Song Lyrics - Practice Finding GCSE English Language Features

For GCSE English Language and Literature you are expected to be able to identify and use language features and word classes.

Make studying fun by using these carefully selected songs.

This is also relevant for Functional Skills English and anyone learning English as a Second language.

Too Sweet - Hozier

Is she really too sweet for Hozier or is he trying to paint a bad boy image?

Too Sweet - Hozer
A person pouring whiskey from a green bottle into a glass on a wooden table, with two other glasses of whiskey and two empty glasses in the background.

All Star - Smash Mouth

Look for idioms, metaphors and more in this catchy tune.

All Star - Smash Mouth
Pair of white Converse All Star high-top sneakers with black laces, placed on an amplifier, with a red and white electric bass guitar in the background. Looks like they belong to a teenager who enjoys music.

Lose Control - Teddy Swims

Why does Teddy feel like the walls are closing in and the devil is at his door?

Lose Control - Teddy Swims
A person with short hair laughing and sitting on a bed in a dimly lit room with red lighting, with a poster of an artist on the wall behind them.

There is a Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths

There are extra English resources available for this song.

There is a Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths
Person lying on the floor with feet up, behind a vintage portable radio and cassette player. They are enjoying listening to music.

Ain’t No Sunshine - Bill Withers

I know, I know, I know

Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
Sunlit white sofa with two decorative pillows in front of open window showing greenery and houses outside.

Dear Mr President - Pink

How do you sleep?

Dear Mr President - Pink
Front view of the White House with trees and a fountain, American flag flying in the background. An iconic image for citizens and immigrants alike.

What Do You Believe In? - Rag ‘n’ Bone Man

Every mistake I made was a friend of mine.

What Do You Believe In?
Nighttime view of a small shop with open wooden shutters and neon signs, a motorcycle parked in front, and a parked car nearby. The shop has a warm, rustic appearance with a worn red facade.

Flashback - Fujiya & Miyagi

I can’t shake it loose

Flashback - Fujiya & Miyagi
Blurred city lights at night creating bokeh effect with colorful light circles, predominantly purple, red, yellow, and blue

One Republic - No Vacancy

Got no vacancy, ever since I met you.

No Vacancy - One Republic
Neon sign reading 'NO VACANCY' outside a building at dusk.

Learn English Through Songs: Engaging Lessons for GCSE and EFL

Using songs and music in English lessons is an effective way to develop English language skills for both GCSE English and English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. Songs provide authentic examples of literary devices, including repetition, similes, metaphors, and onomatopoeia, allowing students to explore figurative language, imagery, and sound in an engaging context.

Incorporating music into lessons enhances comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills, while making learning interactive and enjoyable. Whether through online English tutoring or classroom teaching, analysing lyrics can help students improve exam performance, understand themes and structure, and gain confidence with English texts across exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC Eduqas, CCEA, and IGCSE.