RAG MusicFriendship Songs
A lovely friendship song

Friendship songs you’ll want to sing in choir: A roundup of choral pieces about friends

There are quite a lot of opportunities for group singing—like in music class, choir competitions, and school events.

You’ll probably choose songs to match each occasion, but sometimes it’s hard to decide, isn’t it?

So in this article, we’ll introduce recommended songs with a special focus on friendship-themed pieces from among popular choral works.

We hope this will be helpful when selecting songs to perform, especially for graduation ceremonies, school festivals, and choir competitions.

Friendship songs you’ll want to sing in chorus: A roundup of choral pieces about friends (71–80)

Hymn to the EarthSakkyoku: Satō Makoto / Sakushi: Ōki Atsuo

It’s a classic choral piece that’s not only sung as a graduation song, but also often performed in chorus competitions and featured in music classes! The word “Sanshō” in the title means “to praise,” and the song expresses gratitude to the earth that has nurtured life.

With its powerful, cool sound, it’s very popular and perfectly suits the solemn atmosphere of a graduation ceremony.

How about singing it with feelings of thanks to your parents who raised you, the teachers who taught you so much, and the friends with whom you spent so much time?

ultramarineSakkyoku: Oda Miki

Gunjou [Mixed Chorus, Four-Part Version]
ultramarineSakkyoku: Oda Miki

This choral piece was created with the cooperation of students from Minamisoma City elementary and junior high schools in Fukushima Prefecture and their teacher, Miki Oda.

It expresses feelings for friends who have been scattered across the country and the hope of being able to reunite in their hometown.

The scenes of looking back on the many memories shared with friends and the desire to send their wishes far away are particularly striking.

The realization that the ordinary, unremarkable days they spent were the true source of happiness makes it a moving piece perfectly suited for graduation ceremonies.

It is a song that conveys the strength of the bonds forged in their hometown, extending beyond just friendships.

Unchanging ThingsSakkyoku: Yamazaki Tomoko

This piece was written and composed by Tomoko Yamazaki.

Yamazaki, who has created many choral works including “Taisetsu na Mono” and “Kizuna,” often writes songs whose simplicity allows the feelings to come straight to the heart.

This song, too, carries the message that although parting is sad, we want to cherish the encounters we’ve had.

Structurally, it begins in unison and later divides into three parts to enjoy the harmony.

The melody isn’t very complex, so it would be nice if you can avoid singing it flatly and instead express the emotions skillfully.

Friendship songs you’ll want to sing in choir: A compilation of choral pieces about friends (81–90)

Song of FledgingSakushi Murano Shirō, Sakkyoku Iwakawa Saburō

[Graduation Song] “Sudachi no Uta” (Song of Leaving the Nest), mixed chorus; lyrics: Shiro Murano, music: Saburo Iwagawa #GraduationSong
Song of FledgingSakushi Murano Shirō, Sakkyoku Iwakawa Saburō

“Song of Departure” is a classic choral piece with the theme of graduation.

The school we went to every day was truly a nest of learning.

It’s sad to fly out from there and move on to a new path, but this song gives us the resolve to take a step forward with hope.

The lyrics, which carry the word “farewell” to teachers and friends, are also deeply moving.

Let’s soar into tomorrowLyricist: Takao Matsui ・ Composer: Takao Matsui

A choral piece filled with warm messages, lovingly dedicated to graduation scenes.

We always knew this day would come—the day of parting.

But rather than sorrow, it carries the courage to spread our wings toward a new future.

Composed by Takao Matsui and released in 1992, this song continues to be sung at many graduation ceremonies even after more than 30 years.

Its gentle yet powerful melody and hope-filled lyrics are perfect for the day of departure—and will surely give you the courage to take that first new step.

Let’s search for TomorrowLyrics by Hori Tōru · Music by Ōsawa Tetsunori

“Let’s search for Tomorrow” has become a staple choral piece, as well as a classic song for graduation ceremonies.

It’s a bit unusual for a choral song to have English in the title or lyrics, isn’t it? The title, which literally means “Let’s go search for tomorrow!”, is very positive.

It’s surely the kind of choral piece that will resonate with those who feel anxious about graduating and stepping into a new world, lifting their spirits and leaving them feeling refreshed.

Its simple lyrics will surely give you a gentle push forward.

See?Sakushi: Itou Keiji/Sakki: Matsushita Kou

Kō Matsushita Conducting: “See?” (Shinshu University Mixed Chorus)
See?Sakushi: Itou Keiji/Sakki: Matsushita Kou

This heartwarming song was created as part of the “Let’s Sing NIPPON Project,” launched to support recovery after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Kei Ito’s warm words and Ko Matsushita’s gentle melody offer comfort to those who feel sorrow or loneliness.

The message, “You’re not alone because we’re all together,” reminds us—through song—of the importance of human connection.

Since its release in July 2011, it has been widely loved in school choirs and choral groups across the country.

Why not sing it when you want to unite your hearts with dear friends, such as at graduation ceremonies or choral competitions?