Western Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)Green Day11rank/position

Green Day – Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) [Official Music Video] [4K UPGRADE]

This is a song whose heartfelt words and warm melody gently embrace life’s turning points.

Featured on Green Day’s 1997 album Nimrod, it’s characterized by the soft tones of acoustic guitar and strings.

While accepting life’s uncertainties and farewells, it also sings of the importance of cherishing past experiences.

Loved as a classic that accompanies life’s milestones—such as graduations and weddings—it reached No.

2 on the U.S.

Modern Rock chart.

Give it a listen when you want to look back on youthful memories or need the courage to take a new step forward.

Here’s to Never Growing UpAvril Lavigne12rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Here’s to Never Growing Up (Official Video)

Avril Lavigne, who has long led the music scene as the “Queen of Pop Punk.” The lead single from her 2013 self-titled album, Avril Lavigne, is a pop-rock number that exuberantly celebrates youth, partying with friends.

Its message—refusing to fully grow up and enjoying the moment to the fullest—is sure to resonate with anyone standing at the milestone of graduation.

The music video, set at a high school prom, unfolds like a coming-of-age film, with scenes of sprinting down hallways and goofing around with friends.

It peaked at No.

20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won at the MuchMusic Video Awards.

It’s a song that gives a push to everyone stepping onto a new path, reminding them to cherish unchanging friendships and stay true to themselves.

BreakawayKelly Clarkson13rank/position

Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway (Official Video)

Kelly Clarkson, who became the inaugural winner of the audition show American Idol in 2002 and has since flourished as a powerhouse vocalist.

This song was selected as the theme for the 2004 film The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

It tells the story of a girl who grew up in a small town and decides to break out of her shell and venture into the wider world; the gentle resonance of the acoustic guitar and her soaring vocals truly touch the heart.

It became a long-running hit, spending a total of 21 weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

It’s a song that can give you courage during graduation season, when anxiety and anticipation about stepping into a new environment are mixed.

I hope anyone about to begin a new chapter in life will give it a listen.

my futureBillie Eilish14rank/position

Billie Eilish – my future

This is a song themed around self-love and personal growth, incorporating elements of R&B and jazz.

It begins with a gentle piano and shifts to a brighter rhythm in the latter half, expressing inner transformation and hope for the future.

Released in July 2020, it drew attention as the lead single from the album “Happier Than Ever.” Billie Eilish’s vocals convey a sense of her growth, and the animated music video depicting a journey of self-discovery is also captivating.

It’s a recommended track for graduates stepping into a new environment and for anyone who wants to face themselves.

PhotographNickelback15rank/position

Nickelback – Photograph [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Nickelback is a rock band from Canada that enjoys worldwide popularity.

For rock fans in Japan as well, they’re one of the most famous bands.

Their hit song “Photograph” is a classic often used at graduation ceremonies overseas.

Its lyrics, which look back on memories with friends, have been highly praised and earned a nomination for the Juno Award for Single of the Year.

The lyrics contain many elements that men can strongly relate to, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.

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