Russians In Europe and America, there's a growing feeling of hysteria Conditioned to respond to all the threats In the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets Mr. Kruschev said we will bury you I don't subscribe to that point of view It would be such an ignorant thing to do If the Russians love their children too How can I save my little boy from Oppnheimer's deadly toy There is no monopoly of common sense On either side of the political fence We share the same biology Regardless of ideology Believe me when I say to you I hope the Russians love their children too There is no historical precedent To put the words in the mouth of the president There's no such thing as a winnable war It's a lie we don't believe anymore Mr. Reagan says we will protect you I don't subscribe to this point of view Believe me when I say to you I hope the Russians love their children too We share the same biology regardless of ideology What might save us me and you I that the Russians love their children too Sting (from the album "Dream of the Blue Turtles" ************************** Sting songs: Although the topics for these two songs (the cold war-- Russians, World War II- Children's Crusade), are somewhat outdated for pop music, they still provide some insight into the concept of lyrics being poetry set to music. I have the students read "Russians" out loud first, and then we listen to the song to get a better feel for the mood. This works well when contrasting it to "Children's Crusade" because, although they both deal with a very serious topic, the latter is set to a little more up beat music as an ironic sort of contrast in itself. With about three or four days' warning, I have the kids bring in their favorite songs, with lyrics if possible. I have them present their song to the class and tell them the following: Group Album Song Title What it's about or what it means to them. Why it is so powerful in their opinion. I've gotten everything from Country & Western to Headbanger music. Either way, it's a lot of fun.