Graduation Song
I saw a lot of grads in caps and gowns on the streets of New York this week as NYU had their big graduation celebrations. I wanted to write a song about graduation and this is what I made.
There’s a lot of people from my college years that I really, really enjoyed spending time with, that I thought were just beautiful people, that I shared some really great moments with. I think about them still, even though most of them I haven’t seen or talked to since then. I don’t mean those college friends that remained a part of my life afterwards – I mean people who’s names I may not even remember anymore. It’s been a long time now.
This song is about those people, although the context of the song is obviously more romantic than not. Romantic or not, the idea is that if I went back to the time of my college graduation, I might just tell these friends and acquaintances that they are beautiful, that they’ll never be without friends, and that I’ll remember them.
Lyrics and sheet music are provided below.
Lyrics
Graduation (You’re The Prettiest Girl in the World)
Words and Music by David J. Hahn
Verse 1:
It’s graduation Sally,
and I know that you’ve got to go,
But pack your bags real slow
And put me on your list of things to do.
We’ve got to talk, Sally,
Monday night was a mess.
But our time was getting short
And I thought I’d take a shot.
I know we’re not going gonna get it together
You and I never had a chance
I know I’m not the one, and frankly you’re not the one
I just have to say this before it’s done.
Chorus:
You’re the prettiest girl in the world.
You’ll never spend a day alone.
By Tuesday I’ll be gone,
But I will always remember you.
Verse 2:
I know we never talked a lot
I know we took it all too fast
But I was still surprised when it fell apart
I guess I thought that it would last.
Remember that bright night in June?
I knew for sure what we had.
But I made it all up,
I guess I never really listened to you.
This is not an apology.
I’m not sure if it ever hurt.
Life just went on, and life will go on,
I just think that you should know.
(Chorus)
Verse 3:
Years from now,
When I think back on these days -
I have so many memories now –
Which ones will time choose?
I’ll remember June.
I’ll remember you.
When we walked through the street lights
And laughed about where to go.
This isn’t me telling you what to be believe.
I’m not asking you for a response.
It’s just something I knew, and something I never told you
And I have to say it before we’re through.
(Chorus)
Sheet Music
High note: Eb
Key: Eb
High note: Middle C
Key: C
