song analysis assignment

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Good Songs To Analyze For School

Music is a powerful tool that can evoke emotions, inspire creativity, and spark meaningful discussions. For students who are studying music or literature, analyzing songs can be a valuable exercise in understanding the nuances of language, storytelling, and artistic expression. There are countless songs that are ripe for analysis, but some stand out as particularly rich and complex works of art.

In this article, we will explore nine songs that are excellent choices for students to analyze for school assignments. Each song offers unique themes, storytelling techniques, and musical elements that can be dissected and discussed in depth. From classic rock to modern pop, these songs span a range of genres and styles, providing a diverse selection for students to choose from.

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (1975)

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a legendary rock ballad that defies traditional song structures and conventions. The song tells the story of a young man who confesses to committing a murder and faces the consequences of his actions. With its operatic vocals, intricate harmonies, and shifting dynamics, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a masterpiece of storytelling and musicality. Students can analyze the song’s complex lyrics, explore its themes of guilt and redemption, and discuss the ways in which Queen uses musical elements to enhance the narrative.

2. “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan (1965)

“Like a Rolling Stone” is a seminal folk-rock song that captures the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. Bob Dylan’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and social commentary, painting a portrait of a woman who has fallen from grace and is struggling to find her way in the world. The song’s iconic melody and Dylan’s distinctive vocal delivery make it a timeless classic that students can analyze for its poetic language, political themes, and innovative songwriting techniques.

3. “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday (1939)

“Strange Fruit” is a haunting and powerful protest song that addresses the issue of racism and lynching in America. Billie Holiday’s soulful vocals and chilling lyrics paint a vivid picture of the horrors of racial violence, challenging listeners to confront the injustices of the past. Students can analyze the song’s historical context, explore its themes of oppression and resistance, and discuss the ways in which music can be used as a tool for social change.

4. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen (1984)

“Hallelujah” is a beautiful and enigmatic ballad that has been covered by countless artists over the years. Leonard Cohen’s lyrics are filled with religious imagery and biblical references, exploring themes of love, faith, and redemption. The song’s sparse arrangement and Cohen’s gravelly voice create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, inviting listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences. Students can analyze the song’s complex lyrics, discuss its religious and philosophical themes, and explore the ways in which music can convey deep emotional truths.

5. “Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel (1964)

“Sound of Silence” is a poignant folk-rock song that captures the disillusionment and alienation of modern life. Simon & Garfunkel’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and existential themes, painting a portrait of a world in crisis. The song’s haunting melody and sparse arrangement create a sense of emptiness and longing, inviting listeners to reflect on the human condition. Students can analyze the song’s evocative lyrics, explore its themes of isolation and despair, and discuss the ways in which music can be a source of solace and connection.

6. “Imagine” by John Lennon (1971)

“Imagine” is a utopian anthem that envisions a world of peace, harmony, and unity. John Lennon’s lyrics are filled with idealistic imagery and hopeful messages, challenging listeners to imagine a better future for humanity. The song’s simple melody and Lennon’s plaintive vocals create a sense of longing and yearning, inviting listeners to dream of a world without war, poverty, or injustice. Students can analyze the song’s political and philosophical themes, explore its messages of peace and love, and discuss the ways in which music can inspire social change.

7. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem (2002)

“Lose Yourself” is a powerful hip-hop anthem that captures the struggles and triumphs of pursuing one’s dreams. Eminem’s lyrics are filled with raw emotion and fierce determination, telling the story of a young man who overcomes obstacles and seizes his moment in the spotlight. The song’s driving beat and Eminem’s rapid-fire delivery create a sense of urgency and intensity, inspiring listeners to push past their fears and doubts. Students can analyze the song’s themes of perseverance and ambition, explore its messages of self-empowerment and resilience, and discuss the ways in which music can be a source of motivation and empowerment.

8. “Formation” by Beyoncé (2016)

“Formation” is a bold and empowering anthem that celebrates black culture, identity, and resilience. Beyoncé’s lyrics are filled with references to her heritage, heritage, and heritage, celebrating her roots and heritage. The song’s energetic beat and Beyoncé’s powerful vocals create a sense of pride and empowerment, inspiring listeners to embrace their heritage and stand tall in the face of adversity. Students can analyze the song’s themes of heritage and identity, explore its messages of empowerment and self-love, and discuss the ways in which music can be a source of cultural pride and resistance.

9. “This is America” by Childish Gambino (2018)

“This is America” is a provocative and politically charged hip-hop song that addresses issues of racism, violence, and social inequality. Childish Gambino’s lyrics are filled with references to current events and cultural symbols, challenging listeners to confront the harsh realities of American society. The song’s intense beat and Gambino’s rapid-fire delivery create a sense of urgency and discomfort, forcing listeners to grapple with the complexities of race and power. Students can analyze the song’s themes of racism and violence, explore its messages of social critique and activism, and discuss the ways in which music can be a tool for raising awareness and sparking change.

In conclusion, analyzing songs for school assignments can be a rewarding and enlightening experience for students. By studying the themes, storytelling techniques, and musical elements of these nine songs, students can deepen their understanding of language, culture, and society. Whether it’s a classic rock ballad or a modern hip-hop anthem, each song offers a unique perspective on the human experience and the power of music to inspire, provoke, and connect. By delving into the rich and complex world of song analysis, students can sharpen their critical thinking skills, expand their cultural horizons, and develop a deeper appreciation for the art of music.

**Common questions about analyzing songs for school assignments:**

1. Why is it important to analyze songs for school assignments?

Analyzing songs can help students develop their critical thinking skills, expand their cultural horizons, and deepen their understanding of language, storytelling, and artistic expression.

2. What are some common themes that can be explored in song analysis?

Themes such as love, loss, identity, social justice, and political activism are common in song lyrics and can be explored in depth through analysis.

3. How can students interpret the lyrics of a song?

Students can interpret the lyrics of a song by examining the imagery, symbolism, metaphors, and narrative structure used by the songwriter.

4. What musical elements can be analyzed in a song?

Musical elements such as melody, rhythm, harmony, instrumentation, and vocal delivery can be analyzed to understand how they contribute to the overall mood and message of a song.

5. How can students connect the lyrics and music of a song in their analysis?

Students can explore the ways in which the lyrics and music of a song interact and complement each other to create a cohesive and impactful work of art.

6. What historical or cultural contexts should be considered when analyzing a song?

Students should consider the historical events, social movements, and cultural influences that may have shaped the creation and reception of a song.

7. How can students compare and contrast different songs in their analysis?

Students can compare and contrast different songs by examining their themes, storytelling techniques, musical elements, and cultural contexts to identify similarities and differences.

8. What role does personal interpretation play in song analysis?

Personal interpretation is an important aspect of song analysis, as it allows students to bring their own experiences, perspectives, and emotions to their understanding of a song.

9. How can students research the background and meaning of a song for their analysis?

Students can research the songwriter, historical context, and cultural significance of a song by consulting books, articles, interviews, and online resources.

10. What are some tips for writing a strong analysis of a song?

Tips for writing a strong analysis of a song include focusing on specific lyrics and musical elements, providing evidence to support your interpretations, and engaging with the themes and messages of the song in depth.

11. How can students present their song analysis in a creative and engaging way?

Students can present their song analysis in a variety of creative formats, such as essays, presentations, podcasts, videos, or multimedia projects, to showcase their insights and interpretations.

12. What are some examples of famous songs that have been analyzed in academic settings?

Famous songs that have been analyzed in academic settings include “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan, “Imagine” by John Lennon, and “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday, among others.

13. How can students use song analysis to deepen their understanding of literature and culture?

By analyzing songs, students can explore the ways in which music intersects with literature, culture, and society to convey complex ideas, emotions, and experiences.

14. What are some ethical considerations to keep in mind when analyzing songs for school assignments?

Students should consider the ethical implications of analyzing songs that contain sensitive or controversial themes, language, or imagery, and approach their analysis with empathy, respect, and critical awareness.

15. How can teachers support students in their song analysis assignments?

Teachers can support students in their song analysis assignments by providing guidance, resources, feedback, and opportunities for discussion and reflection on their interpretations.

16. What are some benefits of analyzing songs for school assignments?

Benefits of analyzing songs for school assignments include developing critical thinking skills, enhancing cultural literacy, fostering creativity and self-expression, and deepening appreciation for the art of music.

17. How can students apply their song analysis skills to other areas of study and personal interests?

Students can apply their song analysis skills to other areas of study, such as literature, history, sociology, psychology, and music theory, as well as to their personal interests in art, culture, and social justice.

In conclusion, analyzing songs for school assignments can be a valuable and enriching experience for students. By exploring the themes, storytelling techniques, and musical elements of a diverse range of songs, students can deepen their understanding of language, culture, and society, and develop their critical thinking skills, empathy, and creativity. Through song analysis, students can engage with the power of music to inspire, provoke, and connect, and discover new ways of seeing and experiencing the world around them.

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10 Song Analysis Lessons for Teachers

July 22, 2023 //  by  Lindsay Ann //   Leave a Comment

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One of the positive shifts that happened as a result of PARCC becoming a short-lived focus in my district and state was that attention shifted to paired text analysis of shorter texts. Even as Illinois shifted to IAR and parted ways with yet another educational acronym, the idea of quick-hit analysis with short texts stuck with me. I will always keep song analysis and poem analysis with paired texts as a part of my classroom routine thanks to PARCC.

It is easy to scaffold and differentiate song analysis lessons. I can integrate poems as mentor texts, as well. But the BIGGEST benefit is that these short texts engage students and build a foundation for the analysis of longer novels such as Their Eyes Were Watching God or Great Expectations .

Song Analysis & Poem Analysis: Building a Foundation

I begin the year with a review of essential reading, writing, and close reading skills.

We spend time breaking down and discussing various poems such as “ Nikki Rosa “, “ Tattoo “, and “ Ode to my Socks .” I play songs for them and we unpack the meaning behind the lyrics. Songs like “ Dig ” and “ Anti-Hero ” and “ Hotel California .”

As we engage in poem analysis and song analysis, we talk about word choice, connotations, pattern-hunting, and review common poetic and literary devices organically as they come up in our texts.

Then, we practice analyzing the songs and poems to prove a claim. It’s one step forward to notice an important word or a connotation , but it’s a higher-level skill to unpack and explain how the author’s choices are designed to convey a message.

And it’s even more complex to put it all down in writing : thesis statements and topic sentences, using evidence to prove a claim, paragraph structure, and idea development.

All of this happens in cycles, with a lot of modeling and discussion – we go slow to go fast.

After students are comfortable analyzing a single text, I pair multiple texts for a larger conversation, asking students analyze these texts as cultural critics and to apply literary lenses .

Students discuss and synthesize texts and ideas as they bring different texts into conversation with each other as we explore an essential question such as:

• What is the meaning of “love” in society?
• What can “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift teach us about the Hero’s Journey?
• How can the songs “Cry Pretty” and “Growing Up” guide a discussion about gender roles and norms?

Skill Integration

The skills that students review and expand upon in the poem and song analysis learning cycles will serve them well throughout the school year.

As we read short stories and novels, t he text complexity increases , and we fold in character and plot discussions, but the foundation for in-depth and analytical thinking is there.

Plus, it’s a lot easier for students to reflect and revise (and a lot easier for me to provide formative feedback ) when the stakes are lower and the texts and analysis writing are short and focused.

That’s how my students find themselves writing 12-15 page literary analysis papers during second semester. For this assignment, they engage in college-level analysis, critiquing a literary critic’s perspective on a novel and using their own thinking and evidence from the text to prove and disprove that critic’s claims.

Yet… students, once the lightbulb goes on that this is simply a rinse and repeat of poem and song analysis to build an overall argument, they find that they can do it. I hear comments that “I just had so much to say” and that “it was easier than I expected.”

All thanks to a solid foundation that we add to throughout the year.

Song Analysis Lesson Plans

Because song analysis and poem analysis is a passion of mine, I decided to create pop-culture paired text song and poem analysis lessons to share with other English teachers.

Build a strong foundation for full-length novel study or use these lessons as a part of your novel or short story unit.

Make close reading, textual analysis and literary analysis  less intimidating  with 10 lesson sequences…that’s 31 CCSS-aligned  song analysis and poetry analysis lesson plans for paired texts . Integrated close reading, text-based writing, speaking, research, and inquiry skills, make these pop culture lessons both  engaging and worthwhile.

When you purchase the product bundle , you’ll receive  10 Detailed, CCSS-Aligned Lesson Plan Sequences  (That’s 31 total lesson plans!) and Teacher Notes (41 Pages) that each provide an opener, writer’s notebook activity, poem + song analysis, and writing activity options.

But because I love you and would never leave you hanging…these lesson plans come with digital and print versions of all of the handouts and activities you need. Digital & Print Lesson Handouts  (238 Pages/Slides) correspond with lesson plan activities and are designed to help students practice core skills as they engage with the texts.

10 Song Analysis Lesson Packs

Click HER E to grab all 10 lesson packs at a 30% discount!

• Carrie Underwood’s song “Cry Pretty” & Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ song “Growing Up”
• William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus” & Imagine Dragons’ song “Whatever it Takes”
• Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” and Tupac’s song “Still I Rise”
• Stephen Dobyns’ poem “Loud Music” and Incubus’ song “Dig”
• “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift
• “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day and “Brick by Boring Brick” by Paramore
• “Hotel California” by the Eagles and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
• Protest Songs
• “Mad World” by Tears for Fears and “A Million Dreams” sung by Pink / The Greatest Showman

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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Making Music Song Analysis Easy with these 5 Simple Steps

We all know that teaching song analysis to your middle school and general music students can be a bit of a rollercoaster. But it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences, especially when you can see when they “get it”! 

Music students in grades 6-9, are at a crucial age for musical and literacy development, and they benefit immensely from understanding the intricacies of music song analysis, especially through the lens of the Elements of Music. 

The challenge, of course, is to keep them engaged throughout the process. The good news is that there is a solution for you. In this blog post, you will be guided through the steps to make song analysis not just accessible but also enjoyable for your students, all thanks to these fantastic music song analysis teaching resources.

Are looking for other ways that you can keep your music students engaged in the music classroom, then grab yourself a FREE copy of the 25 page eBook called – 5 Simple Ways to Makeover your Music Curriculum here

Prior Preparation

Preparing your students for the exciting task of conducting their own song analysis requires laying a solid foundation in music terms and vocabulary. To kickstart this process, make certain that you’ve taught your music students the necessary terminology that is crucial for their achievement in music classroom song analysis. For an in-depth guide on teaching music terms to your students, feel free to delve into the details offered in this blog post.

Link to the Teaching Music Terms Blog Post

Step 1 – Starting with Song Analysis Worksheets

Before you even think about starting any sort of song analysis with your students, you first need to decide a few things.

• What Elements of Music will you focus on?
• What is the Music Topic that you are studying?
• What do my students already know?
• What sort of music do my students enjoy listening to?
• What are the literacy skills of my students?

Once you have your answers to these questions, it will make the rest of the song analysis process much easier!

The answers to these questions are like the foundation stones for your analysis journey. They bring structure to the learning process, helping your students get a grip on those fundamental music concepts. 

Once you have decided on where to start and what music to focus on for your song analysis, you might need some resources to help and guide you and your students through the process. 

No need to reinvent the wheel! Check out our Music Song Analysis Project Bundle . In this Bundle of Elements of Music Song Analysis resources, you’ll find task descriptions, marking rubrics, biography graphic organizers for research, and guided song analysis worksheets covering each of the Elements of Music –  Melody, Rhythm, Timbre, Harmony, Texture, Structure/Form, Dynamics, and Tonality. It’s like having a complete toolkit for song analysis right at your fingertips.

Link to the Song Analysis Bundle here

Step 2 – Picking the Right Song for Analysis

Choosing the right song for analysis can make a world of difference for both you and your music students. The song you select can either ignite that spark in your students or leave them scratching their heads. It’s crucial to find songs that align with your curriculum and engage your students. 

To find the right music for analysis, first research a few options for your students, play them in class and then ask them to vote on which one they would like to study during the song analysis process. HINT when you start this with your students, choose songs that are more simple in nature, it will be much easier for your students to “hear” the answers to the song analysis questions.

Step 3- Classroom Modeling of Song Analysis

Incorporating a classroom modeling of the song analysis process means giving your students a live demo of how it’s done. It’s a hands-on approach that makes the song analysis process tangible and easier for them to know what to do when they start to work independently. Whether you’re diving into melody, rhythm, or tonality, our teaching resources provide support for classroom modeling. It’s all about making it more accessible for both you and your students.

To model the song analysis process follow these steps

• Choose an Element of Music and set of questions to use for the song analysis.
• Choose a song to study.
• Show your students the song analysis questions and discuss what each question means. Check for understanding of any terms that they might be struggling with.
• Discuss possible music terms that could be used for each question. You might want to record these music terms somewhere for your students to refer to and use. 
• Play the music and let your students listen for the answers. You might need to play the music a couple of times, even if it is only a small section of the music.
• Discuss the answers to the questions and model a correct response with your students by recording it for all students to see.
• If needed, listen to the music again and check the answers to each song analysis question.
• Discuss the answers and check for student understanding.

Step 4 – Setting Students Up for Success with Song Analysis Samples

Once you have modeled the song analysis process with your class, you will need to think of other ways to set your students up for success. One way is by providing them with song analysis samples. It is important to give your students a wide variety of samples, both good and bad! Through the study of song analysis samples, your student will hopefully find their own ‘aha’ moment that can boost their confidence. The Song Analysis Bundle comes with sample analyses, but, with AI and tools like CHAT GPT, you can easily create other samples for your students to use.

Step 5 – Independent Song Analysis Listening Assignment

Now that you have walked your students through the song analysis process, it is time for them to complete their own independent song analysis assignments. This is where your students will put their newfound song analysis skills to the test. They get to express their understanding of the Elements of Music through analysis. The Song Analysis Bundle resource even offers ideas for assessing and evaluating their work, making your job a little easier!

Teaching song analysis does not need to be an uphill battle in your music classroom. With the right resources and teaching approach, it can be the highlight of your middle school music appreciation curriculum. Our teaching resources, including the Music Song Analysis Project Bundle, are classroom tested and have been tailor-made to simplify the process for both you and your music students. Whether you’re starting with the listening and song analysis worksheets, picking engaging songs, using the song analysis writing samples, modeling in the classroom, or setting independent assignments, you’ll find everything you need included on the bundle. 

Until next time

Happy Teaching

Julia from Jooya

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Song Analysis (Shaughnessy 1030:0067): Song Analysis Resources

• Song Analysis Resources
• Citation Help

This guide was created with the intention to help you locate resources, including scholarly articles, magazine articles, images, textual analysis, and other cultural artifacts for your assignment rhetorically analyzing a song of your choice. 

Themes & Keywords

To begin research for this assignment first think about the themes represented in your song. You'll also want to consider what are the main ideas and concepts of your song. Themes like women empowerment, female agency, or gender roles can be used to locate articles or textual analysis. You'll find themes, ideas, and concepts are very much alike. 

The other thing is to think about specific themes or ideas and turn these into "keywords" or the main, important words that are heavily mentioned or explored. Once you've decided on the main themes and keywords associated with your song, then you can start the research process to locate articles or cultural artifacts.

Cultural artifacts can range from pictures, interviews in articles, magazine covers, articles found in magazines, and many others that were created within or close to the timeframe your song was written or produced. 

Visit The Perch

Visit  The Perch  and read print materials - magazines, newspapers, literary reviews, and popular publications - to find cultural artifacts, articles representing themes, magazine covers, etc. You may read and enjoy these materials, but cannot check them out. If you find something you like, you can scan the original and print off a copy. 

What if I can't find or access back issues of a magazine?  

A . We have back issues for all of our magazines located on the 3rd floor of the Main Library in our periodicals section.

For select magazines, such as Vogue, Variety, or Billboard or more, we have older issues in our digital collections. To find these you can search by title in InfoHawk+ Advanced search OR you can also browse by publication title in ProQuest or Academic Search Elite  to view more issues.

Music & History databases

• Academic Search Elite This database is good for finding scholarly articles on every subject or discipline. Most majors and students from all over generally use this database.
• Access World News Provides full-text articles of over 600 U.S. and over 700 international newspapers. Includes the Chicago Tribune, and some Iowa newspapers. Search by broadly by topic or geographical region or refine your search by selecting "more search options".
• Alt-Press Watch Full-text database indexes over 250 alternative, radical and left periodicals, newspapers and magazines.
• American Song American Song is a history database that will contain 50,000 tracks that allows people to hear and feel the music from America's past. The database will include songs by and about American Indians, miners, immigrants, slaves, children, pioneers, and cowboys. Included in the database are the songs of Civil Rights, political campaigns, Prohibition, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, anti-war protests and more.
• Bloomsbury Popular Music An invaluable resource for a broad range of Arts and Humanities subjects, Bloomsbury Popular Music provides comprehensive and authoritative information about all genres of popular music worldwide, from the early 20th century to the present day. PLEASE NOTE: You must login with HawkID and password.
• Popular Culture in Britain and America, 1950 - 1975: Rock and Roll, Counterculture, Peace and Protest Rock and Roll explores the dynamic period of social, political and cultural change between 1950 and 1975. The resource offers thousands of colour images of manuscript and rare printed material as well as photographs, ephemera and memorabilia from this exciting period in our recent history. Topics include student protests, civil rights, consumerism, and the Vietnam War.
• Sixties: Primary Documents and Personal Narratives, 1960 to 1974 The Sixties brings the 1960s alive through diaries, letters, autobiographies and other memoirs, written and oral histories, manifestos, memorabilia, and scholarly commentary. With 150,000 pages of material at completion, this searchable collection is the definitive electronic resource for students and scholars researching this important period in American history, culture, and politics. The database currently has over 34,000 pages.

Song Analysis & Lyric websites

• Genius Search lyrics, songs, or artists. Read public critiques & analysis of songs and find articles that have discussed the song.
• SongFacts Browse songs, artists, albums, and more. Read facts about the artists and songs.
• SongMeanings Find lyrics and read public comments about songs.

National Newspapers

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The  Annals of Iowa  is hosted on Iowa Research Online (IRO), The University of Iowa's Institutional Repository. The IRO preserves and provides access to the research and creative scholarship created by the University's faculty, students, and staff.   

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6 Fresh Ideas for Analyzing Songs in Secondary ELA

Analyzing songs can help students practice vital ELA skills, and injecting some pop culture into your curriculum can be a great way to get students engaged and excited!

If you’re familiar with my blog, you probably know that I LOVE using music in the ELA classroom. I think it’s such a powerful tool. Not just for learning ELA skills, but for building classroom community, and enacting student choice.

I also have a new resource (2023) that has 15 lesson plans analyzing pop culture short texts, like songs, TV episodes, short films, and more! Check out the 15 Pop Culture Analysis Activities resource here.

In addition to today’s post, you’ll love this free list of songs and how to use them in ELA:

Analyzing songs can help students view the familiar through a critical lens

It’s a good bet that every one of your students has heard the song “Let It Go” from Frozen, but how many of them have critically analyzed the lyrics?

I think this YouTube video pointing out the visual metaphors and symbolism present during the song “Let It Go” will be especially helpful to students. It’s a voiceover of the film clip (with no music!), so it allows students to focus on the visual metaphors without getting distracted by the catchy lyrics.

“Let It Go” is also an opportunity to address the difference between simile and metaphor. Elsa makes the connection very clear when she says, “The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside / Couldn’t keep it in, heaven knows I’ve tried,” but the extended metaphor goes even deeper.

Best songs to analyze as poetry

Songs can be a more approachable way to teach poetic devices, and I love using songs and poems together .

For example, “ The House That Built Me ” by Miranda Lambert. With imagery like “handprints on the front steps”, the lyrics to this song evoke a strong feeling of nostalgia. In literature, ‘home’ is often more than a physical place, it’s a metaphor. Students could explore that idea by reading the lyrics to this song along with some classic poetry such as, “ The Self-Unseeing ” by Thomas Hardy, “ Home is so Sad ” by Philip Larkin, or “ The Props assist the House ” by Emily Dickinson. This is a great way to practice of CCSS.RL.9-10.7, comparing the development of a theme in two mediums. 

Broadway songs are especially filled with poetic devices, check out my favorite examples in this post !

What should I analyze in music?

The obvious choice is to analyze the lyrics , but there are plenty of examples when the music itself is equally important. After all, many works of music are crafted as carefully as works of literature. So analyzing songs can be a way to practice analyzing a performer’s choices and intent , the same way we would with an author.

You could choose a famously controversial performance (like Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” at Woodstock) to have students

A great example of non-verbal characterization is found in “Peter and the Wolf” by Sergei Prokofiev. I expand on that idea in this post 🙂 

Teaching personal narrative writing with song lyrics

(This idea comes from my post on Teaching Black History with Music )

“ Dear Mama ” by 2Pac

“There are no words that can express how I feel. You never kept a secret, always stayed real And I appreciate how you raised me And all the extra love that you gave me.”

Many consider Tupac Shakur (stage name 2Pac) to be the greatest rapper of all time. He is the only solo rapper to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Students might already be familiar with 2Pac if they are fans of Angie Thomas. 2Pac was a huge inspiration for her bestselling YA novel, The Hate U Give . Here EpicReads outlines some ways he influenced her writing .

In the classroom : Dear Mama tells the story of a tumultuous childhood, and a mother who, though deeply flawed, is loved and appreciated by Shakur. This song pairs well with the poem “ Mother to Son ” by Langston Hughes. I think this song belongs in a lesson on personal narrative, perhaps as a mentor text for students to write their own rap-inspired biography or rap-style tribute to a close friend or relative.

(More ideas on teaching personal narrative in this post !) 

What are some school-appropriate songs?

What is considered “appropriate” will vary depending on your grade level and your community. I do my best to make thoughtful recommendations, but you know your students best. It’s always smart to listen to the entirety of your selection before presenting it in class.

If you want to play it super safe, you can’t go wrong with analyzing songs from a Disney soundtrack. Two of my favorites are “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Mulan (perfect for demonstrating dramatic irony ) and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid, which is perfect for discussing persuasion. How does Ursula woo Ariel into giving up her voice? How does she position herself and build ethos ? How does she develop pathos and use logos ?

One of my favorite reason to use songs in ELA is to get students looking at familiar narratives through a critical lens, and both of these songs definitely serve that purpose! 

Combine music & interactive notebooks!

This resource is a full Song Analysis lesson plan for Interactive Notebooks, paper, or digital. Students will treat the song as a text and use textual evidence to support their claims. This is a fun, low-stakes way to practice analytical writing. It includes suggestions of songs to analyze, student samples, a plot diagram, and much more!

What teachers are saying, 

“This was a great way to show my students that stories are all around us .” -Lindey A

“This was a great way to review literary elements and move my students into true analysis .” -Ashleigh S.

“The plot diagrams and the figurative language are GREAT and perfect for a mini-lesson before reading something longer. “ -Stephanie A.

I hope this post gave you some new ideas for analyzing songs in Secondary ELA! Don’t forget to download your free resource 🙂

Do you have favorite songs to analyze with students or a favorite way to utilize song lyrics in the classroom? Comment below so we can all learn! And if you try any of these activities with your students I’d love to hear how the lesson went, stay in touch on IG @nouvelle_ela 🙂

Happy teaching!

Further Reading...

Poetry Escape Room for 4th-6th grades

Resources for Teaching The Great Gatsby During Distance Learning

Classroom Library Ideas: Finding What’s Missing

3 free ela worksheets for middle and high school, free student gift for middle and high school.

Song Meanings and Facts

• How To Analyze A Song

How to Write a Song Analysis

by SMF · Published January 8, 2023 · Updated January 12, 2023

English class can be boring sometimes, even for those of us who actually enjoy reading and writing. But occasionally or at least ideally, we will be given assignments that are actually exciting and interesting to work on. One of those can be in the form of analyzing a song.

One of the cool things about songs, as compared to other pieces of literature, is that first of all they tend to be relatively short. Secondly, there is usually a type of universal interest in song meanings (depending on the artist). And third, both classics and contemporary pieces can be enjoyable to research.

For instance, there’s a good possibility that with a song you’re already familiar with, even if it’s one of your favorites, there’s something about its history and composition that you will not be aware of until actually researching it. And yes, research is an important part of song analysis, which is something we will get to later.

Contemporary pieces may not be as historically-rich, but they can be more stimulating to work on since they tend to deal with trending topics, ideas and musicians. Moreover, if your teacher were to assign you a contemporary piece, chances are it’ll be via one of the more-profound artists out there. So in such cases, there can be a lot more to dissect than you initially take for granted. Or in any event, the writing should go smoother since you’re likely already dealing with a celebrity you’re already familiar with.

So with all of that said, here are some proven tips when it comes to successfully writing a song analysis for English class.

1. ADHERE TO THE PRESCRIBED GUIDELINES

You may have heard the old adage about the student who wrote the perfect paper but still received an F because he or she didn’t properly follow the teacher’s guidelines. 

Musicians are amongst the freest artists out there, and when analyzing their works we may be compelled to emulate their carefree styles. But if you are in fact analyzing a song for a class project, then there will inevitably be certain rules to follow in the process. As a formal author, you should remain mindful of these throughout. Your failure to do so, may end up in your penning of a really-dope analysis but one that has to be rewritten or even rejected due to not following the necessary procedure.

2.  CHOOSING THE RIGHT SONG

Perhaps your English teacher is liberal enough to allow you to choose the song of your choice to analyze. It would of course be tempting to work on one by your favorite musician, i.e. an artist you’re already familiar with and have a sound understanding of what their lyrics mean. 

But doing so may not always be the best choice, especially if you have an affinity for musicians who tend to harp on trivial and/or redundant concepts or are under pressure to have the analysis comply to an intimidating word minimum.

In other words, even if you do decide to go with your favorite artist, try to choose one of their deeper, more-substantive tracks to work on. Or even better yet, you may opt to go with certain acts, such as U2 or Nas for instance, whose works are known to be more profound than that of their peers.

Another option is going with a really-popular historical musician whose song may not necessarily be profound per se but has an interesting history behind it. 

“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin”

One track that comes to mind in that regard is the likes of Michael Jackson’s “ Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin “. On the surface it may not really sound like much is going on, but in reality or at least in theory its lyrics are based on serious familial beef the Jacksons were going through at the time. Moreover, since there’s so much historical information available about Michael himself, that type of info can also be used to flesh the analysis out.

That said, you wouldn’t necessarily want to choose a song that’s too complicated. For instance, you may have a hair-pulling experience attempting to make sense out of a Bob Dylan track, as classic as it may be. And if your teacher assigns you one of such songs by force, that’s something we will get to a bit later.

3.  RESEARCH

One of the biggest mistakes a person can make when analyzing a song is failing to conduct adequate research. Even if the song is by an artist you know like the back of your hand, not taking the time to research it is a big mistake. Research! More Research! Research is one of the main keys.

In some instances, especially when dealing with tracks by less-popular artists or songs that are not considered classics or fan favorites, there may not be any pertinent information out there to be had to begin with. But in many cases, you’d be surprised what can be discovered or theorized about a song if you’re willing to do some digging.

4.  HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ANALYTICAL SKILLS

In other instances, such as with the aforementioned Bob Dylan, you may find yourself in a situation where there isn’t any pertinent information – or sometimes even theories – to fall back on. There can be other analysts and scholars out there who have speculated on the meaning of the same song, though with none of those ideas having been verified by the artist or other authoritative sources. This may even happen with a track you’re already quite familiar with. 

You go into the analysis thinking you already have the meaning figured out but come out surprised to discover that there’s nothing verifiable out there to back up your conclusions.

Under such circumstances, the analysis must be written nonetheless. This is what we may sometimes refer to as “going out on a limb”. In other words, your understanding of the song, lack of a verifiable meaning considered, may be a little far out and/or such that some people will not agree with your conclusion. 

But then again, so it often is with the artists who write these songs. Therefore, so long as you can form a concise argument, you shouldn’t be afraid to put your own ideas, as unorthodox as it may be, out there, unless the artist or some other authoritative source has stated otherwise. That is to say that in the world of song analyses, the artist’s own explanation always trumps all other interpretations.

5.  SEARCH OUT A NARRATIVE

Not all songs have a distinguishable storyline, but many do, especially when it comes to certain genres, such as country music. And sometimes, even confusing pieces can be made understandable if you are able to detect a narrative that permeates throughout the lyrics – even if not consistently so – and then focus on that particular aspect of the song.

6.  CONTEXT

This goes back to actually researching the background of a track. Oftentimes, there will be a particular event, person, reality or what you that inspired the songwriter(s) to pen the piece. And if you are able to ascertain the context in which the song was written, that will undoubtedly grant you a better understanding of the lyrics’ meaning.

7.  SONG STRUCTURE

Not all parts of a song are equal. Or rather, let’s say that different parts also serve their own respective purposes. Therefore, it is important to be able to differentiate between the likes of the following:

For instance, the main point of a song is usually relayed through its chorus. And if, via the chorus, you are still unable to ascertain exactly what the track is about, it is in the bridge where you usually find the thesis sentiment reiterated in some way, shape or form.

If you’re tasked with analyzing songs regularly, i.e. if the entire class is based on such assignments, then as time progresses you should be able to distinguish the different parts yourself (if you don’t know how to already). If not, then it is a good idea to resort to websites such as Genius which usually name the different segments.

8.  MAKE SENSE OF POETIC DEVICES

Musicians of all genres (though some more than others) rely quite heavily on metaphors, allegories, abstractions, symbolisms – so on and so forth. Most of the songs out there revolve around topics, such as being in love, which musicians/poets had already worn out even before most of us were born. 

So the challenge of today’s artists isn’t necessarily to say anything new as it is to relay the same old ideas in refreshing ways.

That would be the logical reason why they rely so heavily on poetic lingo as opposed to just stating their sentiments forthrightly. And sometimes, making sense out of these metaphors can be the most-challenging aspect of song analysis, though one that has to be taken seriously rather than ignored or neglected.

8.  ONLY FOCUS ON THE INSTRUMENTAL IF NECESSARY

When it comes to ascertaining a song’s actual meaning, of course the lyrics tend to be exponentially more important than the instrumental. In fact these days, artists are increasingly using this strategy in which for instance they’d drop melancholic wording against an upbeat music.

So perhaps if you have a minimum-word requirement which hasn’t been met after analyzing the lyrics, you may decide to harp on the instrumentals also. Or in some (rare) cases, it may actually be that the music noticeably contributes to the overall meaning, thus necessitating granting the instrumental its appropriate attention.

It is also imperative, at the very least, to make note of the track’s producer. Yes, the instrumental is important to the sound and overall success of the song. But analysts should not make the mistake of thinking that it is on par with the lyrics in terms of understanding what’s being put forth.

Analyzing songs can be one of the more exciting activities you engage in as an English student or perhaps as a writer in general. Music is an art we all have an affinity for, and popular musicians rank amongst the best-known celebrities in the world. So this is a topic that everyone tends to be interested in.

But on the flipside of that equation is the acknowledgement that with universal interest in music comes respective individuals with their own understandings and takes of different artists and songs. 

In fact these days, even the musicians themselves aren’t safe from incessant critiques. So analyzing tracks, as cool as it may be, requires serious research and hard thinking nonetheless. 

Songs may be such that we usually listen to them for entertainment or to take a load off. But making sense of them and presenting our conclusions in an analysis that will be subject to criticism (and grading) can be a weighty scholarly endeavor.

Example of a Song Analysis: “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica

It has been put forth that “Nothing Else Matters” was originally penned with the addressee being a girlfriend of James Hetfield. But James himself has described it as being “about missing friends at home, being out [on tour] for such a long time”. 

With that in mind, the lyrics of this piece are quite tender, to the point where he further went on to explain that he never meant for them to be made public. But the rest of Metallica was feeling the tune and urged him to record and drop Nothing Else Matters, which proved to be sound advice, considering that this is arguably the biggest hit single in their catalog.

But the easiest way to understand what’s being put forth is to presume that the addressee is a romantic interest. So maybe when Hetfield was missing his people back home, at the top of the list was someone whom he had that type of relationship with.

So the first verse, to some degree, sounds as if he’s missing someone in general, as if their relationship can be one of a number of different types. But the vocalist closes out the passage by saying “forever trusting who we are”, which isn’t necessarily the kind of statement one would make to their mother for instance.  But still, it’s like what he’s generally speaking to is their association being such that it cannot be destroyed by distance.

The second verse maybe can be taken the same way, as in having a general applicability. The vocalist comes off as someone who, up until now, was never able to fully express how he feels about the addressee. And again, making a statement like “[I] never opened myself this way” may not be the type you’d make towards a parent for instance. But that would depend on what type of relationship you had with them beforehand.

In the third verse, James speaks to how edifying his association with the addressee is. In this particular instance, he doesn’t allude to the two of them being separated or anything like that. And again, there isn’t anything like overt-romantic lingo utilized. But with Hetfield dropping lines like “trust I seek, and I find in you”, and “every day for us something new”, it would be hard to imagine that he’s like singing to his bestie.

And with all of that said, it’s really the refrain and chorus which drive home the postulation that this piece may be romantic in nature. In terms of his relationship with the addressee, the vocalist puts forth that “nothing else matters” and goes on to further expound that he “never cared for what they say” or “games they play”. And those are definitely the types of assertions that we most commonly come across in love songs.

In Conclusion

To note, Lars Ulrich is also credited as a writer of this track. So it may very well be that in its original incarnation, “Nothing Else Matters” did speak more to the idea of missing loved ones in general. But a common phenomenon we come across in the music industry is a piece being universal upon conception, but by the time the final product comes out, it does so more as a love song. And that may well be what transpired here, because half of the lyrics read as if the addressee could fall into one of a number of relationship categories and is someone whom the vocalist is missing due to their absence.  Indeed,  Hetfield was surprised  to discover that some people have even this as a bereavement song, with both the mourners and the deceased being males.

Part of aforenoted Hetfield’s astonishment was due to the fact that he even understands that this song is usually interpreted as being about the singer ‘missing his chick’. And as for the actual thesis being relayed, it’s as if the relationship between the vocalist and addressee is a persecuted one, with the former resolving to stay committed regardless (and with no allusions to their being distance between them). That is the type of storyline you will more commonly come across in a romance-based piece.

Top Songs with Deep Meanings

Below is a handful of songs with very deep meanings. These tracks also happen to be members of the list of the most-analyzed songs in history.

• Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”
• Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone”
• Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel”
• Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’Mine”
• John Lennon’s “Imagine”
• Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin’ On”
• Michael Jean’s “Billie Jeans”
• Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
• Oasis’ “Live Forever”
• Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”
• Radiohead’s “Creep”
• Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”
• Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen”
• Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
• The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”
• The Beatles’ “Hey Jude”
• Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry”
• The Beatles’ “Yesterday”
• The Clash’ “London Calling”
• Prince’s “When Doves Cry”
• The Eagles’ “Hotel California”
• Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say”
• Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing”
• The Who’s “My Generation”
• System of a Down’s “Chop Suey!”
• Sia’s “Chandelier”
• Semisonic’s “Closing Time”
• Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks”
• The Beatles’ “Let It Be”
• The Beatles’ “Blackbird”
• Green Day’s “American Idiot”
• Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA”
• Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff”
• The Smiths’ “There is a Light That Never Goes Out”
• Third Eye Blind’s “Semi-Charmed Life”
• Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”
• ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”
• 2Pac’s “Changes”
• Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”
• Eminem’s “The Way I Am”
• The Smiths’ “How Soon Is Now”
• Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart”

It is important to state that there are literally thousands of more songs equally as deep or even deeper than the ones mentioned above. The list is therefore not exhaustive.

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Song Meanings & Facts

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