Some songs to learn when practising English
Last week we talked about the useful micro-habit of learning a song a week. Of course, if you are going to do this, it would be best for you to decide on the songs yourself, as long as they are not too easy. Remember, learning happens best when natural. However, if you don’t have any ideas yet, today we will try to give you some inspiration.
Easier songs to try
Here are some songs that are good for lower-intermediate learners, that are still fun.
Bobby McFerrin – Don’t worry, be happy – Litigate = take someone to court; other than that, the words are simple.
Aqua – Barbie Girl – This famously silly song has useful lyrics for children or adults!
Beatles – Drive my car – The Beatles have loads of great songs to learn from, and this is one.
David Bowie – Space Oddity – The name is a play on the words space odyssey. The song has a good story to follow.
Upper Intermediate songs
A little bit more complicated, here are some songs that are good for upper-intermediates learners.
Ramones – I don’t want to grow up – This Tom Waits cover song has great lyrics from the point of view of a child.
Bruno Mars – Lazy song – A few colloquial words, but mostly simple.
Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror – A nice sentimental self-help song to sing along to.
Alanis Morissette – Ironic – Fun lyrics that explain the sensation of irony
Guns N’ Roses – Sweet child O’ mine – This classic rock song has simple but effective lyrics that will keep you singing all day!
Difficult songs to learn
Here are a few songs to try to learn if you really like a challenge!
Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Give it away – This song is a series of tongue twisters and is great for practising your pronunciation.
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody – It can take a while to memorise these lyrics – but it is well worth it to be able to sing along to this whenever you hear it!
Rage Against The Machine – Know your enemy – This anti-establishment anthem is full of smart rhymes.
Don McClean – American Pie – A tribute to ‘the day the music died‘, this story-song might make you spend a long time looking up words and phrases, but if you can get through it, you should be proud!
Songs to avoid
Some songs are not ideal for English learners for different reasons. Some might just be too confusing, and many, unfortunately have bad grammar. Here are 3 songs that even have incorrect grammar in the title.
1. Rolling Stones – I can’t get no satisfaction
2. Bill Withers – Ain‘t no sunshine
3. Gwen Stefani – If I was a rich girl
Leave us a comment with how you think that these song titles should be!
What songs have you learnt? Do you know any songs by heart? How do you learn songs? Also, if you know any other songs you definitely shouldn‘t learn from, let us know!
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