by Heather Kindberg

Created on: May 14, 2009   Last Updated: May 20, 2009

Do you remember that moment-waiting for your name to be called, cheering for your friends, crossing the stage to accept your diploma, and having that instant realization that you would never pass this way again? It was already a momentous day, but then when they started to play that song...

Music is the backdrop of memories. The best graduation songs-whether they're melancholy or upbeat-inspire, exhilarate, and evoke nostalgia. These 10 songs not only accomplish all that, but a little more... They have that intangible something that never lets us forget.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS by Queen

We are the champions - my friends/And we'll keep on fighting - till the end

With all of the emotion in Freddie Mercury's amazing voice, this song reminds us that we can get through anything with friends.

WITH ARMS WIDE OPEN by Creed

Well I just heard the news today/It seems my life is gonna change

This haunting and hopeful song acknowledges the sadness, the acceptance, and the possibilities of change.

THE BEST OF TIMES by Styx

We'll take the best, forget the rest/And someday we'll find/these are the best of times

Styx has an amazing timelessness. This classic song acknowledges the moment.

GOOD RIDDANCE (TIME OF YOUR LIFE) by Green Day

So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind/Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time

This song is a toast for today and the things that brought you to this moment.

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Somewhere over the rainbow/Way up high/And the dreams that you dreamed of/Once in a lullaby

Already nostalgic from its long history, this song's remake, with the hypnotic ukulele music, also incorporates What A Wonderful World. These are two amazing, time-tested songs.

GRADUATION SONG (FRIENDS FOREVER) by Vitamin C

I guess I thought that this would never end/And suddenly it's like we're women and men

Acknowledging both the excitement and fears about what's ahead, these lyrics say it all.

MY WISH by Rascal Flatts

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget/all the ones who love you, in the place you left

This is a song full of advice, hope, wishes, and promises to remember these times.

MAN IN THE MIRROR by Michael Jackson

I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror/I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways

Generations have enjoyed Michael Jackson's music. His voice, along with the lyrics about becoming the best we can be, are both inspiring.

WAITING ON THE WORLD TO CHANGE by John Mayer

One day our generation/Is gonna rule the population

This song is a call to action, for all of those who are growing up now, to bring good changes with them.

NEVER SAY GOODBYE by Bon Jovi

Never say goodbye, never say goodbye/You and me and my old friends/Hoping it would never end

Jon Bon Jovi is another musician whose work has proven to have amazing staying power. This song reminds us that moving on doesn't have to mean saying goodbye.

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