Song Lyrics Assignment

More information on the written part of the assignment. 1) The first section of your analysis should be titled Interpretation and, using properlyformatted paragraphs provide a detailed explanation of the songs MEANING. This section should be between 250-300 words long. Include the following in your interpretation: Artist (who performed the song) Songwriter (who wrote the songs lyrics usually not the same as the artist) Year of release What is the song about and who the speaker/narrator is in your response (whos telling the story ex: a guy who has just been dumped) The songs overall theme/message (may be more than one theme) The significance of the songs title The songs tone and how it contributes to the meaning What major (historical, political, cultural or natural ) events might have influenced the writers point of view

2) The second section of your analysis should be titled Codes and Conventions/ Techniques and, using properly-formatted paragraphs provide an analysis of the poetic terms / figures of speech/ codes and conventions used in the songs lyrics. Try to discuss at least 3 different techniques. Be sure to quote them, explain why the writer chose to use them and what the effect is on the song and on you the listener. This section should be about 150 words +. Think about some of the following techniques and consult your other handouts as well:

Imagery Diction

what are the main images used? Which are particularly striking? Why? - are comparisons used? Similes? Metaphors? Personification? look carefully at the writers choice of words why have they been chosen? Do they create a particular effect or tone?

Rhythm and Rhyme how does the song move? Do any of the lines rhyme? Why? Is this end rhyme or half-rhyme? What is the effect? Symbols can you spot any symbols in the song? What do they represent and what is the effect?
3) The third section of your analysis should be titled Personal Reaction. (75-100 words) How did you react to the song? Did it move you or make you think of an issue in more depth? Did it make you feel a particular emotion? How do your personal opinions differ or resemble those expressed in the song?

*** You must include a copy of the lyrics with your written report***