[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 You’ll Want to Play with Your Band [2026] (21–30)
Sakura SongKANA-BOON
A guitar rock number that hits straight to the heart.
It’s a song by the rock band KANA-BOON, also known for hits like “Full Drive” and “Naimononedari,” included on their 2013 mini-album “Boku ga CD wo Dashitara” (“If I Released a CD”).
It’s a bittersweet track that makes you think of someone dear during cherry blossom season, tightening your chest as you listen.
Farewells come with graduation, but… we’d like to say goodbye with a smile, right? The performance is relatively simple, so it’s also recommended for beginner bands.
Thank youSUPER BEAVER
SUPER BEAVER is a rock band renowned for the power of their lyrics.
This song—one of their signature tracks and a staple at their live shows—is, just as the title suggests, the perfect piece to play when you want to express your gratitude.
It’s a song that speaks on your behalf to the important people you’ve met throughout your school years—close friends, juniors, a significant other, and everyone around you.
And the appeal of this track isn’t just in its beautiful lyrics; the music itself is incredibly cool, too! From the chord progression to the way the song unfolds, the more you listen, the more you’ll find yourself drawn into it.
THANXWANIMA
A sound and vocals that cut straight through! This is a track by WANIMA, a three-piece band from Kumamoto Prefecture.
It’s included on their first album, “Are You Coming?”, released in 2015.
The song carries the message that even if we’re far apart, our feelings are always connected.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to dedicate to a close friend.
elevated lineELLEGARDEN
A four-piece rock band, ELLEGARDEN, known as skilled musicians with each member also active in other bands.
This track, included on their fifth album ELEVEN FIRE CRACKERS, is a short rock number that still delivers ELLEGARDEN’s signature catchy melodies and striking arrangements.
The lyrics look back on school days that weren’t only fun and evoke a life that continues even after graduation, giving a sense of powerful encouragement for those setting out on a new path.
It’s a memorable song that colors the final memories of youth at a graduation live show.
LullabyRADWIMPS
An early RADWIMPS farewell song with an upbeat, super-cheerful vibe.
Since it’s included on their pre-major-label album “RADWIMPS 2: Hatten Tojo,” many people might not be familiar with it.
But the song carries a message of the strong bonds woven so far and a positive promise that even though we’re parting today, we’ll definitely meet again.
It’s an up-tempo, fun track, making it a perfect choice when you want to say goodbye with a smile.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
At this milestone as you leave your place of learning, “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” is a song you’ll want to perform with your friends.
The song fits many moments, but its meaning deepens even more in the grand event of graduation.
Spitz’s warm melody and hopeful lyrics will support those of you taking your first steps toward the future.
In the place where you spent your sensitive school years, you’ll play music that resonates in your friends’ hearts one last time.
That moment will surely be a wonderful beginning to a new journey.
It’s a classic that embodies bonds—perfect for the departure that is graduation.
After the cherry blossomsUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
It’s a spring-like song with a cherry blossom theme.
It’s performed by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, and I bet many students tried covering their songs while in school.
The track has that signature fresh, driving feel of theirs, and it seems like it would really get the crowd going live! The lyrics, woven with familiar, accessible words, are very uplifting—perfect for graduation season when you’re setting off on a new path.
That said, true to their style, it’s a technically demanding piece, so solid practice is a must!