So you just graduated from college, moved back in with your parents, and feel like nothing you’re about to do will help you land that first post-grad job?
Instead of wallowing in despair, listen to Will Ferrell‘s assuring voice sing you into a calm rest, reminding you that he will always, under all circumstances of unemployment and dread, love you.
In closing his commencement address to the University of Southern California class of 2017 on Friday, Ferrell, a 1990 USC graduate and honorary doctorate degree recipient, soothed the anxious grads with his soulful rendition of Whitney Houston‘s classic “I Will Always Love You.”
“Class of 2017, I just want you to know you will never be alone on whatever path you may choose. If you do have a moment where you feel a little down, just think of the support you have from this great Trojan family, and imagine me—literally, picture my face, singing this song gently into your ear,” Ferrell prefaced his performance to the crowd.
To hoots and hollers from the USC crowd, Ferrell’s soft vibrato reminded graduates that he’ll be thinking of them “every step of the way,” the crowd joining him in the chorus.
Sure, he’s no Whitney, but he managed to end his song with a smooth falsetto.
Watch Ferrell’s entire USC commencement speech, and his beautiful a cappella tune (which starts at 23:23) below: