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

A Place In This WorldTaylor Swift

A Place in this World

This is a song included on global songstress Taylor Swift’s early album, Taylor Swift.

While she has now fully incorporated hip-hop into her music, this track has the distinctly country sound characteristic of her early days.

It’s a song that draws strength from everyday moments.

Forever YoungAlphaville

Alphaville – Forever Young ~Official Video

A gem-like ballad that portrays the fleeting nature of youth and a longing for eternity.

Celebrated across generations as a quintessential 80s synth-pop classic.

Released by the German band Alphaville in September 1984, the song expresses a desire for the permanence of youth and life against the backdrop of nuclear threat and life’s impermanence.

Featured on their debut album, Forever Young, it reached high positions on charts across Europe.

Frequently used in films and TV shows and covered by many artists, it’s a perfect choice for graduations and farewells.

It also resonates deeply when you’re feeling sentimental or standing at a crossroads in life.

My Last SemesterThe Wonder Years

The Wonder Years – My Last Semester

The Wonder Years are a pop-punk band from Philadelphia.

In their early days they primarily made easycore and alternative rock, but around 2007 they fully shifted to being a pop-punk band.

Their classic track “My Last Semester” was released in 2010 and has been loved by punk band fans.

Its bright, pop-punk sound is especially appealing, so it might be a good choice to play at the beginning of a graduation ceremony.

Be sure to check it out.

UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield

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

As the title “Unwritten” suggests, the song says, “The rest of your life hasn’t been written yet,” and its lyrics encourage you to choose your own future: “You’re the one who will write what comes next; no one else can do it for you.” It also says, “Today, your story begins,” making it a perfect fit for a graduation ceremony—the start of a new chapter in life.

Live Like We’re DyingKris Allen

Kris Allen – Live Like We’re Dying (Official Video)

Powerfully conveying the transience and preciousness of life, this song resonates deeply with listeners.

While mindful of time’s finiteness, its lyrics emphasize the importance of cherishing bonds with loved ones, prompting us to reflect and take action.

Kris Allen’s husky yet warm vocals make the message even more memorable.

Released in November 2009, the track reached No.

18 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100, and its performances on various TV shows also drew attention.

It’s a perfect song for graduations and moments of departure, reminding us to find the courage to take a new step and to feel gratitude for the people who matter most.

We’re All In This Together (From “High School Musical”)High School Musical Cast

High School Musical Cast – We’re All In This Together (From “High School Musical”)

Some of you may be wracking your brains over what song to play at the start of a farewell party.

In that case, We’re All In This Together (From “High School Musical”) is a great choice that’s sure to liven up the room.

It’s a song from the teen movie High School Musical, performed by the main characters in a celebratory scene at the end.

The lyrics feel like a tribute to everyone’s hard work so far.

You could even incorporate it into a performance with some choreography.

graduationVitamin C

vitamin C – graduation (friends forever)

The title says it all: “Graduation.” In the song, graduation isn’t portrayed as a time of parting, but as a moment to spread our wings, with the message that we’ll always be friends.

The lyrics are perfect for graduation, and the song itself has a calm atmosphere that feels just right for a graduation ceremony.