Graduation is a big step in anyone's life. It is stepping from the last vestiges of childhood to the real world. The day carries both promise and a slight sense of loss. It will be remembered through out life and the music that accompanies the moment will forever bring a sense of nostalgia. The Top 10 Christian Graduation Songs will help set the mood for the memories.
1. "Where You Lead Me" - MercyMe
"As long as my heart is beating...
Where You lead me I will follow
Where You lead me I give my life away"
Life is about choices and there are a million of them for new grads. This song reminds us all that the most important choice is following God every day of our lives. MercyMe is ... well ... MercyMe! The classic MercyMe sound makes this one of my favorite songs on the album (which is great from start to finish).
2. "Smellin' Coffee" - Chris Rice
INO Records
"Singin' about my freedom, wakin' me up to hear Your song,
And now I can't dance hard enough
'Cause yesterday is gone, gone, gone!"
Yesterday may be gone for your grad, but this songs tells them that they shouldn't worry because God never sleeps. Even while they sleep, He's awake and making wonderful plans for their lives. Chris Rice shows a little of his blues side on this tune, making it a definite winner.
3. "Bring It On" - Steven Curtis Chapman
Sparrow Records
"Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong
Bring it on"
Let's face it ... life can be a real battle. No matter how good a person you are, things can get rough. "Bring it On" could easily be the anthem for this generation, because it is, (much like they are), in your face and not hiding in a corner! Steven Curtis Chapman brings this song to life with a real "pop" sound.
4. "Start a Fire" - Audio Adrenaline
"It only takes a spark to get a fire going
I know the fire's in your hearts
So go ahead and show it"
The world needs leaders and grads are the next generation of great leaders. Encouragement to light a fire is a huge life gift since so many people in our world will spend more time telling them what they can't do than what they can accomplish. "Start A Fire," with it's 80's hair-rock sound, is a perfect way to get the message out.
5. "Follow Your Dreams" - Raze
Forefront Records
"Follow your dreams and you will see
anything you want you can achieve".
A great way to tell your grad that he/she can be anything they want to be. Graduation is time for your grad to spread their wings and fly. If you have a dance music lover that is getting ready to be a new grad, this song will hit the mark.
6. "Raging Sea" - Michael W. Smith
Reunion
Feels like a long and winding road
Sometimes this life can lose its meaning
But you might be surprised to find some hope"
Stepping into the "real world" means finding out that your journey can be a rough one at times. It can be easy to get lost, feeling like you're facing the world with no one on your side. "Raging Sea" is a gentle reminder that no matter how weary the world may make you, Jesus is always on your side. The piano-driven sound of Michael W. Smith is pure Smitty, with lyrics that are easy to pick out and music that soars.
7. "This Road" - Jars Of Clay
Essential Records
"This road that we travel may it be the straight and narrow
God, give us peace and grace from You, all the day
Shelter with fire, our voices we raise still higher
God, give us peace and grace from You, all the day through"
Being a Christian means walking the straight and narrow road. It's not always easy because there will be sorrow; but their will also be joy and laughter. This Jars of Clay tune spells it out in a really "folky" way.
8. "This Is Your Life" - Out Of Eden
Gotee Records
"This is your life
God knows what it's meant to be
Know you've got a destiny, time is now so won't you see
This is your life
No more waiting to begin, take your chance & know you'll win
You can make it in this thing called life"
Just like the song says, "No more waiting to begin," a new chapter in life starts with graduation day. This is the day that your child/loved-one starts the next path in their destiny.
9. "The Power of the Moment" - Chris Rice
INO Records
"What am I gonna be
when I grow up?
How am I gonna make my mark in history?
And what are they gonna write
about me when I'm gone?
These are the questions
That shape the way I think about
what matters"
When a child graduates from school there are so many questions they're asked ... "What are you going to do?" "Who are you going to be?" "The Power of the Moment" shows grads what is really important ... following the path that God has put in your head and in your heart. Chris Rice is, as usual, wonderful at offering this advice is his usual acoustic format.
10. "We've Only Just Begun" - Run Kid Run
Tooth & Nail
"Go make the best of everything you want to be
With ambition pushing forward
Your dreams upon your shoulders"
Graduation is the time when the "little ones" leave the safety net and go out into the world. Their ambition to be the best that they can be, their dreams and (most of all) their faith will carry them through the next step in their journey.
