Songs About Excess and Moderation
published 4/13/22; updated 12/15/22
by Catharine Hannay, founder of MindfulTeachers.org
Continuing the popular series of Song Playlists for Teachers, here are songs about appreciating what we have and songs about feeling like we never have enough.
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 included brief descriptions to help you choose, but please preview anything you plan to share with your students.
All Along, Kina Grannis
The lyrics repeat “I had it all, all along,” which could be interpreted as a reminder that we already have what we need. That’s why I’ve included it on this list. The video shows people holding up signs with messages of encouragement and self-acceptance, so I’ve also included it with the Songs About Self-Compassion, Self-Acceptance, and Empathy.
Give Me the Simple Life, Rube Bloom and Harry Ruby
lyrics; cover by The Bean Tones (Berklee College of Music); recording by Steve Tyrell
He doesn’t need luxury; perfectly content with a low-stress life with the ones he loves.
Keeping Up with the Joneses, Faith Child ft. S.O. and Jahaziel
British Christian rapper Michael Oluwaseyi Ayo (‘Faith Child’) explains why he doesn’t waste his time, money, and energy trying to imitate celebrities or keep up with the trends.
Teachers, please note: There’s one brief mention of “the Son and the Holy Ghost” toward the end.
Mercedes Benz, Janis Joplin and Michael McClure
lyrics; cover by Larkin Poe; original recording by Janis Joplin; blues version by Taj Mahal
ironic song about praying for luxury
Simple Gifts (‘Tis the Gift to Be Simple), Joseph Brackett
lyrics; audio of Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krause
Popular folk song that started as a Shaker hymn.
Use It Up, The Limeliters
Ironic song encouraging people to consume as much as possible. (I’ve also included this with the Songs About Nature and the Environment.")
Wanting Things, Burt Bacharach
lyrics; recording by Dionne Warwick
Wondering why she keeps wanting things she can’t have, when she already has so much.
Related Posts
There are many more song playlists and resources on mindfulness, moderation, and sustainability here at MindfulTeachers.org, including the following posts: