THE MEANING OF SONG

WRITE A PROTEST SONG

1. Go to: http://pathways.thinkport.org/secrets/

On this website click on the “Music” tab and read about the importance music played in the lives of the slaves and in the Underground Railroad.

2. Pay close attention to the meanings behind the words in these songs. Listen to the different songs the website provides.

3. Next, listen to the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” Take note of the hidden meanings. For instance, what do the song lyrics “when the sun comes back / and the first quail calls” mean?

4. Once you have spent some time reading about the music and listening to the music of slavery, please use your JOURNAL to answer the following questions:

· HOW DID SLAVES EXPRESS FORBIDDEN FEELINGS AND DESIRES, SUCH AS ANGER, RESENTMENT, OR A LONGING FOR FREEDOM?

· HOW DO YOU EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS AND DESIRES, SUCH AS ANGER OR RESENTMENT?

· CAN YOU THINK OF A SONG THAT REPRESENTS YOU? HOW?

· HOW IMPORTANT IS MUSIC IN YOUR LIFE? WHAT PURPOSES DO YOU USE IT FOR?

This is your brainstorming/prewriting state.

5. Compose a protest song

· Your song should have at least 3 verses and a chorus.

· It can be about anything you want, but it should be appropriate.

IDEAS: War, the use of sweatshop labor, religious freedom, guns in school, your parents or siblings.

· It should be about something that matters to YOU, and you feel you have something important to say about it.

· Since this is a protest song, you will want to disguise the lyrics (much like the slavery music) somewhat so that outsiders (or maybe just the subjects of your song) won’t be able to understand what you are talking about.

· You may write a song with a partner, but all journal writing and translation is done individually.

· You may present your song in any musical style you would like.

· Be prepared to present and explain your song to your classmates.

6. Write a paragraph explaining your song. Consider the following questions when writing your paragraph.

· What and why are you protesting?

· How can this song be a positive influence on others?

· What does your song mean? Give specific verse translation examples.

***ATTACH YOUR PREWRITING WITH PARAGRAPH

GRADING RUBRICS

PARAGRAPH

______SENTENCE FLUENCY

· Is my paragraph easy to read? Do my sentences begin in different ways? Did I use some long sand some short sentences? Does my paper sound smooth as I read it aloud?

______ORGANIZATION

· Does my beginning hook my reader? Is my paper easy to follow? Did I choose the best way to organize my story? Do my ideas link to the main message? Do I have a strong conclusion that wraps up the paragraph?

_____VOICE

· Can the reader tell I am enthusiastic about my topic? Does this writing sound like me? How do I want my readers to feel? Will my paragraph hold readers’ attention? Will they want to hear more?

_____WORD CHOICE

· Have I used some strong verbs or colorful phrases that grab my reader? Have I chosen the most precise word? Have I used any unique words? Did I repeat common words too many times?

_____IDEAS

· What is my message and is it focused and clear? Did I include important details relevant to my topic? Did the reader learn something new? Is my paper interesting and easy to understand?

_____CONVENTIONS

· Did I leave spaces between words and sentences? Did I use a title? Did I use correct punctuation? Did I use capital letters in the right places? Have I proofread for correct spelling and grammar?

SONG RUBRIC

_____Song has three verses and a chorus

_____Lyrics are creative and original.

_____Lyrics contain good imagery

_____Song is well rehearsed when presented to class