Music has a way of telling stories, and many songs highlight challenges and the solutions that follow. In this post, we’ll explore songs your students can analyze for the problem-and-solution text structure, making reading skills both fun and memorable.
A special thank-you goes out to Nancy Davis’s middle school music class, whose thoughtful song suggestions helped shape this series.
If you have classroom-friendly songs to add, I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments!
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.
Teaching Problems and Solutions with Songs
Overcomer by Mandisa
Mandisa wrote this song after being inspired by her friend Kisha’s battle with cancer. The video highlights real-life stories of people who faced incredible challenges and found strength, including:
Gabby Giffords, who survived a shooting and later became an advocate for gun control and mental health awareness.
Mark Kelly, retired astronaut and Navy captain, who overcame personal tragedy and professional challenges.
Scott Hamilton, Olympic figure skater, who battled cancer and now raises money for research.
Robin Roberts, journalist, who survived breast cancer and a rare blood disorder.
Hannah Curlee, who overcame obesity and became a motivational speaker.
Wake Me Up by Avicii
This song can be read in many different ways. Students may take the lyrics literally, figuratively, or both, leading to rich discussions about possible problems and solutions.
I See Fire by Ed Sheeran
Commissioned for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, this song follows Bilbo Baggins on his dangerous quest. Students familiar with the story can point out multiple problems and creative solutions along the way.
Skin (Sarabeth) by Rascal Flatts
This emotional ballad tells the story of a girl battling cancer. The song’s touching resolution makes it a powerful example of problem and solution.
I’ll Walk by Bucky Covington
A story-driven song with an unexpected twist that challenges students to rethink how problems and solutions are presented.
We Shall Overcome
First published in 1948 by Pete Seeger, this anthem has been re-recorded by Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, and Peter, Paul & Mary. Joan Baez famously sang it at the 1963 March on Washington just before Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The song continues to inspire listeners to overcome social struggles through unity and perseverance.
We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa
This charity single, originally recorded in 1985 and re-recorded in 2010, highlights how collective action can solve global problems.
Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson
This song points to the problems of social injustice and inequality. The solution is simple but powerful: start with yourself. (Preview before class—some images in the video may not be suitable for younger students.)
Note:
While all songs listed here are selected for educational value, please preview each one to ensure it aligns with your school’s content guidelines and student age group. Some songs may include mature themes or emotional intensity that require framing or adaptation.
Here are a few additional songs that work well for teaching problems and solutions with songs:
A Horse with No Name by America (1971) — A song about feeling lost and finding peace by connecting with nature.
Colors of the Wind by Vanessa Williams (Pocahontas, 1995) — Addresses prejudice and environmental destruction, with the solution of embracing diversity and respecting nature.
Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s (2005) — A long-distance love story where communication bridges the problem of separation.
Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson (2015) — Describes healing from a broken family by creating a new, loving one.
Count on Me by Bruno Mars (2010) — Tackles loneliness with the solution of friendship and support.
Scars to Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara (2015) — Counters body shaming with a message of self-love.
Fight Song by Rachel Platten (2014) — Moves from helplessness to empowerment and strength.
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong (1967) — Shifts focus from negativity to joy in life’s simple moments.
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey (1981) — A classic anthem about persevering through setbacks and keeping hope alive.
By analyzing songs, students see how problems and solutions appear not just in stories, but in the music they already enjoy. Be sure to grab the free handout, and check out the other posts in this text structures series!
Note: This post was first written in 2017. I updated it in September 2025 with refreshed ideas so you can keep using these songs and activities in your classroom today.
Check out the other posts in this series.
