Tear-jerking graduation songs in Western music. Classic tracks for graduation season and recommended popular songs.
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!
- Graduation songs in Western music with great lyrics—heartfelt, beautiful messages.
- Western graduation song ranking [2025]
- Farewell and goodbye songs in Western music: A roundup of perfect BGM for farewell parties
- Heart-wrenching Western songs recommended for middle schoolers: world-class masterpieces and popular hits
- Taylor Swift Graduation Songs, Entrance Ceremony Songs, and Popular Song Rankings [2025]
- Tear-jerking coming-of-age songs in Western music
- Touching Western songs recommended for high school students: world classics and popular hits
- Tear-jerking Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- [2025 Edition] Tearjerkers! A Compilation of Recommended Latest Western Music Ballads
- Moving Western songs recommended for junior high school students: world classics and popular hits
- Classic Western Songs to Gift for the 2025 Entrance Ceremony: For the Big Day
- Tear-jerking Western breakup songs: recommended classics and popular hits
- Bruno Mars Graduation Songs, Entrance Ceremony Songs, and Popular Songs Ranking [2025]
Tear-jerking Western graduation songs: classic tracks for graduation season, recommended popular picks (11–20)
We Are Young ft. Janelle MonáeFun
Fun.
is a quintessential American indie rock band.
Formed in 2008 around Nate Ruess, formerly of The Format, the popular band has gained worldwide acclaim as a leading act in indie pop and indie rock.
Their track We Are Young ft.
Janelle Monáe was the song that brought them global recognition, with lyrics that evoke youth and resonated widely.
Because of this background, it is often used overseas as a graduation song.
It’s TimeImagine Dragons
A powerful anthem themed around personal growth and self-acceptance was released in 2012 as Imagine Dragons’ debut single.
The song portrays a person who has faced hardships and hit rock bottom, singing about their resolve to rebuild themselves.
It carries a message that resonates with young people approaching graduation: even amid growth and change, the core self remains unchanged.
The track gained major attention after being featured on the TV drama Glee.
It’s a recommended song for anyone seeking the courage to take a new step forward.
Young ForeverJay Z. Ft. Mr. Hudson
The wish to stay forever young is something everyone desires yet knows is an unattainable fantasy—precisely why it only feels convincing when expressed by truly capable artists.
In that regard, the persuasive power of British musician Mr.
Hudson’s soaring vocals paired with world-famous rapper Jay-Z’s cool delivery is simply outstanding.
The track closes Jay-Z’s eleventh studio album, The Blueprint 3, released in 2009, and is actually a remake of a song originally released and made a hit in 1984 by the German band Alphaville.
Jay-Z’s lyrics and rap are added to the original melody, with production handled by Kanye West.
Compared to the original, it’s been reborn as a passionate anthem to life; its heartfelt message that can move young people who feel lost makes it easy to see why it’s so popular as a graduation song.
Something BigShawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes is a singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for his sweet looks and relatable lyrics.
He’s also well-known as Camila Cabello’s boyfriend.
His song “Something Big” is considered one of his signature works; it was released in 2014 and became popular in English-speaking countries.
The lyrics, which express the anxiety of not knowing what adult life will be like while still pushing forward, are memorable, and the song is known overseas as a graduation staple.
Count on meBruno Mars
A gentle song by Bruno Mars that conveys the importance of friendship.
With warm melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it expresses a strong determination to support friends no matter what.
The track was included on his 2010 debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, and was released as a radio single in Australia.
It was also featured in the film A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures and the TV show Suburgatory, capturing the hearts of many.
It’s a recommended song for those who want to reaffirm bonds with friends during graduation season or express gratitude to someone special.
GraduationVitamin C
Vitamin C is an American artist.
In addition to her work as a singer-songwriter, she has also been active as an actress, record producer, and dancer.
While some may know her primarily for her acting, she has also released hit songs that achieved Gold certification and received high praise from critics.
Her graduation-themed song “Graduation,” released in 1999, is well known; its lyrics, which look back on memories with friends, became especially popular.
Tearjerking Western graduation songs. Classic tracks for graduation season, recommended popular songs (21–30)
All We AreOneRepublic
It is a moving song that portrays life’s changes and growth.
It expresses the complexity of human relationships and the strength of love, singing of the determination to overcome difficulties.
Included on OneRepublic’s debut album “Dreaming Out Loud,” it was released in November 2007.
Characterized by emotional lyrics and a beautiful melody, its keyboard-centered sound is particularly striking.
As a song that supports those facing graduation or new milestones in life, it leaves a lasting impression.
OneRepublic’s soulful vocals will surely resonate deeply with listeners.