As graduation comes and goes for seniors across America, seniors everywhere find themselves hit with a wall of nostalgia when a certain song comes on the radio. Songs that used to hold no significant meaning when they came on the radio now have us hugging our friends and holding back tears. From freshman year throwbacks to depressing ballads, here's 10 songs that seniors should listen to before walking across that stage.
1. "History" by One Direction
This song is bound to bring a sad smile to your face as you sit in a circle with friends reminiscing on the good times. One of the most bittersweet part about moving onto the next chapter in life is being able to look back on good times and reflecting on just how much you and your friends have been through.
2. "(I've Had) The Time of My Life (Glee Cast Version)" by Glee Cast
This song never has pulled on heartstrings up until graduations. Prepare think back to your first day of school up until your last prom, realizing just how many good memories you've made in the past four years. Although you complained about high school and told everyone you couldn't wait to get out, you had so many good times with good people.
3. "100 Years" by Five for Fighting
It seems like yesterday you were a freshman and now you're graduating. For the first time ever you realize what adults meant when they told you life flies by.
4. "Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C
A classic, that every graduating senior listens to at least five times before walking across the stage.
5. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
Leaving everyone and everything you've ever known can be terrifying. This song allows every graduate, who has no clue what's next, to relax and realize that they'll eventually figure out.
6. "Lean On Me" Bill Withers
Graduation is a time to appreciate those friends who have stood by you for the past four years. With your time together coming to an end, it's nice to pause and realize how nice it is to know that even in college you have friends that will always have your back. No matter how far away you go from your friends and family, you will always be one text message, phone call or FaceTime away.
7. "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds
As everybody goes their separate ways, it doesn't take long to realize that you won't see many of these people again. There are so many people you regret not talking to more or getting to know better. As you walk down the school hallways one last time, hug your favorite teachers goodbye and go to your last school functions, you hope that your class's legacy won't be forgotten. You and your classmates will be all starting new chapters in your lives, but you can't help but try to cling onto that unity you feel the last few weeks of school and hope that you can stay in contact with everybody as time goes on.
8. "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day
High school wasn't all good. There were late nights filled with loss-of-sanity and homework and there were days where you felt like you had no friends. You've gone through the awkward freshman stage, you've fought with friends and you've failed at a lot of stuff you've tried at. But looking back on those moments that made high school seem so long and miserable at times is what made it so great. As the four years come to a close, you can laugh at your embarrassing moments and remise on the hard classes you've taken. All of those trials you never thought you could overcome, you overcame and now you're able to see the results of your endurance and what good it brought.
9. "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
There's no better way to look back at high school than jam out to throwback songs. From "Gangnam Style" to "What Makes You Beautiful," every song has a memory behind it and a whole lot of nostalgia.
10. "Celebrate" by Kool & The Gang
Graduating isn't all sad. There is also a big part of you that is excited for the next phase of life. So make sure to take the time to celebrate this time in your life, because all of the time spent in the classroom and cramming has paid off!
