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Analyzing Song Lyrics

marleeyunger
Dec 13, 2016
2 min read

Cycle Level: 2+

A fun way to work on creative writing is by analyzing song lyrics. Not only are students working on analyzation and breaking down text, but students will be intrigued because it is more modern than breaking down a story. The majority of people listen to music on a regular basis, so giving students the opportunity to use their favourite (appropriate) song in a classroom setting will make them extremely excited. They will be eager to participate.

This assignment will take a few days to complete at first, but it will take less time if you were to repeat the lesson.

Introduction

At first, you will need to do a classroom example. Pick an appropriate and well known song and play it for the class. Explain to the class that you want them to pay close attention to the lyrics of the song.

Play the song twice:

1) Official video (if appropriate) or with students' eyes closed

2) With song lyrics on the screen

Tell the class that you are going to be working on analysis and comprehension. Explain that comprehension and analysis is the process of understanding for meaning.

Development

Begin by asking what they think the song in general is about. Line by line, ask the class what they think each line means. Do not take the first answer. Get a few different point of views and get a general consensus from the class. Write down the meaning the class agreed on. Continue until the song is done. If a student is struggling (or multiple), play that part of the song again. The melody and listening to the artist sing the lyrics could help find meaning.

Based off of the lyric analysis, you can complete the following:

1) Short story

2) General analysis

3) Opinion piece

Conclusion

Give students an ample amount of time to complete the assignment. Students can then present their individual work to the class. It is interesting to see how many different stories or opinions can come out of a single song.

Second Time Around

Now that students know what to do, allow them to either pick their own song or have them dissect the lyrics on their own.

Differentiation

Students who struggle can be given "the teacher's copy" of the meaning. You can also provide a personal listening tool (such as an iPod) to listen to the song on their own. When repeating the assignment with another song, allow students to work in pairs or small groups for the initial phase.

Print out lyrics.

Use website, such as "Genius" to provide students with an additional opinion or security blanket.