It is no secret that poets choose words not only for their meanings but also for the way they sound and make a person feel. Many consider song lyrics and music in general to be a a form of poetry. For this assignment you will analyze song lyrics as a form of poetry. You will look for the use of the poetic and literary devices that you have learned in your creative writing classes. Along with this analysis, there will be a creative component to this project. I will allow you to work with a partner for this project, with the expectation that working with a partner will strengthen your final product.
ü Choose a song that means something to you. Be sure that it is a song that is appropriate for school (no vulgar or offensive language, or over-emphasis on violence or sexual themes). Choose a song that contains poetic devices like the ones we have been discussing in class. To earn the maximum points, you will have to be able to identify at least 6 poetic devices in your song.
ü Provide a copy of the lyrics. You may download them from an Internet source, type them, or write them neatly in black or blue ink. Be sure to include the songwriter’s name as well as the performer’s (or group’s) name. Number the lines of the song. You may number every 5th line (5, 10, 15…).
ü Write an essay that addresses the following aspects of the song you chose. The essay should focus on:
1. Choice—Identify the song and performer/composer. Why do you like this song? Out of all the songs you listened to, what is it about this song that made you choose it for analysis? Do you admire the performer? Do you like other songs by the same performer?
2. Meaning—What is the song’s deeper meaning (not just the surface meaning)? What is the songwriter trying to tell the audience? What is the author’s purpose for writing it? Does the song tell a story? Does it address certain emotions or issues?
3. Music and Lyrics—How does the instrumental music reinforce the meaning of the lyrics? How does the music impact the overall tone or mood of the song? Is it angry and loud? Sad and subdued? What instruments are used? Why these instruments?
4. Devices and Terms—What poetic devices are used within the lyrics? There are plenty to choose from! Some of the most common when discussing song lyrics are: similes, repetition, alliteration, etc. On the copy of the song lyrics underline, circle, or somehow note each device that is used. In your essay, refer to each of the devices by naming the line number in which they appear. Your goal is to find 6 of these poetic devices in the song you chose.
When completed, this assignment will include a copy of the lyrics AND an essay analyzing the lyrics. As with any essay, pay attention to organization, word choice, presentation, etc.
We will discuss the creative component of this project in class when we go over the first part of the assignment. The rubric I will use to grade your song analysis is below. Check it out!
Name: _______________________________________ Period: ______
Song Analysis Rubric
Song Analyzed: _______________________________________________
10 points
|
8 points
|
6 points
| |
Choice
|
Reason for choosing song
is well-stated
and thoroughly supported
|
Reason for choosing song
is stated and adequately supported
|
Reason for choosing song can be inferred,
but little or no support is given
|
Meaning
|
Song’s meaning is fully
analyzed with in-depth
probing of the literal and
figurative interpretations
|
Song’s meaning is fully
analyzed with some
discussion of literal
and/or figurative
interpretations
|
Song’s meaning is
analyzed on a
superficial level
|
Music
and
Lyrics
|
The music’s relationship
to the lyrics’ meaning is
thoroughly analyzed
|
The music’s relationship
to the lyrics’ meaning
is adequately analyzed
|
The music’s relationship
to the lyrics’ meaning
is mentioned, but not
analyzed
|
Devices
and
Terms
|
Six or more poetic
devices/terms are
correctly identified by
line number and thoroughly explained
|
At least four poetic
devices/terms are
correctly identified
by line number and adequately explained
|
At least two poetic
devices/terms are
correctly identified
by line number and explained
|
5 points
|
3 points
|
1 point
| |
Conventions
|
Few distracting errors
|
Some distracting errors
|
Many distracting errors
|
Presentation
|
Lyrics legible,
text legible,
neat-looking paper
|
Either lyrics OR text
need improvement
in legibility or neatness
|
Both lyrics AND text
need improvement
in legibility or neatness
|
Points Earned: __________/50 Points Possible = _________%
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