Updated resource: This article focuses on using narrative songs to help students identify story elements such as characterization, conflict, plot, irony, metaphor, and symbolism. I have since expanded the idea by pairing these songs with short stories that explore similar conflicts, questions, and human experiences. Read the new article, “Beyond Story Elements: Pairing Narrative Songs with Short Stories.”
Need to teach or review short story elements, but you're running out of time? These songs feature the characters, plot, conflict and themes inherit in short stories, and can be studied in one class session. You can often find figurative language in the songs, as well. Check out the videos and lyrics below:
Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson
This story line may be a little mature for middle school students, but I think it would work for older teens. I recommend using this song to teach about characterization, figurative language and making inferences.
https://youtu.be/lxkF50QPiPc
You can download the lyrics here.
The Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash
This song may not be appropriate for middle schoolers, but I think high school students will appreciate the story of an outsider with a really bad name. Use this video to teach about conflict and initiate discussions about having a growth mindset.
https://youtu.be/WOHPuY88Ry4
Coward of the County by Kenny Rogers
I recommend using this song to teach about dynamic versus static characters and conflict. This song could also lead into a discussion on bullying and gender roles.
https://youtu.be/BbYj3tJRSO8
Get this lyrics here.
Harper Valley PTA by Jeanne C. Riley
Again, this one is more suited to high school students, but would be a great lead-in to discussion on plot structure, man vs. society conflict and bullying.
https://youtu.be/08QH3rVqokw
Get the lyrics here.
Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin
This is an excellent lead-in to a discussion on foreshadowing, irony and dynamic characters. You may ask students to discuss their expectations of their parents, and how they expect to parent their own children.
https://youtu.be/54gNizQj3HY
Get the lyrics here.
The Devil Went Down To Georgia by The Charlie Daniels Band
This song sets itself up with exposition, features rising action in the form of a competition, followed by a climax and resolution. You can help your students identify each part.
https://youtu.be/K6RUg-NkjY4
Ocean Front Property by George Strait
Short stories often feature irony and this song is no exception. Strait clearly doesn't mean what he's saying, and any student who knows their geography will know that there is no ocean front property in that particular state.
https://youtu.be/QCvW32n4z38
Download the lyrics here.
Every Rose Has Has Its Thorns by Poison
While much of the story behind this song is implied, the lyrics contain metaphor and symbolism students will identify with.
https://youtu.be/7OT7iFtE1Ak
Download the lyrics here.
Comment below if you have any other recommendations for songs that tell a story.
This is really awesome technique. I would recommend my sister who teaches kids at school.