Voces Digital: 12 Songs About Health and Medicine for Spanish Class

From traditional remedies to cutting-edge treatments, healthcare is deeply influenced by geography, economics, and cultural beliefs. In Voces Digital Unit 4, students explore how wellness practices differ around the world, asking questions such as What does it mean to be healthy? and To what extent can traditional and modern medicine practices coexist?

This collection of Spanish songs offers unique perspectives on health, resilience, and the human spirit.

All songs below are in a Roxxem playlist with Spanish lyrics, videos, and interactive activities like slides, worksheets, and games.

1. Natalia Lafourcade - "María la Curandera"

This folkloric tribute honors the figure of the curandera, a traditional healer who uses ancestral knowledge to care for her community. It offers a perfect entry point for examining how traditional medicine practices coexist with modern healthcare and the cultural significance of healers in Latin America.

Explore "María la Curandera" on Roxxem!

2. Various Artists/Warner Music - Resistiré

Originally recorded in the 1980s and revived as an anthem during the COVID-19 pandemic, Resistiré is a powerful statement of resilience. It’s an excellent way to explore how societies respond to health crises and how music can serve as emotional medicine during collective challenges.

Explore "Resistiré" on Roxxem!

3. Gloria Trevi - "Doctor psiquiatra"

This playful, satirical pop hit tells the story of someone seeking help from a psychiatrist, blending humor with social commentary. It’s great for sparking discussions about mental health awareness and how cultural attitudes toward wellness and medical treatment have evolved over time.

Explore "Doctor psiquiatra" on Roxxem!

4. Sebastián Yatra & Reik - "Un Año"

While this heartfelt ballad focuses on love and separation, it also reflects themes of endurance and emotional well-being over time. It can lead to discussions about how relationships and emotional health are connected, and how support networks help people through challenging periods.

Explore "Un Año" on Roxxem!

5. Juanes - "Yerbatero"

This energetic track revives the persona of a yerbatero—a street vendor selling medicinal herbs—blending modern rock with traditional Colombian sounds. It’s perfect for exploring how cultural beliefs shape approaches to health and the ongoing role of herbal medicine in Latin American communities.

Explore "Yerbatero" on Roxxem!

6. Renata Flores - "La América Que Se Olvida"

Sung in both Spanish and Quechua, this powerful track addresses historical injustices and the erasure of Indigenous voices. It connects to healthcare by prompting discussion about how cultural identity and social conditions influence access to wellness and medical care.

Explore "La América Que Se Olvida" on Roxxem!

7. La Gente de Omar Geles - "Los Caminos de la vida"

This vallenato classic reflects on life’s challenges, the importance of family, and the resilience needed to overcome hardship. It naturally ties to conversations about emotional well-being and how family support influences health across different life stages.

Explore "Los Caminos de la vida" on Roxxem!

8. Mana - "Vivir sin Aire"

Using the metaphor of living without air to describe longing, this rock ballad speaks to the essential role of love and connection in a person’s overall well-being. It can spark discussions about how emotional health impacts physical health, and how music uses imagery to convey deep human needs.

Explore "Vivir sin Aire" on Roxxem!

9. Dave Bolano - "Me Levanté"

An uplifting anthem about overcoming adversity, Me Levanté celebrates the strength it takes to get back up after life’s setbacks. It’s well-suited for exploring resilience as part of overall health, and how personal determination intersects with community support.

Explore "Me Levanté" on Roxxem!

10. Farruko - "Pasa_je_ro"

Blending reggaeton and socially conscious lyrics, Pasajero touches on the experiences of migration, adaptation, and survival. It’s a valuable springboard for discussing how environment and life circumstances affect health and access to care, especially for those far from home.

Explore "Pasa_je_ro" on Roxxem!

11. Calle 13 - "Latinoamerica"

This award-winning anthem celebrates the resilience, beauty, and diversity of Latin America while confronting social and economic challenges. It’s ideal for discussing how geography, history, and inequality impact health and wellness across the region.

Explore "Latinoamerica" on Roxxem!

12. Funambulista - "Me Gusta la Vida"

A joyful celebration of life’s simple pleasures, Me Gusta la Vida reinforces the idea that wellness isn’t just about medicine—it’s also about finding happiness in everyday moments. It works well for discussing holistic health, including the mental and emotional aspects of living well.

Explore "Me Gusta la Vida" on Roxxem!

🟣 Click here for the full Voces Digital curriculum, complete with reading, writing, and discussion activities.
🟠 Click to explore these songs in Roxxem, where you’ll also find Spanish lyrics, music videos, games, and classroom-ready materials for every song featured.