Song Analysis Assignment

A large portion of our poetry unit is focused on finding examples of poetry in

the world around us. Specifically, we have spent time discussing music and
discovering that popular musicians are poets!
As a class, we have been very interested in analyzing musical lyrics and
discovering the authors message in popular music (ex. Fight Song by Rachel
Platten).
Because of this interest, students were invited to select a popular song
analyze it, and perform it for the class at our Poetry

Cafe! This optional

assignment could be completed individually or with a partner or small group.
Students were told to complete the analysis during their free time or at home.
If a student would like to perform the song for the class, they, first, must have
completed the last worksheet in this pack.
Due to time constraints, students will not be singing the entire song, instead,
they will sing the verse and a chorus of a song. They will sing along to a karaoke
track of the song. Performances will be recorded so that we may share it with
parents that are unable to attend the cafe.
We are extremely eager to hear these performances!

Song Analysis Assignment

Analyzed by ____________________________________________________________

Firework

Written 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?
Do you ever feel already buried deep six feet under?
Screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
'Cause, baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, "Aah, aah, aah"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colours burst
Make 'em go, "Aah, aah, aah"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y
You don't have to feel like a wasted space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe a reason why all of the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow

Song Analysis Assignment

And when it's time you'll know
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
'Cause, baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, "Aah, aah, aah"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colours burst
Make 'em go, "Aah, aah, aah"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through-ough-ough
'Cause, baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, "Aah, aah, aah"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colours burst
Make 'em go, "Aah, aah, aah"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe

Boom, boom, boom

Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

Song Analysis Assignment

Use these steps to guide your understanding.
Then fill out the next paper - your final copy!
1. Read the poem once. What do you think it means after the first read?

2. Read the poem again.

3. Read each stanza and try to figure out what the author was saying? Take notes!

4. Does the author use any figurative language to enhance the poem? What do the
examples mean?

5. Does the author use any strong adjectives or higher level synonyms?

6. What do you think the author is trying to say? What message?

7. What do you think the authors purpose was in writing this poem?

Song Analysis Assignment

At first, I thought this song was about.

I noticed examples of figurative language in the song (simile, metaphor,

personification, alliteration, onomatopoeia)...

I think the author wrote this poem for a reason. The author wants to
tell the reader

Song Analysis Assignment

Name: ________________________________ Total: _____ / 15

Rubric
Objective

Figurative Language:
Student is able to identify examples of figurative
language.
__Simile __Metaphor __Alliteration
__Personification __Onomatopoeia
Students is able to formulate a non-literal explanation
for the examples of figurative language.
Authors Message & Drawing Conclusions:
Student is able to use their understanding of figurative
language to communicate the authors message.

Presentation:
Student clearly presents his or her findings to the class
using the appropriate _______.
-Volume
-Pace
-Eye Contact
Collaboration (if applicable):
Student was able to communicate ideas clearly and
respectfully, work well with his or her partner(s), and
contribute equally.

Teachers notes:

Yes!

Somewhat

(3)

(2)

Not
quite
(1)

No attempt
is made
(0)