Graduation season is here. For those of us with kids crossing the stage—whether it’s high school, college, or something else entirely—it’s a season of big feelings. We’re proud, sentimental, a little weepy, and wondering how time moved so fast. Seriously, how did it go so fast?
As music moms, we often turn to songs when we can’t find the right words. And this time of year calls for a playlist that captures it all: the pride, the nostalgia, the hope, and the ache of letting go. These songs aren’t just for the graduates. They’re also for the parents.
Here are 10 songs that hit all the right notes as we watch our kids step into the next stage of life.
1. “Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac
This one gets me every time. It’s a song about change, growth, and time slipping through our fingers. It’s soft, reflective, and perfect for the moment you realize they’re not little anymore.
2. “My Wish” – Rascal Flatts
This is every parent’s love letter to their child. The lyrics speak to all our hopes and dreams for them. It’s a song I can’t hear without tearing up.
3. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day
Simple, timeless, and honest. This one has been a graduation favorite for decades for a reason. It reminds us that life moves fast, and every chapter matters.
4. “The Climb” – Miley Cyrus
The journey matters more than the destination. This song is full of heart and captures the message we all want to pass on: keep going, even when it’s hard.
5. “Forever Young” – Rod Stewart
A blessing in song form. It’s hopeful, proud, and full of love. A great reminder that while they’ll grow older, they’ll always be our babies.
6. “I Hope You Dance” – Lee Ann Womack
A wish and a reminder rolled into one. This one encourages courage, kindness, and wonder—everything we want our kids to carry with them.
7. “You’re Gonna Miss This” – Trace Adkins
Sometimes, it’s not just about them moving forward—it’s about us learning to let go. This song speaks to the beauty of each phase, even when it’s hard to say goodbye.
8. “Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield
The future is wide open. This one feels like a fresh start, full of possibilities. It’s a great song to play when you’re ready to celebrate what comes next.
9. “Vienna” – Billy Joel
One of my personal favorites. It’s a quiet reminder to slow down and savor life. A beautiful message for any young adult feeling pressure to figure it all out too fast.
10. “Learning to Fly” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
A beautiful, reflective rock anthem about taking off into the unknown. It’s a metaphor for growing up, stepping out, and finding your wings.
So cue up this playlist, grab a tissue (or five), and let the music help you say what your heart’s been holding. Graduation is a milestone—for them, yes—but also for us. Let’s celebrate it with a soundtrack worthy of the moment.
The Music Mom: Eileen Carey 