Song Analysis

Show what you know about poetry through an analysis of a song of your choice.

For this assignment you will be given the chance to show me what you have learned so far about poetic devices. To do so, you will analyze the lyrics of a song as a piece poetry.

Choose a song that means something to you. Be sure that it is a song that is appropriate for school (no vulgar or offensive language, or over-emphasis on violence or sexual themes). Choose a song that contains poetic devices like the ones we have been discussing in class. To earn the maximum points, you will have to be able to identify at leastFOUR poetic devices in your song.

Create a presentation that addresses the following aspects of the song you chose. Your presentation should focus on:

Choice—Identify the song and performer/composer. Why do you like this song? Out of all the songs you listen to, what is it about this song that made you choose it for analysis? Do you admire the performer? Do you like other songs by the same performer?

Meaning—What is the song’s meaning? Look closely! Analyze! Is there a meaning deeper than just the surface? What is the songwriter trying to tell the listener? What is the author’s purpose for writing it? Does the song tell a story? Does it address certain emotions or issues? Etc.

Devices and Terms—What poetic devices are used within the lyrics? Look for the devices that we’ve been talking about in class (similes, metaphor, alliteration, allusion, imagery, onomatopoeia, symbolism, tone.) In your presentation, somehow note each device that is used. To receive full marks you must not only state the poetic devices but also briefly explain their meaning/what they add to the song.

- Present your song to the class in a creative way by:

- use visuals and / or props (power point; movie, poster; objects; etc.)

- if it’s a song, play the song, or part of the song for the class

- maybeshow a portion of the music video to emphasize a poetic device

- maybe read a portion of the song (your favorite part?) for the audience

- explain significance and meaning of the song in general, and to you

- inviteaudience questionsand feedback at the end of your presentation

-USE THE RUBRIC!
Name: ______

Song Analysis Rubric

Song Analyzed: ______

8-10 points / 5-8 points / 1-4 points

Choice

/10 / Reason for choosing song
is well-stated
and thoroughly supported / Reason for choosing song
is stated and adequately supported / Reason for choosing song can be inferred,
but little or no support is given

Meaning

/10 / Song’s meaning is fully
analyzed with in-depth
probing of the literal and
figurative interpretations / Song’s meaning is fully
analyzed with some
discussion of literal
and/or figurative
interpretations / Song’s meaning is
analyzed on a
superficial level
Devices
and
Terms
/10 / Four or more poetic
devices/terms are
correctly identified
and thoroughly explained / At least 3 poetic
devices/terms are
correctly identified
and adequately explained / At least two poetic
devices/terms are
correctly identified
and explained

Presentation

/10 / Used clear and confident voice; took presentation seriously; Student used creative, interesting and
unique ways to share; Student engaged audience with style of
presentation and discussion / Missing a few of the elements of an effective presentation / Missing most of the elements of an effective presentation
5 points / 3 points / 1 point

Speaking Conventions

/5 / Very few distracting habits / Some distracting habits / Many distracting habits

Respected Due Date (ready to present at designated time)

/ /5 (all or nothing)

Total Earned: ______/50

Adapted from Ms. Simon by Ms. Mac

ELA 10

Updated October 2013