Be Here Now Song Playlist
published 10/15/17; updated 7/30/25
by Catharine Hannay, founder of MindfulTeachers.org
Continuing the popular series of Song Playlists for Teachers, here are a variety of songs about growing up, seasons changing, remembering the past, and taking action in the present.
Teachers, please note: With such a multicultural audience teaching young children through adults, I can’t guarantee that all of the songs and videos will be appropriate for your particular context. I’ve put brief descriptions to help you choose, but please preview anything you plan to share with your students.
All Things Must Pass, George Harrison
lyrics; audio; cover by Allie Farris
Nothing lasts forever.
Be Here Now, Osmunda Music
Beautiful, Empty Hands Music
lyrics and free mp3 download; official video
A reflection on what’s truly beautiful in life. (You might also like the other songs by Empty Hands Music.)
Cat's in the Cradle, Harry Chapin
lyrics; cover by Ugly Kid Joe
The famous song about paying attention to your kids before it’s too late.
Chelsea Morning, Joni Mitchell
lyrics; cover by Kathryn Hallberg (song starts at :20)
Appreciating the simple pleasures of a beautiful morning.
Circle Game, Joni Mitchell
lyrics; cover by Public School 22 Chorus
We’re all part of the cycle of generations.
Downside of Growing Up, Maddie and Tae
lyrics; audio with album cover
Becoming a grown up isn’t always easy.
Dust in the Wind, Kansas
lyrics; audio; acoustic guitar version by Sungha Jung
Everything passes by in just a moment,
Earnest Went Out of His Mind, Larry Gallagher
(lyrics not available); audio
Earnest was caught up in rumination, so went “out of his mind” and started paying attention to the world around him.
For a Short Time, Dean Musser
audio
instrumental guitar music
The Handing Over Time, Carrie Newcomer & Gary Walters
lyrics (click on album Until Now, ‘The Handing Over Time’ is on p. 5); lyrics video
Experiencing the present moment while observing the changing seasons.
Heavenly Day, Patti Griffin
lyrics; youtube video with images of nature
Let’s enjoy this heavenly day as long as it lasts.
Here Right Now, Rhea Makiaris
official video with ASL interpretation by Lisa Herbert
This is a lovely collaboration between a hearing musician and her deaf friend.
High on a Mountain, Ola Belle Reed
traditional bluegrass song from the Appalachian region of the US
I Hope You Dance, Lee Ann Womack
lyrics; youtube video of audio and lyrics
A country song about taking advantage of opportunities to experience joy and wonder.
I Know a Man, Jeffrey Gaines
lyrics; video of live performance
Moving story about a who can’t move or speak, watching the rest of us taking our lives, bodies, and voices for granted.
I’m in a Hurry (and I Don’t Know Why), Alabama
lyrics; audio by Alabama; video by Music Travel Love; a cappella video by Eight Beat Measure
Am I really living if I keep rushing through my life?
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday, G.C. Cameron
lyrics; video of Desmond M. Dennis harmonizing with himself; live performance by Boys II Men
Holding on to the memories and feeling nostalgic.
June, Mona Lisa Twins
We met in January and said goodbye in May. If I wait until June will we be together again?
Like the World is Going to End, Ben Rector
lyrics; video of live performance; sweet youtube video showing one woman's interpretation of the song
How would you live your life differently if you knew the world was going to end in just a few days?
Live Like We're Dying, Kris Allen
lyrics; official video
What will you do with your 86,400 seconds every day?
Live Like You Were Dying, Tim McGraw
If tomorrow were a gift, how would you spend your day?
Livin’ for the Ones, Bonnie Raitt
Whenever your start complaining about your life, try “livin’ for the ones who didn’t make it.”
My List, Toby Keith
lyrics; youtube video of audio and lyrics; official video
A country song about making time for what’s really important.
Nostalgia, Sungha Jung
video; piano version by Deborah Ho
instrumental guitar music
Nothing, Charlotte Campbell
lyrics; official video
It can be more fun doing nothing together than to make a lot of plans. (And the cat seems to agree, as far as I can tell.)
Of Time and Rivers Flowing, Pete Seeger
lyrics; audio by Pete Seeger; audio by Lehto and Wright
Folk song about the seasons and circles of change.
People Get Old, Lori McKenna
A bittersweet song about everything fades and changes. (If you like this song, you might also like 'When You're My Age' by Lori McKenna.)
Present Tense, Pearl Jam
lyrics; live performance; acoustic cover by Glen Hansard
Do you want to keep reliving past regrets or live the present tense?
River of Time, The Judds
lyrics; live recording; cover by Christie B.
The river of time is always flowing and a source of endless renewal.
Seasons of Love, Jonathan Larson
lyrics; cover by sinfonia; cover by Thomas Sander & Friends
This popular song from the musical Rent asks how do you measure a year? (525,600 minutes)
A Single Life, Happy Camper ft. Pien Feith
audio; lyrics; Oscar-nominated short film
What will you do with your one chance at life?
Summer Breeze, Seals and Croft
lyrics; cover by Sawyer Fredericks and Pharrell Williams; original version
Enjoying the simple pleasures of a summer evening.
Time in a Bottle, Jim Croce
lyrics; cover by Lea Sanacore; cover by the Frazier sisters (song starts at :30)
If I could control time, I’d choose to spend it with you
Time Starts Over, Dean Musser
audio
instrumental guitar music
Time Trades, Jeffrey Lewis
lyrics; audio; live performance (song starts at :40)
Make the choice to trade your time for worthwhile experiences.
Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There is a Season), Pete Seeger
lyrics; audio of the Byrds
The famous song based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
Unplug, Daniel Nahmod
lyrics not available; audio
Who Knows Where the Time Goes, Fairport Convention
lyrics; live performance by Rufus Wainwright
Your Life is Now, John Mellencamp
lyrics; video of live performance
Related Posts
There are many more song playlists and other resources here at MindfulTeachers.org on present-moment awareness, including the following posts: