By Anaisha Malik, Sports Editor |

Every graduation has a soundtrack. At Winsor, that moment when everybody stops, comes together, and sings a song chosen by the seniors captures the mix of nostalgia, excitement, and uncertainty that comes with graduation. However, this moment only works with the right song. 

In past years, songs like “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day, and “Vienna” by Billy Joel have delivered just the right balance of emotions to be remembered by both the graduates and the audience. These songs are not usually musically complicated, as Izzy Lai ‘27 notes, “The songs usually only have about three to four repeating chords and a simple melody with a few harmonies.” Her experience playing piano or violin at the past two commencements shows that what makes these songs memorable is not necessarily the music itself. So what makes these songs so perfect for graduation? The best commencement songs share three important qualities: nostalgia, optimism, and direction.

First, nostalgia matters. Graduation is about looking back as much as looking forward. Landslide resonated because it reflected on change and growing older in a way that feels personal and vulnerable. Students often connect to songs that acknowledge how difficult change can be. Ms Brady Lopez shares, “The seniors often spend many days or even weeks choosing a song that connects to their class as a whole.”

Second, successful commencement songs offer hope without sounding forced. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) became a graduation classic because it is bittersweet rather than overly cheerful. The song recognizes that the future is uncertain while still encouraging listeners to appreciate the experiences they had. 

Finally, direction gives the songs a purpose. Vienna offers advice to the graduates and the school by emphasizing the need to slow down and appreciate life. This suggestion is especially relevant as the graduates enter a more uncertain future. 

Ultimately, the best commencement songs succeed because they make graduates feel understood. They do not need to promise that everything will work out perfectly. Instead, they capture the emotions that come with leaving behind familiar routines, friendships, and memories while stepping into a new and exciting world.