As we close out another year of academics, we also say goodbye to the class of 2026. The last class that got to regularly frequent The Old Stone Jug and see Sean Kingston “sell out” Cotterell Court has certainly made its mark on Colgate. After four years, I’m sad to be writing my last 13 Beats, but I’m excited to see the next group of writers shine. I hope that this playlist puts you in a sentimental and nostalgic mood, whether you’re also graduating soon or just experiencing the wistful feelings of the semester ending:

1. “I’ll Always Remember You” – Hannah Montana (2010)

This Hannah Montana classic has become the graduation song of our generation. “I’m so thankful for the moments, so glad I got to know you,” Montana sings, reminiscing on the memories she made with the friends she has to leave.

2. “Rivers and Roads” – The Head And The Heart (2011)

Warning: this track is a major tear-jerker, but a good background for emotional hugs at the end of the semester. Lyrics like: “A year from now we’ll all be gone, all our friends will move away,” describe the uncomfortable anticipation of living “Rivers and Roads” away from people you’ve gotten used to having near.

3. “Home” – Phillip Phillips (2013)

“Just know you’re not alone, ‘cause I’m gonna make this place your home,” Phillip Phillips sings in this heartwarming pop folk track. Listening to the lyrics is a helpful reminder of the “home” and community that many students have created at Colgate.

4. “The Scientist” – Coldplay (2002)

This slow, emotional ballad is sure to prime the nostalgia of your first memories at Colgate. Lyrics like, “Oh take me back to the start,” capture the feelings of wishing you could rewind time and be back in orientation, just beginning your Colgate journey.

5. “Good Old Days” – Macklemore, Kesha (2017)

Macklemore and Kesha sing about living in the moment and savoring the good times before they go away in this upbeat track. “Someday soon, your whole life’s gonna change, you’ll miss the magic of the good old days,” Kesha sings, putting fleeting time into perspective for listeners in our position.

6. “I Lived” – OneRepublic (2014)

“I Lived” is the ultimate pop anthem to play when looking back through your camera roll filled with pictures and videos from the semester and your time at Colgate as a whole. The lyric, “I did it all,” repeats throughout the chorus, encouraging us to be proud of what we accomplished both in and out of the classroom.

7. “When We Were Young” – Adele (2016)

This track is perfect for anyone toughing out the growing pains of entering a new chapter of their lives. Adele sings, “We were sad of getting old, it made us restless,” speaking to those of us who already know we are going to miss being college students. 

8. “Kids” – MGMT (2007)

“Kids” is the perfect synth pop track to blast during your last few drives around Hamilton. The progression of the melody, combined with the clips of kids screaming in the background, emulates moving through different stages of life.

9. “Ribs” – Lorde (2013)

“I’ve never felt more alone, it feels so scary getting old,” Lorde sings in this track about missing the warmth of the close friends she had when she was younger. The dreamy production and echoey vocals make the lyrics come alive.

10. “Somewhere Only We Know” – Keane (2004)

Tom Chaplin sings passionately about wanting to talk to his lover in a place that’s special to both of them. Many of us will miss our favorite study or hangout spots around campus that we frequent and may be off the beaten path.

11. “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine (2009)

In between all the nostalgia and not wanting to leave, there are also feelings of celebration that come with the end of the semester and graduation. We might resonate with lyrics like “The dog days are over, the dog days are done,” when we submit our theses and last final exams.

12. “Where’d All The Time Go? – Dr. Dog (2010)

“Where’d all the time go? It’s starting to fly,” starts this track about how fast time passes. Doesn’t it feel like just yesterday we were meeting the other students in our first-year seminar classes?

13. “Theme from New York, New York” – Frank Sinatra (1980)

It only made sense to close out this playlist with the last song that plays at The Old Stone Jug and pays homage to the state that is the home of Colgate. As Frank Sinatra sings, I hope you’ll all “make a brand new start of it” and be successful in whatever you do after Colgate!