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 with classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (131–140)
Song of DepartureObara Akio
This song was written and composed by Akio Obara, a researcher of children’s songs, and because of its lyrics, it is often sung at elementary school graduation ceremonies.
Many people have probably been moved to tears by lyrics that recall the six years of elementary school—coming with one’s mother to the entrance ceremony, the days spent in classrooms and on the schoolyard, and memories with teachers and friends.
It’s a song you’ll want to sing along with many cherished memories.
Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki
Amid a scene of cherry blossoms fluttering in the wind, this masterpiece gently brings back precious memories.
It’s a self-cover by Noriyuki Makihara of a song he originally wrote for Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu, included on his March 2022 album “Bespoke.” With a calm yet powerful voice, he tenderly portrays the feelings of two people who have chosen separate paths.
The imagery of recalling the days they spent together as petals fall is especially striking.
It’s a song that stays close to those embarking on a new chapter, delivering nostalgia and warmth—and it may be a perfect choice for a graduation movie soundtrack.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
It’s a song that makes you feel encouraged—as if someone is cheering you on to work hard and seize your dreams even after graduation as everyone goes their own way—and it gives you the resolve to do your best in your own way, at your own pace.
The gentle sound feels soothing, as if it eases your mind.
Listening to this song makes you feel reassured, like someone is rooting for you.
Graduationgagaga supi
Sentimental, bittersweet graduation movies are nice, but we also recommend using songs that let you look back on memories with energy! “Sotsugyo” (Graduation), released in 2002 as the major-label debut single by the punk band Gagaga SP.
It’s up-tempo, and riding on an explosive band sound are the aching yet resilient feelings of a protagonist trying to overcome heartbreak.
There’s no doubt it sounds very cheerful, but if you take a close look at the lyrics, it’s actually a very poignant song.
That contrast is what makes it a classic that squeezes the heart even more.
See you.o nyanko kurabu
When it comes to background music for graduation videos, people tend to choose songs with a wistful mood.
In that case, why not deliberately go for a bright, pop track instead? The song I’d like to recommend is “Jaane.” It’s a piece by the idol group Onyanko Club, and it portrays parting with a cheerful farewell even while feeling reluctant to say goodbye.
Its up-tempo melody and energetic vocals are striking.
I think it would be perfect for a fun, upbeat video.
Goodbye Memoriessupercell
Even if graduation causes us to go our separate ways, it doesn’t mean our memories will disappear.
That’s the message contained in the song “Sayonara Memories.” It’s a track released by the music circle supercell.
Its lyrics express gratitude through images of cherry blossoms and spring, and listening to it is sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
The melody is a simple piano-centered arrangement, so it’s a good candidate to try performing yourself.
If there’s someone you want to thank, consider choosing this song.
1096Cody Rī (Ri)
Cody・Lee (Li), a band that exudes a unique blend of wistfulness and warmth woven into everyday life, offers a farewell-themed number.
Written by vocalist and guitarist Hibiki Takahashi in the winter when he dropped out of high school at 18, the lyrics don’t celebrate a radiant youth; instead, they chronicle three “hopeless” years, capturing the feelings of a high schooler in a true-to-life way.
Hailing from Hanamaki City in Iwate Prefecture, Takahashi threads a graduation song whose world is suffused with the quiet beauty of steadily falling snow and a gentle overflow of everyday dignity and love—an atmosphere that’s absolutely irresistible.
