Graduation Songs That Don't Make You Roll Your Eyes
Graduation songs are tricky. Most of them are either super cheesy or weirdly sad about leaving.
But there are some that get it right - they capture the "this chapter is over and I don't know how to feel about it" vibe without being cringe.
The Classics That Still Work
"Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" - Green Day
Yeah, it's been done to death. But it became a graduation anthem for a reason. The lyrics are actually perfect for this moment.
Make it less cliché by creating a custom lyrics poster with specific graduation details - the year, the school, maybe a quote from the actual graduate.
"I Hope You Dance" - Lee Ann Womack
Your mom probably loves this song. But honestly? It's a good message for someone starting something new.
Works better as a gift from parents to graduate than as THE graduation song.
"The Climb" - Miley Cyrus
Don't let 2009 Hannah Montana energy fool you. The message holds up.
Better for middle school or high school graduation than college. Let's be real.
Modern Songs That Get It
"Castle on the Hill" - Ed Sheeran
About looking back at where you grew up. Perfect for graduates who are moving away.
The nostalgia hits but it's not depressing. Good balance.
"See You Again" - Tyler, The Creator ft. Kali Uchis
Chill, reflective, about growth. Very different vibe from traditional graduation songs.
For graduates who don't want the obvious choice.
"Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield
This has been a graduation song for like 20 years now but it still works.
"Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten" - I mean, come on. That's perfect.
"Hall of Fame" - The Script ft. will.i.am
Motivational without being preachy. About making something of yourself.
Good for ambitious graduates or as encouragement from family.
For College Graduation Specifically
College graduation hits different. You're actually stepping into real adult life now.
"Firework" - Katy Perry
Cheesy? Yes. But also genuinely uplifting.
Works better for college than high school. By college you've earned some cheese.
"Closing Time" - Semisonic
Not technically about graduation but it fits. One chapter closing, time to go somewhere new.
Bonus points if it was their actual bar closing time song.
"Mr. Blue Sky" - Electric Light Orchestra
Upbeat, optimistic, not specifically about graduation so it doesn't feel forced.
Just pure "good things are coming" energy.
For High School Graduation
High school grads are in this weird "becoming adult but not quite there" phase.
"Count on Me" - Bruno Mars
About friendship lasting beyond school. Sweet without being too much.
Good if they're splitting up from their friend group for college.
"Breakaway" - Kelly Clarkson
About leaving home and becoming who you want to be.
Hits especially hard for kids leaving small towns.
"Can't Stop the Feeling" - Justin Timberlake
Just happy. Sometimes graduation songs don't need to be deep.
Songs to Avoid
"Graduation (Friends Forever)" - Vitamin C
This was already dated when it came out. Please no.
"We Are Young" - Fun.
It was big for like one year. That year has passed.
"Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey
Great song. But everyone has already used it for everything. Give it a rest.
Anything super sad
Graduation is bittersweet, not tragic. Don't make it depressing.
Turning Songs Into Graduation Gifts
A playlist is fine but make it physical so they remember it.
The Memory Book Version:
- Pick the song that represents their school years
- Create a lyrics poster with the graduation date
- Add photos from throughout their school time
- Give it in a nice frame
The Future-Focused Version:
- Pick a motivational song they love
- Make a custom poster
- Write a note on the back about your hopes for their future
- They can hang it in their dorm/apartment
The Friend Group Version:
- Get input from all their friends
- Pick "their song" from high school/college
- Make individual posters for each person
- Matching but personalized
Make It About Their Journey
Generic graduation songs are fine. But better?
Find a song that was significant during their school years:
- Song from their first school dance
- Song they listened to while studying
- Song from a school trip or event
- Song they played on repeat during a hard semester
That personal connection makes it actually meaningful instead of just "here's a graduation song because you're graduating."
Pair It With Something Useful
Graduates get a lot of symbolic gifts. Balance the meaningful with the practical.
Lyrics poster + gift card for their college bookstore Song art + actual money (college kids always need money) Custom music poster + coffee maker for dorm
Both thoughtful AND useful = you win.
For Different Types of Graduates
The Overachiever: Something aspirational. "Hall of Fame" type energy.
The Artist: Something creative and less mainstream. They'll appreciate the music taste.
The Athlete: Upbeat, pump-up music. They want energy, not sappy.
The Introvert: Something quieter and more reflective. Not a big anthem.
Match the song to the person, not just the occasion.
Multi-Grad Families
Got multiple kids graduating different levels (elementary, middle, high school, college) same year?
Make a collection - different songs for each grad at their level.
Show them you see them as individuals even when celebrating together.
The Playlist Poster Idea
Instead of one song, make a poster that looks like a playlist:
"The Soundtrack of [Name]'s High School Years"
List 10-12 songs that defined their school experience. Design it like an album tracklist.
They get the visual reminder of all those memories, not just one.
Could also do this with printable music poster templates that have space for multiple song titles.
Timing Your Gift
At the graduation party: Public gift, should be appropriate for group viewing
Before they leave for college: More personal, can be more emotional
After graduation: When the chaos settles and they actually appreciate it
First week of college: Send it to their dorm as a reminder of home
All good options depending on your relationship and their situation.
If You're the Graduate
Make yourself a graduation poster with the song that got you through.
That all-nighter study anthem. The song that calmed you before big tests. The song that was your reward after finals.
Document this chapter of your life while you're in it. You'll want it later.
Keep It Honest
The best graduation gifts aren't about perfect inspirational messages.
They're about "I know this is scary and exciting and weird and you don't know what you're doing yet and that's okay."
Pick songs that acknowledge the real feelings, not just the Instagram-caption version.
The Group Gift
If a bunch of you are going in on a gift together:
Each person picks one line from a different song that represents their relationship with the grad.
Combine all the lines into one poster. It's like a musical message from everyone.
More interesting than everyone just signing a card.
Ready to create a graduation gift? Try our custom song poster maker or browse printable templates perfect for grads.