex or the same sex, that happens.

Just like this crisp, refreshing song, it might be nice to have a bright and uplifting graduation ceremony.

You’re Going To Miss ThisTrace Adkins

Trace Adkins – You’re Gonna Miss This (Official Music Video)

Country music isn’t a particularly familiar genre in Japan, but it’s immensely popular in the United States, so of course there are beloved graduation songs in the country genre as well.

Trace Adkins, a hugely popular country singer, released “You’re Gonna Miss This” in 2008, written by Ashley Gorley and Lee Thomas Miller.

The song became a massive hit across the U.

S.

and is also widely cherished as a graduation anthem.

It’s so well-known as a graduation song in America that it’s actually performed at graduation ceremonies.

Its moving lyrics, which portray the life of a woman, resonate with people of all ages.

Adkins’s warm vocals are also appealing, offering encouragement as listeners reflect on their lives at this milestone of graduation and take steps onto a new path.

Miles ApartYellowcard

Yellowcard – Miles Apart Acoustic

It’s a refreshing song by the punk rock band Yellowcard.

The band has since disbanded.

While their signature tracks can have a heavier edge, this one features acoustic guitar and a light, dancing violin melody, making it easy for first-time listeners to enjoy.

The way the intro starts and the chorus melody are very emotional.

It unfolds in a way that brings back memories with friends one by one.

Don’t Dream It’s OverCrowded House

Sixpence none the richer – Don`t dream it`s over (official video)

In the song that says, “Don’t think it’s the end—take a step forward,” it feels like it’s telling us not to look away from reality and to face what’s right in front of us without giving up.

It really gives me a strong push forward.

100 YearsFive for Fighting

Five for Fighting – 100 Years

A piano ballad by the Los Angeles singer-songwriter Five for Fighting.

The opening piano will loosen your tear ducts.

It sings about the flow of life, yet it’s a song that lets you always look back on your youth.

Even after graduation, as you head down a new path, new joys await.

Wouldn’t it be happiness if we could keep living with that belief? Let’s hum this song and move lightly forward!

Seasons of LoveFrom The Motion Picture RENT, Cast Of Rent

Seasons of Love (From the Motion Picture RENT)

This is the song from the musical and film “RENT” that asks whether to measure life by time and numbers or by love.

The intro, which evokes a graduation ceremony, is memorable, isn’t it? It brings back the fun memories of graduation.

It’s so moving it almost makes you cry, doesn’t it? Whether you’re about to be told “Congratulations on your graduation” or you’ve already graduated, let this song bring a tear to your eye!