“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
This is the ultimate anthem for a new beginning. Natasha Bedingfield’s 2004 hit is pure, unadulterated optimism. With lyrics about an open book and a blank page, it’s practically tailor-made for the first day of a new school year. It’s a powerful reminder
that the rest of your story is still unwritten, which is exactly the kind of energy you need when staring down a fresh set of classes, challenges, and opportunities. It’s impossible to listen to this song and not feel ready to take on whatever comes next.
“We’re Going to Be Friends” by The White Stripes
There's a gentle, almost naive sweetness to this acoustic track that perfectly captures the simple joys of early school days. Jack White sings about walking to school, learning to spell, and noticing a new classmate. It’s a song about the quiet, hopeful start of a new friendship. Unlike loud, high-energy anthems, this one feels more intimate and personal, like a fond memory of finding your place and your people. It’s the perfect, calming tune for that first-day walk to campus.
“Good as Hell” by Lizzo
If you need a shot of pure, unadulterated confidence before walking through those school doors, Lizzo is here for you. “Good as Hell” is a modern classic about self-love and brushing off negativity. It’s the musical equivalent of checking your reflection, knowing you look great, and deciding you’re going to have an amazing day no matter what. That bossed-up feeling is exactly the armor you need for navigating crowded hallways and finding your seat in a new classroom.
“Don't You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
Thanks to its iconic placement in "The Breakfast Club," this song is forever linked with high school. While the movie is about detention, the song itself has a grand, yearning quality that speaks to the desire to be seen and remembered. It captures the social dynamics of school—the cliques, the friendships, the feeling of being on the inside or the outside. It’s a dose of pure ‘80s nostalgia that feels both epic and introspective, perfect for contemplating the social landscape of a new year.
“Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey
Not every back-to-school feeling is about excitement. There’s also the very real melancholy of leaving summer behind. Lana Del Rey’s cinematic track perfectly encapsulates that feeling of a beautiful season coming to a close. It’s for those moments when you’re thinking about late nights, road trips, and the freedom that’s now in the rearview mirror. It’s okay to be a little sad that summer’s over, and this song gives you the space to feel it before you move on to the next chapter.
“Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
Written by George Harrison, this song is the musical equivalent of a smile. It’s about emerging from a long, difficult period and feeling the warmth and promise of a new day. The simple, beautiful melody and optimistic lyrics—“It's been a long, cold, lonely winter”—can feel very relevant after a summer that maybe felt too short or a previous school year that was particularly tough. It’s a gentle, reassuring song that promises better things are on their way.
“On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons
This song is a burst of triumphant energy. It’s about finally reaching a place of success and happiness after a long journey of trying and failing. For any student who has struggled with a subject or felt like they were just treading water, this track is a powerful motivator. It validates the hard work and looks forward to the payoff. It has an infectious, stomping beat that makes it a great choice for getting hyped up before a big exam or just starting a new week on a positive note.
“Changes” by David Bowie
Back-to-school is all about change, and who better to guide you through it than David Bowie? This classic song is a reflection on the constant reinvention that life requires. The chorus, "Turn and face the strange," is a perfect mantra for students facing new teachers, new subjects, and new social dynamics. It’s a sophisticated, thoughtful track that acknowledges that change can be awkward and weird, but it’s also an essential part of growing up and moving forward.
“Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine
This song builds from a quiet, gentle start into a massive, joyful, hand-clapping explosion of sound. It’s about happiness arriving so suddenly and completely that it’s almost shocking. For anyone who had a tough year before, this song feels like a declaration that things are about to get better. The pure, cathartic release in Florence Welch's voice is perfect for shaking off the past and running headfirst into a brighter future. It’s a fantastic track for celebrating the end of a long summer and the beginning of a new opportunity.
“Don't Stop Believin'” by Journey
It might be a karaoke staple, but at its core, this song is an enduring anthem about hope and perseverance. It tells a story of young people chasing their dreams, a narrative that every student can relate to on some level. Whether you're a freshman starting college or a middle schooler nervous about a new building, this song provides a powerful reminder to hold on to that feeling of optimism for the journey ahead. It’s a classic for a reason and a surefire way to end your playlist on a high note.
