Advocates of using songs and music in English as a second language (EL2) teaching and learning contexts emphasize the educational benefits of song lyrics. To make the full potential of using songs more visible and accessible to EL2 teachers, this article presents a methodological framework that can be used when planning a song unit for learners. While fostering EL2 learning in instructional settings, the framework not only uses songs as a language resource for EL2-focused teaching purposes, but also treats the song as a literary and cultural artefact itself. The article also includes a description of a related task that learners can do outside the classroom with friends.