As an ex EFL/ESL teacher, I find it strange that someone would think it not beneficial to teach language through song. Singing is the close relative of speaking, as running is the close relative of walking.

There is also the argument that it is more beneficial to learn a language in relation to the culture from which the language comes. For example, learning Arabic without reference to the culture and religions of the Middle East would leave something wanting.

I do, however, think that some of the songs in the list above are rather ambitious unless the students are of a particularly high level. (How many students, unless they're at post-graduate level, are really going to get much sense out of Tom Lehrer's lyrics, great though they are?)

Amongst others, here are three songs that I've used successfully in the EFL/ESL classroom:

1. "I know an old lady who swallowed a fly" by Burl Ives". Good for repetition and memorising. and good fun!

2. "My Bonny lies over the ocean". Great for chorus singing. Simple repetetive choruses which should build confidence in hesitant speakers.

3. "Anything you can do...". Good for practising comparatives.