Classrooms with desks lined up next to classmates, the look of the blackboard, the hallways and the gym, the schoolyard and the music room…
There are all kinds of scenes that come to mind when you think of school, aren’t there? In this article, we’ll introduce a range of songs whose lyrics depict those school-related scenes all at once.
From moving graduation songs to relatable tunes that’ll make you laugh, we’ve picked a broad selection—so whether you’re a student now or an adult who has already graduated, please enjoy.
- [Elementary School Music] List of Popular and Nostalgic Songs That Have Appeared in Textbooks
- A Must-See for Those in Their 20s: A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days
- A roundup of youth-themed songs recommended for high school students
- Club Activity Youth Songs: Motivational Anthems and Timeless Tracks of Memories with Teammates
- Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
- [For School Culture Festivals] A Selection of Hype Dance Tracks [2026]
- Choral Songs Sung at Elementary School Graduation Ceremonies: A Collection of Moving Song Ideas
- [Showa-Era Graduation Songs] Nostalgic? Emotive? A curated selection of timeless classics loved across generations
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [80s Graduation Songs] Nostalgic Classics & Hits That Have Become Standards
- [Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics
- [Graduation Songs] Tear-Jerking, Heartwarming Ballads | A Showcase of Classics and the Newest Hits!
- Memories come flooding back! Graduation songs recommended for the Yutori generation
Songs about schools. A collection of songs depicting school buildings and scenery (1–10)
School is a drag, school is a drag, school is a drag.Nanawo Akari
It’s a catchy song packed with classic “school life” moments! It’s by singer Nanawo Akari, also known for the hit “Turing Love feat.
Sou,” and it was released in 2021.
The lyrics and music were written by Soshina from the comedy duo Shimofuri Myojo.
As the title suggests, the lyrics list out all the annoying parts of school, and you can’t help but relate.
But once it’s turned into music, it strangely feels fun.
It’s a great listen for those moments—like on a Sunday—when you’re thinking, “Ugh, school starts tomorrow…”
Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster
Its bright vocals and melody are sure to resonate with your heart.
This is a song by the female vocal group Little Glee Monster, released in 2015 as their second single.
With lyrics like “Let’s enjoy our last day as kids together with friends!”, it’s an energizing graduation song.
Graduation isn’t just about sadness, right? It also carries a positive meaning of everyone moving forward toward their own future.
It’s a radiant piece that swells with anticipation for the life ahead.
On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai
It’s a heartwarming graduation song that brings back memories of school days spent with friends.
It’s one of singer-songwriter Ai Kawashima’s signature songs, released in 2006 as her eighth single.
This piece is the original version of I WiSH’s hit “Asu e no Tobira,” for which Kawashima served as the vocalist.
I imagine some of you have even sung it at your graduation ceremony—it’s that much of a classic.
It inspires you to cherish the bonds with your classmates forever.
Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb
Cherry blossoms visible from the classroom window… it’s a graduation song that tightens your chest with emotion.
It’s a track by the band absorb, released in 2008 as their major-label debut single.
Originally, it was a Vocaloid song posted on Nico Nico Douga by one of the members, halyosy.
It went viral online and came to be sung as a graduation song at schools across the country.
Many of you probably remember the boom from back then.
It leaves you feeling like, “When we’re adults, I want to get the whole class together again.”
Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu
This is a piece written specifically for the drama “Totto-chan!”.
It’s a song by Masaharu Fukuyama, a singer-songwriter who is also active as an actor, released in 2017.
The title “Tomoe Gakuen” refers to a real school that Tetsuko Kuroyanagi—on whom “Totto-chan!” is based—attended.
The lyrics express gratitude to the friends, teachers, and school that nurtured her into who she is today.
Its profound worldview and sound arrangement are deeply moving.
It’s one of those masterpieces that is sure to stir anyone’s emotions.
School HeavenFingā 5
When it comes to school-themed songs, this is surely the first one many people think of! It’s the signature track of Finger 5, the idol group that energized the Japanese music scene in the 70s, released in 1974 as their fourth single.
It’s been covered by many musicians and frequently used in variety shows, dramas, and films.
Even though many years have passed since its release, it remains a beloved hit.
The humorous lyrics about “wanting to sit next to a cute girl” are really charming.
Night of 15Ozaki Yutaka
Frustration and irritation toward adults and society that we harbor in our youth—the life-sized feelings of teenagers are depicted in this classic of Japanese music.
It’s one of the signature works of the legendary singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki, released in 1983 as his debut single.
With raw, realistic words about his own delinquent life at fifteen, its message gripped listeners’ hearts.
Why is it that we can’t help but empathize so deeply with these “feelings that have nowhere to go”?