Sign Language (ASL) Song Playlist on Mindfulness, Compassion, and SEL
11/24/19; updated 4/26/23
by Catharine Hannay, founder of MindfulTeachers.org
Here are a variety of songs on mindfulness, compassion, and self-acceptance, with American Sign Language interpretation.
I've tried to include something for everyone, from upbeat tunes for young children to thought-provoking perspectives on empathy and compassion. As always, use your own best judgment about what's most appropriate for your particular context.
Songs About Appreciating the Present Moment
Here Right Now, Rhea Makiaris
with interpretation by Lisa Herbert
by Rachel Coleman of Signing Time
by Matt from Dream English
Hurt, Christina Aguilera
interpreted by Bradley Leconey
link to lyrics
Stressed Out, Twenty One Pilots
interpreted by Amber Galloway Gallego
link to lyrics
Self-Acceptance and Self-Confidence
Brave, Sara Bareilles
(song starts around 1:05)
interpreted by Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
at University High School and Venado Middle School in Irvine, California
Firework, Katy Perry
interpreted by Jason Listman
link to lyrics
Invincible, Kelly Clarkson
interpreted by Bradley Leconey and friends
link to lyrics
The Middle, Jimmy Eat World
interpreted by Rochester School for the Deaf
link to lyrics
Roar, Katy Perry
interpreted by Rosa Lee Timm and friends
link to lyrics
Scars to Your Beautiful, Alessia Cara
interpreted by Amelia Hensley, Kristi Mahe and Jeffrey Israelson
link to lyrics
Shake It Off, Taylor Swift
interpreted by D-PAN: Deaf Professional Arts Network
link to lyrics
The Way I Am, Charlie Puth
interpreted by Sarah Tubert
link to lyrics
This is Me, The Greatest Showman
interpreted by Medina High School ASL students
link to lyrics
Watch These Hands, Sean Forbes
What I Am, will.i.am
interpreted by Delaware School for the Deaf
link to lyrics
What I Am, will.i.am
ASL translation and consultation by The National Theatre of the Deaf.
ASL performed by Joey Antonio and Amelia Hensley.
Friendship, Love, and Compassion
My Own Little World, Matthew West
interpreted by Meg W
link to lyrics
Parents, Nothing More, Rosa Lee & Damon Timm
(original song by two exhausted but loving parents
about the challenges of caring for an infant)
Related Posts
There are many more resources mindfulness, compassion, and SEL here at MindfulTeachers.org, including the following posts: