High school graduation; you have made it. You have closed one chapter in your life and you anxiously await the next. There are a plethora of emotions. Happiness, fear, excitement, agitation; but among them all, the Class of 2011 should feel unity. After all, each graduate has reached his or her own pinnacles. Still, what song will embody those feelings? How can one song express all of the emotions of one class?
Below is a listing of songs that work well for graduation. Hopefully, you will find your graduation song below. For some others, these songs will serve as an inspirational guide to choosing that perfect song. Either way, enjoy the memories and congratulations of on your accomplishment.
10. We Are One- The Lion King 2
This is a classic Disney song which begs the question, am I my own person or a part of something bigger? High School graduates are often beginning the stages of finding themselves and this song fits that model perfectly. Likewise, this song is not quite slow but not too up tempo that the sentimentality of the moment is missed.
This song can be purchased in a set called Return to Pride Rock from Amazon. The cost varies from $7 to $40.
9. Power of One- Donna Summer
Donna Summers embodies the message of unity in this song. She speaks to people having one mission, banning together and making a difference. This song is perfect for a high school, graduating class. They are about to enter the world as adults, taking on new journeys. While each person’s journey may not be the same, they each have the common bond of needing to make a difference in this world.
The song can be purchased from Amazon.com for $3.
8. Graduation (Friends Forever) – Vitamin C
Vitamin C has done a magnificent job putting all of the thoughts that a graduate has, into one melodic place. This song speaks about the uncertainty of graduation, leaving behind friends, beginning new journeys and celebrating. Best of all, this song is upbeat. Vitamin C’s song can be purchased on iLike.com for $1.29.
7. Oh How The Years Go By- Amy Grant
Amy Grant’s, “Oh How The Years Go By” is another upbeat song that talks about friendships, the ending of a time and the memories that have happened and will always be treasured. This song breathes hope, angst, and love, all at once. I could imagine a slideshow of important and memorable activities that happened throughout the year, as graduates walk the stage to receive their diploma, or merely watch as they relive the moments of their senior year of high school. Buy this song on iLike.com for only $.99.
6. You’re Gonna Miss This- Tracer Adkins
Some high schools discuss and use the graduation song, all throughout the year as a Senior Theme song. If you high school is one of those schools, Tracer Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This” is a great choice of songs! Tracer Adkins uses the country music vibe to explain that these days- high school days- will not last forever and at the end of the day, everyone will miss them. He further urges students to look around and enjoy the times.
Tracer Adkins’ song can be purchased from iLike.com for only $.99.
5. Time of Your Life- Greenday
The title of the song says everything that graduation time is all about. High school is a time for memories, new experiences and the beginnings to life- long friendships; this is definitely the time of almost every graduate’s life. Please note; this Greenday song is not exactly a slow tempo, tear jerker. Rather is a medium tempo, reflect on your thoughts and experiences kind of song. Graduates will tap their feet and smile as they recount the past 4 years of their lives. Buy this Greenday song from Amazon for .99 cents.
4. I Gotta Feeling (Tonight’s Gonna Be A Good Nigtht)- The Black Eyed Peas
Did you see the Super bowl this year? This is the ultimate, family oriented, party song. High school graduation is just that, a great big party which celebrates the accomplishments of the students graduating. This upbeat, fast tempo song makes a perfect culmination to the end of a ceremony which is usually filled with pomp and circumstance. Buy this song on Rhapsody.com, for 1.29.
3. It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday- Boyz II Men
This Boyz II Men song is a classic. I remember this song being played at my high school graduation. Its message rings truer, each time I hear it. That message is simple. We have all gone to the end of our road, we cannot look back, we should not let go, but we must move forward. This song is a definite tear- jerker. The Boys II Men classic can be purchased on Rhapsody.com for only .99 cents!
2. Strength, Courage and Wisdom- India Arie
“I’ve been too afraid to make a choice because I was afraid of what I could be missing.” Any graduate has doubts. However, a high school graduate can listen to the words of this song and really identify with the message as they are beginning to find themselves and what they are all about without the barrier of being a teen, limiting their trials and experiences. India Arie speaks to what has been inside of graduates the whole time. The song’s message is great, but the tempo sells the song as a medium melody, celebration of self song for graduation. Buy “Strength, Courage, and Wisdom” from Rhapsody for less than a dollar.
1. I Hope You Dance- LeAnn Womack
LeAnn Womack outdoes herself with this beautifully written and performed song. This song would make a beautiful high school graduation tribute because it communicates the hopes, fears and desires of students, teachers and parents, for the graduating class. In her song, Womack sings, “I hope each time one door closes, 1 more opens. Promise me that you’ll give Faith a fighting chance and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” In a nutshell, keep living, keep moving and keeping enjoying life. This high school graduation is but a mere chapter among many more to come. Life is just beginning; live it! You can buy this song at Amazon for .99 cents!
