Top Ten Graduation Songs: Here's to New Beginnings

Graduating from high school is a momentous time in a young person's life. Unlike any other event, graduation day signals the newest of new beginnings as a child celebrates his or her own accomplishments and looks to the future. Graduation Day is a time to bask in the glow of the moment and look to new beginnings with optimism and hope. The songs presented here each speak of new beginnings and optimism for the future. They're perfect for not only a graduation party, but as a special collection the young graduate can hold on to for inspiration for years to come.

#10 - Don't Stop - Fleetwood Mac

This timeless song of optimism has been giving people inspiration since 1977 and it's a perfect song for any graduation. Take a look at the band performing the song here. Purchase the classic "Rumours" album, containing the song, right here.

#9 - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - Shakira

This song from Colombian singer Shakira was the theme song to 2010's World Cup Soccer Tournament held in South Africa. Though it might at first seem to be an unlikely choice for a list of graduation songs, the words are a perfect fit for someone first setting out into adulthood:

"People are raising
Their expectations
Go on and feed them
This is your moment
No hesitations
Today's your day
I feel it
You paved the way
Believe it"

Watch the video for "Waka Waka" right here and you can purchase it here.

#8 - Promise of a New Day - Paula Abdul

This one, off of Paula Abdul's 1991 album "Spellbound" has both music and lyrics that ooze with optimism. Check out the video here. Buy it here.

#7 - I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross

This classic from 1980 is all about breaking free and jumping headfirst into the world. Take a listen to it here. You can buy the song here.

#6 - Learn to Fly - Foo Fighters

This 1999 song from alternative rock band the Foo Fighters is all about searching for signs in life that will make you feel alive for always. It's perfect inspiration for the young graduate. Check out the amusing video for "Learn to Fly" here. Purchase the song here.

#5 - Own It - Black Eyed Peas

"All my dreamers, all my believers, tomorrow leaders.
If you been dreaming for all your life
This is your chance"

This is a new song off of the Black Eyed Peas' latest album "The Beginning." The song is told from the point of view of a dreamer and the importance of taking responsibility, or "owning," for the choices made in trying to achieve one's dreams.

"This is your chance to own it
This is your chance, your moment
This is your chance, don't blow it
Go out and own it"
Check out the song right here. You can purchase "The Beginning" here.

#4 - Imagine - John Lennon

This inimitable classic of a utopian world reminds young graduates what the world could be if only everyone could live their lives in peace and harmony. Watch a moving performance of the song in a scene from the hit TV show "Glee" right here. You can purchase the song "Imagine" here.

#3 - Don't Stop Believin - Journey

This classic song by 80's rock band Journey offers the soundest advice for someone moving on into the real world. Check out the band performing the song here. You can purchase "Don't Stop Believin'" here.

#2 - Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson

This beautiful ballad by former American Idol Kelly Clarkson encourages young graduates to "spread their wings and learn how to fly." Check it out here. Buy it here.

#1 - Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield

"No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten"

This classic by Natasha Bedingfield is one of the most inspirational songs you can find and its perfect advice for a graduate jumping out into life. Watch the video for "Unwritten" here and buy it here.

I hope you've enjoyed this unique list of songs to celebrate the hope and optimism that comes with new beginnings. Today's graduate can certainly find inspiration in the song lyrics and enjoy the songs for years to come as they set out on their own. Here are some other suggestions for graduation songs of brighter days ahead that can be added to the collection in commemoration of the event:

Express Yourself - Madonna

Sky - Sonique

Going On - Gnarls Barkley

Moving on Up - MPeople

To purchase any of the songs, please visit any of the following retail outlets:

Amazon

Best Buy

CD Universe

iTunes

See also Top Ten Graduation Songs: Celebrating Memories and Accomplishment

Sources:

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/natashabedingfield/unwritten.html

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/shakira/wakawakathistimeforafrica.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don't_Stop_(Fleetwood_Mac_song)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learn_to_Fly

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Promise_of_a_New_Day

http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=3389