Teachers spend their days sharing math, history, science, and everything in between, but we don’t usually stop to wonder what they put on once the school day is over. I asked some teachers to tell me some of their favorite songs and what those songs mean to them personally. A couple of their choices surprised me, while others made total sense once I thought about it. Then I listened to each track myself and noted my genuine thoughts, what stood out, what didn’t land as well, and what caught me off guard.

Teacher: Mrs. Sweeney

Song: “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band

Reasoning: “An all time favorite is tough to pick, but I’d have to say that ‘Chicken Fried’ by Zac Brown Band is special. I really started listening to country music when I was pregnant, so when I had my oldest son, Mikey, ‘Chicken Fried’ was one of the songs I’d sing to rock him to sleep or while he was feeding. In fact, it was one of the first songs he’d sing­—I have a video and it is heaven! Besides sentimental value, it’s a great song with a good mood attached.”

My Opinion: This song definitely has that kind of energy that instantly puts you in a good mood. There’s just something about it that makes you want to roll the windows down and sing way too loud. This one is definitely fun to listen to. The chorus is insanely catchy and the whole song just feels so upbeat, I’d give this one a solid 9/10.

Teacher: Mrs. Katz

Song: “Wake Me Up” by Avicii

Reasoning: “While I do not have a favorite song, this is one of my favorites. It was relatively new and popular while I was studying abroad, so it is nostalgic for me. I like the beat and energy of the song!”

My Opinion: This song had its moment, and it’s definitely one of those songs that instantly takes you back. While the lyrics are actually kind of sad when you really listen to them, the beat is so catchy that you almost don’t notice it at first. The mix of emotional lyrics and an upbeat sound makes it stick with you, so I’d give it a 7/10.

Teacher: Ms. Goode

Song: “Chiquitita” by ABBA

Reasoning: “I got to know ABBA’s music through the musical Mamma Mia initially, then I started to listen to their music independently. This song is really fun and uplifting! When I hear it in the musical it’s so silly and reminds me of singing it with my family. I play this song when I’m driving and it always makes me happy!”

My Opinion: This isn’t one I play all the time, but I get why people love it. It has that emotional, classic feel that ABBA is known for. The lyrics are actually kind of sad, but the melody is so soft it doesn’t feel too heavy. I’m secretly a really big ABBA fan also because of Mamma Mia!, so I still appreciate it, it’s just more of a chill, nostalgic listen. I’d give it a 7.5/10.

Teacher: Mrs. Taylor

Song: “Girls Just Wanna have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

Reasoning: “One of my absolute FAVORITE SONGS is an oldie but….Cyndi Laupers’ ‘Girls Just Wanna have Fun.’ I spent most of my adolescent/teen years growing up in Germany (Dad was in the Air Force and stationed there). Hearing this song brings me right back to the mid 80’s where I probably had the HAPPIEST times growing up! My twin sister and I had a group of 8 friends we did everything with from 8th grade through 10th grade. We’d all get crazy and dance together whenever we’d hear it, especially at one of our cheesy school dances! (Even now, more than 30 years later, a few of us are still in touch and remain close!) Secondly, for our 16th birthday we got tickets to see Cyndi Lauper perform in Frankfurt. It was our VERY FIRST CONCERT.”

My Opinion: This is a very iconic song that many people know and love. Personally I very much love this song, I think its beat is so fun and danceable. It’s definitely nostalgic and I could totally see how you and your friends would have the best times together listening to this song. Overall I’d give this song a 8/10!

Teacher: Ms. D’Addario

Song: “Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones

Reasoning: “Choosing a favorite song of all time is no easy feat. I run the gamut when it comes to music: my students will tell you I’m a major Swiftie, which is true, but before I was a Swiftie, I was a pop-punk kid, a musical theater kid, a classic rock kid, and everything in between. So when it comes to choosing a favorite song of all time, I feel it is important to choose something that withstands the test of time, and that’s why I landed on ‘Beast of Burden’ by the Rolling Stones. I grew up listening to this song. Even now, my family will debate which Rolling Stones song is superior: ‘Beast of Burden’ or ‘Miss You’ (the vote is split). It’s a classic song with a strong 70s beat and so much vulnerability hidden underneath the synths and drums. You can dance to it, you can cry to it, you can scream to it; it fits every mood, every occasion, and because of that versatility, it is my favorite song of all time.”

My Opinion: This song has that classic sound that’s really easy to just let play in the background and still enjoy. It’s not super intense or over the top, but that’s kind of what makes it work. The lyrics are a little more emotional than you’d expect at first, they’re basically about someone being willing to put up with a lot in a relationship, but the delivery keeps it feeling smooth and laid back instead of heavy. It’s definitely a solid, easy listen with a nostalgic feel, so I’d give it an 8/10.

Teacher: Mrs. Cole

Song: “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony

Reasoning: “This song brings me so much joy and makes me proud to be Latina. It was the first song played at my wedding reception. My guests packed the dance floor as two families became one. The song invites people to live their BEST life. You can’t help but move when you hear it.”

My Opinion: This is one of those songs that’s impossible not to recognize, even if you don’t speak Spanish. It’s got that huge, celebratory energy that just makes you want to move no matter where you are. The lyrics are really uplifting which is why it feels so positive. It’s definitely catchy and super feel-good. That chorus especially just sticks in your head, so I’d give it a solid 8.5/10.

I didn’t expect to be this impressed by what the teachers chose to share. The variety was huge: different genres, different eras, some familiar, some totally new to me. Once again, this showed me that great songs really come from everywhere…even teachers!