As graduation creeps upon us, LHS is preparing for the class of 2023 to take their final bow as they walk across the stage on Sunday, May 21. Leading up to this event, it is likely that one may have attended a various number of graduation parties to celebrate the classes various accomplishments. As we enter this graduation season, here is a list of some popular songs one might consider adding to their graduation playlist. 

1. “Where’d All The Time Go?” – Dr. Dog: Gaining popularity from its feature in Netflix’s admired “Outer Banks” and through various TikTok videos depicting individuals’ childhood memories. This song is a perfect synopsis of what it means to be nostalgic. This song reminds graduates of the importance of cherishing the moment and the bittersweet emotions that come along with looking back on how far one has come. 
2. “Pursuit of Happiness” – Kid Cudi: For a more celebratory song for graduates’ accomplishments, this song gives graduates an internal hope for their future endeavors and a sense of pride when looking back on their high school years. This song is perfect for a mindset change for anyone who has struggled with maintaining contentment in their life especially during their school career or has lost focus on their ‘Pursuit of Happiness.’
3. “The Spins” – Mac Miller: A song about truly soaking up the present moment, this song has also been featured all over TikTok by graduates of previous years because of the famous line, “I know, I know (oh, I graduated, oh yeah, I just graduated high school, haha.)” The song focuses around Miller’s new life of luxury and fulfillment, perfect for a good pump up song before one walks across the stage.
4. “Never Grow Up” – Taylor Swift: Debatably the most emotional out of the list, this song is in Taylor Swift’s album “Speak Now.” Throughout the song, Swift is emotional about becoming an adult and is reflecting on her childhood, wishing she could go back to more simpler times. As she enters this new stage in her life, she reminds listeners not to grow up too quickly and to cherish every moment and enjoy the process of growing up.
5. “You’re On Your Own, Kid” – Taylor Swift: Known for touching hearts across the nation, it is no surprise that Swift is mentioned twice on this list for the perfect songs to add to a graduation playlist. This song is so perfect that Swift even mentioned it in her college graduation speech from NYU stating, “The scary news is, you’re on your own now but the cool news is, you’re on your own now.” This song captures the story of the ups and downs in one’s life and reflects the hard work and dedication that many put into finally walking across that stage for their diploma.