Great Graduation Songs for 2010

With May come flowers, showers and graduation! As families prepare for their loved ones graduations, thoughts are given to the music and songs that will be shared at graduations, parties, and other events. Here are some songs, some new and others classics, that are are some of the best graduation songs for 2010.

New Releases from 2010

'I Made It' by Kevin Rudolf

I look up to the sky
And now the World is mine
I've known it all my life
I made it, I made it!
I used to dream about, the life I'm living now
I know that there's no doubt.
I made it, I made it!

This song is upbeat and features artists like Birdman, Jay Sean and Lil Wayne. It's not as distracting as some songs out there and it leaves with a sense of hope and empowerment. You can dance a bit to it and enjoy another great time with friends at your graduation party.

'Young Forever' by Jay-Z or by Alphaville

Forever young I wanna be
Forevery young
Do you really want to live forever,
Forever and ever
Forever young I wanna be
Forever young
Do you really want to live forever,
Forever, forever

This is not a Bob Dylan or Rod Stewart remake. This song's melody is very simple, but powerful. The chorus flows with the sentiment that young optimists feel about their place in the world. The Jay-Z version sounds similar to the Alphaville version, but regardless of which one you like it is an inspiring song and sure to be a hit at a graduation party.

Inspirational and Old Favorites

You Raise Me Up by Various Artists

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... to more than I can be.

This song, since 2002, has become one of the most popular inspiration songs with artists such as Josh Groban, the Celtic Ladies and even Becky Taylor offering versions. It is reminiscent of an Irish tune, but with an emotionally uplifting chorus. It is a song appropriate for graduation ceremonies for young kids and young adults, alike. It can be sang solo or as part of a choral presentation. The song reminds graduates and their families that a graduation is a shared experience and triumph.

Reach

Some dreams live on in time forever
Those dreams you want with all your heart

And I'll do whatever it takes
Follow through with the promise I made
Put it all on the line
What I hoped for at last would be mine

If I could reach, higher
Just for one moment touch the sky
From that one moment in my life
I'm gonna be stronger
Know that I've tried my very best
I'd put my spirit to the test
If I could reach

This song was originally written and performed for the Olympics, but soon took on its own life as a an inspirational number about dreams and striving to be one's best. It is a classic and has been sung at graduation ceremonies and parties. It's a perfect song to inspire young people to keep striving and keep seeking success!

There are other great songs such as Unwritten' by Natasha Beddingfield, 'If Today Was Your Last Day' by Nickelback, One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston and even I Will Remember You with versions by Amy Grant and Sarah McLaughlin, that are also wonderful choices for graduation songs.

Graduation is a bittersweet time. It's a time for growth and change. It's a time to celebrate the next stage in a child's life and also the hopes and dreams of the young. Depending on whether you want to laugh, remember or cry, there is a graduation song for the occasion.