My Top 10 Songs for Unforgettable ESL Conversation Classes

Looking for a surefire way to get your ESL students talking? The right song can be pure magic. When a powerful message in the lyrics combines with a compelling music video, you get the perfect recipe for an engaging and motivating conversation class.

I’ve been using music in my classes since 1993, and these ten songs have never failed me. They are guaranteed to make your students curious, passionate, and, most importantly, talkative. These aren’t just great songs; they are powerful teaching tools that I’ve seen work for learners at the B1, B2, and C1 levels.

Check out the Video For This Top Ten!

The Countdown: 10 Songs That Spark Speaking Magic

Here is my personal countdown of the best songs for generating hours of authentic conversation

10 – “I Need to Wake up” by Melissa Etheridge

This 2006 Oscar-winning song is a fantastic starting point for discussions on important global issues.

• Why it works: The lyrics are a direct and powerful call to action, making it highly relevant for discussions on social issues, a key topic in B2 and C1 level curriculums.
• Key Themes: Environmental responsibility, climate change, and the consequences of our actions.

9. “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” by Oasis

This song opens the door to deeper, more emotional conversations that are perfect for building trust and fluency with advanced learners.

• Expert Tip: The music video has a shocking twist if you pay close attention to the details. I always use this to spark a debate about interpretation.
• Key Themes: Hope, despair, friendship, and mental health.

8 – “Dear Mr. President” by Pink

Originally an open letter to George W. Bush, this song’s themes remain incredibly relevant for sparking political and social debate.

• Why it works: It’s an authentic piece of protest media, perfect for B2/C1 level students who are developing critical thinking skills.
• Key Themes: Politics, war, social justice, and homelessness.

7- “One Last Breath” by Creed

The mix of abstract concepts and a visually rich music video makes this song a goldmine for symbolic interpretation.

• In my experience: Students love to debate the symbolism in the video, which pushes their abstract thinking and speaking skills.
• Key Themes: Love, death, religion, and the afterlife.

6 – “Handlebars” by Flobots

The incredible music video tells a story of two friends who take different paths, leading to fantastic discussions about life choices and power.

• Why it works: This song aligns perfectly with B2/C1 themes like “Social issues and current affairs” and “Politics and society”.
• Key Themes: Power, friendship, politics, oppression, and war.

5 – “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead

This song is my go-to for talking about modern life and authenticity. It’s a question that resonates deeply with many students.

• Expert Tip: I use this to prompt discussions about personal values and identity, which helps students express more complex, personal ideas.
• Key Themes: Consumerism, superficiality, and the pressure to fit in.

4 – “Rocket Man” by Elton John

A timeless classic from 1972 that can lead to a surprisingly wide range of personal and social discussions.

• Why it works: The song’s narrative allows for discussions on life experiences and achievements, a core part of the B1 curriculum
• Key Themes: Fame, addiction, loneliness, and immigration.

3 – Carry You Home by James Blunt

The ambiguity of these lyrics is what makes this song so powerful for conversation. I always have my students debate its meaning before they see the video.

• In my experience: This activity shows students that great art has multiple interpretations, encouraging them to justify their own opinions with evidence from the text.
• Key Themes: The lyrics could be about illness, war, or a failing relationship.

2- “Losing My Religion” by REM

A true masterpiece and a two-time Grammy winner that is always a hit! The layers of meaning keep students guessing.

• Expert Tip: I make sure to show the music video only at the end. It adds even more layers to the discussion and encourages students to re-evaluate their initial interpretations.
• Key Themes: The song explores themes of unrequited love, obsession, and social anxiety.

1- Tears Of The Dragon (Bruce Dickinson)

This is, without a doubt, my all-time favorite song for conversation classes. The symbolism is incredibly rich and the ultimate question—”Why is the dragon crying?”—never fails to produce amazing discussions.

• Join the conversation: What do you think the song is about? Share your ideas in the comments below!
• Key Themes: Facing your fears, inner conflict, and transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What makes a song good for an ESL conversation class?

A: In my experience, the best songs have lyrics with deep, debatable meanings and a compelling music video. This combination provides authentic material that sparks curiosity and gives students a reason to express their opinions, which is key for developing speaking skills, especially at the B1 level and above.

Q: At what level are these conversation activities most effective?

A: These songs are perfect for intermediate to advanced learners (B1, B2, and C1 levels). The themes discussed, such as social issues, politics, and abstract emotions, align directly with the vocabulary and complexity expected at these CEFR levels.

Q: How do you structure a conversation class around a song?

A: I usually start by having students listen to the song and discuss their initial interpretations of the lyrics. Then, we watch the music video, which often adds new layers of meaning. This “listen first, watch later” approach encourages critical thinking and forces students to justify their changing opinions.

Q: Where can I find a lesson plan for “Losing My Religion”?

A: You’re in luck! I have a specific, ready-to-use speaking practice lesson plan for R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” designed for B1 level students. You can find it on my blog.

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Author Bio:

About the Author: Márcia Bonfim is an ESL/EFL teacher and creator of the Song Activity Factory. She helps educators create engaging lessons using her signature BEAT+ Method, which features the MUSIC+ Framework. You can discover her complete methodology summary here.