Catharine Hannay, MA
Catharine Hannay is the founder of MindfulTeachers.org and the author of Being You: A Girl’s Guide to Mindfulness, a workbook for teen girls on mindfulness, compassion, and self-acceptance.
A Dozen Songs for Teaching About Healthy Relationships
Here are a variety of songs you can use while teaching adolescents and young adults about healthy and unhealthy relationships.
I’ve included brief descriptions to help you choose, but please preview any videos you plan to use with your students or clients to make sure they’re appropriate for your particular context.
- All I Want, Olivia Rodrigo
She’s confused and frustrated because her relationships haven’t turned out the way she hoped. (pop ballad)
- Angel, Shaggy ft. Rayvon
He used to take her for granted, but now he appreciates his partner and understands the benefits of a stable relationship. (Reggae song, with chorus set to the tune of “Angel of the Morning”)
3.Be a Father to Your Child, Ed O.G. and Da Bulldogs
Hip-hop/rap song urging young men to take responsibility for their kids.
- Dark Love Song, Jeffrey Gaines
Folk rock song about the ways people can suffer for so-called ‘love.’
- I Don’t Belong to You, MILCK
Somewhere between a pop song and a primal scream, she’s standing up for herself and declaring her independence.
- I Got You (I Feel Good), by James Brown, performed by YoungArtsTakeOne
A group of youth perform the funk classic about feeling great in a relationship and not harming the other person.
- I’m Not Pretty, Megan Moroney
In this country song, she’s imagining her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend making snarky comments about her out of jealousy.
- Permission, “Booty Kings” (Saturday Night Live)
Surrounded by scantily-clad background dancers, a couple of guys explain their respect for women and commitment to consent. (This is a parody of hip-hop videos, but there are actually some great points.)
- Shut Up and Fish, Maddie and Tae
A country girl and a city boy have very different agendas on their fishing trip.
Hip-hop song about the highs and lows of love.
- U Love U, Jax (feat. JVKE)
Pop song with chorus based on the Barney theme song: “I love you, you love me…” You love yourself and I love myself, so we can have a healthy relationship with each other.
- What You Don’t Do, Lianne La Havas
R&B/jazz song about appreciating that her partner treats her well.
If you’re looking for more songs to discuss with your students or clients, check out the Song Playlists for Teachers at MindfulTeachers.org, including perspectives on romantic relationships and love for friends and family.
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