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

I’ll Be There for YouThe Rembrandts

I’ll Be There for You (Theme From “Friends”)

The Rembrandts are an American pop duo formed by Phil Solem and Danny Wilde.

They’re not especially popular in Japan, but they gained popularity in the United States.

One of their signature works, “I’ll Be There for You,” became popular after being used as the theme song for the hit TV show Friends.

Its message—following someone important to you no matter what the future holds—resonated with listeners, and the song is known as a classic graduation anthem.

Closing TimeSemisonic

Semisonic – Closing Time (Official Music Video)

While themed around a bar’s closing time, this song carries a profound meaning that symbolizes new beginnings in life and the bonds of family.

It features a lively melody and a catchy rhythm, but the lyrics were actually written when the songwriter’s daughter was about to be born.

Included on the album “Feeling Strangely Fine,” released in February 1998, it was issued as a single in April of the same year.

It has been used in numerous films and TV dramas and continues to be loved across generations.

It’s a recommended track that offers hope and courage to those facing life’s turning points or embarking on a new start.

I Gotta FeelingThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling (Official Music Video)

Released in 2009, this song is a single from The Black Eyed Peas’ fifth album, The E.

N.

D.

, and it’s an upbeat track.

The lyrics, which fit the song perfectly, encourage hitting the town to party hard—drinking, spending money, and blowing off steam.

It’s important for people to find healthy ways to relieve stress, isn’t it?

Don’t Stop Believin’Journey

Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Escape Tour 1981: Live In Houston)

Journey, a band that was hugely successful in the 1980s.

Known as a leading group in American progressive hard rock, they have influenced many artists and bands.

One of their most iconic works, Don’t Stop Believin’, was released in 1981 and gained popularity for its moving melody and lyrics depicting a young woman leaving her hometown.

In the United States, this song was at one time commonly used as a graduation anthem.

PhotographNickelback

Nickelback – Photograph [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

This song, which reached No.

2 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100, was released in 2005 by the Canadian rock band Nickelback.

It’s a song about looking back at old memories while flipping through photographs.

Some youthful memories are universal, and it’s heartwarming to feel that, even though we’re from different countries, we all went through similar coming-of-age experiences.

FireworkKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Firework (Official Music Video)

Released in August 2010, this work by Katy Perry features a powerful melody infused with dance-pop elements and a message that draws out one’s inner strength.

Issued as the third single from the album Teenage Dream, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts.

The song celebrates the importance of boosting self-esteem and spreading positivity to those around you.

It’s a track that offers courage and hope to people facing graduation or new challenges.

Standing at a crossroads in life, you’ll feel it gently yet powerfully pushing you forward.

FlyHilary Duff

Hilary Duff – Fly

A hard rock-style ballad by Hilary Duff.

It carries the kind of passion that makes it perfectly suited as the opening track of an album.

The lyrics convey a message of “Don’t give up—keep chasing your dreams.” Coming from someone who debuted as an actress and expanded her career into singing, the words have real weight.

If memories of frustrating moments resurface around graduation season, listen to this song and take your next step forward.