Graduation Songs

The graduation song at any commencement , is by far, the most important component of the ceremony. The esteemed speaker delivers the address, and after all is said and done, the song played, is the signal of a new beginning. It at once finalizes the fact of promotion, and the awesome seriousness of the world beyond the hallowed halls of university.

Once your name is called, a rite of passage begins; you step upon the stage the student that mom and dad tearfully delivered to the dorm room four years prior, and emerge on the other side, the lettered holder of confirmation that you are a certified, bona fide, specialist in your field of study.

Over the years, one song in particular, is the standard for all graduations; "Pomp and Circumstance", is played at preschool straight through to college. Composed by Sir Edward Elgar in 1901, the full title is "Pomp and Circumstance Military Marches", and this is March No. 1. It was first used at Yale University in 1905, where Sir Edward received an honorary Doctorate of Music at the invitation of his friend, Samuel Sanford, the Professor of Music.

In addition to the standard,each ensuing generation chooses a song that strikes a chord with the sentiment of their era, and the popular music of the day. During the 1970s, the pristine voice of Karen Carpenter sung "We've Only Just Begun", which expressed the promise of life anew , and brought tears to the eyes of parents as they reminisced about the journey of their children through the years.

"In My Life", by the Beatles, is an introspective look back at youthful days gone by; the people who are no longer here and the love that was lost.

The song "Graduation (Friends Forever)", by Vitamin C is played at graduation parties and events, and has been since it's release in 2000.

"Unwritten", by Natasha Bettingfield, is a hopeful, forward looking song, full of optimism for the future.

Greenday's "Time Of Your Life", is a sweet, melodic tune that recalls friendship and young love.

"I Will Remember You", sung beautifully by Sarah Mclachlan, is a romantic ballad, and in addition to proms and parties, has been featured in many television programs and movies.

American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This", is a sweeping song , full of emotion that brings to mind the special moments in life.

The 1998 song, "Closing Time", by Semisonic, is often played as a last dance at proms and parties; a plaintive song about having to move on; with lyrics like, "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here", and " Time for you to go out to the places you will be from". It encourages looking back, but moving forward.

The final selection,"School's Out", by Alice Cooper, is the antithesis of the first.; where one marches you in, this is a rebellious march, of sorts, with screaming, screeching guitars, and thumping drums, to signify the end of academia. This song sums up the school experience; from the grade school flag salute, right through to antagonistic teachers and professors in the halls of higher learning.

The years may change, but the songs remains the same, and will be played all over the country during this season of commencement. Okay now, turn your tassels!