Not the Same Old Graduation Playlist

As you know, graduation season is upon us (at least for high-schoolers). Two weeks ago, I put on my cap and gown and made the trek across the stage (granted, I won't get the actual diploma until later on, the point is I did it!). I was just wondering how many times all those graduates hear Vitamin C's "Graduation (Friends Forever)" or Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" or maybe "Only Time" by Enya (or maybe that was just my high school graduation)? Point is, every year we hear the same graduation song; is it time we broaden the graduation repertoire? From someone who's gone through four graduations and attended countless others, I think that we can add a few more. Here's ten songs I suggest for next year's ceremonies (in no particular order).

• "Friends" by Michael W. Smith: This was the first song I thought of when I thought of graduation songs. Written for friends who were moving away, Smitty's (yes, that's his nickname) song captures the feelings of friend separating for the first time, knowing that with God as the Father, they will always be close.
• "We Live" by Superchick: When you know you have your whole life to live, what would you do? That's the question this song raises. The answer is simply in its title.
• "God is in Control" by Avalon, Twila Paris: In a time where the economy is more in flux than ever, this song is more important for graduates to hear. You might not get into the best school or even get the job you want. However, it doesn't mean that God doesn't have a plan to turn it for good.
• "Lean on Me" by Kirk Franklin: Yes, the song is known for its all-star line-up (Mary J. Blige, Bono of U2, R. Kelly and fellow Christian artist Crystal Lewis). But it is the perfect song for friends who feel the need to stick by each other even after graduation.
• "By Your Side" by Tenth Avenue North: Although this song is God talking to us, it can also be a friend talking to another friend when he or she feels lonely. 
• "Wait and See" by Brandon Heath: This song tells the story of maturity for boy to man. Although he might not have been in the best situations, God was with him every step of the way. Even after everything Heath sings "He's not finished with me yet."
• "Every Season" by Nichole Nordeman: Every verse describes vivid details about each season: spring, summer, winter, and spring. It's also a metaphor for the life cycle. We all go through beginnings and endings throughout life, but the only thing that's constant is that we see God in everything, which can always bring some comfort.
• "Never Give Up" by Yolanda Adams: After graduation, no one knows what they will do with their lives. Sure, we have goals, but what do we do with them. Adams' answer: "Keep the dream alive. Don't let it die."
• "The Prayer" by Donnie McClurkin/Yolanda Adams, Andrea Boccelli/Celine Dion, Josh Groban/Charlotte Church : Both versions of the song is simply a prayer to keep the people you love safe, even when we're apart. 
• "Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris: While most of these songs deal with friendships, this one deals with a parent encouraging a child to do great things when (s)he becomes an adult. And what kid wouldn't like to hear "It's not living if you don't reach for the sky/ I'll have tears as you take off/ But I'll cheer you as you fly"?