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“Fifteen” – Taylor Swift
“Seasons of Love” – The Cast of RENT
From the first riffs of the piano, anybody who’s ever heard any Broadway tune instantly remembers the words to this classic.
Jonathan Larson wrote this smash hit as the midway point of his world-famous show. The song itself began to represent how people live their lives through acts of love.
Though written for a Broadway show focusing on the AIDS epidemic, this song has defined generations of kids maturing into adulthood. The lyrics inspire them to live with purpose and, especially, love.
“7 Years” – Lukas Graham
Lukas Graham took the life advice his parents gave him as a child and turned it into his meal ticket with this nostalgic look at past days.
With wise lyrics, Graham shares the knowledge his family passed along as he made his way through his childhood, eventually maturing into manhood. Once he emerged into his thirties, Graham began to ponder what the world would hold for him now that the glory days of his youth were in the rear mirror.
The relatable tune is the result of that thought process.
“Grandpa Told Me So” – Kenny Chesney
It’s not always our parents who make a massive impact on our lives as a child. Grandparents also pass along vital information about how to make a life worth living.
Country star Kenny Chesney offers an emotional look at the breadth of knowledge he gained in his youth from the experiences he shared with his grandfather. The impact made upon Chesney’s life is in the lyrics of this country song about growing up.
Anyone who misses their grandparents will easily find solace in the nostalgic vibes of this hit.
“I Hope You Dance” – LeeAnn Womack
This country hit from the 2000s will continue to find its way into graduation ceremonies for years to come.
LeeAnn Womack wrote the song specifically as a message to her children. She wished they never pass up the opportunity to experience the best parts of life, regardless of the curveballs life tries to throw.
It’s easy to feel the love Womack feels for her children in this song. Any mother wants their child to thrive and find themselves. This song is one of those perfect songs about loving your children.
“The Climb” – Miley Cyrus
Those who have followed Miley Cyrus along her career know that this song represents the moment she began to move from teenager to womanhood.
While this song serves as a heartfelt tune for a motion picture, it became so much more. The lyrics inspire people to continue to climb the hills that life puts in their way. Cyrus empowers her listeners to never quit and always push through, no matter the obstacle.
“My Wish” – Rascal Flatts
Yet another addition to any graduation slideshow, Rascal Flatts puts in words what every parent wishes for their children as they grow.
There is something about the delivery of words by the band. The listener really feels the love and hope radiating from the lyrics.
The powerful song lyrics about their child growing up will have any proud parent in tears as they watch their kids progress through life.