Class of 2026: Senior Songs

Image from Musixmatch.com

By the IDEA RV CP Roaring Raptor Team

A senior song is more than just music—it is a reflection of what the final year of high school truly means. It captures the trials and triumphs of the journey, the last push before graduation, and the celebration of friendships, growth, and perseverance. For the Class of 2026, the senior song is meant to serve as both a soundtrack to their final year and a reminder of the memories they will carry into the future.

These are some of the songs that the Class of 2026 have put into consideration as their defining song.

"Lost in the Wild" - WALK THE MOON

By Nehemiah Gutierrez

WALK THE MOON'S "Lost in the Wild" fits for senior year because it can make you feel like you have found the finish line of school: you’re proud yourself, while also sad that you’re leaving part of your life behind. You say bye to teachers and friends you’ve made along the way. This song captures the melancholy of the transition we go through when leaving high school. But on the bright side you no longer have to go to school. Due to these complex feelings, this song perfectly captures the idea of graduating from high school.

“As It Was” – Prep

By Mariano Melendez-Chao

Prep’s 2025 cover of Harry Styles’ “As It Was” reimagines the original with a laid-back, nostalgic tone. The lyrics remove direct references to Styles and instead focus on “you,” giving the song a broader and more personal meaning. While the original expresses longing and sadness over change, this version shifts the message toward joy in remembering what once was. With a jazzy, upbeat instrumental, the song evokes a sense of gratitude for lived experiences rather than regret for what is gone. For our graduating class, it serves as a reminder that leaving high school should not be marked with sadness, but with appreciation for the memories we created together.

“California Gurls” – Katy Perry (ft. Snoop Dogg)

By Miguel Mata

Released in 2010 as the lead single for Teenage Dream, Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” celebrates the West Coast with bright, playful energy. Written partly in response to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind,” the track highlights California’s carefree spirit with catchy hooks and a summer anthem vibe. Its fun and upbeat mood makes it a perfect fit for our senior year, capturing the joy of friendship, freedom, and unforgettable moments. Just as the song celebrates sunshine and togetherness, it reflects the excitement of moving on while cherishing the bonds and memories we’ve built during high school.

“Instant Crush” – Daft Punk (ft. Julian Casablancas)

By Aaliyah Aguirre

Daft Punk’s 2013 track “Instant Crush,” featuring Julian Casablancas, blends electronic beats with melancholic lyrics about love, closeness, and the fear of loss. While rooted in themes of relationships, the song resonates with our senior year through its sense of nostalgia. It reflects the bittersweet reality of growing up—treasuring bonds while also preparing for the changes that lie ahead. Just as the lyrics explore the tension between holding on and moving forward, seniors face the transition of leaving familiar friendships behind as they head into new opportunities. The song captures the emotional complexity of closing one chapter while stepping into another.

And the winner was:

“Ribs” – Lorde

By Robert Wilden

Lorde’s “Ribs,” from her 2013 debut album Pure Heroine, is a reflective track about aging, change, and the fleeting nature of youth. With lyrics that capture both the excitement and the unease of growing older, the song mirrors the feelings of our graduating class. As we prepare to leave high school, we face the reality of responsibility, distance from friends, and the uncertainty of adulthood. At the same time, “Ribs” reminds us to hold onto the laughter, memories, and joy of our younger years. The song perfectly expresses the mixture of nostalgia and anticipation that defines this milestone moment in our lives.