Songs with a Positive Message

Misogynistic? Can you be more specific? I honestly can't think of many misogynistic songs, especially not enough to deem a person's entire collection of music as such. Rap maybe, but if the lyrics swear about everything, I wouldn't expect the subject of women to be any different.

Anyway, as a former teacher, I never bought into the whole "positive message" thing, or really any of the edubabble I heard from the administration. I'd typically be playing AC/DC, Santana, or whatever the hell I wanted when my students were walking in. They actually respected me more for it. But then again, that was at a high school.

But if you're looking for something PC....
Mozart, as already mentioned
Miles Davis
Bill Evans
 
Bluepies - I tend to think of Fifty Cent lyrics as pretty violent and mysogynistic. That is one "artist" that my students request often, and I won't play. I ask that they bring me the lyrics and the CD before I add any of their songs to my playlists. I don't even bother to listen to Mr. Cent if they bring a CD any more. I really don't mean to paint all rap with that brush, but much of what our kids listen to is in that vein.

I have a few playlists now, for example - quiet work for test days heavy on classical (esp Mozart), upbeat work for days when they are doing more independent work that does not require quiet for thought.

When I started this thread I had a specific purpose in mind. My principal has been in my room many times and recently asked about how I choose the music. Up until that point I had not put much thought into it. He asked me to think about the purpose and timing of the music, especially what I used to begin class (ie during Warm Up time). He wanted to see music that was a bit more subdued and positive in its message. Neither of us are into much of the edubabble either - but instead this is an experiment of sorts.

As a fan of many of the 70's singer/songwirters I can think of quite a few songs that fit what I wanted, but I was also looking for some that are a bit more current. I got some great suggestions here, both for my Warm Up time and for other times in class.

I have only been doing this for 4 or 5 weeks now. What has really surprised me is their willingness to listen to my music. So far I have used You've Got a Friend in Me (from Toy Story), Man in the Mirror (MJ), Follow Your Dreams (Poco), and this week We Are the World.

I hope that clarifies my thoughts a bit better. I teach 8th grade in a Title I school, so I kind of think that some positive thoughts are not a bad thing whenever you can squeeze them in. After 28 years in the classroom I am still learning.
 
I am the best friend to myself. Helen Reddy


I'm happy just to dance with you. The Beatles


For once in my life. Stevie Wonder

You're my Yoko Ono. Bare Naked Ladies
 
Thanksfor the instrumental suggestions! I do have Green Onions, but was trying to think of others and drawing blanks.
 
For instrumentals, if you like electric guitar music:
"Summer song" by Joe Satriani
"For the love of God" by Steve Vai
 
Carol King or James Taylor - You've Got a Friend
Peter Paul and Mary or Pete Seger - If I Had a Hammer
Crosby Stills Nash and Young - Teach Your Children, Helpless
Beatles - When I'm Sixty-Four
Woody Guthrie - This Land Is Your Land
 
"What a Wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong
"Sing a Song" - Earth, Wind & Fire
"Live Like You Were Dying" - Tim McGraw
"Grown Men Don't Cry" - Tim McGraw
 
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