Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the concept of lyrics versus music, how lyrics convey emotions and stories, and will create their own set of lyrics based on a theme of their choice.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook or loose sheets of paper
• Pencil or pen
• Access to a variety of songs (can be sung or played from memory)
• Quiet space for writing and reflection

Before the lesson, it's helpful to think of a few songs that the student enjoys and to consider their themes. This will make it easier to relate to the activities.

Activities

• Lyric Analysis:

  Choose a favorite song and read the lyrics together. Discuss the meaning behind the words and how they make you feel. Ask the student to identify the main theme of the song and any personal connections they have to it.

• Emotion Exploration:

  Pick a set of emotions (like happiness, sadness, anger, or love) and brainstorm words or phrases that represent each emotion. Encourage the student to think about how these emotions can be expressed through lyrics.

• Write Your Own Lyrics:

  Using the emotions brainstormed, have the student write their own lyrics based on a chosen theme. They can choose to write a verse or a full song. Encourage creativity and personal expression!

• Share and Perform:

  Have the student share their lyrics with you. If they feel comfortable, they can perform it as well! Discuss what they like about their lyrics and how it feels to share their creation.

Talking Points

• "Lyrics are the words of a song. They tell a story or express feelings. Can you think of a song that tells a story?"
• "Music can change how we feel about lyrics. Sometimes a sad song can make us feel happy because of the melody. What do you think?"
• "Emotions are a big part of writing lyrics. How do you feel when you hear a happy song versus a sad song?"
• "When you write your own lyrics, it’s like sharing a piece of yourself with others. What do you want to share?"
• "Performing your lyrics is a great way to express yourself! How does it feel to share your creativity with others?"