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

[I’ve Had] The Time of My LifeBill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

I’ve Had the Time of My Life (From “Dirty Dancing”)

A duet by American singers Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.

This song was used in the 1987 American film Dirty Dancing.

It features the tight rhythms that were standard at the time and a funky guitar-cutting sound.

Personally, the sax solo is the highlight.

Although it’s an old song, youthful romance exists in every era.

As the lyrics say, “I’ve never felt this way before,” it’s a perfect song for when you’re in a joyful mood.

Never Let Me GoFlorence & The Machine

Florence + The Machine – Never Let Me Go

It’s a song that expresses lyrics about days that are coming to an end—days that have already ended—set to a wistful melody.

It’s themed around parting: though the memories were good, it’s time to leave, which is why it’s titled “Let Go.”

Just the way you areBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Just the Way You Are (Official Audio)

A sincere desire to accept someone just as they are seeps into the heart along with a gentle melody.

Released in 1977, this work is widely known as one of Billy Joel’s signature songs and is included on the album The Stranger.

Lauded as a Grammy Award–winning track, it has continued to be loved by many.

It’s the perfect song when you want to express your feelings to someone special or take a closer look at yourself.

A piece that nourishes the heart, it’s truly a gem of a love song befitting graduation season.

No New Friends ft. Labrinth, Sia, DiploLSD

LSD – No New Friends (Official Video) ft. Labrinth, Sia, Diplo

LSD is a music group formed by Sia, a leading Australian female artist, Labrinth, a rapper active in the UK, and Diplo, a music producer active in the US.

It’s an incredibly star-studded lineup—and a very suspicious group name, too (lol).

Their song “No New Friends ft.

Labrinth, Sia, Diplo” is one of their signature tracks, and its lyrics about the importance of staying connected with lovers and friends became very popular.

Although it’s in the minority, it’s sometimes used as a graduation song.

I Hope You DanceLee Ann Womack

Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance (Official Music Video)

Lee Ann Womack, a female country musician who represents the United States.

She was a popular country artist from the 1990s through the mid-2000s and has won several prestigious music awards, including Grammys.

Her song I Hope You Dance, known as a graduation anthem, was released in 2000 and became popular for its uplifting lyrics that give you a push forward.

SingMy Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance – SING [Official Music Video]

My Chemical Romance, the hugely popular band that recently reunited and is scheduled to come to Japan, has long been supported by young people grappling with frustration.

While much of their worldview leans dark, the song introduced here, “Sing,” is a 2010 hit whose powerful lyrics feel like an anthem for boys and girls wrestling with life—an inspiring masterpiece.

Its unmistakably MCR anthemic melody and dramatic song structure can’t help but lift your spirits.

Incidentally, this track is also popular as a graduation song, and the band actually reworked it as “Sing It For Japan,” releasing a new version dedicated to those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

It’s deeply moving to be reminded of MCR’s heartfelt spirit—beloved by Japan and loving Japan in return.

UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield

Natasha Bedingfield – Unwritten (Official Video) (as featured in Anyone But You)

Natasha Bedingfield is an artist from London.

With pop music rooted in soul, R&B, and blue-eyed soul, she has garnered a huge following in the UK.

Her classic song “Unwritten,” released in 2004, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Its uplifting lyrics make it a perfect fit for graduation ceremonies, so be sure to check it out.