Exploring the world of Lyrics

Introduction

At this point in the unit of work we have revised different poetry techniques and their applications within poetry. We have looked at language devices, why they are used, and what effect they produce within poems.

Before we move into analysing music for the purpose of creating mood, you get the opportunity to put all the textual knowledge you have learnt to good use in exploring song lyrics for their meaning and techniques. You will also have the opportunity to practice presenting your findings in preparation for your final assessment. 

Task

Your mission…

  1. Find 5 lyrics that demonstrate one or more of the poetic techniques studied. Lyrics must represent a particular theme, one lyrics for each theme and one of your choice. Note: Each device must be represented in at least one of the lyrics. Lyrics must be appropriate for class use.
  2. Identify the poetic techniques and language devices used in each lyrics
  3. Copy and paste each lyrics to one document to be uploaded onto the class conceptboard. Note: provide a link to the original source of the document.
  4. Choose one of the lyrics to present to the class.

 

Process

Explore the internet for lyrics associated with the following themes:

  • Social Issues,
  • Teen Issues,
  • Bullying,
  • Self Confidence.

 Hint: google searches can bring up a number of sites to locate specific songs. www.letssingit.com can provide the lyrics.

  1. Select 5 lyrics, one for each theme and one of your choice, that demonstrate at least one of the poetic techniques. Each technique must be represented in at least one lyrics.
  2. Copy and paste the lyrics to one document. Identify and highlight the techniques used within the lyrics. Hint: it may be easier to provide a key showing different techniques represented by different colours and highlight the techniques in the lyrics.
  3. Analyse each lyrics based on the language devices, the poetic techniques, and how these are used to convey the theme of the lyrics. Write a short explanation on how effectively the lyrics portray the theme.
  4. Upload the document to the class conceptboard.
  5. Select 1 of the lyrics to present to the class. Presentations should be no longer than 2mins. A copy of your chosen lyrics and analysis will be displayed from the conceptboard on the projector for your presentation.

 

Evaluation

This task gives you an opportunity to practice a lyrical analysis and presentation for your final assessment. You will be provided feedback on your analysis and presentation in preparation for your final presentation assessment.

Conclusion

This Webquest has given you a chance to explore the range of music lyrics related to a particular theme, and given you the opportunity to apply the knowledge of the techniques and devices used within the lyrics to represent their theme/message.

 

Your final assessment requires you to replicate what you have done in this Webquest, add a music analysis, and present your chosen song to the class in a 4min presentation.

 

Goodluck.

Credits
  • www.letssingit.com : a vast collection of song lyrics with video clips of the songs.
  • Google: perfect platform for students to explore particular themes. 
  • Clip Art images.
Teacher Page

This Webquest covers the following content descriptors of the English Australian Curriculum:

  •  ACELA1552 - Investigate how evaluation can be expressed directly and indirectly using devices, for example allusion, evocative vocabulary and metaphor;
  •  ACELT1637 - Investigate and experiment with the use and effect of extended metaphor, metonymy, allegory, icons, myths and symbolism in texts, for example poetry, short films, graphic novels, and plays on similar themes;
  • ACELY1745 - Explore and explain the combinations of language and visual choices that authors make to present information, opinions and perspectives in different texts;
  •  ACELY1741 - Plan, rehearse and deliver presentations, selecting and sequencing appropriate content and multimodal elements for aesthetic and playful purposes.

 

It covers a number of General Capabilities such as:

  • Literacy
  • ICT capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social capability.