by Holle Abee

Created on: May 13, 2009   Last Updated: May 20, 2009

Music is often moving, and there are few more emotional occasions than graduating from high school for those involved. It marks the end of childhood and the beginning of adult life. Many will be moving away to attend college, friends and family behind. It's a day of poignancy and excitement, of sadness and elation, and a sense of accomplishment and trepidation about the future.

Songs are selected for a variety of reasons. Some classes choose a current hit, while others look to the past for a song that best expresses their feelings. Following is a list of the top 10 graduation songs of all time and why they were selected:

1. "I Hope You Dance," by Lee Womack: This uplifting song encourages listeners not to sit on the sidelines of life, but instead to join in the "dance." "I hope you never lose your sense of wonder...may you never take one single breath for granted...I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance...living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking..."

2. "We are the Champions," by Queen. This song reminds listeners that everyone makes mistakes, but with determination, success can be achieved. "And bad mistakes, I've made a few. I've had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I've come through. We are the champions, my friends...no time for losers..."

3. "I Believe I can Fly," by R. Kelly. This tune encourages listeners to believe in themselves and to never give up. "...I believe I can touch the sky...spread my wings and fly away. I believe I can soar. I see me running through that open door..."

4. "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday," by Boyz II Men. This empathizes with the students' feelings of saying goodbye to friends and good times and facing the unknown that lies ahead. "How do I say goodbye to what we had? The good times that made us laugh...I don't know where this road is going to lead..."

5. "Time in a Bottle," by Jim Croce. This expresses the brevity of life and how important it is to take advantage of every moment. "There never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them..."

6. "Freebird," by Lynard Skynard. This anthem is all about freedom, and both the tune and the lyrics are rousing. "If I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me? I must be travelling on now, 'cause there's too many places I've got to see..."

7. "Time of Your Life," by Green Day. This is all about taking advantage of time and opportunities, the unpredictability of life, and about cherishing memories.

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