[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 Want to Play with a Band [2026] (41–50)
Primal.THE YELLOW MONKEY
The sharp guitar tone and solid, powerful drums and bass are awesome! It’s a song by the rock band THE YELLOW MONKEY.
It was released in 2001 as their 24th single.
Since it was created just before the band went on hiatus, words like “graduation” appear in the lyrics.
When they reunited in 2016, the song was performed as the first number on the opening night of their tour, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
Highly recommended for those who want to perform a stylish ballad is a song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE! It’s said that the lyrics were written by vocalist Motoki Omori after he graduated from high school, packing in the raw feelings of someone who had just gone through graduation.
The lyrics portray a complex state of mind: though he couldn’t be fully honest, he truly loved his friends and school life.
If you’re carrying similar feelings, you’ll surely resonate deeply.
It’s a beautiful piece you’ll want to perform with a focus on singing the lyrics with care.
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
This is the sixth single by SEKAI NO OWARI, a four-member band that continues to deliver uniquely creative entertainment through fantastical songs and live performances.
Chosen as the theme song for the animated film Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-class Gourmet Survival!!, it’s a catchy number with a march-like rhythm that evokes a role-playing game—just as the title suggests.
The lyrics, which call to mind the beginning of an adventure, resonate with graduates embarking on a new chapter.
Featuring bass drum and hand cymbals, it’s a fun piece to faithfully recreate for a school graduation live performance.
Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO
Since SHISHAMO is a three-piece girls’ band, their songs are relatively simple, making it fun to practice while thinking about the vocals and instrumental arrangement.
Why not sing “Mizuiro no Hibi” and draw attention at your graduation live show? The up-tempo track is perfect for singing about graduation and farewells alongside your love for music.
The chorus layers beautifully, so you can enjoy singing it while showcasing each member’s individuality.
It’s especially recommended if you want a bright, uplifting graduation performance.
Words of FarewellFLOW
FLOW made headlines by covering a classic by Kaientai with a modern rock sound.
This one is definitely perfect for graduation season! The lyrics, originally from a folk song and rich in flavor, take on a whole new feel when sung over this fast tempo—it’s really cool!
FocusriteMAN WITH A MISSION
Being separated from friends, teachers, and family isn’t a negative event—that’s the message this rock number conveys.
It’s a track by MAN WITH A MISSION, who are also very active overseas, included as a coupling song on their first single “distance,” released in 2012.
Set to a powerful sound, it’s a refreshing piece that sings of a positive outlook toward the future.
While many of their songs incorporate electronic elements, this one should be easy to cover even with a simple band setup of just guitar, bass, and drums.
Funny BunnyELLEGARDEN
A song by the four-piece rock band ELLEGARDEN, who announced their return to activity in 2018 after about a decade and have been energizing Japan’s rock scene with their unchanged presence.
It’s a cover of a track by the three-piece rock band the pillows, who have been active since 1989, and is included on the tribute album “SYNCHRONIZED ROCKERS.” The message—that the hard work you’ve put in is connected to your dreams—makes you feel like you can proudly step into graduation.
With its catchy melody and encouraging lyrics that really resonate, it’s a rock tune that’s become a staple not only for graduation concerts, but for student live shows in general.