The modern history of graduation themed songs dates back to the first decade of the 20th century and the classic song “Pomp and Circumstance.” Whether you know the name or not, you’re probably familiar with the tune. The classic graduation theme song stood the test of time, remaining popular into the 21st century. Additionally, there are a variety of graduation songs from various decades throughout recent history that have remained popular graduation songs.
1960’s Graduation Songs
The 1960’s decade of flower children, love and peace produced the graduation themed musical stylings of:
Be True to Your School (1963) by The Beach Boys
Leaving on a Jet Plane (1967) by John Denver
Leaving on a Jet Plane (1967) covered by Peter, Paul and Mary
Don’t Forget to Remember (1969) by the Bee Gees
1970’s Graduation Songs
The transformative decade of the 1970’s ushered in the graduation themed musical stylings of:
Long and Winding Road (1970) by The Beatles
School’s Out (1972) by Alice Cooper
Free Bird (1974) by Lynyrd Skynyrd
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday (1975) from the movie Cooley High
Born to Run (1975) by Bruce Springsteen
Carry On My Wayward Son (1976) by Kansas
We Are the Champions (1977) by Queen
Don’t Look Back (1978) by Boston
1980’s Graduation Songs
The radical decade of the 1980’s produced the graduation themed musical stylings of:
I’m Coming Out (1980) by Diana Ross
True Colors (1986) by Cyndi Lauper
I Won’t Back Down (1989) by Tom Petty
1990’s Graduation Songs
The punk and grunge era of the 1990’s brought the graduation themed musical stylings of:
The Dance (1990) by Garth Brooks
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday (1991) covered by Boyz II Men
These Are Days (1992) by the 10,000 Maniacs
End of the Road (1992) by Boyz II Men
I Will Remember You (1995) Sarah McLachlan
Seasons of Love (1996) from the Broadway musical Rent
I Believe I Can Fly (1996) R. Kelly
Good Riddance (1997) by Green Day
Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) (1999) Baz Luhrmann
2000’s Graduation Songs
The new millennium was kicked off in proper fashion with the graduation themed musical stylings of:
Graduation (Friends Forever) (2000) by Vitamin C
Here’s to the Night (2000) by Eve 6
I Hope You Dance (2000) by Lee Ann Womack
It’s My Life (2000) by Bon Jovi
Breakaway (2004) performed by Kelly Clarkson
My Wish (2006) Rascal Flatts
Don’t Forget to Remember Me (2006) by Carrie Underwood
Thnks fr th Mmrs (2007) by Fall Out Boy
You’re Gonna Miss This (2007) by Trace Adkins
Some graduation songs have proven durability, while others are brand new. Only time will tell how these graduation related songs fair in the future, so stay tuned. Speaking of graduation, check out LIVIN’s Top Ten Best College Movies.
