Graduation songs have one job: to sum up years in a few minutes and point everyone toward what comes next. These are the slideshow staples, the last-night-together anthems and the ones that still make parents tear up.
Updated 2026
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day 1997
The unofficial anthem of every cap-and-gown slideshow.
Graduation (Friends Forever) by Vitamin C 2000
The literal graduation song, all hugs and goodbyes.
Forever Young by Alphaville 1984
A wish to hold on to who you were in those halls.
We Are Young by fun. ft. Janelle Monae 2011
A last-night-out anthem for a class about to scatter.
I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack 2000
A parent's wish to never lose your sense of wonder.
My Wish by Rascal Flatts 2006
Everything a family hopes for the one heading out the door.
Photograph by Nickelback 2005
Flipping through old pictures of the place you are leaving.
Wake Me Up by Avicii 2013
Stepping into the unknown without all the answers yet.
Memories by Maroon 5 2019
A toast to the people and times you carry with you.
Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds 1985
The plea every old classmate quietly makes.
Here's to Never Growing Up by Avril Lavigne 2013
A loud refusal to let go of being young just yet.
Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine 2008
Leaving the hard part behind and running at what is next.