[Bestie Song: Until We Meet Again...] The Perfect Western Songs for Graduation — Farewell and New Beginnings

Bridge Over Troubled WaterCharlotte Church

Charlotte Church, National Orchestra of Wales – Bridge over Troubled Water (Live in Cardiff 2001)

Charlotte Church is an artist from Wales.

She has had a very long career, having worked as a professional artist since she was 12.

While she has released many pop songs, she has also put out numerous crossover works and is celebrated in the UK as the most famous crossover singer.

Her rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water is a cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic released in 1970, arranged with an emotional touch that makes it perfect for graduation ceremonies.

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

As an English song fitting for the season of new beginnings, I recommend Kris Allen’s “Live Like We’re Dying.” This hit was released in 2009 by Allen, who won American Idol.

Its message—“let’s cherish our limited time and live fully”—will resonate as an encouraging send-off for graduates facing farewells to friends and classmates.

While acknowledging feelings of anxiety and loneliness, the song gives courage to step onto a new path.

It also reminds listeners of the value of friendships that have endured quarrels and the importance of shared memories.

Gift Of A FriendDemi Lovato

Demi Lovato – Gift Of A Friend – Official Music Video

This is the song that was the theme for the movie “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure.” It carries the message, “When you’re in trouble, you should rely on your friends—and you have lots of friends like that,” expressing a wish to keep being someone you can lean on.

If your school friends said something like this at graduation, it would be reassuring and make you feel happy, wouldn’t it?

Dare to DreamJohn Legend

John Legend – Dare To Dream

From the ballad world, this is a song included on the soundtrack of the 2007 film Pride featuring John Legend (which was never released in Japan), so it’s likely that almost no one in Japan knows it.

In the movie, the protagonist’s transformation parallels recovering from the farewell of graduation.

As expected, his vocals are breathtaking.

Graduation DayKanye West

Graduation Day – Kanye West

A track from his 2004 debut album, The College Dropout.

The album title literally means “dropping out of college,” and it continues as part of a trilogy through his third album, Graduation.

Kanye West’s free, unfiltered way of life seems to come through even in his falsetto, and it might really move you.

It feels like a song that could give you strength to embark on a new journey at graduation and to overcome challenges.

Sweetest GoodbyeMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sweetest Goodbye

Maroon 5 is a band that has received high praise around the world for its musical style that mixes various genres.

They’re also extremely popular in Japan.

In their early days, they leaned toward alternative rock, and from there gradually incorporated R&B and pop to establish a unique sound.

Among their songs, a particularly recommended one is “Sweetest Goodbye.” It’s a farewell song that’s perfect for graduation ceremonies, so be sure to check it out.

Sittin’ On The Dock Of The BayOtis Redding

Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay (Official Music Video)

Otis Redding, a musician who had a profound influence on soul music, was not actually an especially popular artist during his lifetime.

It was after he died in a 1976 private plane crash that he became known across the United States, and, ironically, a posthumous release of his song reached No.

1 on the Billboard chart.

That song is “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” With lyrics that feel almost enlightened and a gentle soul sound, I think it’s a perfect fit for a graduation ceremony.