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

Graduationbenny blanco, Juice WRLD

benny blanco, Juice WRLD – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Benny Blanco is a hugely successful producer who’s constantly in demand for producing top-tier artists, and he also thrives as a solo artist.

His track “Graduation” was released in 2019 as a collaboration with the late Juice WRLD, and as the title suggests, it’s a straight-up graduation song.

Juice WRLD’s delicate vocals are heartbreakingly poignant, and if you listen closely, you’ll notice the song samples Vitamin C’s classic graduation anthem “Graduation (Friends Forever).” In that sense, it’s a rock-solid graduation song, and its lyrics—packed with a heartfelt message about never forgetting the time spent together and staying friends forever—are truly moving.

Be sure to check out the story-driven music video as well!

Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)Green Day

Green Day – Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) [Official Music Video] [4K UPGRADE]

As a leading figure in melodic punk, Green Day has long remained at the top of the scene, and even in the 2020s they continue to enjoy immense popularity worldwide, including in Japan.

This powerhouse trio, known for their broad musical range beyond punk and for producing numerous big hits, also has a beloved classic that’s widely cherished as a graduation song—did you know? The song introduced in this article, “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life),” is included on Green Day’s fifth studio album, Nimrod, released in 1997.

It’s a simple, classic ballad built around frontman and primary songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong’s acoustic guitar and strings.

The title, which literally means “good riddance,” is apparently Billie’s bit of irony toward the fact that it’s essentially a breakup song, but the way it bids farewell to a departed lover with “I hope you had the time of your life” is achingly poignant and tear-jerking.

There’s also an amusing anecdote that the band was surprised to find how often the song was used at American proms and how it became popular as a graduation anthem.

Castle on the HillEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill [Official Music Video]

This song, which reflects on youthful memories and love for one’s hometown, vividly captures the emotions deep within Ed Sheeran’s heart alongside the beautiful scenery of his native Suffolk.

Released in January 2017, it became a massive hit, reaching high positions on charts around the world.

Blending nostalgia with the growing pains of coming of age, this track is perfect for anyone who has left their hometown or wants to look back on their youth.

CongratulationsPost Malone ft. Quavo

Post Malone – Congratulations (Official Music Video) ft. Quavo

Post Malone, a popular rapper with rock star charisma who headlined the main stage at Summer Sonic 2022 and moved a massive crowd with just his voice, remains unforgettable.

His vocals and honest lyrics resonate with many, and “Congratulations,” released in 2017, is known as one of his signature hits that became a global success.

Featuring rapper Quavo, the track’s trap-based sound and Malone’s characteristically emotional melodies alone could bring you to tears.

Yet the word “congratulations” in the title also carries a hint of irony—being celebrated by people whose attitudes changed once he found success.

Even as he sings about achieving his dream while being told he’s changed, even by his mother, there’s a certain naive melancholy that lingers.

Still, for young people who’ve just graduated and are not yet anything in society, the message will surely give them the courage to move forward with hope.

BreakawayKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway (Official 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!

Today My Life BeginsBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Today My Life Begins

Powerfully singing of a brand-new beginning in life, this song offers the courage to move forward, overcoming past pain and disappointment.

Bruno Mars’s warm vocals resonate deeply with listeners’ hearts.

Released in October 2010, it debuted around the same time as his first album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans.

It’s a perfect track to play at graduations or at life’s turning points—an encouraging anthem for anyone reflecting on themselves and ready to take a new step.

Counting StarsOneRepublic

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

OneRepublic is a five-member rock band that enjoys strong support in the English-speaking world.

If you like alternative rock or pop rock, they’re a very famous band.

One of their hit songs, Counting Stars, is well known as a graduation song and gained popularity for lyrics that depict the struggles of teenagers.

You’re young, but not that much of a kid; you’re older, but not over the hill.

Pay attention to the uniquely teenage dilemmas and the lyrics that frame them in a positive light!