Name:_________________ Date:_________________ Alternative Rock Cake Never There (1998) Never There is one of the most popular tracks

s off of Cakes third album, Prolonging the Magic. It spent three weeks as the number one song on (U.S.) Billboard Modern Rock Tracks. Please take a moment to look over the worksheet before we begin. Notice that there is a listening section, followed by questions at the end. The song will be played at least 3 times.
I need your arms around me, I need to feel your touch I need your understanding, I need your love so much You tell me that you love me so, you tell me that you care But when I need you baby, you're never there On the phone long, long distance Always through such strong resistance First you say you're too busy I wonder if you even miss me Never there Youre never there Youre never, ever, ever, ever there 1. What sound is at the beginning?

2.

Is this opening section more speech-like or song-like?

3.

What percussion instrument did you just hear?

4.

What new instrument did you hear?

A golden bird that flies away, a candles fickle flame To think I held you yesterday, your love was just a game A golden bird that flies away, a candles fickle flame To think I held you yesterday, your love was just a game You tell me that you love me so, you tell me that you care But when I need you baby Take the time to get to know me If you want me why can't you just show me Were always on this roller coaster If you want me why can't you get closer? Never there Youre never there Youre never, ever, ever, ever there

(< -----The lyrics for question 2)

5. 6.

See question 4 below What sound are you hearing again?

7.

Is this the same instrument as #4?

Written Response Questions: 1. This song was written about a story. What do you think the story was that songwriter wrote about? Use lines from the song or reference the audio track to back up your main points.

2. Find the section in the lyrics that start with A golden bird. Do you think this section acts more like a verse, or something else? Why?

3. Based upon your story above (in question 1), write a new set of lyrics to be sung as an additional verse to the song. Or, if you would like, write down a verse to replace a section of the song. Indicate which section you are replacing and why.

4. What section do you expect to follow these lyrics? (See #5 in the lyrics) Why?

Extra Credit: 5. Name some other alternative rock groups