Songs, like poetry, are powerful tools to build consciousness and solidarity. Every week we have a new "Song of the Week," and we begin every day by playing the song. I distribute the song's lyrics to the students, who keep them in their three-ring binders. The songs generally relate to topics we are studying. I allow students to bring in songs as well, although they must know the lyrics and have a positive reason for sharing the song with their classmates.
When I introduce a song, I use our classroom map to go over the geographical connections. I also explain any difficult words. Finally, and most importantly, I give the social context. Depending on whether I use the song at the beginning of a unit of study or in the middle, the amount of "context setting" varies.
Following is a list of songs that teachers and organizers might find useful as they teach for justice in an unjust world.
Ballad of the Soldier's Wife, lyrics by Bertolt Brecht, music by Kurt Weill, sung by PJ Harvey. (September Songs: The Music of Kurt Weill CD, Sony Music, 1997). A telling tale of the human toll of foreign wars.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, written by Buffy Sainte-Marie, sung by the Indigo Girls. (1200 Curfews CD, Epic Records Group, 1995.) A folk/rock song that critiques U.S. policy towards Native Americans.