Lyric Poetry

Imagine you're driving along in your car when your favorite song comes
on the radio. If you're like most people, you will immediately start
singing along without even realizing it. Did you know that when this
happens, you're actually singing poetry? All songs can be considered
poetry. In fact, they fall under the category of lyric poetry.

A lyric poem is a short, non-narrative poem in which a single speaker

communicates feeling by expressing strong emotions or thoughts. There
is always some specific mood or emotion being expressed. Often that
mood is about the extremes in life, mostly love or death or some other
intense emotional experience. No matter the theme, though, all lyric
poems are known for brevity, emotional intensity and musical quality.
Lyric poetry resembles some of the elements of song, which is said to be
its origin. The term 'lyric poetry' actually comes from the ancient Greek
word lyre, which refers to the instrument in that era that accompanied
the reading of the lyric poem. This could quite possibly be the first
version of a live concert. Lyric poetry has no real constrains that other
poetry may have (rhyme scheme, length, etc.).

“The true ‘actors’ in lyric are words, not dramatic

persons.”
Task:
1. Find your own example of lyric poetry. Choose a song that means
something to you. Be sure that it is a song that is appropriate
for school (no vulgar or offensive language or over-emphasis on
violent, illegal, or sexual themes). Your song should contain
literary devices like the ones we have been discussing in class.
To earn maximum marks, you will have to be able to identify at
least 4 literary devices in your song.

2. Print off the lyric poetry you have selected.

3. After you select your song, take a close look at the actual words.
What strong feelings or emotion is being expressed? What
creative words help to express the author’s mood or feeling?
Often figurative language plays a large part in describing or
creating imagery with words.

4. Read through the lyrics. Highlight and indicate any forms of

figurative language (simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteration,
oxymoron, personification) that is visible.

5. Write a three paragraph response that addresses the following

aspects of the song you chose. The three paragraphs should focus
on:

a. Choice—Identify the song and performer/composer. Why do

you like this song? Out of all the songs you listen to, what is
it about this song that made you choose it for analysis? Do
you admire the performer? Do you like other songs by the
same performer? Include a brief summary of what the song is
about. What is the strong emotion being expressed
throughout and how does the use of figurative language create
imagery for you as the audience?
 b. Meaning/Theme—What is the song’s deeper meaning (not
just the surface meaning)? What is the songwriter trying to
tell the audience? What is the author’s purpose for writing it?
Does the song tell a story? Does it address certain emotions
or issues? What’s the theme?

c. Devices and Terms—Which literary devices are used within

the lyrics? Look for the devices that we’ve been talking about
in class. On the copy of the song lyrics underline, circle, or
somehow note each device that is used. In your paragraph
response, refer to each of the devices. Your goal is to find 4 of
these literary devices in the song you chose. Be sure to explain
why the song writer included them. What effect do they have
on the message and emotional effect of the song?

Figurative Language Definition

Simile A comparison between two different things
using “like” or “as”
Personification Giving human characteristics/qualities to non-
living things
Alliteration The use of the same sound at the beginning of
words
Oxymoron A phrase that combines two contradictory
terms
Metaphor Making a comparison between two different
things by directly stating them
Hyperbole Extreme exaggeration
 Lyric Poetry Rubric
10 Marks 8 Marks 6 Marks
Choice Reason for choosing Reason for choosing Reason for choosing
song is well-stated song is stated and song can be inferred,
and thoroughly adequately supported but little or no
supported support is given

Meaning Song’s meaning is Song’s meaning is Song’s meaning is

fully analyzed with fully analyzed with analyzed on a
in-depth probing of some discussion of superficial level
the literal and literal and/or
figurative figurative
interpretations interpretations

Devices and Terms Four or more literary At least 3 literary At least two literary
devices/terms are devices/terms are devices/terms are
correctly identified, correctly identified, correctly identified,
quoted, referenced by and adequately and explained
line number and explained
thoroughly explained

5 Points 3 Points 1 Point

Conventions Few distracting Some distracting Many distracting

errors errors errors
Presentation picture that includes picture that Includes missing
represents the song; represents song; elements such as
lyrics legible with either lyrics OR text picture or lyrics. Both
devices indicated; need improvement in lyrics AND text need
neat-looking paper legibility or neatness improvement in
legibility or neatness

Points Earned: __________/40 = _________%