The class of 2024 will be saying goodbye to THS in around eight months. This is a stressful and scary time for seniors, but every moment should be treasured and having a playlist for senior year will definitely help with that. The songs that I am recommending were not written for students in their senior year, but they either have lyrics that invoke a sense of nostalgia or an overall vibe of moving on and growing up. Some of these songs are upbeat and will bring a smile to your face, while others will have tears forming in your eyes by the end of the song. 

Never Grow Up (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift: I had to start off with a tear-jerker. Swift just re-released this song on July 7, 2023, and it is just as sad as it was in 2010. This song perfectly encapsulates that feeling of wanting to go back in time to when things were simpler. 

Rivers and Roads by The Head And The Heart: This song talks about when someone and all their friends have to move away and move on. A line from the song that always gives me chills is “Been talkin’ ’bout the way things change. And my family lives in a different state.” 

I’ll Always Remember You by Hannah Montana: I will never forget the way I sobbed when I heard this song in the final episode of Hannah Montana. I can also say I sobbed just as hard listening to it as I write this. Truthfully, this may be one of the saddest songs on this list.

You’re On Your Own, Kid by Taylor Swift: I, of course, had to add another Taylor Swift song. This song creates that feeling of growing up and having to do it all on your own.

Good Old Days by Macklemore (feat. Kesha): This is the first upbeat song on this list, however, the lyrics are still pretty bitter sweet. The song talks about how you need to enjoy life now before everything gets too complicated. 

Home by Phillip Phillips: The fear of having to move on to an unfamiliar place is described so well in this song, and as Phillips says in this song, “Just know you’re not alone.”

Night Changes by One Direction: I am still waiting for the 1D reunion. So while I wait, I am going to be blasting this incredible song about how fast time seems to fly by. 

Ribs by Lorde: The line “And I’ve never felt more alone, feels so scary getting old” represents that feeling of having to grow up by yourself and not knowing what to expect. 

The Climb by Miley Cyrus: An absolute classic. I do not care what anyone says this is one of the saddest songs ever. This song demonstrates exactly what it feels like to have to overcome something and then have to keep moving on to the next bigger and better thing.

Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson: I had to include the best song from The Princess Diaries. There is no better song that describes the feeling of wanting to get away and find out what the rest of the world is like, which is exactly how many seniors feel.

Live While We’re Young by One Direction: I physically had to add another 1D song. This is probably the happiest song on this list, and I think it’s a good reminder of how much fun senior year can be.

Senior year can go by in the blink of an eye, so make the most of it before it all comes to an end and life gets a whole lot more complicated.