Graduation songs in Western music with great lyrics—heartfelt, beautiful messages.

Ring OffBeyoncé

Beyoncé – “Ring Off” (Official Audio)

I’d like to recommend “Ring Off” as a cool, uplifting track.

Beyoncé wrote this song for her mother, who had gone through a divorce.

Set to a reggae-inspired sound, the lyrics convey messages like “Your life will head in a better direction from here” and “I’m always on your side.” If you’re in a similar situation, give it a try.

Also, be sure to pay attention to the spoken-word section that comes in partway through.

PhotographNickelback

Nickelback – Photograph [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Nickelback is a rock band from Canada that enjoys worldwide popularity.

For rock fans in Japan as well, they’re one of the most famous bands.

Their hit song “Photograph” is a classic often used at graduation ceremonies overseas.

Its lyrics, which look back on memories with friends, have been highly praised and earned a nomination for the Juno Award for Single of the Year.

The lyrics contain many elements that men can strongly relate to, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.

You Are Not AloneMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson　『You Are Not Alone』 HQ

No matter how far apart we are, my heart is always by your side.

So sings Michael.

You may not be able to meet your close friends as freely as before, but if each of you keeps this feeling in your hearts, even lonely nights will grow warm.

This piece was the first song in Billboard chart history to debut at No.

1.

Released in 1995.

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger

This is a song included on Oasis’s 1995 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, by a band that epitomized the UK pop scene of the 1990s.

It’s a grand, expansive track that has been widely used in commercials and covered many times.

I think it has the dignity and presence befitting a piece that adorns a bright, sunny day.

We May Never Pass This Way AgainSeals&Crofts

Seals & Crofts – We May Never Pass This Way Again [w/ lyrics]

Seals & Crofts were a male vocal duo from the United States, known for their shaded, soft sound.

This piece is a song included on their 1973 album Diamond Girl.

Youth comes only once—let’s cherish and live fully in this very moment.

It’s a ballad that blends clarity and strength while carrying that message.

GoodbyeSpice Girls

Spice Girls – Goodbye (Official Music Video)

The Spice Girls were a hugely popular female idol group in the UK during the 1990s.

Goodbye was released in 1998.

Just before that, Geri Halliwell, one of the members, left the group.

This song seems to express the feelings of the other members toward Geri, who decided to leave to focus on her solo career.

Graduation DayThe Four Freshmen

Graduation Day (Remastered 1989)

The Four Freshmen are a jazz vocal group from the United States.

They were a group that epitomized male vocal ensembles of the 1950s.

The harmony in the chorus of this piece is reminiscent of the Beach Boys.

In fact, the Beach Boys later covered this song.

It’s a gentle graduation song released in 1956.