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

You Are Not AloneMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – You Are Not Alone (Official Video)

It’s that famous graduation song by Michael Jackson.

It’s about how painful partings can leave you all alone—but if you just choose to stop being by yourself, that lonely new life will lead straight into a bright new future.

Wake Me UpAvicii

Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Video)

This song portrays the journey of life with themes of youth and self-discovery.

Its lyrics express moving forward through darkness and holding hope for the future, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in June 2013 as a single from Avicii’s debut album “True,” it features a distinctive fusion of folk and EDM and became a worldwide hit, topping the charts in over 20 countries and surpassing 2 billion views on YouTube.

It’s a song that gives courage and hope to those graduating or stepping into a new stage of life.

FlashlightJessie J

Jessie J – Flashlight (from Pitch Perfect 2) (Official Video)

It’s a new song released in 2015.

It gently soothes the anxiety of thinking, “After graduation, everyone will go their separate ways—everyone will scatter, and I’ll end up all alone.” Your friends will light the path you’re going to take together with you.

PhotographEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Photograph (Official Music Video)

As the title “Photograph” suggests, it evokes the image of an album filled with family photos, carefully tucked away deep in the house.

It’s a warm song that tells you, “Your place to come home to is right here.”

I Want You To Know ft. Selena GomezZedd

Zedd – I Want You To Know ft. Selena Gomez

The lyrics are sung from a woman’s perspective, so it’s a song I’d like to share with girls.

Although the tempo is a bit intense for a graduation song, it features Selena Gomez, a hugely popular singer and actress among American youth.

Her powerful vocals make it a graduation song that will give courage to girls who are about to become independent.

Keep Holding OnAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Keep Holding On

The powerful message woven by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne urges the importance of never giving up and continuing to move forward even when faced with adversity.

Released in 2006 as part of the soundtrack for the fantasy film Eragon, this song was inspired by her own experiences.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you need courage and hope—during graduation season, at life’s turning points, or before taking on new challenges.

Hey JudeThe Beatles

The Beatles – Hey Jude

A masterpiece among masterpieces! No matter how much time passes, it continues to move people’s hearts.

This song was given by Paul McCartney, John Lennon’s close friend, to John’s son, Julian Lennon, who was hurt by John’s divorce from Yoko Ono, after John had grown up not knowing his father.

Their warm friendship and Paul’s kindness will surely resonate—without a word—even in the hearts of students who don’t know the song.

It’s a wonderful piece to dedicate to children who are about to spread their wings.