Objective
By the end of this lesson, Andrea M. will have a deeper understanding of the themes and emotions conveyed in Jessie Murph's song "Pray." She will analyze the lyrics, discuss their meaning, and express her own thoughts through creative writing and discussion.
Materials and Prep
- Notebook and pen/pencil for notes and writing.
- Access to Jessie Murph's song "Pray" (audio or lyrics).
- Internet access for research (if needed).
- Printout of the lyrics (optional but recommended).
Activities
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Lyric Analysis: Start by listening to the song "Pray" and reading through the lyrics. Afterward, highlight or underline phrases that resonate with you. Write a short paragraph about what the song means to you personally.
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Emotional Reflection: Create a mind map of emotions that the song evokes. Branch out from the central theme of the song to explore how it relates to personal experiences or societal issues.
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Creative Expression: Write a poem or a short story inspired by the themes in "Pray." Focus on expressing feelings of hope, struggle, or resilience, similar to those found in Jessie Murph's lyrics.
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Group Discussion: If possible, invite a friend or family member to join in a discussion about the song. Share your thoughts and listen to theirs. What do you both think the song is trying to convey?
Talking Points
- "What do you think Jessie Murph is trying to express in her song 'Pray'? Can you relate to any of those feelings?"
- "Consider the line, 'I pray for better days.' How does this line resonate with your own experiences?"
- "Think about the emotions in the song. How do they connect to real-life situations or challenges people face?"
- "Why do you think music, like 'Pray,' can be a powerful way to communicate feelings? Can you think of other songs that do this?"
- "How does writing your own poem or story help you process the emotions from the song? What did you learn about yourself?"