Write down ONE lyric that stands out to you. Then write WHY it hits — what makes those words powerful?
Analyze how lyrics and production work together to convey a social message AND write my own social commentary lyrics using at least 2 techniques.
Paint a picture with words so the listener sees what you mean.
“Southern trees bear a strange fruit / Blood on the leaves”
— Billie Holiday
Repeat a key phrase to make it stick — this becomes your hook or chant.
“We gon’ be alright / We gon’ be alright”
— Kendrick Lamar
Put opposites next to each other to create tension and make the message hit harder.
“It’s a broken system / but we won’t break”
— example
The beat and sound should match the feeling of your words. Sad lyrics = minor key. Hopeful lyrics = major key, rising melody.
“Glory” builds from quiet piano to full choir — the production mirrors the march from struggle to triumph.
One day when the glory comes Repetition
It will be ours, it will be ours
Oh, one day when the war is won
We will be sure, we will be sure
Hands to the Heavens, no man, no weapon
Formed against, yes, glory is destined Imagery
Every day women and men become legends
Sins that go against our skin become blessings Contrast
Read your lyrics out loud to your partner. Own your words.
Tell your partner: ONE line that stood out + ONE suggestion to make it stronger.
After feedback — you have 2 minutes to revise your strongest line before submitting.
Name ONE lyric technique from today (imagery, repetition, or contrast) and give a specific example from “Glory.”
1 pt = Names technique • 1 pt = Gives specific lyric example
What social issue did you write about? Copy your strongest line. Which technique did you use in that line?
1 pt = Names issue • 1 pt = Copies strongest line • 1 pt = Identifies technique used