Songs and music reflect who we are and what we’re feeling. They’re a peek into what we are experiencing. Students even use music to study. Music can be a creative outlet. Songs can help listeners reflect, grieve and celebrate!
JUMP TO THE TOP GRADUATION SONGS 2024
Many senior classes claim a senior graduation song, graduation quote, and even a class flower; these items are often incorporated into the graduation ceremony.
Using Billboard, Grown & Flown lists (including Spotify's Graduation Songs playlist), we’ve gathered songs that could be great graduation music for the class of 2024. These grad songs are from many genres spanning various decades.
The Best Graduation Songs for 2024
You may be wondering: What song is played at most graduations? This is a good question, but you shouldn’t use the answer to pick your class song! The song played at most graduations is “Pomp and Circumstance Military Marches” composed by Sir Edward Elgar. The traditional graduation march we’re most familiar with is “March No. 1”, which belongs to a series of five marches total. The traditional march will likely already be played at your high school graduation or college graduation, so using the song played most is not what seniors should use to determine the class of 2024 senior song.”Long Live” by Taylor Swift
This song captures the feelings of accomplishment and the memories of friendship. It’s about coming together to celebrate wins with those close to you; it can really apply to many important life moments like graduation, proms, award ceremonies, and more. The song is from her Speak Now album and is considered THE Taylor Swift graduation song. Standout Lyric or Chorus “Of all the years that we stood there on the sidelines Wishing for right now We are the kings and the queens You traded your baseball cap for a crown When they gave us our trophies And we held them up for our town And the cynics were outraged Screaming, ‘This is absurd’ 'Cause for a moment, a band of thieves In ripped up jeans got to rule the world”Graduation (Friends Forever) by Vitamin C
Debuting in 1999, this song still serves as a great graduation song. The song reflects on all the high school memories and encourages the listener to wonder how things will be years after high school graduation. Standout Lyric or Chorus “As we go on We remember All the times we Had together And as our lives change Come whatever We will still be Friends forever””I Lived” by OneRepublic
This 2014 hit is a song about embracing hope. The message to listeners is that no matter what life throws your way, the experiences mean life is being lived. See the world, take that leap; LIVE your life! Standout Lyric or Chorus “Hope that you fall in love And it hurts so bad The only way you can know You give it all you have And I hope that you don't suffer But take the pain Hope when the moment comes you'll say I, I did it all””Everybody’s Free to Wear Sunscreen” by Baz Luhrmann
If speeches could be bangers, this would be it. Technically the piece is known as a spoken word song. The funny and straight-forward speech provides practical and meaningful life advice; it’s like getting a humorous lecture your comical uncle. The piece starts with an address to the class of ‘99, but it still works for the current senior class. Standout Lyric or Chorus “Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life The most interesting people I know Didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't Get plenty of calcium Be kind to your knees You'll miss them when they're gone””Good Riddance (Time of Your Life” by Green Day
A 90’s classic this Green Day song may be one of the most played songs at graduation ceremonies, for good reason. This song is a wake-up call that connects memories and moving forward. Reflection, change and growth are three themes of this classic graduation song. Standout Lyric or Chorus “So take the photographs and still frames in your mind Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time Tattoos of memories, and dead skin on trial For what it's worth, it was worth all the while””Young Forever” by JAY-Z, Mr Hudson
This R&B, Eletronica beat focuses on how to stay young at heart forever. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace and enjoy all the moments that occur on your journey. Someday you’ll be laughing and chatting about those moments and the chances you took. Success or failure, remembering those moments will keep you forever young. Standout Lyric or Chorus “'Cause there is no tomorrow Just some picture perfect day To last a whole lifetime And it never ends 'Cause all we have to do is hit rewind So lets just stay in the moment””Congratulations” by Post Malone
This one’s for the underdogs. For the students that had to work hard to get to the Pomp and Circumstance. Malone highlights how meaningful it is to hear “congratulations” for accomplishing your dreams. Standout Lyric or Chorus “I dreamed it all ever since I was young They said I wouldn't be nothing Now they always say, "Congratulations" (uh, uh, uh) Worked so hard, forgot how to vacation (uh-huh) They ain't never had the dedication (uh, uh) People hatin', say we changin and look, we made it (uh, uh) Yeah, we made it (uh, uh)””Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic! At the Disco
This song is a shoutout to your biggest fans! Your parents are by your side rooting for you throughout high school. It’s a tough climb, filled with long weeks, balancing practices and academics...And who do we want to give a shout-out to when we’ve received that high school diploma? It’s MOM! This song honors the pride our supporters feel when we’re on stage, winning in life. Standout Lyric or Chorus “Hey look ma, I made it Everything's comin' up aces, aces If it's a dream, don't wake me, don't wake me I said hey look ma, I made it, I made it” “””I Was Here” by Beyoncé
This senior song is a ballad for the seniors that made a difference; the students that are role models to high school freshmen, sophomores and the juniors. This emotional song builds up the scholars that are just getting started. You have made a lasting impression, but the best is yet to come. Standout Lyric or Chorus “I just want them to know That I gave my all, did my best Brought someone some happiness Left this world a little better just because I was here””Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson
Breakaway is the self-challenge anthem. It focuses on the individual roads we must take to be our best self. This song shares the story of stepping into unfamiliar territory, so you can grow. Now that most of the Class of 2024 are adults, it’s time to embrace your next phase no matter how intimidating it may sound. Standout Lyric or Chorus “I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change And breakaway”Best Wishes to the Class of 2024
While picking a graduation song is fun, it’s not the main graduation event. Remember to enjoy the moment and to spend time with the ones you love. It’s okay to revisit those inspirational graduation quotes to give yourself a motivational boost! You’ve accomplished so much, but likely have another goal to conquer. Stay focused. Your next step after graduation, whether that’s enlisting in the military, going to trade school, or obtaining your college degree, Fastweb is a resource that will continue to be useful. Keep your profile up-to-date and follow us on social media for the latest tools.You Might Also Like
Shawna Newman
Managing Editor, Contributing Writer
Shawna Newman is the Managing Editor and a writer at Fastweb. She has over 10 years of experience in higher education. Her direct work with college admissions teams, financial aid officers, college deans, ...
