Name: _____________________
Period: _____________________
AN INTRODUCTION TO CLOSE READING THROUGH SONG LYRICS:
A Unit for the Middle- or High-School English Language Arts Class
The following unit is an exploration of the coming-of-age journey we must all take in life. What
makes this unit unique is that it will be accomplished entirely by way of wellchosen song lyrics. By
learning to read lyrics closely, students will begin to see how songs, too, share important stories and
impart meaningful lessons. The songs selected for this lesson come from a variety of
contemporary musical genres, further making clear to students the universality of the coming-ofage journey and the power of great song lyrics to express it. We will begin by listening and reading
a song together. Next, students will select one of four songs to explore with a partner. Finally, an
extension activity invites students to envision their own CD. As they accomplish this task, students
will be displaying their understanding of our central theme, the coming-of-age journey, while
reflecting on their own unique journey thus far in life. Students will be challenged to locate
meaningful songs that express aspects of themselves, analyze these songs in terms of figurative
language, word choice, narrative persona, and narrative development. I feel strongly that, through
this unit, students will see firsthand the power of lyrics to express key aspects of this exciting but
challenging time of life.
This lesson addresses the following Common Core Standards:
CCSELA Literacy RL7.1: Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly
as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSELA Literacy RL7.2: Determine a theme or central ideal of a text and analyze its development over the
course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text. CCSELA Literacy RL7.4: Determine the meaning
of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact
of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of
a story or drama.
CCSELA Literacy RL7.6: Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters
or narrators in a text.
CCSELA Literacy RL7.7: Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or
multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or
camera focus and angles in a film).
CCSELA Literacy.WHST.6-8.1A: Introduce claims(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the
claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
CCSELA.Literacy.WHST.6-8.1B: Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence
that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
CCSELA.Literacy.WHST.6-8.1D: Establish and maintain a formal style.
CCSELA.Literacy.WHST.6-8:1F: Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the
argument presented.
Name: _____________________
Period: _____________________
AN INTRODUCTION TO CLOSE READING THROUGH SONG LYRICS
Often, we have strong, immediate reactions to the music we hear on the radio or online, not just from the
melodies or rhythms themselves, but because the lyrics, in some way, mirror what we are experiencing in our
lives at the moment. After an argument with a friend, for example, every song may sound sad. Today,
however, I want to show you how doing a close reading of a song’s lyrics can lead us to see things we may
have missed.
Defining Terms
Close reading: the careful reading and rereading of a brief passage of text. Such a reading places great emphasis on
noticing individual words, syntax, and the order in which sentences and ideas unfold as they are read.
Annotate: the act of adding notes to a text as a comment, question, or explanation.
1. Listen to Echosmith’s song, “Cool Kids” and follow along with the lyrics on the next page.
2. What is your first impression of the song? What is the mood?
_______________________________________________________________________________
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3. What does it seem to be about?
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4. Now, read the lyrics again. Pay attention to what the singer (the narrator of the song) says. Circle key words and
phrases and make notes in the margins. This is called annotating, and we will be doing it all year! What words and
phrases stood out to you? Why?
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______________________________________________________________________________
5. Next, pay attention to the change in pronouns. Why might the lyricist have done this? What might it mean?
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6. Do the “cool kids” really feel cool?
How do you know?
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7. After reading these lyrics closely, what do you think is the lyricist’s message?
_________________________________________________________________________________
"Cool Kids"
By Echosmith
She sees them walking in a straight line, that's not really her style.
And they all got the same heartbeat, but hers is falling behind.
Nothing in this world could ever bring them down.
Yeah, they're invincible, and she's just in the background. And
she says,
"I wish that I could be like the cool kids, 'Cause
all the cool kids, they seem to fit in.
I wish that I could be like the cool kids, like the cool kids."
He sees them talking with a big smile, but they haven't got a clue.
Yeah, they're living the good life, can't see what he is going through.
They're driving fast cars, but they don't know where they're going. In
the fast lane, living life without knowing.
And he says,
"I wish that I could be like the cool kids,
'Cause all the cool kids, they seem to fit in.
I wish that I could be like the cool kids, like the cool kids.
I wish that I could be like the cool kids, 'Cause
all the cool kids, they seem to get it.
I wish that I could be like the cool kids, like the cool kids."
And they said,
"I wish that I could be like the cool kids,
'Cause all the cool kids, they seem to fit in.
I wish that I could be like the cool kids, like the cool kids. I
wish that I could be like the cool kids,
'Cause all the cool kids, they seem to fit in.
I wish that I could be like the cool kids, like the cool kids.
I wish that I could be like the cool kids, 'Cause
all the cool kids, they seem to get it.
I wish that I could be like the cool kids, like the cool kids."
Whoa [3x]
Like the cool kids
Name: ____________________
LYRICS - PARTNER ACTIVITY
As you and your partner do a close reading of one of the following song lyrics, keep in mind that all writers,
lyricists included, have messages they want to send out into the world, but they want us to do some of the
work. They want us to read closely and pay attention to details. The more carefully we pay attention, the
more the writer’s message will be revealed.
1. Select one of the following songs to study.
Which song did you choose? ________________________________
Who is the lyricist? ___________________________________________
2. Read your lyrics all the way through to get an overall impression. Additionally, you may listen to the song
on your cell phone/headphone (see me if you need headphones).
3. Number the lines of the song and read again, this time with a highlighter and a pencil close by. Circle key
words and make notes or questions in the margins. Discuss your findings with your partner.
4. What is the overall mood of this song?
______________________________________________________________________________________
5. Describe the personality of the singer/narrator.
______________________________________________________________________________________
6. Do the lyricist use any figurative language? (Look for metaphors, similes, personification, symbols,
allusions, etc.) Quote your example below. Add the line number where you found this figurative
language in parentheses.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7. Analyze this figurative language. What is being compared? How does it enhance the song’s message?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
8. Does the lyricist employ any unique words? Look for a word with multiple meanings or a word used in a
surprising way. Quote your example below. Add the line number where you found these words in
parentheses.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(more questions on the backside)
9. Analyze this word choice. What made it surprising, interesting, or thought provoking?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
10. What is the lyricist’s overall message?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
11. What else did you discover that surprised you?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
“Fifteen”
By Taylor Swift
You take a deep breath and you walk through the doors
It's the morning of your very first day
You say hi to your friends you ain't seen in a while Try and stay
out of e
verybody's way
It's your freshman year and you're gonna be here
For the next four years in this town
Hoping one of those senior boys will wink at you and say "You know, I
haven't seen you around before"
'Cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you
You're gonna believe them
And when you're fifteen feeling like there's nothing to figure out but count to
ten, take it in
This is life before you know who you're gonna be Fifteen
You sit in class next to redheaded Abigail
And soon enough you're best friends
Laughing at the other girls who think they're so cool We'll be outta
here as soon as we can
And then you're on your very first date and he's got a car
And you feeling like flying
And your mama's waiting up and you're thinking he's the one
And you're dancing 'round your room when the night ends When the night
ends
'Cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you
You're gonna believe them
And when you're fifteen and your first kiss
Makes your head spin around
But in your life you'll do things greater than
Dating the boy on the football team I didn't know
it at fifteen
When all you wanted was to be wanted
I wish you could go back and tell yourself what you know now
Back then I swore I was gonna marry him someday
But I realized some bigger dreams of mine
Abigail gave everything she had to a boy who changed his mind We both cried
'Cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you
You're gonna believe them
And when you're fifteen, don't forget to love before you fall
I've found time can heal most anything
And you just might find who you're supposed to be
I didn't know who I was supposed to be
Fifteen
la la la la la
Your very first day
Take a deep breath girl
Take a deep breath as you walk through the doors
“Outcast”
By Kerrie Roberts
Since I can remember, guess I been a problem
Never had a filter, never been the popular one
To sugar coat what I know is undeniable
I just can't hide it, I wear it like a letter
Everywhere I go, everyone is talking
I can feel them staring, they hope I'm just pretending
And giving up my power, caving into pressure
I'm not living for them, I live for something better
I'm not good enough, I'm not what they want
But let me tell you what, I know who I am
So just throw me out for not fitting in
I will stand my ground and be an outcast
So what if I'm an outcast?
So what if I'm an outcast?
So what if I don't look the part I'm supposed to play
What if I don't follow all the rules they make
They think I should be perfect, they love it when I mess up
No grace in case I blow it, a good girl shouldn't need it
I'm not good enough, I'm not what they want
But let me tell you what, I know who I am
So just throw me out for not fitting in
I will stand my ground and be an outcast
So what if I'm an outcast
So what if I'm an outcast
So slow and everybody's so fast So what if I'm
an outcast?
I try to play nice, I don't want to fight
But I won't be great when it sounds like I'm right
'Cause what I believe is what makes me strong
If I don't belong, I hold onto love
I try to play nice, I don't want to fight
But I won't be great when it sounds like I'm right
'Cause what I believe is what makes me strong
If I don't belong, I hold onto love
So what if I'm an outcast?
So what if I'm an outcast?
So slow and everybody's so fast
No matter what it costs I'll be an outcast
I'm not good enough, I'm not what they want
But let me tell you what, I know who I am
So just throw me out for I'm not fitting in
I will stand my ground and be an outcast
I'm not good enough, I'm not what they want
And let me tell you what, I know who I am
So just throw me out, I'm not fitting in
I will stand my ground and be an outcast
"Growing Up (Sloane's Song)"
By Macklemore
(with Ryan Lewis)
(feat. Ed Sheeran)
[Macklemore:]
They say boys don't cry
But your dad has shed a lot of tears
They say I should be a strong man
But baby, I'm still filled with fear
Sometimes I don't know who I am
Sometimes I question why I'm here
I just wanna be a good dad
Will I be? I have no idea
They say girls shouldn't be tough
And moms should raise their kids at home
But baby, I know that that isn't true
Cause your momma's the toughest person I know
I wanna raise you to be like her
And watch you show the world how to do it on your own
I'm still tryna figure out who I am
I don't wanna mess this up or do this wrong
I'm gonna be there for your first breath
I don't know if I'll be there for your first step
I can promise you that I'll try to work less
But the tour's routed, and I got this album
Put in so many hours, and I just want the outcome
To be something that I can look back and I can be proud of
Don't wanna be a dad that's living in FaceTime
But I've got a world to sing to and you at the same time
I won't spoil you, you can trust that
For your sweet sixteen, you get a bus pass
Had your heart broken? Been there, done that
I love you and I can't give you enough of that
Get back to community that raised you up
Read Langston Hughes, I suggest "A Raisin in the Sun"
Listen to Sam Cooke, a change gon' come
You put the work in, don't worry about the praise, my love
Don't try to change the world, find something that you love
And do it every day
Do that for the rest of your life
And eventually, the world will change
[Ed Sheeran:]
I'll be patient, one more month
You'll wrap your fingers 'round my thumb
Times are changing, I know, but who am I if
I'm the person you become
If I'm still growing up, up, up, up
If I'm still growing up, up, up, up
I'm still growing up
[Macklemore:]
I recommend that you read "The Alchemist"
Listen to your teachers, but cheat in calculus
Tell the truth, regardless of the consequence
And every day, give your momma a compliment
Take your girl to the prom
But don't get too drunk hanging out the limo
Slow dance with your woman in your arms
Sneak her in after but boy, you better tiptoe
Don't wake your mom up, do yoga, learn 'bout karma
Find God, but leave the dogma
The quickest way to happiness? Learning to be selfless
Ask more questions, talk about yourself less
Study David Bowie, James Baldwin and 2Pac
Watch the sun set with best friends from a rooftop
Wear a helmet, don't be stupid, jaywalk, but look before you do it
If it snows, go outside, build a jump, get some help
Get a sled, thrash the hill with your friends, 'til it melts
Go to festivals, camp, fall in love and dance
You're only young once, my loved one, this is your chance
Take risks, cause life moves so fast
You're only young once, my loved one, this is your chance
[Ed Sheeran:]
I'll be patient, one more month
You'll wrap your fingers round my thumb
Times are changing, I know, but who am I if
I'm the person you become
If I'm still growing up, up, up, up
I'm still growing up, up, up, up
[Ed Sheeran:]
I'll be patient, one more month
You'll wrap your fingers round my thumb
Times are changing, I know, but who am I if
I'm the person you become
If I'm still growing up, still growing up, still growing up
If I'm still growing up, still growing up, still growing up
[Ed Sheeran:]
I'm still growing up I'm still growing up, ooh, I'm still growing up, I'm still growing up
"Letter to Me"
By Brad Paisley
If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time to myself at 17
First I'd prove it's me by saying look under your bed
There's a Skoal can and a Playboy no one else would know you hid
And then I'd say I know its tough
When you break up after seven months
And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don't seem fair
All I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare
[1st Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
She wasn't right for you
And still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back
And you're wondering if you'll survive
You'll make it through this and you'll see
You're still around to write this letter to me
At the stop sign at Tomlinson and Eighth
Always stop completely don't just tap your brakes
And when you get a date with Bridgett make sure the tank is full
On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool
Each and every time you have a fight
Just assume you're wrong and daddy is right
And you should really thank Mrs. Bringman
She spend so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's polishing you 'til you shine
[2nd Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
Tonight's the bonfire rally
But you're staying home instead because if you fail Algebra
Mom and dad will kill you dead
Trust me you'll squeak by and get a C
And you're still around to write this letter to me
You've got so much up ahead
You'll make new friends
You should see your kids and wife
And I'd end up saying have no fear
These are nowhere near the best years of your life
I guess I'll see you in the mirror
When you're a grown man
P.S. "go hug Aunt Rita every chance you can"
[3rd Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
I wish you'd study Spanish
I wish you'd take a typing class
I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be
I'd say have a little faith and you'll see
If I could write a letter to me
To me
"C.R.E.A.M."
by Wu-Tang Clan
[Raekwon and Method Man:]
What that ni**a want, God?
Word up, look out for the cops though
Wu-Tang five finger sh**
Cash rulesWord up, two for fives over here, baby
Word up, two for fives, ni***s got garbage down the way
Word up, know what I'm sayin'?
Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M. getYeah, check this old fly sh** out, word up
Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M.
Get the money, dollar dollar bill, y'all
Take you on a natural joint
Here we here we go, check this shit, yo
[Raekwon:]
I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side
Stayin' alive was no jive
Had secondhands, Mom's bounced on old man
So then we moved to Shaolin land
A young youth, yo rockin' the gold tooth, 'Lo goose
Only way I be gettin' the G off was drug loot
And let's start it like this, son
Rollin' with this one and that one
Pullin' out gats for fun
But it was just a dream for the teen who was a fiend
Started smokin' woolas at 16
And runnin' up in gates and doin' hits for high stakes
Makin' my way on fire escapes
No question I would speed for cracks and weed
The combination made my eyes bleed
No question I would flow off and try to get the dough all
Stickin' up white boys in ball courts
My life got no better, same damn 'Lo sweater
Times is rough and tough like leather
Figured out I went the wrong route
So I got with a sick-a** clique and went all out
Catchin' keys from 'cross seas
Rollin' in MPV's, every week we made forty G's
Yo, nigga, respect mine, or here go the TEC-9
Ch-chick-POW! Move from the gate now!
[Method Man:]
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
[Inspectah Deck:]
It's been twenty-two long hard years, I'm still strugglin'
Survival got me buggin', but I'm alive on arrival
I peep at the shape of the streets
And stay awake to the ways of the world 'cause shit is deep
A man with a dream with plans to make cream
Which failed; I went to jail at the age of fifteen
A young buck sellin' drugs and such, who never had much
Tryin' to get a clutch at what I could not
The court played me short, now I face incarceration
Pacin', goin' upstate's my destination
Handcuffed in the back of a bus, forty of us
Life as a shorty shouldn't be so rough
But as the world turned I learned life is hell
Livin' in the world no different from a cell
Every day I escape from Jakes givin' chase
Sellin' base, smokin' bones in the staircase
Though I don't know why I chose to smoke sess
I guess that's the time when I'm not depressed
But I'm still depressed, and I ask: what's it worth?
Ready to give up so I seek the old Earth
Who explained workin' hard may help you maintain
To learn to overcome the heartaches and pain
We got stick-up kids, corrupt cops, and crack rocks
And stray shots, all on the block that stays hot
Leave it up to me while I be livin' proof
To kick the truth to the young black youth
But shorty's runnin' wild, smokin' sess, drinkin' beer
And ain't tryin' to hear what I'm kickin' in his ear
Neglected for now, but yo, it gots to be accepted
That what? That life is hectic
[Method Man:]
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
[Inspectah Deck:]
Ni***s got to do what they got to do
To get through, know what I'm sayin'?
Because you can't just get by no more
Word up, you gotta get over, straight up and down
[Method Man:]
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
"Dreaming Of You"
by Selena Quintanilla
Late at night when all the world is sleeping
I stay up and think of you
And I wish on a star that somewhere you are
Thinking of me too
'Cause I'm dreaming of you tonight
'Til tomorrow I'll be holding you tight
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Than here in my room dreaming about you and me
Wonder if you ever see me
And I wonder if you know I'm there
Am I there? Am I?
If you looked in my eyes
Would you see what's inside
Would you even care?
I just wanna hold you close
But so far all I have are dreams of you
So I wait for the day, wait for the day
And the courage to say
How much I love you
Yes I do!
I'll be dreaming of you tonight
'Til tomorrow I'll be holding you tight
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Than here in my room dreaming about you and me
Corazón
I can't stop dreaming of you
No puedo dejar de pensar en ti
I can't stop dreaming
Cómo te necesito
I can't stop dreaming of you
Mi amor, cómo te extraño
Late at night when all the world is sleeping
I stay up and think of you
And I still can't believe
That you came up to me
And said, "I love you."
I love you too!
Now I'm dreaming with you tonight
'Til tomorrow and for all of my life
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Than here in my room dreaming with you endlessly
With you tonight
'Til tomorrow
'Til tomorrow I'll be holding you tight
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Than here in my room
I'll be dreaming of you tonight endlessly
And I'll be holding you tight
'Til tomorrow dreaming endlessly
With you tonight
Endlessly endlessly dreaming
"Keep Ya Head Up"
by 2pac Shakur
Little something for my godson Elijah
And a little girl named Corin
Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice
I say the darker the flesh then the deeper the roots
I give a holla to my sisters on welfare
2Pac cares if don't nobody else care
And I know they like to beat you down a lot
When you come around the block, brothers clown a lot
But please don't cry, dry your eyes, never let up
Forgive, but don't forget, girl, keep your head up
And when he tells you you ain't nothing, don't believe him
And if he can't learn to love you, you should leave him
'Cause, sister, you don't need him
And I ain't trying to gas ya up, I just call 'em how I see 'em
You know what makes me unhappy? When brothers make babies and leave a young mother to be a pappy
And since we all came from a woman
Got our name from a woman and our game from a woman
I wonder why we take from our women
Why we rape our women, do we hate our women?
I think it's time to kill for our women
Time to heal our women, be real to our women
And if we don't we'll have a race of babies
That will hate the ladies that make the babies
And since a man can't make one
He has no right to tell a woman when and where to create one
So will the real men get up?
I know you're fed up, ladies, but keep your head up
Keep ya head up, ooh, child
Things are gonna get easier
Keep ya head up, ooh, child
Things'll get brighter
Keep ya head up, ooh, child
Things are gonna get easier
Keep ya head up, ooh, child
Things'll get brighter
Ayo, I remember Marvin Gaye used to sing to me
He had me feeling like black was the thing to be
And suddenly the ghetto didn't seem so tough
And though we had it rough, we always had enough
I huffed and puffed about my curfew and broke the rules
Ran with the local crew and had a smoke or two
And I realize momma really paid the price
She nearly gave her life to raise me right
And all I had to give her was my pipe dream
Of how I'd rock the mic and make it to the bright screen
I'm trying to make a dollar out of fifteen cents
It's hard to be legit and still pay the rent
And in the end it seems I'm heading for the pen
I try to find my friends, but they're blowing in the wind
Last night my buddy lost his whole family
It's gonna take the man in me to conquer this insanity
It seems the rain'll never let up
I try to keep my head up and still keep from getting wet up
You know, it's funny, when it rains it pours
They got money for wars but can't feed the poor
Say there ain't no hope for the youth
And the truth is it ain't no hope for the future
And then they wonder why we crazy
I blame my mother for turning my brother into a crack baby
We ain't meant to survive, 'cause it's a set-up
And even though you're fed up
Huh, you got to keep your head up
Keep ya head up, ooh, child
Things are gonna get easier
Keep ya head up, ooh, child
Things'll get brighter
Keep ya head up, ooh, child
Things are gonna get easier
Keep ya head up, ooh, child
Things'll get brighter
And uh, to all the ladies having babies on they own
I know it's kinda rough and you're feeling all alone
Daddy's long gone and he left you by your lonesome
Thank the Lord for my kids even if nobody else want 'em
'Cause I think we can make it, in fact, I'm sure
And if you fall, stand tall and comeback for more
'Cause ain't nothing worse than when your son
Wants to know why his daddy don't love him no mo'
You can't complain you was dealt this
Hell of a hand without a man, feeling helpless
Because there's too many things for you to deal with
Dying inside, but outside you're looking fearless
While tears is rolling down your cheeks
You steady hoping things don't fall down this week
'Cause if it did, you couldn't take it
And don't blame me, I was given this world, I didn't make it
And now my son's getting older and older and colder
From having the world on his shoulders
While the rich kids is driving Benz
I'm still trying to hold on to surviving friends
And it's crazy, it seems it'll never let up
But please, you got to keep your head up
YOUR MUSICAL INTRODUCTION
Due 8/30/19 – Worth 10 pts
Your musical choices tell us so much about you. They not only make clear your taste, but your
influences, your experiences thus far in life, and your unique personality!
Your Task: Imagine that you have been asked to produce a CD that expresses you! To complete
your musical introduction, you will list 3 – 5 handpicked songs that represent YOU, and illustrate your
CD’s cover. You must do a close reading and fill out the form for ONE of the songs you chose. Make
deliberate choices as you put together your CD, these songs represent YOU so make them count.
This is a mock-up for what your CD would look like, so you do not have to make these pages actually
fit a CD jewel case. Instead, use 8 ½” by 11 paper. SONG TITLES MUST BE SCHOOL APPROPRIATE
Defining Terms: “Liner Notes” The section on an album or CD cover where the musician gets to give thanks to people or make any comments about
the album that they want. Sometimes people hide jokes in the liner notes or they thank everyone who has helped them finish the album.
Steps to Take:
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Assemble three songs that, in some important way, define you. They could be songs that
mirror elements of your life (past or present), your influences, or that reflect aspects of your
unique personality.
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Print the lyrics to ONE OF THE SONGS and annotate them. Highlight key words and phrases
and make notes in the margins. Your notes should include your questions, your personal
connections, and your interpretations of the lyrics. Make sure to analyze the lyricist’s choice of
words and his or her use of figurative language.
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Explain your album. To do this, write a well-organized 5 sentence paragraph explanation for
your three song’s inclusion in your CD. What do the songs mean? Why did you include these
songs? How does it reflect an aspect of you (your journey, thus far, in life, your influences,
and/or your unique personality)? Do any of the songs remind you of someone or something?
Include a brief, well-chosen quote or two that supports how the songs represent you.
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Construct a cover for your album. You can draw your visuals or use computer generated art.
These visuals will continue to tell us more about you. They should tie into the songs you have
selected.
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Create a dedication page/liner notes. Who are the people who have guided you, thus far,
toward making great choices in life? Who has believed in you all along? Remember them now
with a thoughtful paragraph that explains what they have added to your life.
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Title your album! Have fun, use your imagination, and be a bit symbolic. Make sure to have
your album title, your name, and your period number on your front cover.
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Edit and proofread your work carefully.
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Make sure that your paragraphs avoid:
 Run-on sentences
 Sentence fragments
 Problems of subject/verb agreement
 Misspelled words
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Make sure that your work reveals:
 Strong analysis of the songs
 Thoughtful connections to you
 Engaging and precise word choice
 Thoughtful and inviting visuals that symbolically represent your ideas
Student: _______________________
Period: _______________________
Date: _______________________
MUSICAL INTRODUCTION CHECKLIST
Front Cover/Title Page _____
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Strong title that hints at the CD’s message
Strong visuals symbolically make clear the CD’s message
Student’s name and period are clear
This work is neat, engaging, and shows effort
Dedication Page _____
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Thoughtful discussion of the writer’s influences
Neat, engaging, and shows effort
Writing is relatively free from mechanical mistakes (grammar, spelling, and punctuation)
Liner Notes Paragraph _____
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topic sentences introduce the songs and the composer and lyricist
supporting details o song is analyzed; its message is clear
o figurative language or unique word choice is analyzed o connection to the student
is clear
o brief quote from the song with a line number in parentheses adds to this analysis o
discussion of the brief quote
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thoughtful conclusion
transitional words and phrases move reader from one paragraph to the next
tone is engaging
word choice is thoughtful and precise
writing is relatively free from mechanical mistakes (grammar, spelling, and punctuation)
Song Lyrics _____
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songs are well chosen and allow us to get to know you
song lyrics are annotated thoughtfully
Name: ____________________
YOUR Album – Close Reading of a Song
. Select one of the songs you pick to study.
Which song did you choose? ________________________________
Who is the lyricist? ___________________________________________
Read your lyrics all the way through to get an overall impression. Additionally, you may listen to the song on your
cell phone/headphones. Number the lines ofs the song and read again, this time with a highlighter and a pencil
close by. Circle key words and make notes or questions in the margins. Discuss your findings with your partner.
What is the overall mood of this song?
______________________________________________________________________________________
Describe the personality of the singer/narrator.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Do the lyricist use any figurative language? (Look for metaphors, similes, personification, symbols,
allusions, etc.) Quote your example below. Add the line number where you found this figurative
language in parentheses.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Does the lyricist employ any unique words? Look for a word with multiple meanings or a word used in a
surprising way. Quote your example below. Add the line number where you found these words in
parentheses.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Analyze this word choice. What made it surprising, interesting, or thought provoking?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
What is the lyricist’s overall message?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
What else did you discover that surprised you?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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