A lovely graduation song

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

Active club DJKento
Active as a club DJ. Centered on dance music, they mix a wide range of genres including US hip-hop and J-rap, captivating audiences with their unique musical style.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

Songs themed around “graduation,” which capture the hearts of young people in any era, are popular—and that’s true in both Japanese and Western music.

That said, many people may not actually know what kinds of Western graduation songs there are.

In this article, we present a diverse lineup across eras, featuring classic songs often sung at graduation ceremonies overseas, recent staple tracks, and popular “tearjerkers.”

The piece includes reviews that touch on the lyrics as well, so if you’re curious about graduation songs abroad, be sure to check it out!

Tear-jerking Western graduation songs: classic tracks for graduation season and recommended popular songs (81–90)

Long LiveTaylor Swift

Long Live

Long LiveTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift is a globally popular singer-songwriter.

While she now releases a wide range of tracks, including dance music and pop, she originally started out as a country musician.

“Long Live” is a song that lets you appreciate that side of her.

Although the lyrics are somewhat abstract, its theme of taking on new challenges struck a chord with listeners, and it has become known as a classic graduation song.

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Never Say GoodbyeBon Jovi

Never Say Goodbye

Never Say GoodbyeBon Jovi

It’s a song released in 2006, with lyrics that say, “I won’t say goodbye, because the bonds I’ve built with my precious friends will never end—goodbye is the one thing I won’t say.” Even now in 2018, it remains a moving song that hasn’t lost its luster.

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In conclusion

No matter the country, feelings like the sense of liberation that comes with graduating, as well as anxiety and hope for the future, are universal.

With that in mind, when you look at the lyrics of the graduation songs we picked this time, some of you might have been surprised to find that these tracks are actually popular as graduation songs—reflecting each country’s character.

If you were able to enjoy these uniquely Western-style graduation songs, including the subtle differences from Japanese sensibilities, then I’m delighted!