Teaching Problems and Solutions with Songs

This post “Teaching Problems and Solutions with Songs” is the final one in a series of four.

I want to send out a special thank you to Nancy Davis’s Middle School music class for some great song suggestions! In the comment area below, I would love to hear your suggestions. Remember the songs must be classroom-friendly.

This handout contains all the song titles listed in this series of posts. It also has a series of printable organizers for students to use with the songs.

Get the handout for this problems and solutions blog post including the song list and graphic organizers.

Songs for Problems and Solutions

Overcomer by Mandisa

Kisha’s battle with cancer inspired Mandisa to write Overcomer. The video includes a number of real-life stories of people who all share the experience of overcoming significant personal challenges and adversity including:

Gabby Giffords survived a shooting and has since become an advocate for gun control and mental health awareness.
Mark Kelly is a retired astronaut and Navy captain who has overcome personal tragedy and challenges in his career.
Scott Hamilton is a former Olympic figure skater who overcame cancer and continues to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
Robin Roberts is a journalist who has faced and overcome serious health challenges, including breast cancer and a rare blood disorder.
Hannah Curlee has overcome obesity and has since become a fitness advocate and motivational speaker.

Wake Me Up by Avicii

This song has many interpretations, so there is not going to be one right answer. Students will probably take the words both literally and figuratively. ENJOY!

I See Fire by Ed Sheeran

This song was commissioned for the soundtrack of the 2013 movie The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The Hobbit follows the quest of Bilbo Baggins who is trying to win his share of the treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug. Students who have seen the film can name many problems and solutions in the quest.

Skin (Sarabeth) by Rascal Flatts

This song tells the story of a girl’s struggle with cancer. You will tear up when you hear how the problem is solved.

I’ll Walk by Bucky Covington

This song also tells a story with an unexpected twist.

We Shall Overcome

This song was first published in 1948 by Pete Seeger and has been re-recorded several times since then. Notable artists who recorded it include Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Peter, Paul & Mary, and Toots & the Maytals. Martin Luther King, Jr. also recorded a spoken-word version. Joan Baez sang the song at the March on Washington in 1963 before Martin Luther King, Jr. gave this famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

We Shall Overcome

Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson

Be sure to watch this video before showing it in class. Some of the pictures may not be suitable for all students. “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson describes the problem of societal issues and the solution of taking personal responsibility and making positive changes to contribute to a better world.

Here are a few more songs with problems and solutions you to check out:

“A Horse with No Name” by America (1971)

“A Horse with No Name” talks about the problem of feeling lost and alone in a vast, desolate world, and the solution of finding inner peace and clarity by connecting with nature.

“Colors of the Wind” by Vanessa Williams from Disney’s Pocahontas (1995)

“Colors of the Wind” addresses the problem of discrimination and the destruction of nature, and the solution of embracing diversity and respecting the natural world.

“Hey there Delilah” by Plain White T’s (2005)

“Hey there Delilah” tells the story of a long-distance relationship and the problem of physical distance, and the solution to maintaining emotional closeness through communication and love.

“Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson (2015)

“Piece by Piece” describes the problem of a broken family and the solution of overcoming the trauma and building a loving and supportive family of one’s own.

“Count on Me” by Bruno Mars (2010)

“Count on Me” addresses the problem of feeling alone and the solution of finding support and friendship.

“Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara (2015)

“Scars to Your Beautiful” discusses the problem of body shaming and the solution of embracing individuality and self-love.

“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten (2014)

“Fight Song” addresses the problem of feeling helpless and the solution of finding strength and empowerment.

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong (1967)

“What a Wonderful World” addresses the problem of feeling overwhelmed by negativity in the world and the solution of finding joy and positivity in the simple things in life.