Finally, after ages of stress and studying, fourth years can celebrate and enjoy the end of the year. With The Cavalier Daily’s graduation playlist, students can jam to songs of excitement, power and remembrance with the knowledge that they have succeeded in their educational endeavors.
“Time of Our Lives” by Pitbull and Ne-Yo
Pitbull, with enthusiasm and a willingness to party as hard as possible, reveals his goals to have the time of his life with his friends and romances.
“See You Again” by Tyler, the Creator featuring Kali Uchis
With a lulling melody and an addicting, alternative beat, this song seeks requited devotion, a wait for brighter days ahead and hope to see loved ones again sometime soon.
“The Night Is Still Young” by Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj is ready to revel in the night ahead as she sings that there is still more of life to look forward to and that there are still memories to be made.
“Good Life” by Kanye West and T-Pain
Sometimes life is just good. Sometimes you just have to throw your hands up in the sky. Through a sun-soaked, easy-to-bop-to beat, West embarks on a journey of simply succumbing to the comfort of the good old days.
“Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)” by Katy Perry
A perfect anthem for reminiscing on crazy late nights with friends, this song reveals how important it is to just let go and relish the freedom before adulthood.
“Just Like Heaven” by The Cure
Throwing it back to the ‘80s, this blissfully happy ballad recalls the insurmountable joy of spending time with someone that you truly, desperately love.
“4EVER” by Clairo
Asking the hard questions about the destiny of her relationships, Clairo wonders if things between the people she cares about will shift as she grows.
“3005” by Childish Gambino
Donald Glover — whose alias is Childish Gambino — asserts that no one else matters to him and that he will be there for his loved one only in this chill, synth-heavy rap beat.
“Kids” by MGMT
Being a kid is a luxury many take for granted in its passing time. Childlike innocence and naivety go hand in hand in this MGMT song about how important it is to have control and focus in the next stages of life.
“Where’d All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog cannot grasp the brevity of their interactions with others and wish that they had more time to enjoy the beauty of the world through this lighthearted indie song.
“Yes I’m Changing” by Tame Impala
Tame Impala argues that accepting the reality of change as it is coming is difficult though necessary while incorporating dreamy synths and poignant lyrics about the ever-flowing current of life.
“We Are the Champions” by Queen
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an aggravating and distressing period for people all over the world. For braving the unknowns of a frightening disease and still coming out on top, the graduates of this year are definitely champions.
“Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun
In this bold and effervescent song, Empire of the Sun acknowledges the importance of togetherness and pushing higher in search of the thrill of upcoming adventure.
“What Once Was” by Her’s
In a painfully nostalgic yet beautiful lament over the sounds of electric guitar and bass, Her’s yearns for the fateful return to how things used to be.
“Freaking Out the Neighborhood” by Mac DeMarco
Mac DeMarco speaks of his tendency to get carried away in his quest for fun to the horror of his mother, understanding that the journey to be oneself can sometimes interfere with the judgments of others.
“Young Dumb & Broke” by Khalid
Khalid’s peppy yet politely indifferent song about his detachment from consequence is perfect for the students who understand their position as young, inexperienced people waiting for the opportunity to prove themselves.
“Pink + White” by Frank Ocean
Even after a long, amazing day of bliss, the sun still has to set. Frank Ocean commits to his attempt to appreciate the end of things and the eventual lessons learned.
“Stars” by fun.
Through a mix of high-strung drumming and a brassy instrumental, fun. takes growing old to another level, acknowledging that sometimes all a person can do is hold onto the dream of stars in the sky.
“Knock Knock” by Mac Miller
In his catchy upbeat rap, Mac Miller plays with the wonders of still being a kid and the craziness that ensues from youth.
“C U Girl” by Steve Lacy
Steve Lacy argues that separation, busy schedules and far distances cannot tear apart a strong relationship. This final song maintains that truly caring about someone means that, no matter what, they will always be there in the long-run.