Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
At graduation, it’s common to give a graduation video: from graduates to the teachers who supported them, from teachers to their students, or from current students to the graduating class.
A slideshow that looks back on memories or a message video dedicated to those who helped you is perfect for expressing gratitude.
But one thing many people struggle with when making such videos is choosing the BGM.
So, here are some songs that are perfect for the upcoming graduation season! Pick one track that conveys your feelings.
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Burst into tears with classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (111–120)
BelieveMay J.
Leveraging her exceptional vocal ability, May J.
has covered many songs.
One that drew attention was Believe, included on her 2014 album.
Originally created in 1998 as a theme for an NHK program, the song portrays the sorrow of parting while nurturing hope for the future.
For that reason, it’s also beloved as a graduation chorus song.
It has a more majestic atmosphere than many people might imagine, so I recommend giving it a listen first.
Cry your eyes out to classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (121–130)
cherry blossomKALMA
KALMA’s “Sakura,” a song perfect for celebrating a new beginning, is a graduation anthem that blends the sadness of parting with hope for the future.
Included on their 2021 album Millennium Hero, it paints in music the many emotions that come with the arrival of spring.
It connects the feelings of students and teachers, graduates and current students, and gives you the courage to step into what lies ahead.
If you’re choosing BGM for a graduation video, I recommend this track to wrap both the smile-filled moments and the tearful farewells.
Album of MemoriesHonda Tetsumaro
It’s a song that gently looks back on past memories, like opening an album page by page.
It’s a classic for graduation ceremonies that depicts children graduating from preschool and becoming elementary school students, and it’s quite well-known, having been featured on “Minna no Uta.” Because it’s a simple song that invites listeners to reflect on their memories, it should help highlight the content of the video even more.
If you keep in mind the lyrics that review the seasons in order and create with an image of time passing and memories accumulating, you may be able to produce an even more moving video.
Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro
One of the classic songs for graduation ceremonies is “Sakura (Dokusho).” It’s a song that likens falling cherry blossoms to graduates parting ways.
Naotaro Moriyama’s gentle yet powerful voice matches perfectly with the bittersweet lyrics.
Since everyone knows this song, it should be easy for people to relate to it as background music.
By the way, the word “Dokusho” (solo) in the title is there because there’s also a band arrangement.
Depending on your video’s vibe, that version might be a good choice too.
Secret base 〜The things you gave me〜ZONE
Many people can probably relate to the bittersweet sound and the lyrics packed with memories.
It’s a summer song, but it inspires you to keep going as you dream of meeting again in ten years, just like the lyrics say.
It’s also worth noting how relatable the lyrics are for students, whether in terms of friendship or romance.
ReunionRADWIMPS
The hugely popular rock band RADWIMPS is well known for songs like “Zenzenzense” and “Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?”.
Their unique, philosophical take on a wide range of themes is a big reason they’re loved by people of all ages.
“Reunion” is a song in which RADWIMPS sings about friendship in a way only they can.
It’s a hidden gem that’s especially popular among fans.
Since RADWIMPS is particularly beloved by students, if you’re unsure about the BGM for a graduation video, definitely consider using this track!
If I turn around…Janne Da Arc
It’s a very poignant song from the perspective of a man who parts ways with his girlfriend upon graduation.
Even as time passes, the scenery and memories from their school days remain unfaded in his heart, overflowing with a gentle wish for her not to forget and to stay with him forever.
It conjures up an image of cherry blossoms fluttering in the wind.