Good songs for teaching English

phuketsub · September 2, 2014

I am doing a university course and would like to include some English language songs for my students.

I understand the need to use songs they have heard before and I see a lot of such songs on shows like Thailand's Got Talent.

I am just wondering if anyone can recommend some songs that are catchy, have fairly simple lyrics and are a hit with Thai students.

Thanks in advance for any help.

lostinisaan · September 2, 2014

I did quite a few seminars for Thai English teachers, educational area office employees, etc and I used "Holiday" from Scorpions.

Most of them know and love this song.Many will join in and sing with you......

Another one, I'd reckon is Hotel California from the Eagles.

Good luck.

Neeranam · September 2, 2014

ZOMBIE

MY LOVE

SlyAnimal · September 2, 2014

"My Heart will go on" from Titanic is probably a good choice, my wife said that that was previously really popular and everyone will probably know it

Neeranam · September 2, 2014

Ronan Keating = nothing at all

chakatee · September 3, 2014

+1 for Hotel California

Codesh · September 3, 2014

+1 for Hotel California

NO, no, no, no. Pleeese do not encourage anymore Hotel Californias! I loved this song - and then I came to Thailand. Arrghhhhhhh!

One of my friends has become quite fluent in Thai because of his love of karaoke - he now knows about 10 Thai songs with perfectly correct tones and pronunciation. I can imagine your classroom with the karaoke machine up front as they practice their English. Knowing Thai love for karaoke, you will sure be their favourite teacher .!

lostinisaan · September 3, 2014

+1 for Hotel California

NO, no, no, no. Pleeese do not encourage anymore Hotel Californias! I loved this song - and then I came to Thailand. Arrghhhhhhh!

One of my friends has become quite fluent in Thai because of his love of karaoke - he now knows about 10 Thai songs with perfectly correct tones and pronunciation. I can imagine your classroom with the karaoke machine up front as they practice their English. Knowing Thai love for karaoke, you will sure be their favourite teacher .!

You can check out any time of this forum, but you can never leave......

Another one would be from Danzig. - "Mother"........http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gw5pyjBYmQ..

Or Frank Zappa"s : "Why does it hurt, when I pee?" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vmPwZT-9zY.

Edited September 3, 2014 by lostinisaan

Puyai · September 4, 2014

Beatles - Hello Goodbye

Do in pairs with actions. I would list the actions, but haven't got time...

soblue2001 · September 4, 2014

Ronan Keating - Nothing at all

Adele - Someone like you.

phuketsub · September 5, 2014

I thank you all for your contributions; I do think it might be hard to stomach Hotel California six times a week, but I guess it is a sacrifice I may have to make...I would definitely like to work in more Beatles, like 'Love Me Do', but not sure if they would be familiar with it...

Cuddlycat · September 5, 2014

How's about "Let it go" from the animation movie, "Frozen". Kids love it.

lostinisaan · September 7, 2014

Tears in heaven from Eric Clapton.

jacky54 · September 7, 2014

Rule Britannia and Jerusalem should do the trick

SlyAnimal · September 7, 2014

"Way Back into Love" would be a good one too.

The students might not necessarily know the song, but I think there is a Thai song with the same/similar melody that is/was really popular this year (Although sorry but I can't remember the name).

Also as there is a movie, "Music and Lyrics", which revolves completely around the creation of this song, there is a good opportunity for some learning outside of the classroom. You also could also do a followup lesson which relates to the movie itself (or a section of the movie).

Also both the movie and song are the type that would usually strike a chord with Thai English students (Romantic Comedy + Love Song).

lostinisaan · September 7, 2014

"Way Back into Love" would be a good one too.

The students might not necessarily know the song, but I think there is a Thai song with the same/similar melody that is/was really popular this year (Although sorry but I can't remember the name).

Also as there is a movie, "Music and Lyrics", which revolves completely around the creation of this song, there is a good opportunity for some learning outside of the classroom. You also could also do a followup lesson which relates to the movie itself (or a section of the movie).

Also both the movie and song are the type that would usually strike a chord with Thai English students (Romantic Comedy + Love Song).

Did you mean this one?

Edited September 7, 2014 by lostinisaan

SlyAnimal · September 7, 2014

Yeah that's the one

hehe there's this version as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4K6G03nN-g

It's got Thai + English subs + Korean Singers, can't go wrong lol

(Maybe play the version with Thai subs once, to help with general understanding, and then use the English only version after that, depending on the purpose of the lesson of course).

lostinisaan · September 7, 2014

Yeah that's the one

hehe there's this version as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4K6G03nN-g

It's got Thai + English subs + Korean Singers, can't go wrong lol

(Maybe play the version with Thai subs once, to help with general understanding, and then use the English only version after that, depending on the purpose of the lesson of course).

If they get bored, I'd reckon the Buffalo song......

P.S. Song way too long...

Edited September 7, 2014 by lostinisaan

stubuzz · September 7, 2014

The song you choose should be connected to the content and focus of the lesson.

ricklev · September 7, 2014

The wheels on the bus go round and round round and round round and round........

Mencken · September 11, 2014

Dead Kennedy's - Stealing peoples mail

Throbbing Gristle - Hamburger Lady

Joy Division - Love will tear us spart

Dickies - Stuck in a pagoda with Tricia Toyota

Fear - I love livin' in the city

rijb · September 11, 2014

Let it Be - Paul M. - great story behind it.

Denim · September 11, 2014

Rule Britannia and Jerusalem should do the trick

' Knees up mother brown ' would be better though.

squarethecircle · September 11, 2014

Don't know how applicable this would be to the age group you're teaching but the songs from Genki English are catchy. Even adults would probably get a kick out of them.

Smokin Joe · September 11, 2014

I think "The Rodeo Song" by David Allen Coe would be a good one.

Maybe "You Picked A fine Time To Leave, Lucille" also.

David48 · September 11, 2014

Until the last couple of posts ... I really enjoyed reading them.

Just looking for ideas for the Thai Family and also when my boys start to talk both languages.

David48 · September 11, 2014

This link might help ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma0Gq85kMMs

This one has clear, almost spoken lyrics.

.

David48 · September 11, 2014

Depending on your audience, the chorus lines from this clip would be easy to learn.

Plus the boys are a fun, a 'sanok' element to the lesson

.

David48 · September 11, 2014

My Thai gf sent this to me early on in our relationship.

Was a favourite of hers.

Dead easy to sing along with ...

For some unknown reason (to me) the Thai seem to know this song ...

A bit more advance and heavy hearted lyrics.

Just a variety of suggests, some that may help, based on your Audience.

I reckon the 'Trouble is your Friend' is a great start.

Eliot Rosewater · September 25, 2014

Dead Kennedy's - Stealing peoples mail

Throbbing Gristle - Hamburger Lady

Joy Division - Love will tear us spart

Dickies - Stuck in a pagoda with Tricia Toyota

Fear - I love livin' in the city

Throbbing Gristle, geez; I haven't thought about those weirdos in a couple of decades.

Sleazy P died here a few years ago

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