Change the World Song Playlist
published 10/16/16; updated 6/19/22
by Catharine Hannay, founder of MindfulTeachers.org
Continuing the popular series of Song Playlists for Teachers, here are a variety of songs about diversity, unity, love for humanity, and making a difference.
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. Please preview anything you plan to share with your students.
Be the Change, MC Yogi
lyrics; official video
The story of Gandhi told through historic photos and a rap song.
Being Kind, Empty Hands Music
lyrics and free mp3 download; official video
Change the World, Colby and Awu
Do Something, Matthew West
lyrics; official video
Earth Song, Harry Belafonte (on the Muppet Show)
lyrics; audio; Muppet Show video (Here's a link to song facts explaining the meaning.)
Free Your Mind, En Vogue
lyrics; video of live performance ft. Kelly Clarkson
From a Distance, Julie Gold
lyrics; recording of Bette Midler; cover by Amelia and the Band; cover by Richie Moreno
Give Love, MC Yogi
lyrics; official video
Hands, Jewel
Let’s Work Together, Canned Heat
lyrics; live performance; cover by Colt Clark and the Quarantine Kids
Love is Still the Answer, Jason Mraz
lyrics; official video
Love with Your Life, Hollyn
lyrics; official lyrics video
New World, Colby Jeffers
lyrics not available; video
O Siem: We Are All Family, Susan Aglukark
lyrics; audio; video of performances by First Nations
I’ve included more indigenous perspectives in the “Songs about Community and Connection.”
Planting Seeds, Empty Hands Music
lyrics; official video
To My People: A Love Song to Humanity, Nimo (featuring Famus and Nick Dalton)
Waiting on the World to Change, John Mayer
lyrics; official video
Where is the Love? The Black-Eyed Peas
lyrics; official video; ASL music video; Auslan interpretation; BSL interpretation
With My Own Two Hands, Ben Harper
Related Posts
There are many more song playlists and resources on community and compassion here at MindfulTeachers.org, including the following posts: