1. “Many Rivers to Cross”
Jimmy Cliff

2. Simile and/or Metaphor
Simile and/or Metaphor Example
“Many rivers to cross But I can't seem to find my way over”
The meaning of this Metaphor is: This person has so much trouble he can’t see how things will get better

3. Simile and/or Metaphor Part 2
Simile and/or Metaphor Example
“I've been licked, washed up for years and I merely survive because of my pride.”
The meaning of this Metaphor is: He has been shaken around like something washed around in a storm

4. Other Descriptive/Figurative Language
Play on Words, Personification, Hyperbole, Strong Images
“This loneliness won’t leave me alone.”
It’s an example of personification
This is effective for me because I can imagine the loneliness like it is a person following the singer

5. Playing with Sounds Rhymes and Near Rhyme
Rhyme Example
“And this loneliness won't leave me alone It's such a drag to be on your own….”
“I'm playing for time There'll be times I find myself thinking Of committing some dreadful crime.”
Near Rhyme Example
“There'll be times I find myself thinking”

6. Playing with Sounds Alliteration and Assonance
Alliteration Example:
“And this loneliness won't leave me alone”
Assonance Example:
“This loneliness won’t leave me alone.”
“I merely survive because of my pride”
Effect in the song:
The first assonance +alliteration make it seem like the singer is moaning in pain.

7. Point of View Which Type? First person(I) “Many rivers to cross
But I can’t seem to find my way over”

8. Audience
I feel like he is singing to himself, people in general or maybe to God.
“I can’t seem to find my way over”
“There'll be times I find myself thinking Of committing some dreadful crime.”

9. What Is the Story/Message/ Main Idea of the Song?
This character doesn’t know how to solve his problems and feels desperate.
“Many rivers to cross/ but just where to begin/ I'm playing for time”

10. Music/Instruments Instruments used are: organ, drums, electric guitar
Tempo/Speed is: slow
Types of Voices used are
a male voice backed by female chorus
The music adds to the mood/story of the song. The slow organ and the high voices gives it kind of a soulful churchy feel, kind of like he is asking God for help

11. What Is the Mood/Feeling of the Song
The mood/feeling of the Song is sad.
“Many rivers to cross But I can't seem to find my way over… And this loneliness won't leave me alone It's such a drag to be on your own”

12. Why I Chose This Song
I chose this song because it’s one of those sad songs that somehow makes you happier when you sing along to it really loudly.

13. Other Information/If You like this Song…
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
“No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley
“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash

14. Credits White Cliffs of Dover, VeRoNIK on Flickr
River, SR Ardo on Flickr
Microsoft Clip Art