Sample Lyrics and Questions
Here is one example of a Close Read using Lyrics, along with the questions that were asked to students. This Close Read was linked to the song “Roar,” by Katie Perry.
- What do you think was the song writer’s purpose?
- Which line from the song do you think helps you to understand the writer’s purpose? Cite the text and explain.
- The song continuously repeats “I am a champion and you’re going to hear me
roar.” What does this mean? - Go to the lyrics and underline the words or phrases that make you think the singer is strong. Write some of the words below and explain why you choose these words.
- What is meant by the line, “I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess. So I sat quietly, agreed politely?” - What is the theme of this song? Remember, Theme is THE MEssage. Is this similar
to the author’s purpose? Explain. - Why is “Roar” a good title for this song?
Here is another sample using “The House That Built Me,” by Miranda Lambert.
1. What do you think was the song writer’s purpose?
2. Which line from the song do you think helps you to understand the writer’s
purpose? Cite the text and explain.
3. How do we know the house belongs to the singer of the song? Write the lyrics below that tell you this.
4. “The narrator has fond memories of her childhood home.”
Use lyrics to prove or disprove this statement.
5. The name of the song is “The House That Built Me.” How can a house build
someone?
6. Think about the following lines:
“You leave home, you move on and you do the best you can. I got lost in this whole world and forgot who I am.”
How does the phrase “Never forget your roots” relate to the above lyrics?
7. Why did the narrator of the song come back to the house? Explain.
8. “Out here its like I’m someone else, I thought that maybe I could find myself.”
What does the narrator mean by “find myself?”
Here are a few more examples:
Here is an example of a Close Read using song lyrics from Disney’s Newsies, to not only analyze the text, but to link History into the reading curriculum.
One of the most popular and most requested Close Reads this year in my 4th grade class. The kids knew the song from beginning to end, but it wasn’t until we did a close read that they actually had a deeper understanding of the song, as well as the movie.
One of my favorite Close reads from this past school year. Country music holds a special place in my heart, as there is so much meaning, and so much to discuss with students.
