So this is a strange request. But thought I would try to pick your brains! I need a song that tells a story of either a historical event, person, time, an occupation...something on these lines. Basically, it should be some sort of ballad. Now I know there are probably tons of old time songs from the 20s and 30s that we all probably sang in elementary school music class. However, I am looking for something a bit more modern. It's for an assignment where I must revolve an art unit around this song. So far, the only thing I can come up with that may be appropriate is Billy Joel's Ballad of Billy the Kid. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks Moms:)
What great ideas!! Thanks so much Moms. This is an assignment for a college level course, however, I am in school to be a teacher. So the material must be appropriate for elementary age. Some of them were GREAT but any mention of alcohol, drugs, sex...and sadly..even religion is not considered appropriate. Some of the songs you suggested I thought were fantastic but other students had already thought of! I think I settled on Allentown by Billy Joel. I liked that it was local history. However, I will definitely be sharing some other ideas from you all with my class if someone needs some suggestions. I have 4 other suggestions as backups just in case. Thanks again!!
'Allentown"
"Levon'
"me and bobby mcGee"
'american pie'
'american women'
'Horse with no name'
'war'
"lady Madonna'
"woodstock LIVE'
basicly , go back to the 1969 to 1979 decade... all war songs, struggle, times changeing ...
wow ... this will be fun !!!
good luck .
What about U2's Pride In the Name of Love? They sing about Martin Luther King and peaceful protest, Civil Rights Movement, etc.
You could try any of the songs from School House Rock. They talk about the Boston Tea Party, How a bill becomes a law, the planets,etc. There is a new School House Rock coming out also about Earth called Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. I believe Mitchell Musso sings it. These are the only songs I hear lately since we have the DVD in the car.
Good luck.
G.
Neil Young(CSNY) - Ohio (About the shootings at Kent State)
The Clash - Spanish Bombs
Nightmare of You - Heaven Runs on Oil
No Use For A Name - Biggest Lie
Bad Religion - Let Them Eat War
Strung Out - Jackie-O
Billy Joel - We Didnt Start the Fire
AGainst Me - White People for Peace
Catch 22- The Purge 1936
Bob Marley-Buffalo Soldier
Vincent -Don McLean
The one song that pops into my mind is the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot. It's kind of sad if you're using it with kids, but it's a lovely ballad about a ship that sank in the Great Lakes. The song is very descriptive and you could probably come up with some good art projects to go with it. Best of luck!
Would "Puff-the Magic Dragon" count? Love that story-cry every time I hear it. Or how about-"American Pie" or "Cats in the Cradle"
What about, I think it's called "The Tale of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by (I think) Gordon Lightfoot? It's about a ship that sunk on the Great Lakes and sadly, took everyone down with it when a huge storm came much earlier than expected.
Hi Ali, How about the Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald sung by Enkleburt Humperdink? Forgive my spelling but it is about the loss of a ship in the great lakes...a true story. You could also look up Billy Don't be a Hero, a song about a young man that went to war and never came home.
Try the Kingston Trio's song about Charlie on the MTA or "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.
The Star Spangled Banner. History of it at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner
Charlie Daniels...Devil Went Down to Georgia is a great one. Irish have tons of neat ballads with historical stories and context. Childrens -- Molly Mallone.
Tracy Chapman's "Cold Feet" is wonderful and discusses contemporary issues (peer pressure, wanting to support and "do right" by a loved one).
Best of luck!
Hi, I don't know if this is what you mean, but what about Billy Joel's "We didn't start the fire?"
Smoke on the Water.....
"the wreck of the edmund fitzgerald" is a beautiful song.
What about Gordon Lightfoot's The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald?
"Pinball Wizard" from The Who's Tommy....?
The only ones I can think of are Elton John's Candle in the Wind (Marilyn Monroe) or England's Rose (Princess Diana). Maybe this will help I am not really sure what you are looking for. The only old one I can think of is the Davy Crocket song. Good luck with your assignment.
Hi Ali, I'm not sure what age group your "audience" is but there are some fantastic ideas that pair with children's books. There are lots of songs too - most of the ones I know are child-friendly (like, I know an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly, etc...)
I am an elementary music teacher and recently attended a conference where this couple from Vermont did a session on storytelling I just ordered TONS of books (don't tell my budget!)... anyway some of the ideas are on their website.
Send me a message if you would like more info - good luck!!
The Night Chicago Died (about the Chicago fires). Don't know if this is age appropriate. Is this your project or a child's? What about all the 9/11 songs? Battle Hymn of the Republic?
