[For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
As graduation season approaches, many people may find themselves struggling to choose the perfect song to give.
Gratitude for friends who are setting off, excitement for the new life ahead, and a touch of sadness—those complex feelings are ones you want to convey through music.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of songs to dedicate to graduates and uplifting tracks perfect for graduation ceremonies.
From gentle tunes that give a reassuring push forward to moving pieces that bring tears to your eyes, we’ve gathered graduation songs from various perspectives.
You’re sure to find a heartfelt track that will beautifully mark this important new beginning.
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[For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Express Gratitude and Support (101–110)
Live in the present.Saucy Dog
This piece from Saucy Dog is a moving song created as the official cheer anthem for the National High School Soccer Championship.
It passionately sings about the importance of living fully in the present, gently giving listeners a supportive push forward.
The lyrics are striking for the courage they offer to move toward the future without being bound by past failures.
Released in December 2022, the track carries a powerful message that supports the dreams and hopes of young people.
It’s a perfect song for students approaching graduation or anyone about to take a new step.
Let’s listen together and find the courage to head toward a bright future!
To the futureKiroro
This song is a staple among graduation tunes.
It’s a track by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released as their second single in June 1998.
Originally, the songwriter composed it in middle school to express gratitude to her mother, but its warm lyrics also resonate with the feelings we have for those who supported us at graduation.
Its simple, heartfelt melody has been featured as an insert song in the anime “Tsuki ga Kirei” and in commercials.
Singing of hope for the new paths ahead, this moving piece gives courage in times of parting and new beginnings.
It’s sure to be a song that gently nudges someone forward.
classmateKALMA
It’s a song that gently wraps up the end of youth and the start of a new chapter ahead.
Released by KALMA as a digital-only single in February 2019, this piece truly resonates as a cheer song dedicated to graduates.
Its sweet melodic lines and energetic performance are striking, and it’s sure to light up graduation concerts and farewell parties.
The lyrics look back on memories from school days and time spent with classmates, capturing the mix of anxiety and hope for the future—perfectly voicing the feelings of those about to graduate.
Its message of embracing a new self with positivity will surely give a gentle push to anyone facing farewells and change.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
Released in 1987 as Takako Okamura’s fifth single, it has since become a beloved standard.
Although it was written as a heartbreak song, its lyrics feel like an anthem for life, making it a perfect song to dedicate to graduates.
Best FriendKiroro
One of the signature songs by the female duo Kiroro, it’s also a popular graduation song because the lyrics express gratitude to a friend who always offers support.
It’s said that this song was written by member Chiharu Tamashiro for Ayano Kinjo.
Because it portrays the feelings of these two, who have been friends since high school, it feels very real and resonates with listeners.
How about gifting this song to a dear friend at graduation?
[For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Express Gratitude and Support (111–120)
BraveNaoto Intiraymi
From the opening lines about encounters and farewells to the hopeful, forward-looking message that follows, this song is a perfect fit for graduation.
It’s one of the signature tracks by Naoto Inti Raymi, a popular singer-songwriter known for songs filled with uplifting messages.
In addition to lyrics that encourage those who feel anxious before a new beginning, the song features an up-tempo, bright arrangement.
For graduates, it will be a powerful track that supports their first steps forward.
The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari
As the seasons change and the times evolve, we all want to live true to ourselves, don’t we? For those setting out for new places upon graduation, “Kaze ga Fuiteiru” is a song by Ikimonogakari released in 2012 that was chosen as the NHK London Olympics and Paralympics broadcast theme.
Vocalist Yoshioka’s clear, resonant voice is beautiful, and the refreshing yet powerful lyrics give you the courage to move forward.
For graduates whose hearts are swelling with both anxiety and anticipation, it just might convey the importance of walking forward together with the times.
