The Class of 2026 had an interesting experience of school, especially during middle school.
After COVID-19 and devious licks, the Class of 2026 was the, “leftovers.”
In sixth grade, we thought, “yay, we have two weeks off,” but it turned into a year off, starting with Google Meets in August 2020 and physically returning in April 2021. T.V. shows, video games and music had gotten us through quarantine, and those three years we didn’t get to experience middle school and that D.C. trip. Then came high school, when people told us “These four years will go by fast,” we didn’t take it seriously.
Here are some of the songs that help build the Class of 2026.
“Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy
Life, when this song came out, freshman year started, hoping high school would feel like the movies. You just had to be there to listen to “Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy during 2022. It feels nostalgic, and feels like freshman year.
The lyrics of the song speak of regret — of doing things you wish you hadn’t and of not taking advantage of the opportunities presented.
“End of Beginning” by Djo
The song “End of Beginning” by Djo has been a staple for many high school students. It feels nostalgic and feels like it’s been around for so long, but it only came out in 2022 when the class of ‘26 were freshmen.
Because this song came out when we were freshmen, it followed us through our journey, and we lived through the meaning of the song and its title. High school has prepared these seniors for growing up and beginning a new phase of life. “End of Beginning” lyrics are perfect.
“Another version of me,” sings Joe Keery, the artist behind Djo, “I was in it … I wave goodbye to the end of beginning.”
“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
As seniors, we start “adulting.” Landslide is about navigating life changes, personal growth, and emotional upheaval.
“Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’,” Stevie Nicks sings in the song. “Even children get older, and I’m getting older too.”
Seniors are about to attack those challenges in the near future.
“Hold On Till May” by Pierce The Veil
It’s in the title. Class of 2026 just has to “Hold on Till May,” graduating in May and leaving high school behind, and getting through hard times as a young adult.
The guitars are soothing and flowing with the words. It has the perfect energy to help students get through the end of the semester — and a little kick of metalcore nostalgia that many seniors will connect with.
Though this song has a dark and heavy meaning behind them, they comment on pushing through when the world feels out of control.
“Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve
Again with the trend of everything changing … and also meeting so many people through your K-12 career. This song is deep, smooth and very moving, something we need for the new chapter.
“I’ll take you down the only road I’ve ever been down,” the Verve’s vocalist Richard Ashcroft sings “ … You know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet.”
These songs talk about change and adjusting to new things, and make for a diverse, catchy and memorable soundtrack for the Class of 2026.