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Wonderful Western Music Ranking

Western Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

We’re excited to present the latest top 100 graduation songs in Western music, all at once, ranked by view count! While there are countless Japanese graduation songs, it can be tough to find solid playlists for Western tracks, right? Our playlist is updated weekly.

Western music graduation song ranking [2026] (41–50)

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper43rank/position

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)
Time After TimeCyndi Lauper

The ballad that sings of deep love and bonds—connections that transcend time—is known as a signature song representing Cyndi Lauper’s career.

Released in January 1984, it became a major hit as the second single from the album “She’s So Unusual.” With its universal theme and beautiful melody, it continues to resonate with many people.

The lyrics, which vow unwavering support for a loved one, are embraced as a message of hope and reassurance, and the song has been covered by various artists.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when facing a breakup or when you want to feel the bond with someone important.

Don’t Stop Believin’Journey44rank/position

Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Escape Tour 1981: Live In Houston)
Don’t Stop Believin’Journey

Don’t Stop Believin’, with its message of “don’t stop believing,” is a top recommendation for the celebratory stage of an entrance ceremony because it puts you in a positive mood.

This song is a signature track by the rock band Journey, who produced many hits with their catchy melodies.

They also have other pop masterpieces like Open Arms and Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).

Be sure to give those a listen as well.

Forever YoungAlphaville45rank/position

Alphaville – Forever Young ~Official Video
Forever YoungAlphaville

A gem-like ballad that portrays the fleeting nature of youth and a longing for eternity.

Celebrated across generations as a quintessential 80s synth-pop classic.

Released by the German band Alphaville in September 1984, the song expresses a desire for the permanence of youth and life against the backdrop of nuclear threat and life’s impermanence.

Featured on their debut album, Forever Young, it reached high positions on charts across Europe.

Frequently used in films and TV shows and covered by many artists, it’s a perfect choice for graduations and farewells.

It also resonates deeply when you’re feeling sentimental or standing at a crossroads in life.

That’s What Friends Are ForDionne Warwick46rank/position

That’s What Friends Are For (Official Video)
That's What Friends Are ForDionne Warwick

It’s nice to let old memories blossom while listening to a smooth ballad, isn’t it? In that spirit, I’d love for you to hear “That’s What Friends Are For.” The original was sung by Rod Stewart, but you might be more familiar with the later cover versions by Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder.

The song celebrates a friendship that never changes, no matter what happens.

Enjoy the star-studded collaboration and take a moment to listen closely to the lyrics.

Let it beThe Beatles47rank/position

Let It Be (Remastered 2009)
Let it beThe Beatles

The masterpiece “Let It Be,” created by Paul McCartney.

Released in 1970, it gained worldwide popularity, helped by its use as the theme song for the film Let It Be, which came out the same year.

In Japan as well, most people have probably heard it at least once.

As for the lyrics, the central theme is essentially “letting things be as they are.” Strongly influenced by religion, it might be a perfect fit for graduation ceremonies, which carry a very public image.

UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield48rank/position

Natasha Bedingfield – Unwritten (Official Video) (as featured in Anyone But You)
UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield

Natasha Bedingfield is a pop singer from London.

Her brother, Daniel Bedingfield, is also active as an artist.

She has released many catchy songs that even people who aren’t well-versed in music can enjoy, and she has several international hit songs.

“Unwritten” is one of her hits, featuring catchy lyrics that seem to give a push to those heading into a new environment.

It’s known overseas as a classic graduation song.

I Hope You DanceLee Ann Womack49rank/position

Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance (Official Music Video)
I Hope You DanceLee Ann Womack

Lee Ann Womack, a female country musician who represents the United States.

She was a popular country artist from the 1990s through the mid-2000s and has won several prestigious music awards, including Grammys.

Her song I Hope You Dance, known as a graduation anthem, was released in 2000 and became popular for its uplifting lyrics that give you a push forward.