70 Best Graduation Songs to Celebrate the Class of 2025
Add these classic tunes and recent hits to your grad party playlist.
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Congratulations class of 2025 – it’s time to celebrate! You’ve worked hard, passed the tests and have your sights set on what’s next, whether that be college, going for a postgraduate degree, or joining the workforce. Whatever your path, creating a playlist of the best graduation songs of all time can serve as your personal soundtrack as you embark upon the next chapter of your story.
Hit play at your graduation party, take some time to reflect while listening to inspirational graduation messages from top artists, or choose your favorite and set music to your Instagram posts, along with graduation captions that capture your personality.
“my future” by Billie Eilish
If you're excited about what the future has in store, this song by Billie Eilish is a must play: "'Cause I, I'm in love with my future, can't wait to meet her. And I, I'm in love, but not with anybody else. Just wanna get to know myself."
"Lean on Me" by Bill Withers
Dedicate this song to the friends you've made for life: "Lean on me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on..."
"I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts
Everyone knows the theme song from "Friends." Add it to your playlist and find everyone singing along with you, whether they want to or not!
“About Damn Time” by Lizzo
You're ready to tackle what comes your way, so let Lizzo's lyrics inspire you: "Turn up the music, let's celebrate. I got a feelin' I'm gon' be okay. Okay, alright. It's about damn time."
"Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine
Florence's voice shines in this banger that's perfect for sharing with your friends. "And me and my friends are gonna go flying together, into the forever and beautiful sky."
"Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon
Listen to Walk the Moon and hit the dance floor with all your friends. The 80s-inspired video will get you moving, too.
"Hey Ya!" by Outkast
Go ahead, get your groove on and "shake it like a Polaroid picture" to this hit by Outkast.
“Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C
Vitamin C's soft melody encourages your graduating class to gather around and sing this sweet chorus together: "As we go on, we remember all the times we had together. And as our lives change, come whatever, we will still be friends forever."
"Green Light" by Lorde
If the lyrics of this song don't speak to you, the upbeat tempo will. Now that the graduates have crossed the finish line, there are some who never want to look back. "I'm waiting for it, that green light, I want it," Lorde sings. "Oh, I wish I could get my things and just let go, I'm waiting for it, that green light, I want it."
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“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
Don't be surprised if you catch mom teary on your special day. She's been with you since your first day of school and she'll continue wanting only the best for you.
“Good Old Days” by Macklemore feat. Kesha
There's a quote from the TV show The Office that best explains the warmhearted sentiments behind this song: "I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them." Macklemore and Kesha describe that feeling of being older and looking back, realizing that memories you didn't think would matter end up being the ones you long for the most.
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"Started From the Bottom" by Drake
It wasn't always easy, but all that hard work finally paid off. As Drake puts it best in this hit, "Started from the bottom, now we're here."
“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
The journey towards a goal is daunting, whether that's starting college or entering the adult world, but it's all worth it. Miley inspires you to keep going, even if you fail from time to time.
“How Far We’ve Come” by Matchbox Twenty
Doesn't it feel like you were just walking into the first day of kindergarten with a backpack that was bigger than you? And now look how far you've come!
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
Graduation day marks an important milestone and the closing of a life chapter. But it's almost certain that the years didn't go as planned, and we can only hope you had the time of your life.
"Long Live" by Taylor Swift
School isn't just about learning in the classrooms. It's also about all the excitement and the indescribable feelings you have making memories with your friends. "I said, 'Remember this feeling,' I pass the pictures around," Taylor Swift sings. "Of all the years that we stood there on the sidelines, wishing for right now."
"Good Life" by One Republic
After years of having a schedule set out for you, you're finally getting the chance to be on your own a bit. As this song suggests, it's a time to take chances, embrace new experiences and just see where life takes you.
"My Last Semester" by The Wonder Years
It's okay to admit that high school isn't always a great experience for everybody. "My Last Semester" understands that feeling of finally getting to put your high school experience in the rearview mirror.
"Photograph" by Nickelback
What would graduation season be without tons of photos? It's time to take as many snapshots as you can, if for nothing more than looking back on them years later.
"Going Away to College" by Blink-182
As much as you may be excited about the future, it can be scary to leave what's familiar behind. Luckily, you aren't the only one who feels that way (just listen to this song, and you'll see what we mean).
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
Lilli (she/her) is an editorial intern at Good Housekeeping and a senior undergraduate student at Syracuse University majoring in magazine, news and digital journalism. When she’s not looking into the latest news and trends, she’s seeking her new favorite ice cream flavor or dream travel destination. She has previously covered news at The Daily Orange and The Evening Sun and lifestyle content at The Fit Magazine and Jerk Magazine.
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