Everyone has been to graduation party and heard the classic songs played to a home movie or slide show. Green Day’s “Time of Your Life” and Sarah McClachlan’s “I Will Remember You” are classics, but they’ve become so cliche, they do not serve as tear jerkers anymore. Here are four less popular songs that reflect both the anxious and reminiscent feelings that come with graduation.
1. Whiskeytown’s “Jacksonville Skyline”
Ryan Adams’ original band is a real gem that any lover of pop, rock, or country should give a listen regardless of whether they are graduating or not. However, “Jacksonville Skyline”, off of their 2001 release Pneumonia, is a catchy tune that really evoke’s bittersweet emotions. It’s all about growing up and looking back on your childhood and your hometown. It’s a little country tinged, but not so much to where it excludes anyone who doesn’t like country music. Preview and buy to it here.
2. The White Stripes’ “We Are Going to be Friends”
Jack and Meg White no longer make music together, but when they did, it was good. Real good. Most of the time the music they made was aggressive and powerful, but sometimes it was adorable and sweet. Hence this song. It came out in 2001 on their third studio album, White Blood Cells. It’s all about a elementary school romance. There’s no better time to think about how cute young love is than when those youngsters are growing into adults. Preview and buy it here.
3. Josh Ritter’s “Lantern”
Many of Josh Ritter’s songs actually would suite the mood of graduation well, but this would be my first pick. Also, it’s very new, thus fairly unheard of. It’s a standout track from RItter’s 2010 So Runs The World Away and is a very encouraging song. It’s all about supporting each other in this rough and tumble world. If anyone needs encouragement and hope, it’s graduating students moving on to the next stage of life. Ritter sings over and over, “Be the light of my lantern, the light of my lantern, be the light”. The world may be big, it can sometimes be bad, but it’s not impossible. Preview and buy it here.
4. The Black Keys’ “Everlasting Light
Even though The Black Keys were nominated for a Grammy with their 2010 release, Brothers, their music is still not mainstream. This song has a bit of a similar theme as Josh Ritter’s “Lantern”, but they are totally different genres. This is an upbeat blues romp which features Dan Auerbach’s falsetto, which is a delicacy among fans of The Keys. It’s fun, it’s catchy, and it has Dan offering himself to a friend or lover as their everlasting light. Lots of students believe they are going to lose their friends with graduation, but it doesn’t have to be so. This song echoes that message. Preview and buy it here.
