Graduation is just around the corner, and emotions are high. Here is a mixtape of nostalgic hits to fit a wide range of moods marching toward commencement.
“Southern Nights” by Glen Campbell
“Southern nights / Just as good even when you close your eyes.”
To start out, the country-rock classic “Southern Nights” is an essential for graduate season at the University of Mississippi. The blend of electric and acoustic guitar with Campbell’s singing about warm Southern nights embodies the graduation atmosphere. It is a must-listen.
“Float On” by Modest Mouse
“Win or lose, win or lose, I can’t say / We’ll all float on, okay.”
Recorded in Oxford at Sweet Tea Recording Studio, “Float On” by Modest Mouse is the perfect 2000s indie rock song to play on graduation. “Float On” never fails to make your head bop due to its optimistic lyrics and driving bassline. It is a comforting song to remind graduates that, no matter what, everything will work out.
“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
“Last dance with Mary Jane, one more time to kill the pain / I feel summer creepin’ in and I’m tired of this town again.”
This heartland rock classic narrates a bittersweet farewell to a lover with a blues-inspired sound. Petty’s thin Southern drawl combined with heavy guitar rhythm and strong harmonic riffs makes “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” stand out during the transition from spring to summer and from student to alumni.
“Perfect Places” by Lorde
“All the nights spent off our faces / Trying to find these perfect places.”
It is impossible to listen to Lorde’s “Perfect Places” without wanting to dance. The narrative of partying and youth to an electropop sound gives a nostalgic feel. After spending four years of college trying to find “perfect places,” graduating students may find Lorde’s message — that adolescence is inherently imperfect — comforting as they transition to life as alumni.
“The Promise” by When in Rome
“If you need a friend / Don’t look to a stranger / You know in the end, I’ll always be there.”
This 1980s synth-pop hit is a quintessential song for times of transition. The narrator promised to be there through thick and thin is an important sentiment for graduation season. Its danceable synth sound is a great way to bring the energy up on the big day, too.
“Dancing On My Own” by Robyn
“The lights go on, the music dies / But you can’t see me standing here / I just came to say goodbye.”
“Dancing On My Own” is considered a “sad banger” for its dance-track beat and sad lyrics. Robyn sings about feeling left behind after seeing an old lover with someone new. However, she turns this heartbreak into resilience as she “keeps dancing on her own.” This song relates to graduates’ complicated feelings as they move on from college while providing reassurance.
“Ceremony” by New Order
“Forever, watching love grow / Forever, letting me know.”
“Ceremony” is a 1980s new wave anthem about evolution and growth. It was New Order’s first single after reforming from Joy Division. Written before Joy Division’s lead singer Ian Curtis’s death, the song serves as a bridge between the two bands. The liminal lyrics create a melancholic, yet hopeful, energy for graduating students.
“Scott Street” by Phoebe Bridgers
“Anyway, don’t be a stranger.”
From Bridgers’s 2018 album, “Stranger in the Alps,” “Scott Street” adds a wistful and somber sound to the mix. The folk rock song ruminates on a past relationship that builds up to an atmospheric outro. During this major life event full of change and chaos, this song leaves graduates with a reminder — “Don’t be a stranger.”
“Lamb’s Wool” by Foster the People
“Yeah, I am loving you, that’s all I do / And things will change, but you’ll be alright.”
This track reflects on support in changing times and the uncomfortable feelings that come with it. With its lullaby rhythm, the song is all about maintaining connection. The synth-pop, psychedelic instrumentals makes it the perfect song to cry to, or dance to, with friends on graduation weekend.
“We Are The People” by Empire of the Sun
“Followed the sun till night / reminiscing other times of life.”
To finish off the playlist, the iconic indie anthem, “We Are The People,” is timeless. Its instantly-recognizable opening guitar riff and celebration of personal connection brings a nostalgic vibe and intimate atmosphere to the graduation send-off.
