Graduation for the class of 2025 is only a few weeks away. As a senior who is obsessed with music, here are some of the most relatable songs for this time in our lives.

“Time to Pretend” by MGMT

The nostalgia this song evokes in the first few beats is unreal. The electronic synth is catchy, familiar and gives me such a rush. I also love the message of this song. Ultimately, it’s about not wanting to grow up. The narrator refuses to accept real responsibilities, instead suggesting to party. “Yeah, it’s overwhelming, but what else can we do? Get jobs in offices and wake up for the morning commute?” he says. It paints adulthood as monotonous yet inevitable. The narrator has to “pretend” to be an adult, and wants his future to be exciting. I think most seniors can relate to this. I also think, in a Peter Pan-ish way, we don’t want to forget what it’s like to be a kid. This song speaks to the unfairness of having to grow up, the nostalgia of childhood and the desire to live a meaningful life.

Favorite lyric: “Love must be forgotten, life can always start up anew”
Rating: 9/10

“Tongue Tied” by GROUPLOVE

The build-up in the first 15 seconds of this song is euphoric. The strumming guitar, beats of bass, and pops of synth is a clear giveaway that this song is an absolute bop. My favorite part, though, is probably the bridge. It’s rhythmic, easy to sing along to and mischievous and endearing all at once. While “Time to Pretend” spoke about childhood nostalgia, “Tongue Tied” is all about being a teenager. Also, this song actually does mention Peter Pan in the lyrics. The reluctance to grow up is a common theme for seniors. But as for teenagedom, the lyrics mention first love, driving, slumber parties and of course, best friends. I think this song also speaks to the relatable feeling of not knowing what to say. The narrator begs his girlfriend to stay, but is “tongue tied.” This song blends the ecstasy of being young with the uncertainty of the future.

Favorite lyric: “Take me to your best friend’s house, I loved you then and I love you now”
Rating: 8/10

“The Spins” by Mac Miller

Whereas the past two songs have been all about not wanting to grow up, this song is the opposite. Miller immediately begins by telling us exactly what he wants to do in life: party. One of my favorite aspects of the song is the background music and ad libs. They’re almost conversational and make listeners feel like they are in the room with Miller. Besides that, the steady drums combined with mystical synth give the song an energetic hip-hop vibe. If that wasn’t enough, the lyrics “Oh yeah I just graduated high school” make this song an obvious choice for this playlist. This song is funny, aspirational, charismatic and reckless: just like Miller. However, while this song is perfect for this playlist, it lacks compared to the other songs. It’s not as catchy, its lyrics aren’t incredibly significant and it’s just not my favorite.

Favorite lyric: “Um, Follow your dreams”
Rating: 6/10

“Prom” by SZA

Why is it that the openings to all of these songs are some of the best parts? “Prom” starts with pops, static and drum beats that lead smoothly into SZA’s silky voice. In the other songs on this playlist, synth and drums have been the best parts – this time, it is SZA’s vocals. Hands down, they are some of the best. The control she has is amazing. The lyrics are also super strong. All about trying to figure yourself out, they contemplate how to mature into an adult. It seems that feeling like you can’t do anything right is just a part of growing up. Most seniors can understand how it feels when things come crashing down on you. I also love the Wizard of Oz reference in “These houses keep droppin’ everywhere.” Mentioning a childhood classic adds the nostalgia factor that I’m so fond of. Also, with prom season right around the corner, how could I not include this?

Favorite lyric: “Don’t take it personal, Like I know you usually do”
Rating: 9/10

“Ribs” by Lorde

Synth, synth, some dreamy vocals and more synth. The repeated lyrics bring to mind flashbacks of childhood memories. This is not so much nostalgia as it is fear. For the future, the lost time or maybe that you can’t ever go back to how things were. She says, “And I’ve never felt more alone, It feels so scary getting old.” Lorde wrote this song and the rest of her album “Pure Heroin” when she was just 16. She, out of everyone, I think is the most qualified to comment on the experience of growing up. Her ethereal vocals mixed together with synth and hypnotic whips make it bittersweet but also melancholic. I have no notes. “Ribs” is a masterpiece.

Favorite lyric: “Sharing beds like little kids, And laughing ’til our ribs get tough, But that will never be enough”

Rating: 10/10

“Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore

This catchy song is almost accusatory, and I love it. It’s a strong reminder that being young is a privilege we take for granted. It’s nearly time for seniors to enter “the real world” whether we’re ready or not. The electric guitar is strong and Hayley Williams’ vocals are stronger in a really good way. The only thing is that the song is almost five minutes long. It wouldn’t be that much of a problem except that the lyrics are extremely repetitive, and it’s not just the chorus. The ad-libbing is also a little excessive. But overall, Paramore pops the bubble that us seniors have been living in.

Favorite lyric: “So what are you gonna do, When the world don’t orbit around you?”
Rating: 7/10

“Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine

The first harp chords of this song invoke a ton of nostalgia in me, as I’m sure it does for most senior listeners. But the song isn’t nostalgic at all. It’s about looking to the future and wholeheartedly giving it your all. Florence Welch’s lyrics command her audience to survive and move forward. The clapping drums, shimmery tambourine and Welch’s longing vocals make her message euphoric instead of daunting. They suggest that being an adult can be freeing, not overwhelming.

Favorite lyric: “Happiness hit her like a bullet in the back”
Rating: 9/10

Senior year is a pivotal time in any person’s life. Saying goodbye to childhood isn’t easy, but we have a lot to look forward to. This playlist is meant to emulate that.