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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Cry your eyes out to classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (121–130)
GraduationZONE
A powerful graduation song by the all-girl rock band ZONE that conveys hope for the future.
The straightforward band sound evokes positive feelings and gives the impression of blowing away the loneliness of graduation.
The inclusion of the school chime motif is also unique, further highlighting memories of school.
Even in the bittersweet moment of graduation, it’s an inspiring track that seems to call on us to smile and embrace this new beginning.
Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī
This is a song by Chatmonchy, a band from Tokushima.
There’s an acoustic version where they sing with piano and melodica accompaniment, and it just makes you cry (lol).
As the lyrics say, it’s only when you’re about to graduate that you realize ordinary, uneventful days were actually the special ones.
Listening to this song makes me want to go back to my school days.
To you, my best friend in the worldHakoniiwa Ririi
A heartwarming story of friendship and love is gently told through Haconiwa Lily’s vocals.
Included on the album “Lily’s Plage,” this track was released in September 2022.
Its driving rock sound and catchy melody leave a strong impression, with lyrics capturing the complex feelings of moving from friends to lovers.
Many listeners will relate to the protagonist who musters the courage to confess before graduation.
It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser at live shows, and it’s perfect as BGM for a graduation video.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to express their feelings to a friend.
Please give me wingsakai tori
“Tsubasa wo Kudasai” has long been loved as a classic graduation song.
First released in 1971 by the folk group Akai Tori, it has since become a popular choral piece—many of you may have sung it in music class.
Because it’s such a well-known standard, it’s perfect not only for group singing but also as background music for things like solo performances and slideshows.
It’s a highly versatile song that suits any era or occasion, and comes highly recommended.
Cry your eyes out with classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (131–140)
Thank you. Goodbye.Nakai Kiichi, Yoshida Naoko
This is a song first aired in 1985 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” In the first verse it sings about “friends,” in the second about the “classroom,” and in the third about “teachers,” expressing memories and gratitude.
Its lyrics—where graduating students thank and bid farewell to the friends, teachers, and classroom that supported them—are moving to the point of tears.
It’s a slightly bittersweet graduation song.
Words of FarewellFLOW
This is a cover by FLOW of Kaientai’s classic graduation song “Okuru Kotoba,” given a powerful, upbeat vibe.
The fast-paced band sound, with added brass for extra liveliness, conveys the feel of a celebratory after-party.
It’s a perfect track for scenes that look back on fun memories and for moments wishing everyone happiness on their new paths.
When using it in a video, pairing it with a more mellow song to create contrast could heighten the emotional impact.
Graduation, goodbye.haji→
Set against the cherry blossoms of spring, this song captures the emotions of parting and reunion before a new departure.
It delicately portrays the feelings of graduating students, leaving a lasting impression with its mix of bittersweet farewells to friends and a quiet resolve to carry hope into the future.
HAZZIE’s gentle vocals tenderly embrace the listener’s heart.
Released in March 2014, the track reached No.
36 on the Oricon charts.
Live performance projects at graduation ceremonies and farewell parties were also held, resonating with many people.
It’s a perfect song not only for students about to graduate, but for anyone standing at a turning point in life.
Warm and uplifting, it helps you look back on your memories and find the courage to take a new step forward.