ENG 1D

Dreams: Song Analysis

In order to complete this exercise, you need to choose a partner to complete the
following questions. You and your partner will need to use a computer to find the songs
(with lyrics) on Youtube. Once you find each song on Youtube, listen to it, read the
lyrics, and answer the corresponding questions on your handout. Even though we have
been studying poems in class, many of the same patterns and technical devices are
used in song lyrics.
Song #1: John Lennons Imagine
1. Identify one example of alliteration.
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2. Identify four things that John Lennon wishes did not exist.
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3. Do you think that Lennons dream could ever become a reality? Why or why not?
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Song #2: Leonard Cohens Bird on the Wire
1. Identify three similes that Leonard Cohen uses in the song. Explain why he chooses
to compare himself to each of the three items that you have identified.
Simile #1 - _______________________________________________________
Explanation - _____________________________________________________
Simile #2 - _______________________________________________________
Explanation - _____________________________________________________
Simile #3 - _______________________________________________________

Explanation - _____________________________________________________

2. What do all the similes in the song have in common?

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3. Identify one example of alliteration.
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4. What goal is the speaker in the song trying to achieve? Do you think that he
is
successful? Why or why not?
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Song #3: Green Days Boulevard of Broken Dreams
1. Identify one example of personification.
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2. Identify one symbol.
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3. Why does the speaker walk alone?
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Song #4: Pink Floyds Wish You Were Here

1. Identify three opposites or contradictory pairings that the song mentions.

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2. List reasons why people ask questions. This song has numerous questions in
it.
Why do you think the song includes so many questions?
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3. Identify one metaphor.
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4. Why does the speaker want the person (you) to be with him?
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Song #5: Incubus I Wish You Were Here
1. Identify one simile.
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2. Identify one metaphor.
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3. Why does the speaker want the person (you) to be with him?
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Song #6: Soundgardens Rusty Cage
1. Identify two similes.

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2. Identify two metaphors.
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3. What does the rusty cage symbolize?
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4. What is the goal of the speaker in the song? Do you think he will be successful?
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