[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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[Graduation Live & Farewell Party] Graduation Songs We Want to Perform as a Band [2026] (71–80)
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.
The happiest treasuresutopuri
Stopuri is a six-member entertainment group known for each member’s distinctive charm and their wide-ranging activities.
Their 27th single, “Saikou no Takaramono” (“The Most Wonderful Treasure”), pairs cute vocals with a refreshing ensemble that feels delightful.
Its positive lyrics, which both reminisce about dazzling youthful days and celebrate new beginnings, are sure to brighten the sentimental mood of graduation ceremonies.
It’s a heartwarming graduation song we hope you’ll listen to while thinking of your beloved friends.
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.
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.
GraduationZONE
A song by the girls’ rock band ZONE, who made their major debut in 2001 and announced the end of their activities in 2013.
Just like its title, it’s themed around graduation, making it a perfect number to perform during the graduation season.
While the lyrics sing of memories from youth and the loneliness that comes with graduation, the performance is a fast-paced rock number, conveying a message of saying goodbye with a smile even as you carry that loneliness.
Lost ManBUMP OF CHICKEN
“Lost Man” is a song released in 2003 as the sixth single by BUMP OF CHICKEN, a four-piece band from Chiba Prefecture.
It’s also known for being covered by Bank Band, led by Kazutoshi Sakurai.
The song is about moving forward while holding on to unspoken feelings.
With its sense of resolve, it seems like a perfect fit for occasions such as graduation.
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.