by Nicole Hogsett

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

Whether it's elementary school, high school or college, graduation evokes feelings of nostalgia, sadness and excitement for the graduate. As one chapter of their lives end, they sit back and reminisce: about what they're leaving behind, the mistakes they made and the lessons they learned. Below are some of the best graduation songs:

10. I Hope You Dance

Lee Ann Womack's inspirational song is filled with encouraging clichs like Whenever one door closes/I hope one more opens. Yet, as a class is beginning a new phase in their lives, whether it is high school or 'the real world', the song works.

9. It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday

Boyz II Men's touching tribute to one of the hardest things to do in life: say goodbye. The song is sure to get the waterworks flowing with lyrics like I thought we'd get to see forever/but forever's gone away.

8. A Moment Like This

Kelly Clarkson's first single encompasses how it feels to accomplish something great, by acknowledging some people wait a lifetime/for a moment like this.

7. Don't You (Forget About Me)

Simple Minds hit, made famous by the Breakfast Club, has now become the unofficial theme of high school, and all that time in our lives encompasses

6. Here's to the Night

Eve 6's song about reminiscing on the good and the bad (here's to the nights we felt alive/here's to the tears you knew you'd cry) is the perfect song to be playing when reliving memories.

5. Graduation (Friends Forever)

One of the most tongue-in-cheek tracks, Vitamin C wonders what will happen after graduation: If we get the big jobs/and we make the big money/when we look back now/will our jokes still be funny?

4. These are the Times to Remember

These are the days to hold onto/cause we won't although we'll want to. Billy Joel's sentiment is relatable for graduates who are reaching an ending: the aching feeling of not wanting to let go, yet knowing you probably will.

3. Because You Loved Me

Celine Dion's song about an all-encompassing love has a double meaning when thinking about a class that has gone through, at least, four years by each other's sides (you were my strength when I was weak/you were my voice when I couldn't speak you saw the best there was in me)

2. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)

Green Day's song encapsulates complicated feelings in ten simple words: for what it's worth/it was worth all the while. Whether you loved school, or hated it, went everyday or never showed up, you cannot help but feel overwhelmed with accomplishment and fondness when it all ends.

1. Pomp and Circumstance

It does not matter if you're graduating from kindergarten or medical school, if you are walking down an aisle and receiving a diploma you are undoubtedly walking down to Sir Edward Elgar's famous composition.

These songs represent some of the best, most-played graduation songs ones you will most probably hear if you attend a graduation ceremony this year!

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