1. Analyze the lyrics of your favorite song!
Song Analysis Essay
Analyze the lyrics of your favorite song!

2. Step 1: Find a secular song.
Secular: sec·u·lar
adjective
1. of or pertaining to worldly things or to things that are not regarded as religious, spiritual, or sacred; temporal: secular interests.
2. not pertaining to or connected with religion (opposed to sacred): secular music.
3. (of education, a school, etc.) concerned with nonreligious subjects.
4. (of members of the clergy) not belonging to a religious order; not bound by monastic vows (opposed to regular).

3. Then, twist the meaning into a religious view point.
How do I get started?
Choose one song, either old-school, or modern, with no bad words, that is secular. That’s non-religious in any way.
Listen to your song over and over. Search, try to find the meaning behind the song.
Then, twist the meaning into a religious view point.
Turn the perspective into that pertaining to Christ or our Christian/Catholic faith.

4. How do I do this? Imagine Christ speaking the words.
Could there be a deeper, meaningful message to the song?
Maybe the lyrics could teach you something pertaining to our Catholic morals.
Now listen to the song again.
With your newfound perspective on the song, how does it affect you?
Are you learning how to be a better Catholic?
A better person?

5. For example…
I Was Here----Beyonce

6. I was here
I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time
Know there was something that, and something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget I was here I lived, I loved I was here I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know I was here I want to say I lived each day, until I die
And know that I meant something in, somebody's life
The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference, and this world will see I was here I lived, I loved I was here I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be --I will leave my mark so everyone will know I was here I lived, I loved I was here I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
I will leave my mark so everyone will know I was here I just want them to know that I gave my all, did my best brought someone to happiness
Left this world a little better just because --I was here I was here I lived, I loved I was here I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here.

7. Or… “grenade”
by Bruno Mars

8. Grenade
Easy come, easy go, that's just how you live--Oh, take, take, take it all but you never give—Should've known you was trouble from the first kiss Had your eyes wide open, why were they open?--Gave you all I had and you tossed it in the trash--You tossed it in the trash, you did--To give me all your love is all I ever asked--'Cause what you don't understand is--I'd catch a grenade for you--Throw my hand on a blade for you--I'd jump in front of a train for you--You know I'd do anything for you--I would go through all this pain--Take a bullet straight through my brain--Yes, I would die for you, baby--But you won't do the same--No, no, no, no--Black, black, black and blue, beat me 'til I'm numb--Tell the devil I said, hey, when you get back to where you're from--Mad women, bad women, that's just what you are, yeah You'll smile in my face then rip the brakes out my car- Gave you all I had and you tossed it in the trash--You tossed it in the trash, yes, you did--To give me all your love is all I ever asked--'Cause what you don't understand is--I'd catch a grenade for you--Throw my hand on a blade for you--I'd jump in front of a train for you--You know I'd do anything for you.

9. How to Analyze a Song for English Class
Song lyrics are one form of creative writing comparable to limericks and poetry. The analysis of song lyrics can serve as a method for students to explore the connection between emotions and writing. Analyzing song lyrics also shows students another way that writers can tell a story. When analyzing a song, you must explore all angles of the song to create a comprehensive analysis.

10. Research the song's subject
Research the song's subject. Explore what the song is written about and why the artist chose the topic. Read about the artist to understand why he/she wrote the song; for example, an artist may have written a song about San Francisco because he lived there for six months. Understand the song completely before breaking it down for analysis.

11. 2. Explain the meaning of the words
2. Explain the meaning of the words. Break the song down line-by-line to interpret it. Discuss how it reaches out to the audience and what the artist is trying to say. Single out specific phrases or words that capture your attention, and explain why they do.

12. 3. Show the emotional and spiritual effects of this song
3. Show the emotional and spiritual effects of this song. Point out specific emotional parts of the song and what Catholic people may relate to in the song.

13. 5. Decide upon the overall meaning of the song, and explain how successful the artist is in conveying that meaning to the audience. How does this song relate to your faith? Discover how the song can be twisted and meant as a message either from God or for God. Determine the level of Christianity mentioned and how it relates to our every day journey of faith.

14. This is due April 16th.

15. You will be presenting your essay with your song played for the class to hear.
You must have your song approved by me before March 23rd!
Fill out a proposal and give to me by this FRIDAY!
I will return it to you either approved or not approved by Monday March 26th.
Then you can all sign up for your presentation next Monday.

16. No shorter than 1 page.
12 pt font, single spaced.
1 inch margins
Must have lyrics attached on a separate page.
Must have both introduction and conclusion paragraphs.