Similes and Metaphors in Pop Music

In language arts class we've been studying different literary devices that authors use to add detail to their writing. One of our main focuses has been to understand the difference between a simile and a metaphor. So today, you are going to listen to several clips of songs that you hear on the radio. Believe it or not, most popular songs include several similes and metaphors throughout the lyrics. At certain points throughout the clips, I will ask you to pause the music and jot down notes and your thoughts about each clip. Remember, a similar compares two unlike things using the words like or as. A metaphor is a comparison of two unlike things without using the words like or S and usually uses the words is or are. KV Perry's song Firework is a great example of how both similes and metaphors can be incorporated into writing. Listen to a few clips from her song and see if you can identify the similes and metaphors that she uses.

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag drifting through the wind wanting to start again do you ever feel just so paper thin like a House of Cards one blow from caving in do you ever feel already buried deep 6 feet on the screen but no one seems to hear it do you know that there's still a chance for you he there's a spark in you you just gotta ignite the light and let it shine just alone the night like the fall of July 'cause baby you're a thing you won't come out your world you can do as you should have crossed the sky baby you're a star you won't come I'll let you go this way make a go you're gonna leave the ball. Like a lightning bolt your heart will blow and when it's time you know over you were you able to hear any similes or metaphors right now click the pause button, turn to a partner and discuss the similes and metaphors that you heard. When you're ready, click play and continue. In firework, Katy Perry has us imagined people as plastic bags being blown down the street, as flimsy houses of cards about to collapse at any second, and as feeling like their buried so deep under the earth, that if they screamed, no one could even hear them.

The similes make you think about people floating through life without a purpose, without even being noticed. But it doesn't have to be that way, she tells us, there's a spark in you, she says, you just gotta ignite the light and let it shine. Just own the night like the 4th of July. When you do, your heart will glow like a lightning bolt, and bursting colors will even be brighter than the moon. You're a firework, she says. I like Katy Perry's work, and own the night like the 4th of July, is my favorite simile. Obviously, she embraces and understands the power of similes and metaphors. Now you are going to listen to several clips of different songs, play each clip as many times as you need, and when you are ready, write down your thoughts about each song. Decide whether the clip was an example of a simile, metaphor or both. What similes and metaphors did you hear? Analyze each simile and metaphor by explaining what two items are being compared. Feel free to add in why you think the comparisons were made. You may also discuss the similes and metaphors with a partner, if needed. I want to ride it all night long. If you're going my way but I want to drive it all night long. Just like a circuit everybody don't just like us don't stand up watching me find me show me what you do everybody let go we can make a dance floor just like this.

How could you be so heartless how could you be so known as the winner when it breeds you just remember that you talking to me oh you need to watch the way you talking. You change your mind like a girl changes clothes yeah. There's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move always gonna be an uphill battle sometimes I'm gonna have to live ain't about how fast I get there ain't about what's waiting on the other side. It's the clouds. I'm like only fly away I don't know if I saw it I don't know where my homie and baby all I need for you to know I only fly away I don't know if I could I don't know if I'm home and I'm missing you so much can't help it I'm in love a day without you is like a year without a rain I need you by my side. Don't know how else survive a day without you is like a year without. Oh. Little goodbye I know. That you will be all you were throwing pebbles in my daddy said stay away from Julie and I was crying on the staircase begging you please don't go and I said you're taking me somewhere we can be alone I'll be waiting all the time to do what's run you be the prince and I'll be the princess it's a love story baby just say yeah. It's time for this is what I need all shake it up.

You are the thunder tonight in the night and the love away you go you are to me it's exciting you know it's meant to be everything. Because she's been listening she knocks me off my feet and I can't I don't want anyone else she's a mystery she's too much for me but I keep coming back for her she's just the girl I'm looking for. My love is so light take her. Were you able to identify many similes and metaphors. I bet you didn't even realize how many songs include these literary devices. Take this time to review and edit what you have written on your paper. You may also replay any clip that you need to listen to again. When you are finished, please turn in your paper and shut down your computer.