Learn English by singing along to subtitled songs

Discover how to learn English in a fun and effective way by singing subtitled songs. List of songs by levels to learn English.

Do you want to learn English in a fun and effective way? I know many people in your situation, and honestly, singing along to subtitled songs in English is an excellent tool for improving your language proficiency. Trust me! That’s why, in this article, I will tell you about the benefits of using subtitled songs, how to use them correctly, and share some recommendations and tips to make the most of them in your learning process. So get ready to sing and learn at the same time! As my great friend Mario would say: Let’s-a-go!

Why learning English with subtitled songs is effective

Learning English with subtitled songs can be an interesting and effective way to improve in the language, as it combines fun with learning. And that is always the best combination for learning anything, not just English. And if you don’t believe me, keep reading, because below I will give you some reasons why this works for many students:

• Accessibility: Songs are an accessible and convenient resource for practising anytime, anywhere.
• Grammar and vocabulary: Song lyrics often present vocabulary and English grammar in authentic and, if you like modern music, very current sentences. Imagine being able to learn irregular verbs in English by singing. Cool, right? Furthermore, the language used in songs can include idioms and colloquial expressions that enrich your English. Know what I mean, bro?
• Internalisation: Music and the repetition of lyrics facilitate the memorisation of new words and phrases. But not only that, they also help you internalise certain expressions and structures almost unconsciously.
• Pronunciation: Songs help to improve accent and intonation by imitating native singers.
• Cultural immersion: Through music and, to a greater extent, through song lyrics, a greater appreciation for the culture of English-speaking countries is acquired through popular themes and artists.
• Fun and relaxation: Learning with songs in English can be a more relaxed and natural way to learn than in an academy. With music, and singing, the anxiety that sometimes accompanies language learning is reduced.

In summary, learning English with subtitled songs is an effective and motivating tool that allows you to enjoy the journey without getting lost in the pressure of reaching your destination. It is a very enjoyable and natural way to learn English and any other language. But we are fortunate that English music is very varied and accessible, so… what are you waiting for? 😉

Benefits of learning English with subtitled songs

Improve your listening

Do you want to improve your English listening? Subtitled songs are excellent for practising listening. By listening to songs and following the lyrics in real-time, you will gradually become familiar with different accents and, moreover, with the intonation and speed at which native speakers talk. Not only that, you will also be able to quickly identify common words and phrases in English. Regarding speed… I don’t recommend listening to Eminem, otherwise, you’ll get demotivated no matter what your level is 😂.

Expand your vocabulary

Songs are an inexhaustible source of new words and expressions. And when I say inexhaustible, I really mean it. You have no idea how many colloquial and not-so-colloquial expressions I have learnt thanks to music. In addition, by learning songs from different genres, you will be able to acquire vocabulary related to different topics and situations. Furthermore, words are usually placed in context, which helps you understand their meaning.

Improve your pronunciation

Singing along to subtitled songs allows you to imitate the accent and intonation of native singers. It’s a kind of what is known as speech shadowing. The more you practise, the more natural and fluent your pronunciation will become. And if you’re too embarrassed, you can always start by singing quietly and, over time, gain confidence and sing at the top of your lungs, just like you would in the shower, haha.

Learning grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions

Would you like to master English grammatical rules and learn idiomatic expressions? Who wouldn’t! LOL. Well, songs are a very entertaining way to familiarise yourself with grammar and vocabulary. Often, song lyrics include grammatical structures and expressions that you won’t find in textbooks.

More entertaining and motivating learning

Put your books aside for a while and learn English with subtitled songs adds fun and motivation to the learning process. By singing your favourite songs, you will have fun and be more committed to your progress.

How to use subtitled songs to learn English

Using subtitled songs in English can be an effective technique to improve your English, but, like everything, if it’s not done well, it’s better not to do it. So I’m going to give you some tips to make the most of them. Keep reading, my friend.

Select songs appropriate for your level

It is important to choose songs that suit your level of English. For example, if you are a B1 level student, songs with simpler vocabulary and basic grammatical structures will be ideal. In contrast, for B2 and C1 levels, you can opt for songs with more advanced and complex lyrics that allow you to expand your knowledge and test your skills.

Work with audio and video individually and combined

To get the most out of subtitled songs, you can alternate between working with just the audio and combining it with the video. Listening to only the audio will help you focus on listening skills, while following the subtitled video will facilitate understanding and connecting words with their pronunciation.

Practise phrase repetition and pronunciation

Repetition is essential for consolidating what you have learnt, and few methods for acquiring a language are as enjoyable as repeating a song you truly like. By singing your favourite songs over and over again, you will be practising constantly and naturally without it becoming tedious.

Take advantage of songs to improve your general knowledge

Songs can also open a window to the culture of English-speaking countries, so it is important to take advantage of this opportunity. For example, country songs will allow you to learn interesting aspects of rural America in the United States, while rap and hip hop will bring you closer to African-American culture and their experiences. The result will be a better understanding and appreciation for the cultural diversity that accompanies the English language.

Use songs to improve other skills

We’ve talked about improving grammar and vocabulary with songs, as well as Listening, but music can also be an excellent tool for improving other skills in English. Let’s look at some ideas that come to mind straight away:

• Research artists: If you are interested in learning more about your favourite artists, search for information about them in English. Reading biographies, interviews, and news related to music will allow you to expand your vocabulary and improve your reading skills.
• Use subtitles to improve your Writing: Pay close attention to the subtitles when studying songs and notice how sentences are structured and how words are used. Then, try to use that knowledge in your own English writing, thus improving your ability to write coherently and fluently.
• Practise your Speaking: Talk about your favourite songs and artists with friends who are also learning English or with native speakers. Talking and debating about topics that interest you will help you gain confidence and fluency when speaking English.
• Participate online: Join Facebook groups, follow Twitter accounts, subscribe to YouTube or TikTok channels, etc., where other users share their experience and passion for English music. Participating in comment threads and sharing your opinions will also help you improve your Reading and Writing effectively and authentically.

Recommended songs and artists for different levels

Here are some ideas for songs and artists that suit different levels of English:

Songs Level A1/A2 (beginner)

• The Beatles: «Yellow Submarine», «Hello, Goodbye»
• Jason Mraz: «I’m Yours», «Lucky»
• Norah Jones: «Come Away With Me», «Don’t Know Why»
• James Taylor: «Fire and Rain», «You’ve Got a Friend»
• ABBA: «Thank You for the Music», «Dancing Queen»

These artists have songs with simpler and clearer lyrics, ideal for beginner students. This does not necessarily mean they will be easy and you will understand everything if you have this level, but they will be easier to «decipher» and work with.

Songs Level B1 (lower intermediate)

• Ed Sheeran: «Photograph», «Shape of You»
• Adele: «Rolling in the Deep», «Someone Like You»
• Coldplay: «Viva La Vida», «The Scientist»
• Taylor Swift: «Love Story», «Shake It Off»
• Oasis: «Wonderwall», «Don’t Look Back in Anger»
• Tracy Chapman: «Fast Car», «Give Me One Reason»
• Plain White T’s: «Hey There Delilah», «1, 2, 3, 4»
• Bruno Mars: «Just The Way You Are», «Count On Me»
• Katy Perry: «Roar», «Firework»

These songs present language and grammatical structures suitable for B1 level, which will make comprehension easier for you.

Songs Level B2 (upper intermediate)

• Queen: «Bohemian Rhapsody», «We Are the Champions»
• Billie Eilish: «Bury a Friend», «Bad Guy»
• John Mayer: «Gravity», «Waiting on the World to Change»
• Imagine Dragons: «Radioactive», «Demons»
• Alicia Keys: «No One», «If I Ain’t Got You»
• Sam Smith: «Stay With Me», «I’m Not The Only One»
• Sia: «Chandelier», «Elastic Heart»
• The Lumineers: «Ho Hey», «Ophelia»
• Hozier: «Take Me to Church», «Someone New»

These songs offer slightly more advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures, making them suitable for B2 level students. Listening to and studying these songs will allow you to face new linguistic challenges and continue improving your English knowledge. Choose the ones you like best to maintain your interest and motivation.

Songs Level C1/C2 (advanced)

• Eminem: «Lose Yourself», «Stan»
• Radiohead: «Karma Police», «Creep»
• Pink Floyd: «Another Brick In The Wall», «Wish You Were Here»
• Kendrick Lamar: «Humble», «Alright»
• Florence + The Machine: «Dog Days Are Over», «Shake It Out»
• Arctic Monkeys: «Do I Wanna Know?», «R U Mine?»
• David Bowie: «Space Oddity», «Heroes»
• Joni Mitchell: «Big Yellow Taxi», «Both Sides Now»

These songs present a wider vocabulary, complex grammatical structures, and themes that can be more challenging for advanced students. Analysing and understanding these songs will allow you to perfect your English level and achieve greater fluency. Choose the ones you find most interesting to maintain motivation and continue learning.

Remember that these suggestions are just examples, and you can explore many other artists and songs according to your tastes and learning objectives. By choosing songs you like and find interesting, you ensure you enjoy the process and learn English effectively.

Additional tips for learning English with subtitled songs

In addition to the techniques and skills mentioned above, here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your learning experience with subtitled songs.

Set clear and achievable goals and objectives

Before you begin, define your learning objectives. Do you want to improve your vocabulary, pronunciation, or listening? Setting clear goals and objectives will allow you to focus on the aspects you need to strengthen and will help you measure your progress over time.

Be consistent and establish a routine

Regularity is key to successful learning. Establish a daily or weekly routine for practising with subtitled songs and strive to stay committed to your plan. Consistency will allow you to progress steadily.

Supplement this learning method with many others

Do not rely solely on subtitled songs to learn English. Combine this strategy with other activities, such as reading books, watching films, practising with friends, taking classes, or participating in language exchanges to get a complete and varied learning experience.

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Conclusion: What are you waiting for?

Learning English with subtitled songs is a fun and effective way to improve your language skills. Not only does it allow you to enjoy the learning process, but it also brings you closer to the culture of English-speaking countries. With the tips and techniques mentioned in this article, you are ready to start your musical and linguistic adventure! What are you waiting for? Put on your headphones and fly!

I hope this article on learning English with subtitled songs has been useful to you. If so, don’t forget to share it. 🙂 See you in the next post. Until then, don’t forget to keep smiling!