Embedded Files
1. "Imagine" John Lennon, 1971
The scope of this song is global and its content cuts through many of the issues that cause division among neighbors and nations. It invites us to challenge our assumptions about man-made divisive constructs and what the world could be like if we stopped going to war over things like where we live and what/how we worship. This is my number one song because If the whole world DID imagine this, I believe we’d be in a much more peaceful place as a species.
2. "What a Wonderful World" Louis Armstrong, 1967
Louis Armstrong’s classic peace not only inspires optimism, but hope for generations. It encourages us to appreciate the little things we often take for granted like the colors of nature. This song has global appeal and the potential for emotional healing from which all young people should be able to draw as needed.
Whitney Houston (cover), 1992
The lyrics of this song are certainly worthy of teenage ears. Particularly when going through a tough breakup, as many young romances do, this reminds us that it’s okay to end relationships on good terms and to keep loving someone in a different way when a relationship ends. Houston’s vocal performance makes this cover so good that most don’t remember or haven’t heard of the original.
4. "Let it be" The Beatles, 1970
All young people should hear this lesson of forgiveness and moving on. Holding anger and grudges is a dangerous practice.
5. "One Tin Soldier" The Original Caste, 1969
Teenagers are recruited to the military 8-9 years before their brains fully develop. Recruiters are also frequently welcomed into schools, along with JROTC programs that start the process even earlier. Young people deserve to hear this cleverly written ballot that focuses on false narratives, unintended consequences and hollow “victories” of war.
6. "What It's Like" Everclear, 1998
This song is a meaningful lesson in empathy that everyone should hear at least once.
7. "Fortunate Son" Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1969
This song encourages us to look into the historical context that it came from. It’s an anti-draft, anti-war song that also touches on equity issues across classes in ways that students will find a great deal of information that remains painfully relevant today if they choose to dig through the lyrics. It’s also a banger of a song that most of them will only recognize the first verse being used in many films.
8. "Hurt" Johnny Cash, 2019
The song is a great introduction for young people’s exposure to a classic artist like Johnny Cash. The lyrics also speak to one person’s pain, regret and dependence on substances that can’t fill the void(s) in his life in a way that many young people can relate to, or may learn from before they make the same mistakes.
9. "Lose Yourself" Eminem, 2002
The genre of rap belongs somewhere on my list, and I think it’s appropriate for young people to hear this hype song about opportunity, nerves, and overcoming fears to embrace fleeting chances that we won’t always get back.
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