Song Analysis Assignment - Los Angeles Mission College



Extra Credit (10 points)

Song Analysis Assignment (2 pages, double space)

Purpose

Music is a big part of our lives; even if we are not big music fans or CD buyers, music surrounds us--TV, movies, commercials, church, elevators (!) So what

does our listening to music reveal about our (society’s/culture’s) values? For this assignment, you will be conducting an analysis of music. In your analysis you should discuss how the songs (two songs of your own choosing) reflect societal trends, values, and culture. You may focus on cultural themes such as money, romance, sex, violence, etc. We get many of our ideas and values in this society from various forms of media--TV, movies, advertisements, music, etc., and in this paper, it is your job to think about how the songs your songs create or feed those certain values.

GUIDELINES

• You will closely read and listen to the lyrics from two songs.

• You can choose any songs you like, as long as you can obtain a copy of the lyrics.

• Your task is to determine the relationship between society (audience) and the song lyrics that you have chosen..

Summarize

o Briefly summarize the main points of each song. What is the overall “message” or “theme” of each song?

o Set the song within the context of its genre or classification--rock, alternative, hip-hop, country, classical, pop, rap, R & B, bluegrass, opera, etc.

o Is the song typical of its genre? Why or why not?

Analysis:

o Describe the audience for your chosen songs.

o Be specific in your characterization of the audience. How do you know who the audience is?

o What do the lyrics reveal about the values of its listeners?

o Does the song value love, money, a perfect relationship, sex, fun, violence, social responsibility, non-conformity, or/and revenge?

o Are there stereotypes reflected in the lyrics? Why does this music appeal to some people but not others?

o Please be aware that you do not have to answer all of these questions. These questions are to get you thinking and help guide you with your analysis.

Comparison:

o Do common themes exist between the two songs? Why or why not?

o What do you identify as the most important difference between the two song lyrics?

o Explain why you have chosen to compare these two songs.

o Are they completely opposed to one another?

o Do they reflect certain cultural or moral values that are important you?

Additional Considerations:

o Consider the purpose of the song: Why do you think this song was written?

o Does it have a strong social message? Also consider tone as it relates to the message of the song.

A special note:

You must include one copy of the lyrics for both songs, the names of the artists/groups, and the titles of the songs for the instructor. If these are not available on the album cover, they can be easily attained on the web. Just do a search using the artist’s name.

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