Composing Analysis of Various Song Lyrics
In this assignment, you will write analytical responses that explain how figurative language in song lyrics helps convey deeper meanings. Begin by identifying the literary technqiue, explaining what's being compared, and explore how the figurative language conveys deeper meanings.
Group 1
Excerpt from “Thunder" by Imagine Dragons
Just a young gun with a quick fuse
I was uptight, wanna let loose
I was dreaming of bigger things and
Wanna leave my own life behind
Not a "Yes, sir," not a follower
Fit the box, fit the mold, have a seat
In the foyer, take a number
I was lightning before the thunder
Question 1a
What two things are being compared in this line?
"I was lightning before the thunder"
Lightning and thunder
The speaker and lightning
The listener and thunder
Electricity and music
Question 1b
Which literary technique is used in this line?
"I was lightning before the thunder"
Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Hyperbole
Question 1c
Which of the following is valid analysis of this line?
“I was lightning before the thunder.”
In this line, the speaker compares lightning to weather. This metaphor suggests the speaker is predicting the future like a storm forecaster.
In this line, the speaker compares themselves to thunder. This metaphor suggests that the speaker is loud and always shows up after anything important.
In this line, the speaker says they are both lightning and thunder at the same time. This simile shows they are peaceful and quiet in nature.
In this line, the speaker compares themselves to lightning. This metaphor suggests that the speaker is awe-inspiring, powerful, and dangerous.
Group 2
Excerpts from “How Far I'll Go,” from Moana
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me
And no one knows, how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I'll know
If I go, there's just no telling how far I'll go
. . .
I can lead with pride, I can make us strong
I'll be satisfied if I play along
But the voice inside sings a different song
What is wrong with me?
Question 2a
Which line uses personification?
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me
And no one knows, how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I'll know
Question 2b
What two things are being compared in “But the voice inside sings a different song?”
The voice inside and a different song
The voice and a song
The voice inside singing a different song and the listener
The voice inside singing a different song and the speaker's desire to be different
Question 2c
Which of the following is valid analyis of this line?
"But the voice inside sings a different song"
In this line, the phrase “a different song” literally means the speaker prefers a different genre of music than those around them.
In this line, the “voice inside” is a metaphor for the speaker’s true feelings or conscience, suggesting that their internal emotions conflict with what others expect.
In this line, the “voice inside” represents an actual person whispering in the speaker’s ear, showing that the speaker is being told what to do.
In this line, the speaker hears music playing internally, which symbolizes that they are happy and free of conflict.
Group 3
Excerpt from “Firework” by Katy Perry
Do you ever feel
like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind
Wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel,
feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards
One blow from caving in?
Question 3a
Identify and explain one instance of figurative language. What is the literary technique? What two things are being compared? What deeper meaning is being conveyed? Compose at least three sentences.
Group 4
Excerpt from “I See The Light," from Tangled
And at last I see the light
And it’s like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it’s like the sky is new
Question 4a
Identify and explain one instance of figurative language. What is the literary technique? What two things are being compared? What deeper meaning is being conveyed? Compose at least three sentences.
Group 5
“Handlebars” by Dua Lipa and Jennie Kim
Over the handlebars, hittin' the ground so hard
If I'm alone, fallin', fallin', fallin'
We ain't gotta talk about it
Mercy
Why is it love is never kind to me?
I heard that fools rush in, and, yeah, that's me
It burns me time and time again
So why am I still fixing for this frying pan? (Oh)
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