At the last pep rally, “Good Riddance” by Green Day was announced as my class’s senior song. I’m pretty disappointed, and I don’t think the voters realized they picked a sarcastic break up song. If I had my way, these five songs would have made up the ballot.
The Killers – Smile Like You Mean It
A song about memories, “Smile Like You Mean It” is catchy, mellow and reminds me of what is good. The mantra of the song, and its namesake, fit graduation perfectly. Even if you aren’t happy to leave high school, you are supposed to smile at the ceremony and enjoy the moment.
Elton John and Tim Rice – Circle of Life
Yes, it’s The Lion King song. And I love The Lion King. It’s also a song about the immeasurable hugeness of the world and everything going on around and inside it. Our graduation is just one of many, another part of the circle of life.
Semisonic – Closing Time
Of my five top choices, this was the song I liked the most and the one I nominated. It was written by the singer when he was expecting his first child, and the lyrics are meant to reflect the occasion. Interpreted literally, the two lines about alcohol may be taken the wrong way, but they’re just as high school friendly as the metaphors in our English reading assignments.
I was shocked when I found out the song was rejected from nomination because of these couple of lyrics. We seem to have no problem with songs about getting high and drunk—while driving, even—playing at the pep rally, and, in comparison, “Closing Time” is harmless.
Muse – Starlight
Honestly, this is one of my least favorite Muse songs. But it’s still good and meaningful enough for me to consider it eligible for the senior song. It talks about hopes, memories, expectations and moving on, which fits the ticket pretty perfectly.
The New Pornographers – The Laws Have Changed
I’d least expect this song to win, and, of this list, it’s probably the one I’d least want to. The lyrics relate to graduation ceremonies, the unknown which comes afterwards, and the ever-evolving situations we find ourselves in.