[Graduation Songs] A farewell day colored by Western music: friendship-filled graduation songs that resonate with the heart

With A Little Help From My FriendsThe Beatles

With A Little Help From My Friends (Remastered 2009)

The Beatles, the legendary band that defined the 1960s.

This classic track, included on their 1967 album Sgt.

Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, portrays overcoming hardships with the support of friends.

Ringo Starr’s simple, warm lead vocals gently convey gratitude for and trust in the presence of companions.

It’s the perfect song to share the message that “even apart, we can support one another” with friends who are reaching the milestone of graduation and about to walk their separate paths.

Shake It OutFlorence & The Machine

Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out

“Shake It Out” means something like “shake it off,” and in the song they sing about shaking off the devil.

We all have different feelings—anxiety, regret—when facing a new chapter in life, but this song says: shake it all off and dance.

It’s incredibly encouraging.

There’s also a beautiful line: “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” which means it’s darkest just before daybreak—urging you on with the message that if you get through this moment, a bright future awaits.

You’ve Got a FriendDonny Hathaway & Roberta Flack

You’ve Got a Friend

You’ve Got a Friend, a masterpiece created by Carole King in 1971, is a hit song that won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1972.

This time, rather than King’s original version, we’ve picked the duet cover by Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack, two soul singers who enjoyed tremendous popularity in the 1970s.

As the title suggests, it’s a song about friendship, so why not consider playing it at a graduation ceremony?

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Ryo

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Born This WayLady Gaga

Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Official Music Video)

Isn’t a title like “I Was Born to Walk This Path” fitting for a graduation? When something ends, we tend to be filled with regrets, but sometimes it’s necessary to think, “This was the right way,” and move forward.

Please take it as a song to cheer yourself on in that spirit.

Baby ft. LudacrisJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Baby ft. Ludacris

Is this before his voice changed? This track lets you hear Justin Bieber’s super cute vocals.

The lyrics are very much about romance, but the fact that it’s listed here means—yes—it can also be taken as a farewell song to a lover who’s graduating and going to a different school.

If that’s your situation, I definitely want you to give this song a listen.

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Murakami Shinpei

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How Far We’ve ComeMatchbox Twenty

Matchbox Twenty – How Far We’ve Come (Official Video) [HD Remaster]

Matchbox Twenty is a band from Florida that has sold 39 million records worldwide.

They are highly acclaimed not only in the United States but also in other English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Their song How Far We’ve Come is one of their classics; released in 2007, it ranked high on various charts across the English-speaking world.

The lyrics are uplifting and motivating—perfect for graduation ceremonies!

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Ryo

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SINGMy Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance – SING [Official Music Video]

My Chemical Romance’s rock song “SING” is a powerful anthem that repeatedly delivers a heartfelt message: sing for the world.

It’s also a track that offered significant support to Japan in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

This rock tune cheers on that first step toward the future with a resounding voice.

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Murakami Shinpei

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