[Graduation Live & Farewell Concert] Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Play with Your Band [2026]
For students in bands, many of you probably perform live around graduation time—at events like graduation thank-you parties, graduation live shows, or farewell gigs for departing members.
Of course, it’s great to play those memorable songs you performed many times while in school.
But since it’s a special occasion, a lot of you might be thinking about playing songs that fit the graduation theme!
Still, it’s not always easy to come up with graduation-themed songs…
So in this article, we’ll introduce plenty of popular graduation songs that are perfect for band performances.
We’ve selected not only band songs, but also singer-songwriter tracks that would work well with a band setup, so feel free to use this as a reference for choosing your setlist.
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- [2026] A Collection of Graduation Songs Recommended for Gen Z [A Page of Youth]
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- [Moving] Heartfelt Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026]
[Graduation Live & Farewell Party] Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Play with Your Band [2026] (61–70)
Line 4KOTORI
Although the season sung about in the track is the end of summer, the message woven into the lyrics makes it a perfect song for graduation scenes too! The first half is crafted as a rock ballad with a wistful atmosphere, while the second half shifts to an uptempo feel featuring a dramatic lead guitar—giving the song a completely different impression.
Above all, the farewell-themed lyrics convey a powerful bond that’s sure to move you.
SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Strictly speaking, it isn’t a graduation song, but since it portrays parting, I think it fits graduation scenes well.
This track by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION is probably a staple at graduation live shows held by light music clubs and music circles.
The performance isn’t too hard or too easy—it’s rewarding and fun—so I recommend covering it!
Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru
Wataru Ochiai’s “Tomodachi Yakarane” (“Because We’re Friends”), a song that finds hope even amid sorrow, is a moving choice for graduation ceremonies.
Its lyrics portray the days of youth spent together, innocent smiles, and hope for the future, all set to a comfortable rhythm that brings performers and audience together as one.
Even if paths diverge and friends are separated, it sings of a friendship that remains unchanged.
As classmates take the major step of graduation, this song will help them look back on their memories and give them a gentle push toward a new beginning.
BeginningBLUE ENCOUNT
The perfect song for conveying the bonds and love shared with someone special you spent your school days with is “Hajimari.” It was released in 2016 by BLUE ENCOUNT, a rock band known for numerous signature tracks.
It’s a rock number that unfolds with a straightforward yet weighty sound.
It teaches us that striving toward our dreams and goals is what leads to tomorrow.
Pour your emotions into the music and shape it into a band sound with a strong groove.
How about delivering a performance that resonates with students who devoted themselves to club activities and studies?
Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo
Atarayo’s “Urei Zakura” is a song that portrays the feelings of parting and the hope for the future.
With emotionally stirring lyrics and a wistful melody, it elevates into a performance that lingers in the hearts of its audience.
As we reach the milestone of graduation, it offers courage and hope to everyone standing at a new starting point.
It’s a perfect track for the season of departure and an ideal choice to sing together with friends.
The beautiful cherry blossoms seem to strongly support the steps we are about to take.
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri
Sakurabare is a song that honestly sings about family.
At a graduation ceremony, when you think of the family who raised you, simple words like those in this song will likely come to mind.
On the way to graduation there are struggles, and you may sometimes act cold toward your family.
Even so, you still want to express your gratitude to your family and teachers.
Sakurabare speaks for those awkward feelings.
It will surely convey your “thank you” to the family and teachers who listen.
1096Cody Rī (Ri)
Cody・Lee (Li) is a four-piece rock band that made their major debut in 2022 and has been gaining attention for their diverse musicality.
Their 11th digital track, “1096,” features lyrics said to be born from vocalist-guitarist Hibiki Takahashi’s real-life experiences—truly striking, aren’t they? The ensemble, highlighting a melody that is both beautiful and tinged with melancholy and the timbre of the piano, is likely to move listeners’ hearts along with its realistic message.
It’s a lyrical number that’s sure to be a highlight at any graduation live show.
