The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on colleges and high schools everywhere. Graduations are either postponed or canceled. I myself was set to graduate this year. But, a delay has pushed my inevitable graduation a year. But, despite the pandemic, some students will graduate, getting ready for life’s next chapter.
Anxiety, fear, and excitement are emotions that go with the big day. Nostalgia and rite of passage are also factors. Either way, music helps us to celebrate the special occasion, to capture those sacred moments—or to even calm the nerves. A special thanks go out to the music fans of NRT Fandom, who have helped me build a graduation soundtrack for you to enjoy.
Jeremy Camp "Keep Me In The Moment"
Contemporary artist Jeremy Camp's latest hit is the perfect graduation song. It’s a solid reminder to stay in that special moment, keeping God's plan for your future.
"Singing oh Lord, keep me at the moment/ Help me live with my eyes wide open/'Cause I don't wanna miss what you have for me/ Singing oh Lord, show me what matters/Throw away what I'm chasing after/'Cause I don't wanna miss what you have for me"
tobyMac and Aaron Cole "Horizon (A New Day) (Stereovision Remix)"
Pop stars tobyMac and Aaron Cole's collaboration reminds us that there’s a new day in front of us. This song keeps us primed and ready for the diploma or degree-receiving moment. The track appropriately states, "It's our destiny/No separating us 'cause we're family/Beautiful together." It means our school family won't get separated. Not to mention that we’re a ‘beautiful’ group of grads.
"A new day, a new day/Is on the horizon/If you can see it/I can see it, we can be it/Gotta believe it/ Nothing gonna stand in our way"
MercyMe "Say I Won't"
Contemporary band MercyMe's latest single fits the graduation theme qualifications perfectly. The song calls us to stand up and keep on living). To become a leader in Christ. As the song says, "I can do all things/Through Christ who gives me strength/So keep on saying I won't/And I'll keep proving you wrong." The verse tells us that God will guide us through our next journey. He’ll give us the strength to keep moving.
"I'm gonna run/No, I'm gonna fly/I'm gonna know what it means to live/And not just be alive."
Thomas Rhett (featuring Chris Tomlin and Hillary Scott) "Be A Light"
Country artist Thomas Rhett's single, featuring contemporary mainstay Chris Tomlin and country star Hillary Scott, give us advice and wisdom as we prepare to head out into the big world. The line "in a time full of war, be peace/In a time full of doubt, just believe" will help motivate us to take that next step to become a leader. The song’s message will no doubt make a difference in your world, reminding you to help make it a better place.
"In a world full of hate, be a light/When you do somebody wrong, make it right/Oh, don't hide in the dark, you were born to shine/In a world full of hate, be a light."
Skillet "Finish Line"
The song from hard rock band Skillet talks about getting to the finish line. For us upcoming graduates, our finish line leads us to our next chapter. Get ready to take your first step in the big world. Know that some of us will graduate heroes, and some of us will graduate as underdogs. But, no matter what happens, God has your backs every step of the way on our journey.
"Gonna make, gonna make/Gonna make it to the finish line/Every day, every day/Gonna make it to the finish line."
Matthew West "The Story of Your Life"
Contemporary artist Matthew West's older song was my theme for high school graduation. It helped me navigate through the challenges I had at that time. The song reminded me to keep on going—no matter how hard my circumstances were. It led me to what I wanted to do and how I would live my life. I hope this song motivates you as it did for me.
"This is your chance between the lines/To redefine what kind of legacy you leave/This is the story of your life/ And it's a story worth telling"
As you can see from the list, there are many songs for graduation. I hope this list helps you find a new song for your journey. If I missed one, what's your song for graduation?
Best of luck to the Class of 2021.
Brendan Burke is an avid college student who loves sports, music, and social media.
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