Get Ready to Write with Bruno Mars!
Today, we're going to explore the awesome writing skills hidden in the music of Bruno Mars and use them to inspire our own writing!
Materials Needed:
- Computer or tablet with internet access
- Headphones or speakers
- Access to Bruno Mars songs and lyrics (e.g., YouTube, music streaming service, lyrics websites)
- Notebook or paper
- Pen or pencil
Activity 1: What Makes a Hit Song? Lyric Dive! (30 mins)
Songwriters are poets and storytellers! Let's look closely at some Bruno Mars lyrics.
- Choose a Song: Let's start with "Just the Way You Are". Listen to it once just to enjoy it.
- Lyric Hunt: Now, let's look at the lyrics together. Can you find examples of:
- Similes? (Comparing two things using 'like' or 'as' - Example from the song: "Her laugh, her laugh / She hates but I think it's so sexy") - Okay, maybe not a direct simile here, let's look deeper or pick another song if needed, like "Grenade" which uses hyperbole. Let's focus on description in "Just the Way You Are".
- Descriptive Language: What words does Bruno use to describe the person? ("Her eyes, her eyes / Make the stars look like they're not shining", "Her hair, her hair / Falls perfectly without her trying", "She's so beautiful / And I tell her every day") How do these words make you feel about the person?
- Theme: What is the main message or idea of this song? (Hint: It's about appreciation and finding beauty in someone.)
- Discuss: Why do you think these specific words were chosen? How do they make the song more powerful or relatable?
Activity 2: Setting the Mood - Descriptive Paragraph (20 mins)
Music creates a feeling or atmosphere. Let's capture that in writing.
- Listen & Feel: Choose another song like "Locked Out of Heaven" or "24K Magic". Listen carefully. What is the mood? (Energetic, exciting, romantic, fun?) What kind of scene does it make you imagine?
- Brainstorm Words: Jot down words and phrases related to the song's mood, sound, and any images that come to mind (e.g., flashing lights, dancing, smooth, electric, gold, party).
- Write: Write one paragraph describing the scene or feeling the song creates. Use strong verbs and sensory details (what you hear, see, feel). Try to capture the energy or vibe of the song without just summarizing the lyrics.
Activity 3: Story Starter - Narrative Writing (20 mins)
Songs often tell or suggest stories.
- Choose a Prompt Song: Think about "Count on Me" or "The Lazy Song".
- Story Time: Choose one idea:
- Write a short story (1-2 paragraphs) about a time you really needed to count on a friend (inspired by "Count on Me").
- Write a short, funny story about the perfect 'lazy day' (inspired by "The Lazy Song").
- Start or end a short story using the song's title.
Wrap-up (5 mins)
Great job! We saw how songwriters like Bruno Mars use specific words, figurative language, and themes to create amazing songs. We practiced using those same techniques – description and storytelling – in our own writing. Think about how you can use music as inspiration for your writing in the future!