By Tom Bowler, Chief Music Thinker
For their Top 5 Favorite Songs, elementary teachers have chosen a wide range of music from classic hymns to classic rock. From the teachers, I expected to find more school-oriented songs like School’s Out by Alice Cooper or the awful Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room by Brownsville Station. But our teachers chose their favorite songs and I believe the choices reflect their positive attitudes and hopes for their students more than their feelings about school itself.
What a Wonderful World
One of Louis Armstrong’s last recordings, released in 1968, takes the #5 spot here. The sentimental song offers a message of hope and beauty, and reminds listeners to appreciate the wonders visible in their everyday lives: trees of green, skies of blue, and friends shaking hands; a perfect lesson for grade-schoolers and beyond. After more than 50 years, Armstrong’s softly-delivered, almost spoken vocals continue to bring smiles to the faces of listeners of all ages.
I Can Only Imagine
Our teachers chose this Christian rock ballad as their #4 favorite song. I’m sure we’ve all imagined what awaits in the great beyond. But, with its overtly religious message I Can Only Imagine is probably not appropriate for all classrooms. Even in a Sunday School, this song seems a bit heavy for primary-level students. As enticing as the idea of walking through Heaven with Jesus may be, I’m still trying to get busy living, as I’m sure most of my students are.
Don’t Stop Believing
The official song of the Soprano family’s french-fry Friday night, and quite the change from I Can Only Imagine, Journey’s rock anthem is a song of searching for a touch of emotion (and more?) from strangers. Not really appropriate for the theme of the Spring Musicale, but I have heard it sung there on more than one occasion. Just edit out some of the verses, don’t think too much about the lyrics and you’re good to go!
The song’s chorus, which doesn’t occur until the very end of the song, is the catchy hook that erases all the earlier sketchiness. Then it becomes a joyous sing-along of optimism and determination and positivity that everyone from Pre-Ks to their grandparents can appreciate.
You Are My Sunshine
A perfectly simple song of love (sadly unrequited), You Are My Sunshine, first recorded in 1939, can be sung and understood by anyone the first time they hear it. Neither flowery, showy nor wordy, the poetry is succinct and direct. It uses clear imagery to create a homey and honest feeling.
In the classroom, the song presents a good opportunity to let students know they don’t have to write like Shakespeare or Sia to come up with a decent lyric. With its extended metaphors and second-person perspective, it also contains plenty of writing lessons for upper-level elementary teachers.
Amazing Grace
Move over Bob Marley, this is the original Redemption Song. The hymn of the slaver who found the Lord, and mended his wicked ways lands the #1 spot on our list and rightly so, as, “It may be the most recorded song on the planet,” according to Jerry Bailey, executive at Broadcast Music, Inc., of Nashville. (1)
British Clergyman John Newton, who spent his early life as a profane, undisciplined sailor, a “wretch” in his own words, wrote and published the lyrics in 1779, long after giving up the sea for the sedate life of a married minister.
Like You Are My Sunshine above, the poetry of Amazing Grace is simple, and straightforward, but it cleverly juxtaposes opposites to make its point of what conversion meant for Parson Newton.
Its message of hope and redemption remains affecting, and meaningful for all but the most recalcitrant souls. It’s a powerful, lasting and timeless message which remains relevant in the 2020’s.
Honorable Mentions
- Brown Eyed Girl
- Bohemian Rhapsody
- Eye of the Tiger
- Anything by Queen
- Anything by the Beatles
Brown Eyed Girl? It’s a fine song, the kind to sing in someone’s face at a loud party, but hardly deserving of a top-ten finish. Who would have thought it’d be right up there with Amazing Grace. I’d rather hear Moondance anyday. And ANYTHING by The Beatles or Queen?? Does that include Revolution #9 or I’m In Love With My Car? Hope not. I’ll add one of my personal favorites just out of selfishness. Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On offers a powerful message of protest within a funky, danceable, catchy pop tune. Plenty to think about inside the classroom and out.
Did we miss your favorite? What is your favorite song that is not on the list?
Queen is my favorite!! Can belt out to Bohemian Rhapsody all day, everyday.
My favorite is definitely Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi.
Journey ANYTHING for the win!
My favorite is Jason Mraz, Have it All ❤️