To the class of 2023! Happy Graduation.
We're so thrilled for all of you! And those of you who are moving on to the next big thing in your life. Whether you know what you're doing or you're still figuring it out. We thought we'd take you back in time a decade or so... or a little more than that.
We came up with a list of songs from the '90s played at many, many graduations somewhere in the world. So sit back and get ready for a time-warp and perhaps some giggles to these songs.
Oh! Don't forget to check out our Ultimate School Video Guide to learn how to make a Graduation video gift!
"Graduation (Friends Forever)" By Vitamin C
We'd be shocked if this song weren't playing at every graduation after 1999 (and the decade after).
"Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" By Green Day
This timeless masterpiece of punk meets pop — with violins. A little grunge and the classic line "hope you had the time of your life." Instant graduation hit!
"Closing Time" By Semisonic
Been played over and over at so many commencements. Just ignore the fact that it's taking place in a bar before the last call. We don't need to know that.
"Bitter Sweet Symphony" By The Verve
This is the song playing at Lizzie McGuire's graduation, so it must have been a huge early 2000s hit for graduations across the globe.
"Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen" by Baz Luhrmann
He was dishing out some actually good advice. So listen up, soaked it in, and let it simmer for a moment — good graduate advice.
"I Will Remember You" Sarah McLachlan
Even though it's a bit cliché, it's still being played at graduation ceremonies — plus Andy Bernard from The Office said goodbye to this song, so we had to include it.
"It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" by Boyz II Men
I could have selected almost any Boyz II Men song, but this one is it when it comes down to graduation ceremonies.
"You Get What You Give" by New Radicals
This little gem can make almost anyone want to get ready to take on the world, making sense for a graduation ceremony.
"Goodbye" by The Spice Girls
Like Geri Halliwell said to the Spice Girls, it's time to say goodbye. Goodbye, my friends.
"I'll Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy
Friends will miss you, teachers might miss you, and we'll miss knowing what to call Puff Daddy, or is it P. Diddy? No, it's Puffy now?
"I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
This song will be played at every prom, school dance, and graduation until the end of time. Period.
Bonus Song:
"Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1 in D Major" by Elgar
I mean, is it even a graduation ceremony if this masterpiece isn't playing at some point? This has been played at nearly every graduation ceremony.