Song Lyric Analysis Worksheets for Figurative Language in Songs and More!

Do your students struggle with figurative language and poetic elements because they just don't "get" poetry? Connect it with something they can relate to - music and songs! These engaging song lyric analysis activities will not only give your students a better understanding of figurative language and literary devices, but will also build critical thinking skills through interpretation and creative expression.

Topics covered: In the mini-lesson and activities, the following 9 elements of figurative language and poetic elements are covered: I-Shampoo-C (idiom, simile, hyperbole, alliteration, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, cliche).

First, introduce the concept of figurative language in songs with a fun gallery walk that will get them moving and thinking! Then they will have opportunities to look closer at songs to identify figurative language. There are multiple activities so you can work with the concepts together as a class and then have them practice individually or in small groups. Short activities relating to theme and creative writing are also included!

⭐️ Here's what you get (Click the PREVIEW button above for a closer look!)

• Notes and suggestions: 2 pages

• Link to access Google Slides version: (Note: Gallery Walk and Doodle Sheet are printable only; everything else has a digital option)

• Gallery Walk - Fun way to introduce students to the topic - Printable only (New! added 9/4/23)

• Reference chart: Definition and examples of each type of figurative language and literary device

• Identify figurative language - short verse: (2 different activities are included for extra practice.)

• Identify figurative language - full song: 2 activities: Bad Blood by Taylor Swift and Firework by Katy Perry. Includes answer keys with suggested and possible answers.

• Identify figurative language - any song: teacher or student choice

• Song lyric scavenger hunt (4 versions included: for 1 song, for 2 or 3 songs by the same artist, for 2 songs by different artists, or for multiple songs/artists)

• Identifying the theme in songs - short activity with examples of themes; students identify themes for 3 given songs and then choose 2 songs to analyze.

• Analyzing metaphors in songs - students give their interpretation of 4 given metaphors found in songs and then identify two other metaphors from a song they choose and write their interpretation.

• Music and song lyrics bingo/choice board - variety of fun creative writing activities on the theme of songs and song lyrics.

• Short journal activity - students analyze a song and write a journal entry from the perspective of the artist.

• Song Analysis Doodle Sheet: Students analyze a song, and jot down notes for connections and literary elements. In a fun, doodle format so they can get creative and make it colorful! (printable only)

• Hexagonal thinking activity - collaborative activity for song lyric analysis to find connections with theme, tone, poetic elements and more. Includes printable and Google Slides options (Completely editable!)

• Answer key/suggested answers (to applicable activities)

⭐️ Why teach figurative language with songs? Students tend to struggle with figurative language because it is often presented in a format that is not relatable to them, but when it's connected to music, they become engaged and interested. And this is when the learning happens!

This packet includes everything you need to introduce your students to figurative language through a variety of musical styles, and then activities to further explore figurative language using their own song choices. They will love the multiple opportunities to share their musical interests with you while discovering the different elements of figurative language hidden in their favorite songs! With a wide variety of extension activity options, there is something for everyone!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What Teachers Are Saying:

• My Creative Writing Class enjoyed this resource. My students were engaged as they analyzed song lyrics and I witnessed such amazing creativity! - Terrie S.

• My students were struggling to identify examples of figurative language, so I thought this would be an engaging way to have them work on that skill set. They enjoyed getting to share their favorite songs with me. - Natalie G.

• This assignment was awesome. The students and I had a blast, and they learned, through music that they're familiar with, figurative language, which is important in my Creative Writing class. I'd recommend this to any and everybody. A+++++ - Michael D.

• Love this. So useful and easy to follow. Also made a playlist of the songs mentioned so students could hear the particular lyrics as well as read them. Thank you! - Clare M.

❤️ If you enjoyed these activities using song lyrics, you may also want to try:

• Song Lyric Analysis for Grammar and Sentence Structure
• Or get them both in the Bundle and SAVE!

❤️ If you enjoyed the doodle activity, you might like to try this Back to School Sketch Activity

⭐️ You might also like:

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• Dictation for Spelling, Punctuation, Capitalization, and Structure
• Parallel Structure PowerPoint and Task Cards
• Tier 2 Vocabulary Activities
• Text Analysis for Grammar and Structure
• Word Puzzle Escape Room Activity

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Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

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