This page was just put together to share some of what I like... or maybe to broaden your horizons.
Songs About Children's Issues (Child Abuse): I can't believe how many of these I've come across through the years. A few of these songs (including the three without videos) were songs I'd never heard before trying to compile this list, but for the most part, these are all songs that are quite high up on my playlist.
What's the Matter Here? Natalie Merchant and the 10,000 Maniacs
This has been one of my favorite songs for a very long time. The 10,000 Maniacs have been my favorite band since second grade because I always thought they sang about very important social issues, not just love and mushy junk like that.
Luka Suzanne Vega
The boy confronts his downstairs neighbors simply and honestly. It's told in the voice of... maybe... a seven- or eight-year old. It happens all too often that neighbors know exactly what is happening, but decide that it is not their problem with which to deal.
Concrete Angel Martina McBride
This is the story of a girl who is abused, and people know it, but nobody does anything about it. The girl dies in the end. Though sad, the song serves as a good reminder of the fact that it is not up to somebody else to report child abuse--it is up to you.
Alyssa Lies Jason Michael Carroll
Like Concrete Angel, this song is about a girl who dies at the hand of her abuser. In this song, the man was well-intentioned; he was going to tell somebody about the abuse the next day. "Tomorrow," tragically, was too late for Alyssa.
This isn't the actual music video, though it incorporates most of it. I couldn't find the real one, and I found this very touching, among other things. The girl who gets up and leaves, I think, bears a striking physical resemblance to myself, and dresses like I sometimes do. I guess that... caught my eye.
Hard-Knock Life "Annie"
Definitely a bit more light-hearted than the others, at least inasmuch as... how could anything with Annie be all that depressing!
"Annie" has got to be my favorite play of all time. I love the music, the storyline, the girl, and her dog.
No Son Of Mine Phil Collins/Genesis
His videos always give me goosebumps.
The Little Girl John Michael Montgomery
This song tells the story of two parents who abuse their daughter until the father kills himself and the girl's mother. Child Protective Services comes and gets her, and she goes to live with a new family who gives her lots of hugs and takes her to church where she learns about Jesus.
Dear Mr. Jesus Unknown
Again, not a real music video, but it's here so you can hear the song. It's sung by a little girl who talks about what's happening to a friend, and then reveals a big secret. These are the kids we've gotta pray for.
Hell is For Children Pat Benetar
As with most live versions of songs, there are more clear versions. This one is surprisingly good, but if you want to hear the album version, just click here. I don't know what the video is, but it's the album version playing in the background.
The Story of Beauty Destiny's Child
Again, the video clips aren't associated with the song. It's all I could find. I don't like the fact that Destiny's Child had to spell everything out, but, well, the song seemed to belong here, and the girls' message is an important one to many who find themselves survivors.
Oh, Father Madonna
Not my favorite song, but it does share one important truth in so many cases of child abuse: "Maybe someday When I look back I'll be able to say: You didn't mean to be cruel... Somebody hurt you too..."
Ask Me Amy Grant
Grant, as always, with very powerful lyrics and vocals.
I'm OK Christina Aguilera
Don't take my word for this, but wasn't this written as a true story... isn't this really about Christina Aguilera's childhood?
In Your Care Tasmin Archer
Evening Shade Dolly Parton
Breaking Silence Janis Ian
Other Songs About Domestic Violence:
Independence Day Martina McBride
I really do enjoy this song. It's about surviving, more than anything else.
Because of You Kelly Clarkson
Watch it here, or, for a really moving version including both Kelly and Reba, watch here.
Songs About Other Family Issues:
Both Sides of the Story Phil Collins
This song is absolutely far more than just family issues, but I thought this might be the best place for it. It's really powerful.
Fancy Reba
Another one of my absolute favorite songs. It's sort of family issues/women's issues/social issues... didn't know where to put this one, exactly, either.
Reba made an amazing music video which you can see here.
Songs About Alcoholism:
Don't Talk Natalie Merchant and the 10,000 Maniacs
Whiskey Lullaby Brad Paisley
Songs About Women's Issues:
Ophelia Natalie Merchant
Tell Yourself Natalie Merchant
This song deals with the lies told to girls by society today.
Songs About the Coming of Age, Nostalgia, and Living in the Moment:
Red Dirt Road Brooks & Dunn
It's about where he met Jesus... and some other things too.
Feels like Today Rascal Flatts
Songs About Faith: (Songs About Jesus)
Be My Escape Relient K
Do You Not Know/You Are My All in All Growing Christians Ministries
(listen) "You Are My All in All" is definitely a favorite at my church. It's the second half of this recording, and it's really beautiful. Yes, the interlude is Freebird. :)
Refiner's Fire (Purify My Heart) Growing Christians Ministries
(listen)
Child of God Growing Christians Ministries
(listen)
In The Light Growing Christians Ministries
(listen)
Songs About Hope:
Tomorrow "Annie"
Just Can't Last Natalie Merchant
I'm A Survivor Reba McEntire
Songs About Love:
Because the Night Natalie Merchant and the 10,000 Maniacs
Heartbreaker Pat Benetar
Love is a Battlefield Pat Benetar
The Tide is High Blondie
Hey Mickey B*Witched
Songs About Other Things:
Downtown Petula Clark
Songs I'm Ashamed To Admit That I Listen To:
Whiskey Girl Toby Keith
I'm not ashamed to listen to country music, but this one's about drinkin'... and how being about to down whiskey makes a girl hot.
Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy Big & Rich
This one's here for Daff. As someone in Afterhours Chat pointed out, "Dude, Daff, it's not, 'Save a Horse, Ride a French Man.'" It's also here for Ev, who used it (and some other songs too) to get me into country music... thank you Ev!
