Lyric Analysis and Discussion Session
Read song lyrics like poetry — discuss what the songwriter means, identify metaphors and themes, and connect the words to the music. Literary analysis through song.
What You'll Need
- 1Printed or displayed song lyrics
- 2Phone or speaker for playing the song
- 3Highlighters or colored pens (optional)
What You'll Need
Printed or displayed song lyrics
Phone or speaker for playing the song
Optional: highlighters or colored pens for marking literary devices
How to Play
Choose a song with meaningful lyrics that are age-appropriate. Songs by artists like Dolly Parton, John Lennon ("Imagine"), Bill Withers, or Taylor Swift work well.
Listen to the song once while reading along with the printed or displayed lyrics.
Now read JUST the lyrics out loud, like a poem, without the music. They feel different this way — more like literature.
Discuss the basics: "What is this song about? What's the main message? Is it telling a story or expressing a feeling?"
Dig deeper into literary devices: find metaphors (comparing unlike things), repetition (which phrases repeat and why?), imagery (what mental pictures do the words create?).
Ask thoughtful questions: "Why did the songwriter choose THESE words? What would change if they said it differently?"
Listen to the song one final time. Notice how the melody and music enhance or change the meaning of the words.
Tips
Song lyrics ARE poetry set to music. Analyzing them builds the same close-reading skills that English class requires, but with much more engagement.
Use highlighters to color-code: one color for metaphors, another for repeated phrases, a third for imagery. Visual marking makes patterns obvious.
Great lyricists to study: Bob Dylan (complex storytelling), Joni Mitchell (vivid imagery), Kendrick Lamar (wordplay and social commentary), Lin-Manuel Miranda (rhyme schemes).
Compare the lyrics-as-poem reading to the full song. Ask: "Does the music add to the meaning? Does it change how you interpret the words?"
This is an activity your child may resist initially and then love. The "aha" moment when they decode a metaphor in their favorite song is deeply satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: printed or displayed song lyrics, phone or speaker for playing the song, highlighters or colored pens (optional).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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