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 (141–150)
Light of Firefliesinagaki chie
Hotaru no Hikari is surely one of the songs that best represents Japan.
I think everyone has sung it at least once.
It’s also a staple in music classes.
The original melody is the Scottish folk song Auld Lang Syne.
The Japanese lyrics were written by Chikashi Inagaki.
It’s also well known as a mixed-chorus piece.
It’s a masterpiece of Japan that I hope everyone will listen to at least once.
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.
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.
Best FriendNishino Kana
This is a song by Kana Nishino that expresses gratitude to a precious best friend and a wish for a friendship that lasts forever.
With a calm sound centered on piano and strings, it conveys the feeling of quietly savoring one’s memories.
The gratitude and joy for supporting each other are sung in simple, straightforward words.
It’s a song that makes you want to convey your honest feelings to your cherished friends at the moment of graduation, as everyone sets off on their own paths.
SAKURA GoodbyeSCANDAL
This song has the vibe of pure student-days youth.
Its lyrics vividly portray scenes everyone recognizes, so many people will relate.
Sing it at karaoke after the graduation ceremony and it’s sure to hype up the room.
The performance isn’t very difficult, so trying it as a band could be a great challenge—and a chance to make another wonderful memory.
Words of FarewellKaientai
Since its release in 1979, this timeless classic has brightened countless graduation ceremonies as a go-to graduation song! Not only those who watched Tetsuya Takeda perform it in real time, but even today’s students have likely heard it.
It’s that widely known.
So it’s perfect not just to sing at the ceremony, but also as background music for a video gift to teachers or parents.
Many artists have covered it over the years, so if you’re using it as video BGM, choosing a cover version instead of the original could be a stylish touch.
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.