Figurative Language in Songs ADV

Figurative Language in Songs
Instructions: Using your poetry review notes and your definitions of various forms of figurative
language (metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, etc.), explain how they can be identified
in musical lyrics. Choose a song you are familiar with (must be appropriate) then follow the
directions below.
Song Analysis:
Step 1: Initial Listen
Listen to the song once without analyzing it, just to get a sense of the overall meaning and mood.
Step 2: Lyric Breakdown
Search on the internet for your selected song to find a copy of the lyrics. Then copy + paste in
the portion allotted below the entire song you’ve selected. Read through the lyrics and highlight
or underline any examples of figurative language (suggestion: color code the different forms of
figurative language you identify). Identify at least 3-5 different examples of figurative
language in the song.
Step 3: Analysis
For each instance identified, students should:
 Label the type of figurative language (e.g., metaphor, simile).
 Explain the literal meaning of the phrase.
 Interpret the figurative meaning and discuss how it contributes to the song’s overall
theme or message.
When you’ve selected your song fill out the section below. Happy searching 😊
Title of selected song: Firework
Artist: Katy Perry
Copy of song lyrics:

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from cavin' in?
Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams, but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you?
'Cause there's a spark in you
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July
'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, "Oh, oh, oh"
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe
You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe a reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it's time, you'll know
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through
Boom, boom, boom
Boom, boom, boom
1.
Song lyric: Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Identify Figurative Language used: Simile
Explain the deeper meaning (complete sentences): The simile conveys that feelings of
insignificance and the feeling of being lost. It captures the feeling of being overlooked.
2.
Song lyric: Like a house of cards, one blow from cavin' in?
Identify Figurative Language used: Simile
Explain the deeper meaning (complete sentences): The simile shows vulnerability and
how fragile someone’s confidence or self esteem might be,
3.
Song lyric: 'Cause baby, you're a firework
Identify Figurative Language used: metaphor
Explain the deeper meaning (complete sentences): This metaphor suggests that everyone
has the power to be dazzling and unique.
4.
Song lyric: You just gotta ignite the light
Identify Figurative Language used: metaphor
Explain the deeper meaning (complete sentences): This is a metaphor for igniting your
true potential. This and the line before it are meant to show the listener that there will
come a time where their true worth will be realized.
5.
Song lyric: Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Identify Figurative Language used: hyperbole
Explain the deeper meaning (complete sentences): This line exaggerates ones brightness
stating it’s even brother than the moon, it emphasizes how one’s potential has the ability
to surpass the moon.
Reflection: Answer each question in 2- 3 complete sentences.
1. Music is very interpretive, meaning songs can have multiple meanings to different
people. Explain what you think is the overall meaning of the song you’ve selected.
Then, research what the artist's intended meaning was behind the song. Were you
right in your interpretation?
The overall meaning I perceive is that this song is about self empowerment and letting your
true self be seen. The song suggests everyone has a unique spark in them that needs to be
ignited.
In her own words, Perry has said that “Firework” is about “the spark inside of you that
makes you special,” and she hopes the song serves as an anthem for people to realize their
self-worth and to take pride in who they are. She also mentioned that the song is dedicated
to those who have felt they didn’t fit in or belong, offering them a message of hope and self-
acceptance.
I believe my interpretation aligned with what she was saying here, we both said it was a
song to show someone’s unique spark.
2. How did the figurative language used in your selected song contribute to the song's
meaning?
The songs figurative language enhances it by making the themes of self acceptance
and self empowerment. The images of fireworks and the moon expressed in way
anyone could feel being real.
3. Did the use of figurative language impact your interpretation of the song? Why or
why not?
Yes I feel like the figurative language greatly impacted my idea of the song because
it made it feel more emotional and I could picture the things and connect them to
something.
4. Why do you think singers/songwriters use figurative language in your opinion?

Elaborate on your answer.
I feel like some singers use figurative language to be relatable. Like the lyric “Do you ever
feel like a plastic bag” is a good example of this. It takes a simile to relate to a wide range of
people, all of which at one point or another have felt lost, so I believe that sometimes singers can
take other people’s feelings or experiences and right into figurative language for their song so
many can relate to it.

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Figurative Language in Songs

Copy of song lyrics:

Identify Figurative Language used: Simile

Identify Figurative Language used: Simile

Identify Figurative Language used: metaphor

Identify Figurative Language used: metaphor

Identify Figurative Language used: hyperbole

Reflection: Answer each question in 2- 3 complete sentences.

4. Why do you think singers/songwriters use figurative language in your opinion?

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