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Graduation is huuuuur! Ater you catapult those caps and head to the after party, you're gonna need some musical matriculation (SAT word!) inspiration that will get you HYPED for your future. For the rest of your life, graduation songs will hold a special place in your playlist -- so you need some epic anthems (with hidden gems of advice). We know some of y'all wanna wallow in bittersweet nostalgia -- and that's totally cool. But like we said, Vitamin C ain't on this list because we decided to pull together some more recent feel-good grad tunes (from this year and last). These tunes will get you amped to take ACTION in that next phase of your life -- whether it's high school, college, or real-life-jobby-job time. So grab that diploma because school's OUT and these songs are IN!
+ fun. "We Are Young"
Lyrics to Live By:
"So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun"
Matriculation Message: Go full throttle, baby. This is the time to push boundaries, make mistakes and experiment. What lights you up? Figure it out and go do it. And oh yeah, have fun.
Best For: Top-of-your-lungs jam sesh. Jump around, hug aggressively, sway and sing and smile. Then carry each other home.
Artist Appreciation: The boys have a good time obvs but they're also stellar activists. "We definitely feel like not enough people are talking about it, definitely not enough straight people," said guitarist Jack Antonoff about LGBT rights. The boys also designed this t-shirt which reads, 'It's All FUN. And Gay' Til Someone Loses Their Rights. Proceeds from the tee goes to LGBT rights, awareness and equality.
+ Flo Rida "Good Feeling"
Lyrics to Live By:
"That flow, that spark, that crown
You looking at the king of the jungle now
Stronger than ever can't hold me down"
Matriculation Message: Yo, you got this. ("This" being life and stuff.)
Best For: Mid-grad party pick-me-up to remind the Class of 2012 that y'all are about to rock this next phase of life. (Even though your negative Nancy aunt keeps bringing up how much the cost of milk has gone up since she graduated.)
Artist Appreciation: Flo Rida doesn't just rap about good feelings. The popular MC makes a positive impact by lending his skillz to charity concerts on the regular -- most recently, he performed in his homestate at a benefit show for a grassroots student-led campaign against texting while driving. The club can handle that.
+Nicki Minaj ft. Drake "Moment For Life"
Lyrics to Live By:
"It's a celebration every time we link up
We done did everything they could think of
Greatness is what we on the brink of"
Matriculation Message: Hold on to this memory but look to the future cuz it's gonna be DOPE.
Best For: When you wanna slow it down for a hot second and savor how truly awesome it is that you friggin' MADE IT to graduation.
Artist Appreciation: The Harajuku Barbie truly believes in the importance of school (she's a proud grad of YoungArts), so you know the Pink Friday Princess means it when she tells y'all to cherish this moment 4 life.
+ The Wanted "Chasing the Sun"
Lyrics to Live By:
"They said this day wouldn't come
We refused to run
We've only just begun"
Matriculation Message: Oh oh oh oh oh oh. Oh oh oh oh oh oh. Okay, it's more than that -- it's about shakin' off the haters and going after your dreams no matter what people say.
Best For: Feelin' giddy, grads? Now's a good time to slap this upbeat dance tune on the speakers.
Artist Appreciation: This UK boy band sensation uses their heartthrob status to lend a hand – whether it's making a sick teen's wish come true, standing up to bullying, or auctioning off their "kit" (that's Brit for "clothes") to benefit the National AIDS Trust. That's how you chase that charitable sun, people!
+ Lady Gaga "Edge of Glory"
Lyrics to Live By:
"I'm on the edge of glory, and I'm hanging on a moment of truth
Out on the edge of glory, and I'm hanging on a moment with you"
Matriculation Message: You and your crew are poised to make a difference.
Best For: You survived four years with these friends, so grab your BFFs, throw on this over-the-top track and have a big ol lovefest.
Artist Appreciation: Mother Monster is all about letting your freak flag fly -- her Born This Way Foundation preaches tolerance with the singer's signature in-your-face flair. Gaga is an out-and-proud LGBT ally who pounded the podium for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and even traveled to DC to get up in the Hill's grill about anti-bullying efforts. Join the pop phenom on the edge of Action!
+ Beyonce "Run the World (Girls)"
Lyrics to Live By:
"How we're smart enough to make these millions
Strong enough to bear the children
Then get back to business"
Matriculation Message: Well, duh -- this goes out to all you girl grads who made the grade! Now go change the world. Mmkkkaaay thanks.
Best For: Throwing down with your brilliant ladies on your big night -- and before every interview or meeting that you're gonna CRUSH. Git you some, gals.
Artist Appreciation: Bey has become a beloved female empowerment icon whose fierce girl power jams -- this holographic performance pretty much sums up her lady genius -- are matched only by her passionate activist resume. She runs this motha -- and you will, too.
