With my graduation date about a month away, it felt like the perfect time to pull out my graduation playlist from the 12th grade. Forewarning: I love a whiplash of different music vibes within my playlists, so sorry if that is not your cup of tea. But, for me it perfectly encapsulates both the sadness and excitement of graduation. So, without further ado, here are some of the songs on my go-to graduation playlist.
“I’ll Always Remember You” – Hannah Montana
I mean, is it even a graduation playlist without this song? I even quoted it in my high school graduation Instagram caption. I am a die-hard Hannah Montana girl, so there was no way this could not be included.
Also don’t forget about her lesser-known twin “Wherever I Go.” Both perfectly capture that bittersweet feeling of growing up. And the montage of Miley and Lily at Stanford will forever be engrained in my head every time I hear it.
“Ribs” – Lorde
This was my anthem in my high school senior year, and it still feels so nostalgic and sentimental. It makes you think about all the friendships and memories you’ve made during university.
“Sharing bed like little kids and laughing til our ribs get tough”, like we’ll never get that version of life back. Ugh.
“Rivers and Roads” – The Head and Heart
Okay, we’re back with another sad one, but what can I say, I love sad music.
“Been talk“in’ bout the way the things change and my family lives in a different state.” This song is all about getting older, moving out, and graduating. It perfectly encapsulates the feeling of leaving behind people and places you have been so comfortable with for so long.
“History” – One Direction
On a slightly happier note, History is one of those songs that just makes me think about all the good times with friends. It feels like a celebration of everything you’ve lived through together, which makes it perfect for graduation.
“Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac
Obviously, Landslide isn’t written as a graduation song, but it fits so well.
“Well, I’ve been ‘fraid of changin’ ‘cause I’ve built my life around you.” These past four years, we have built this whole life around college, and now we’re stepping into something completely unknown. It’s exciting, but also really scary to leave behind that comfort school brings and move into the unknown of adulthood.
Congratulations by Post Malone
Of course, we have to end on a celebratory note. This is the perfect song to just congratulate yourself on everything you’ve accomplished. No pun intended.
These are just a few songs from my graduation playlist. If you want to listen along with me, check it out here on Apple Music. My playlist is superior. Don’t come at me with hate.