10 Classic College Graduation Songs from Movies and Musicals

There is no question that these ten classic songs from movies and musicals are timeless favorites that can be used as graduation songs as part of any college graduation celebration. The lyrics of these graduation songs should resonate with parents and loved ones as they watch this life altering transition. These songs should inspire college graduates to be all they can be as they move beyond this significant milestone. Check out these graduation songs on You Tube to see how appropriate they would be for your college graduation celebration. Consider also finding instrumental versions of these graduation songs as background music for a graduation party.

To Sir With Love from the movie To Sir With Love (1967) (Glee Version 2010)

This song originally sung by British singer Lulu, was updated by the cast of Glee in Episode 22 of Season 1. The lyrics speak to the influence that an American teacher, played by Sidney Poitier, had on the lives of students who were graduating. They saw the teacher as a "friend who taught me right from wrong and weak from strong that's a lot to learn. What can I give you in return?". If the original version is too "old" for today's graduate, the Glee version could definitely be used as a graduation song in any modern celebration.

Do you Know Where You're Going to? Mahogany. (Movie, 1976). Sung by Diana Ross

This song from Mahogany, is definitely a graduation song favorite since it asks the proverbial question of college graduates - "Do you know where you're going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you? Where are you going to?" The song was performed by by Diana Ross as a live telecast at the Oscars; the first time the live telecast was used.

Slipping Through my Fingers, Mamma Mia. (Movie, 2008). Originally sung by ABBA.

Fans of ABBA loved that this song was included in the 2008 screen version of Mamma Mia sung by Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. Mothers everywhere can resonate with the transitions their daughters make from student to life after college. In Mamma Mia, the transition is about marriage, but the words are easily applicable to college graduation and could definitely be a graduation song. Streep feels her daughter is "slipping through my fingers," and feels she is "losing her forever...without really entering her world."

Sunrise, Sunset.Fiddler on the Roof. (Broadway musical,1964)

Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of Tevye, the milkman and his five daughters. The song, Sunrise, Sunset, is sung at the wedding of one of the daughters. This song is a perfect graduation song since it shares the feelings of parents watching as their sons and daughters grow into men and women. They ponder, "Is this the little girl I carried, Is this the little boy at play; I don't remember growing older, when did they. When did she grow to be a beauty, when did he grow to be so tall? Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?"

The Impossible Dream. Man of La Mancha (Movie, 1964)

Based on a teleplay about Don Quixote, this play opened in Connecticut in 1964. The words of this timeless classic make it a perfect graduation song. The lyrics are powerful but simple and have served to inspire people globally who dare to pursue dreams often considered unattainable. The lyrics of the song inspires graduates to think that even what might be an impossible dream is attainable. Lyrics also speak to the aspiration of new graduates to take on new challenges and right the unrightable wrongs.

What a Feeling. Flashdance (Movie, 1983)

Who has not been inspired by the story of Alex, the Pennsylvania welder who dreams of a career as a professional dancer. She ultimately nails the audition that will change her life. Lyrics such as, "Take your passion; and make it happen. Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life." Irene Cara took this movie theme song "Flashdance-What a Feeling," to the #1 spot on the Billboard 100.

I Believe I can Fly. Space Jam (Movie, 1996)

"If I can see it, then I can do it; If I just believe it, there's nothing to it. I believe I can fly; I believe I can soar:" How about those lyrics for inspirational graduation song? This song done by R. Kelly for the Space Jam movie has become an anthem for anyone who aspires to be all they can be. It would make a perfect graduation song.

Circle of Life. Lion King. (Movie 1996 and Musical 1997)

Before you think that inspirational graduation songs can only be about people trying to achieve something important or walking through open doors; think again. The Circle of Life, written by Elton John for the Lion King movie and musical. The Circle of Life speaks to the transitions made throughout life until "we find our place."

You will Never Walk Alone. Carousel (Musical 1945)

Talk about a timeless treasure. This song is actually sung in the final scene of the musical to encourage a graduation class to move on through life. Lyrics of the song encourage graduates to hold their heads high, as they walk through life's storms, where their dreams might be "tossed and blown", with full knowledge that they are not walking alone.

Climb every mountain.Sound of Music (Musical 1959 and movie in 1965)

This is only one of the well known, timeless treasures from the Sound of Music musical and movie soundtrack. Lyrics such as, "climb every mountain, ford every stream; follow every rainbow, until you find your dream." have echoed in halls and homes for years to help new college graduates celebrate life's accomplishments.