[Great Lyrics!!] Recommended Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs with Heartfelt, Moving Words [2026]

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is known for having great lyrics in all their songs, and I think the appeal of this track, “Shunshū,” is something that resonates across generations.

It’s said that vocalist Omori wrote this song the day after his own graduation ceremony, and its true-to-life lyrics are likely to strike a chord with anyone approaching graduation.

Even as an adult, the words are deeply moving, and by the time it ends, you’re left with a refreshing, uplifting feeling—an inspiring song through and through.

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utatane

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Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

This song was written by the rock band My Hair is Bad, from Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary, released in August 2024.

It carries a warm message that looks back on the days gone by and affirms that even painful experiences connect to who we are now.

As the closing track on their album ghosts, released in July 2024, it’s a perfect fit for parting with friends who shared irreplaceable moments together—like the one unforgettable summer Shin-chan and his friends spent.

Any anxiety about stepping onto a new path will surely be transformed into courage by vocalist Tomomi Shiiki’s powerful voice.

It’s a song we hope you’ll listen to as you and your friends, who may be separated after graduation, cheer on each other’s futures.

true feelingsGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE

true feelings

This song is filled with messages cheering on those who keep moving forward despite uncertainty and regret.

It’s a track by the dance and vocal group GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE, released in March 2026.

It served as a tie-in song with the radio show SCHOOL OF LOCK!, which the members appeared on for six years, and the show’s live project MY GENERATION 2026.

The sentimental strings are sure to bring tears.

The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, are deeply relatable, word by word.

With a graduation-themed worldview, it’s a masterpiece that stands by everyone carrying a sense of heartache.

Give it a listen when you want to shake off your sadness.

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

YOASOBI’s “Haruka” is a masterpiece that wraps the bright yet bittersweet milestone of graduation in a fresh, vibrant melody.

Ikura’s soothing vocals convey gratitude for days gone by.

The lyric world, based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Oji” (Moon Prince), resonates with many and turns every moment of the graduation ceremony into something meaningful.

It’s a tender, companionable piece I’d like to dedicate to everyone embarking on a new beginning with memories of friends and teachers in their hearts.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This signature song by WANIMA is captivating with its characteristically upbeat lyrics and catchy, bright melody.

The lyrics carry an encouraging message for those who keep moving straight ahead while facing various challenges.

That’s why it’s sure to be a reassuring presence for graduates as they each set out on their own paths after graduation.

What’s more, the song also includes lines that express gratitude for having met, allowing listeners to once again feel thankful for the friends with whom they spent their student days.

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Hane Keisuke

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Dream LanternRADWIMPS

Dream Lantern

RADWIMPS’s song, which portrays the dreams, hopes, and their fragility in youth, resonates deeply.

It beautifully captures the gap between the pure desire of “if you wish, something will come true” and reality, stirring the listener’s emotions.

Included on the album Your Name.

released in August 2016, it was used as the opening theme for the film of the same name.

The song harmonizes perfectly with the film’s worldview and symbolizes the theme of connections that transcend time and space.

It’s recommended for graduates taking a new step forward and for those who want to feel the bonds with someone important.

With RADWIMPS’s poetic lyrics and refreshing melody, it’s a song that stays close to the heart.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

This is a track that could be called the very origin of Road of Major, a rock band formed from a TV show concept! Released in September 2002 as their indie debut single, it set a remarkable record by entering the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks despite having no tie-in.

It has continued to be loved over the years, later even being used in a car commercial in Taiwan.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced sound and lyrics that depict an unshakable bond with irreplaceable friends, it’s a song that makes your heart burn every time you hear it.

Also included on the classic album “ROAD OF MAJOR,” this track is perfect for throwing your arms around your friends at karaoke and singing together as you each set off on different paths after graduation.

Its melody, where overflowing passion coexists with a touch of bittersweetness, vividly brings back the shining memories of youth.