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

You’ve Got a FriendDonny Hathaway & Roberta Flack

You’ve Got a Friend

You’ve Got a Friend, a masterpiece created by Carole King in 1971, is a hit song that won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1972.

This time, rather than King’s original version, we’ve picked the duet cover by Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack, two soul singers who enjoyed tremendous popularity in the 1970s.

As the title suggests, it’s a song about friendship, so why not consider playing it at a graduation ceremony?

Born This WayLady Gaga

Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Official Music Video)

Isn’t a title like “I Was Born to Walk This Path” fitting for a graduation? When something ends, we tend to be filled with regrets, but sometimes it’s necessary to think, “This was the right way,” and move forward.

Please take it as a song to cheer yourself on in that spirit.

HistoryOne Direction

One Direction – History (Official Video)

When it comes to Western music perfect for graduation season or new beginnings, The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There for You” is highly recommended.

While it carries the comfortable vibe of 1990s America, this classic celebrates the importance of friendship.

Formed by Phil Solem and Danny Wilde, The Rembrandts gained worldwide recognition with this song.

It became even more famous as the theme song for the TV show Friends, depicting the significance of a best friend who’s always by your side to support you.

Beloved across generations, the song’s melody and lyrics are memorable, making everyone want to express their gratitude to their friends.

We Are The ChampionsQueen

Queen – We Are The Champions (Official Video)

It’s Queen’s famous song that everyone knows, We Are The Champions.

The lyrics are striking in how they boldly push us forward with the message that “what you need is to believe in yourself and charge ahead.” I think its message—that even if the road isn’t easy, if you move forward with confidence you can become a champion—matches perfectly with graduation, so please give it a listen.

Shake It OutFlorence & The Machine

Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out

“Shake It Out” means something like “shake it off,” and in the song they sing about shaking off the devil.

We all have different feelings—anxiety, regret—when facing a new chapter in life, but this song says: shake it all off and dance.

It’s incredibly encouraging.

There’s also a beautiful line: “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” which means it’s darkest just before daybreak—urging you on with the message that if you get through this moment, a bright future awaits.

Today My Life BeginsBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Today My Life Begins

It’s a hidden gem not included on the albums of Bruno Mars, the ultra world-famous artist who has often performed at the Super Bowl halftime show.

In America, it’s well-known as a graduation song.

It’s a track that inspires hope for a new life and a new beginning.

I Gotta FeelingThe Black Eyed Peas

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

This song, which goes, ‘I’ve got a feeling tonight’s gonna be a good night, come on, let’s dance,’ is by the American hip-hop group the Black Eyed Peas.

After the graduation ceremony, how about hitting the town with your school friends and having a blast?