Composing Analysis of Various Song Lyrics (English 1)

In this assignment, you will write analytical responses that explain how figurative language in song lyrics helps convey deeper meanings and themes. For each text:

1. Identify the literary technque
2. Explain what's being compared
3. Explore how the figurative language conveys deeper meanings or themes

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

What two things are being compared in this line?

"I was lightning before the thunder"

Which literary technique is used in this line?

"I was lightning before the thunder"

Which of the following is valid analysis of this line?

“I was lightning before the thunder.”

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?

Which line uses personification?

What two things are being compared in “But the voice inside sings a different song?”

Which of the following is valid analyis of this line?

"But the voice inside sings a different song"

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?

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.

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

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.

"The Rose That Grew From Concrete" by Tupac Shakur

Did you hear about the rose that grew

from a crack in the concrete?

Proving nature's law is wrong it

learned to walk with out having feet.

Funny it seems, but by keeping its dreams,

it learned to breathe fresh air.

Long live the rose that grew from concrete

when no one else ever cared.

Write a literary analysis paragraph about the theme of this poem. Identify and explain two instances of figurative language. What is the literary technique? What two things are being compared? What deeper meaning is being conveyed? Compose at least six sentences