When teaching poetry to my freshmen and sophomores, I try to stress the idea that modern poetry can often be seen (or heard) through song lyrics. To stress this point, I bring in three songs of three different types of music to class. I always provide the lyrics to these songs to my students. The three songs I choose are "The River" by Garth Brooks, "Music of the Night" by Andrew Lloyd Webber (from the musical "Phantom of the Opera"), and some other song I think the kids might enjoy (it varies year to year). I always teach poetic terms to my students before discussing the lyrics to these songs. Ironically, when we're finished the lesson, even students who hate country music admit that they like "The River." (Unfortunately "Music of the Night" doesn't go over as well!) Here are the lyrics: "The River" by Garth Brooks You know a dream is like a river, ever changing as it flows. And a dreamer's just a vessel that must follow where it goes. Trying to learn from what's behind you and never knowing what's in store makes each day a constant battle just to stay between the shores. And I will sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry. Like a bird upon the wind, these waters are my sky. I'll never reach my destination if I never try, So I will sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry. Too many times we stand aside and let the water slip away. To what we put off 'til tomorrow has now become today. So don't you sit upon the shore and say you're satisfied. Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tides. -Chorus- There's bound to be rough waters, and I know I'll take some falls. With the good Lord as my captain, I can make it through them all. -Chorus- _____________________________________________________________________ Poetic devices used in "The River": simile, metaphor, alliteration, hyperbole, couplet, personification, etc. _____________________________________________________________________ "Music of the Night" by Andrew Lloyd Webber [It helps to explain the story of "Phantom" before sharing this.] Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation. Darkness wakes and stir imagination. Silently the senses abandon their defenses, Helpless to resist the notes I write, For I compose the Music of the Night. Slowly, gently, night unfurls its splendor. Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender. Hearing is believing. Music is deceiving. Hard as lightening, soft as candlelight. Dare you trust the Music of the Night? Close your eyes, for your eyes will only tell the truth, And the truth isn't what you want to hear. In the dark it is easy to pretend... That the truth is what it ought to be. Softly, deftly, music shall caress you. Hear it, fear it, secretly possess you. Open up your mind; let your fantasies unwind. In this darkness which you know you cannot find. The darkness of the Music of the Night. Close your eyes, start a journey to a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Close your eyes and let music set you free... Only then can you belong to me. Floating, falling, sweet intoxication. Touch me, trust me, savor each sensation. Let the dream begin; let your darker side give in To the power of the music that I write, The power of the Music of the Night. You alone can make my song take flight. Help me make the Music of the Night. ________________________________________________________________________ Poetic devices in "Music of the Night": personification, imagery, alliteration, metaphor, simile, etc. ________________________________________________________________________ Poetry Project: 1. Copy down the words to at least 3 songs. 2. Label the examples of poetic devices found in each song (see list). 3. Write a paragraph (50 words) explaining the theme and/or purpose of the song. 4. Make/decorate cover and back cover to create a booklet. Note: * You must have at least 3 songs. * You must find at least 3 different poetic devices in each song. * Songs may not contain profanity or inappropriate content. Poetic Devices: alliteration, ballad, elegy, irony, paradox, allusion, hyperbole, metaphor, personification, assonance, couplet, imagery, onomatopoeia, simile Teacher's Note: Sometimes I ask my students to include their own poetry in their poetry booklet. I usually display these booklets on the bulletin board for others to read and enjoy. -Jennifer Manuel Lafayette High School Lafayette, LA