1. Speech and Poetry: Song Lyrics as Poetry

2. History The art of poetry is thought to precede common literacy How is this possible? – Poetry is an oral tradition – Many early poems were sung Lyric Poetry: expresses emotions may or may not be set to music Usually rhymes and/or has a regular meter

3. History Ancient Greece: lyric poetry was defined as a poetic verse accompanied by a stringed instrument Middle Ages: Troubadours wrote and performed lyric poetry English Renaissance: Shakespeare incorporated songs into many of his plays

4. We have discussed what criteria a poem must meet to be considered “good” poetry. What criteria should a song meet to be considered poetry?

5. Poetic Song Lyrics Should… Force listeners to think and question the world around them Reveal or reflect on truth Enlighten the listener by making the ordinary seem extraordinary

6. Poetic Song Lyrics Should… Take the listener on a journey Resonate emotionally with the listener Demonstrate Superior Author’s Craft – Word Choice – Structure – Literary Devices