Move over, Pomp and Circumstance graduation march. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the tunes that will nostalgically bookend this significant part of your life as you move closer to your adulthood future.
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00:00 "No one told you life was gonna be this way."
00:05 Welcome to Miss Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the tunes that will nostalgically
00:09 bookend this significant part of your life as you move closer to your adulthood future.
00:15 However, we'll only be including official releases - no covers today.
00:19 "Once we know that we are, we're all star and we see that."
00:26 20. I Lived - One Republic
00:30 This song is a powerful anthem about embracing all life experiences - the highs and the lows.
00:36 "I owned every second that this world could give. I saw so many places, the things that
00:43 I did."
00:45 According to singer and songwriter Ryan Tedder, the track was written with Robin Williams'
00:50 character from Dead Poets Society in mind.
00:53 Indeed, the lyrics speak of taking chances and facing fears, resilience and growth - and
00:59 staying true to yourself.
01:01 "With every broken bone, I swear I lived."
01:06 The group acknowledges that life doesn't come without its complications and hurdles.
01:10 But one day you'll look back, and despite the hardships, you'll want to feel like you
01:15 made every second count.
01:17 "I, I did it all."
01:24 Alternatively, "Good Life" captures the grads' emotional mix - excitement, a sprinkle of
01:29 fear and endless hope for new adventures and connections.
01:32 "This has gotta be a good life. This has gotta be a good life."
01:39 19. Long Live - Taylor's Version - Taylor Swift
01:43 As graduation rolls around, let's rewind.
01:46 Remember the laughter, the late night study sessions, the friendships made?
01:50 "It was the end of a decade, but the start of an age."
01:58 Now picture yourself stepping onto that stage, greeted by the cheers of your classmates,
02:03 and shaking the hands of the teachers who inspired you.
02:06 Would any of this have been possible without their unwavering support and guidance?
02:10 "Long, long live the walls we crashed through, how the kingdom lights shine just for me and
02:17 you."
02:18 This country pop song celebrates achievements and milestones, and how we've grown alongside
02:23 them.
02:24 You'll walk across that stage wearing your mortarboard like a crown.
02:27 "We are the kings and the queens. You traded your baseball cap for a crown."
02:35 Prefer your nostalgia with a tinge of poignancy?
02:38 Never Grow Up is a sweet choice about longing for the familiarity of the past, while moving
02:43 towards the future.
02:44 "Even though you want to, please try to never grow up."
02:53 18. Graduation - Benny Blanco & Juice WRLD
02:57 This song is Taylor-made for graduation.
03:00 It's right there in the title.
03:05 Anyway, as that time of year nears, you and your friends probably often find yourself
03:12 steering to conversations about the memories you made and the people you met along the
03:16 way, who, one way or another, impacted your life.
03:20 You might even find yourselves guessing where everyone might end up 10, 20 or even 50 years
03:25 from now.
03:26 "I didn't know why this grown up world was just going to blow my world out."
03:33 The song reminds us to see this time in our lives like a memory capsule.
03:37 Someday we'll look back on it, but we shouldn't get stuck in it.
03:41 The number borrows its chorus from another catchy graduation-worthy tune that deserves
03:45 to be celebrated in its own right.
03:48 "We will still be friends forever."
03:53 17. Photograph - Nickelback
03:56 With your school days coming to a close, have you found yourself scrolling through old photos
04:00 and remembering the good times?
04:02 "Every memory of looking out the back door. I have a photo I've spread out and I'm
04:07 looking through the wall."
04:08 Your favourite hangout spots, the antics you'd get up to, maybe even where you had your first
04:13 kiss.
04:14 It's great that it's so easy for us to capture these memories with just the press
04:17 of a button these days, isn't it?
04:19 The song admits that even though life has to move on, it's never easy to say goodbye.
04:23 "So long, old state. Too hard to leave you."
04:30 We can totally imagine it being played over a montage of photos during a graduation ceremony.
04:35 One day you'll even look back at those pictures. Hopefully, they'll make you laugh.
04:39 "Look at this photograph. Every time I do it makes me laugh."
04:45 16. The Time of My Life - David Cook
04:48 Graduation signifies the brink of realising our dreams, poised to step into our world.
04:54 "Waiting for my dreams to turn into something I could believe in."
05:01 This song mirrors this sentiment. You've already proven that when times get tough,
05:05 you can rise up stronger than ever. So, you've got to live in the now, own who you are, and
05:10 make the most of every single moment.
05:12 "I'll chase every moment and live it out loud when I know this is the time."
05:19 Graduation isn't just about getting a piece of paper. It's about stepping into your future
05:23 with confidence and embracing every opportunity with open arms. So, as you celebrate this
05:28 milepost, remember that this is your moment to create the life you've always dreamed
05:33 of. It's the time of your life. So make it count.
05:37 "This is the time of my life."
05:43 15. I Was Here - Beyonce
05:46 This song is about wanting to impact the world meaningfully and leave behind a positive legacy.
05:52 "I wanna leave a footprint on the sands of time."
05:57 Okay, so we can't all be Beyonce. But that doesn't mean we can't find our own ways
06:02 to leave our "footprints on the sands of time". It's a reminder that school is only
06:06 the beginning, and that it's very likely that our best and most rewarding days are
06:10 still ahead of us.
06:11 "The hearts I have touched will be the proof that I'm real."
06:17 Also, at this point, we still have a lifetime to chase our dreams, unlock our utmost potential,
06:23 and be the change that we want to see in the world. Don't forget, each of us has the power
06:27 to shape how we want to be remembered.
06:30 "I live, I live, I love, I was here."
06:36 14. Everybody's Free - To Wear Sunscreen - Baz Luhrmann
06:41 "If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it."
06:48 Everybody's Free - To Wear Sunscreen by Baz Luhrmann is not your typical song. It's a
06:53 spoken word piece inspired by an essay written by journalist Mary Smeek, mixed with a remastered
06:59 take of Rosalas' Everybody's Free to feel good.
07:10 It's a love letter to living life to the fullest, a reminder to cherish every moment, embrace
07:15 your youth with wild abandon, and not sweat the small stuff.
07:24 It tells us to be kind to others, and to ourselves, and to remember when to take criticism with
07:29 a grain of salt. Ultimately, it encourages graduates to approach life with resilience,
07:34 humour, and self-awareness. In a nutshell, go live your life, don't let life live you.
07:41 13. I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan
07:49 As the final countdown to graduation ticks away, every senior finds themselves slipping
07:54 on their graduation goggles, tinted with the rosiest shades of sentimentality.
08:02 Suddenly, those crowded hallways feel like a warm hug, the cafeteria lunch tastes like
08:10 a meal at a Michelin-star restaurant, and that endless pile of homework is like escaping
08:15 into a good book. Okay, maybe not that far, but you get what we mean.
08:24 Just the thought of venturing into the vast unknown makes you long for the things that
08:29 once drove you up the wall. This song frames the good and bad times, allowing you to keep
08:34 them near your heart as you embark on a new adventure.
08:40 12. I Hope You Dance - Leigh-Anne Womack
08:50 This is it. You made it. As you walk across that stage, diploma in hand, know that your
08:55 dreams are now within reach. We can almost feel the emotions welling up in the room,
09:05 the parents' pride, and the teachers' bittersweet smiles as they watch their students take this
09:10 monumental step forward. Indeed, this song is about wishing someone the best in everything
09:15 they set out to do. As you start a new life phase, let the song's message drive you forward,
09:26 facing life with courage and grabbing every opportunity it presents. Allow it to be your
09:31 guide, reminding you to keep dancing through whatever comes your way.
09:38 11. Congratulations - Post Malone Featuring Quavo
09:46 Let's face it, the journey to graduation is anything but easy. With endless deadlines,
09:51 late night study sessions, and a barrage of exams, your inner critic may have told you
09:56 that you'd never make it. But look, that patience and hard work paid off, because here
10:07 you are. Now, straighten up your cap and gown, take that big sigh of relief, and remember
10:13 who got you here. You. Apparently, Post Malone and his team got the idea for this song while
10:24 watching the 2016 Rio Olympics. Indeed, getting to graduation can feel like a hurdle-filled
10:31 marathon. This song celebrates the joy of achievement, the moment when you can proudly
10:35 say "I made it."
10:41 10. You're Gonna Miss This - Trace Adkins
10:46 Sometimes we're in such a rush to grow up or hit that next milestone that we forget
10:51 to stop and really appreciate what we have at that moment. This is one of those times
11:01 when graduation goggles come in handy, because we can pause and take stock of this time in
11:06 our lives for at least the song's duration. At the same time, knowing it's coming to an
11:10 end and that there's no going back can hit like a ton of bricks. In the blink of an eye,
11:20 life can pass you by, and you'll yearn for those days when you are sat with your friends
11:24 in the cafeteria, laughing over some mystery meat.
11:31 9. Closing Time - Semisonic
11:36 Although this song, on the surface level, is about closing time at a bar, apparently
11:41 Dan Wilson wrote it about his impending fatherhood. Yet, it works in this context too. Let's
11:53 replace the bar with a school. Graduation is basically the metaphorical last call bell.
11:58 As it rings, you make the most of what time you have left, before heading on out to the
12:02 real world.
12:09 This song places greater focus on the future and the anticipation of what's to come, which
12:13 is highly relatable to anyone going through such a momentous life change. Sure, it may
12:18 be closing time now, but when one day sets, another one begins.
12:26 8. Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
12:33 When you're in school, you're just starting to figure out who you are, and laying the
12:36 foundation for who you'll become. Unwritten captures this journey of self-discovery and
12:46 empowerment that comes with this significant milepost. It encourages graduates to embrace
12:51 individuality, take risks, and boldly step forward. Think of it like this. From now on,
13:04 we're the authors of our own stories, shaping our lives and making things happen. This song
13:09 is like a burst of energy and optimism, echoing the excitement of this new chapter in our
13:14 lives. Sure, there might be some plot twists along the way, but remember, the rest is still
13:19 unwritten.
13:24 7. The Climb - Hannah Montana - The Movie
13:31 This song is about perseverance, resilience, and overcoming obstacles to achieve your goals.
13:42 If that doesn't define the high school experience, then we don't know what does. It reminds us
13:46 that the journey matters just as much as the destination.
13:54 Graduation may mark the end of one chapter, but the adventure continues. Sure, the road
13:58 ahead won't always be smooth, but that only makes you stronger. What matters is that when
14:03 life knocks you down, you don't let it keep you there.
14:11 Keep going at your own pace, and enjoy the experience. If you need a rest from "The
14:16 Climb", "I'll Always Remember You" is also an excellent choice for such an occasion.
14:26 6. Forever Young - AlphaVille - The Movie
14:34 Thinking of adding this song to your graduation playlist? Best not to delve too deeply into
14:38 its influences. Still, you know what's unique about graduations? It's that whirlwind of
14:50 excitement for what lies ahead, and a twinge of sadness bidding farewell to the past. Change
14:55 can feel scary, something that anyone getting ready to graduate may feel. We all want to
15:06 cling to what we know, but life's all about moving forward. So let's take what we've
15:10 learned and dive into what's next. Sure, staying forever young sounds nice, but growing
15:15 up opens new doors. So let's welcome the journey, celebrate the memories, and look
15:20 ahead to all that's waiting for us.
15:26 5. We Are Young - Fun - Janelle Monáe
15:33 We've offered you endless songs about treasuring the past and leaping into the future. However,
15:38 what about the present? You're young. It's a very special time when you get to go out,
15:49 try new experiences, and just make the most of it all. This song celebrates the wildest
15:53 of nights, where things may get a bit out of hand, yet with your closest friends by
15:58 your side, everything feels just right. Even if you leave some memories at the bottom of
16:07 a bottle. Whoops. As long as you're together, it's all good. The period of youthful confidence
16:13 bordering on arrogance, where you feel invincible. It's shorter than you realise. Enjoy it while
16:19 you can.
16:22 4. Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds - Brian
16:31 In The Breakfast Club, Brian famously asks, "What is gonna happen to us on Monday?"
16:36 Sure, he's just asking about Monday, but it's a sentiment many of us feel as graduation
16:41 looms ever nearer. It's easy to get swapped up in the excitement of new beginnings, that
16:46 we end up leaving behind the familiar faces we've known for so long. Looking around at
16:57 our classmates, we can't help but wonder, will we stay friends? Will they just be someone
17:02 who calls our name as we walk on by? Or will we drift apart, forgetting each other altogether?
17:12 While the song doesn't give us answers, it leaves us hopeful that the bonds forged during
17:21 this shared experience will always leave us somewhat connected.
17:29 3. See You Again - Wiz Khalifa - Charlie Puth -
17:38 This song was specially created for the 2015 film Furious 7 soundtrack as a heartfelt homage
17:44 to the late actor Paul Walker.
17:53 Its themes of the importance of friendship and family hit close to home, especially as
17:57 we mark this pivotal moment of graduation. It allows us to reflect on our journey and
18:02 how far we've come, striking a chord with anyone who's preparing to cross that graduation
18:07 stage. At its core, it's a celebration of the connections we've built and the strides
18:16 we've taken. Despite its sombre undertones, the song ends on a hopeful note, urging us
18:22 to find our own path forward and discover our purpose in life.
18:29 2. Good Riddance - Time Of Your Life - Green Day -
18:36 What we love about this song is that it can speak to us in different ways. Maybe the past
18:44 few years truly were the time of your life, and you're sad to see them go. Or maybe you're
18:49 totally ready to say goodbye and good riddance to this chapter. Either way, it works. Although
18:59 Billy Joe Armstrong supposedly wrote it about an ex, grads can relate to the themes of coming
19:04 to a fork in the road and embracing the unpredictability of what lies ahead. Life doesn't always go
19:10 as planned, but it's about finding lessons in those moments and trusting they'll guide
19:14 us to where we need to be.
19:22 Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions.
19:26 7 years - Lucas Graham - An Ode To How Time Flies
19:30 Rise Up - Andra Day - If graduation is the foot of the mountain, there's nothing stopping
19:40 you climbing to the top.
19:49 Future - Paramore - One chapter closes and another one begins.
19:59 Story Of My Life - One Direction - A reminder to cherish the friends you've found and the
20:04 memories you made.
20:11 It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday - GC Cameron - You might be more familiar with
20:16 the Boys To Men cover, but the original pierces our souls too.
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20:43 Graduation - Friends Forever - Vitamin C - Title aside, does any song capture the grad experience
20:49 more than this? Vitamin C used her own experiences of change to co-pen this tune, and well, we
21:01 feel very seen. As graduation approaches, memories of the good times we've had and
21:06 friends we made flood in.
21:13 All the while, we're well aware that things are about to shift. But hey, change is just
21:18 part of the journey, right? The Class of 2020 even got an updated version, although we can't
21:23 imagine many people had qualms about closing that chapter. Anyway, the original celebrates
21:37 this moment, looking ahead with hope, optimism, and just a hint of sadness. It's no wonder
21:42 it's been a grad favorite for years.
21:52 Which song stirs up all the feels when you think about graduation? Let us know in the
21:57 comments.
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