The Spins — Mac Miller
The Spins is not your typical emotional or nostalgic graduation song. Produced by Mac Miller, an American rapper known for his laid-back style, this song samples Half Mast by Empire of the Sun, a vibrant and upbeat song. Miller was 18 when he released his breakthrough mixtape K.I.D.S (Kickin’ Incredibly Dope Sh*t), so when he shouts, “Oh hey, I just graduated high school,” it isn’t far from the truth. This song is about living in the moment and captures the excitement and fast pace of life.
Night Changes — One Direction
Night Changes, released in 2014 by the British pop band One Direction, captures the fear graduates often face when transitioning into the next chapter in life. Graduates can associate this song with moving on, and as time passes, new, scary experiences seem to take over. But this song reminds us that, “there’s nothing to be afraid of, even when the night changes.” Along with this, the rhythm has a slower pace and speaks on how even though these memories may pass, they will not change the friendships and special moments made when reminiscing on high school experiences.
Where’d All The Time Go — Dr. Dog
The nostalgia of this song speaks volumes as seniors reflect on how fast time has flown throughout their high school years. Ever since the song’s release in 2010, it has offered a carefree style that enriches excitement about graduating and experiencing the final moments that being a senior in high school provides. This is especially prevalent when the rock and alternative indie band Dr. Dog chant, “Where’d all the time go? It’s starting to fly. See how the hands go, waving goodbye.”
Good Old Days – Macklemore ft. Kesha
“Good Old Days” by Macklemore, featuring Kesha, is a nostalgic song about appreciating the present and recognizing that you’re living through experiences that will someday be remembered as “the good old days.” Even if things may not seem good in the moment, as seniors graduate, the lyrics “I wish somebody would have told me, babe, someday, these will be the good old days” deeply resonate and capture the feelings of leaving a familiar world and stepping into an unknown future.
Good Riddance – Green Day
Released in 1997, this song emphasizes the need to cherish each moment before graduating. It demonstrates that even though these moments pass quickly, redirection in life is something all graduates are going through in this new phase of life. “It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right, I hope you had the time of your life,” perfectly embodies a hopeful tone throughout Green Day’s song.
Music carries humans through each season of life, capturing memories and stories that will last a lifetime. These songs enlighten the new experiences graduates will soon encounter after high school through nostalgic reflection. They play a crucial role in paving new paths and exhilarating journeys.
Senior Playlist by Lynette Ki
