FOLK SONG

Now that you've experimented with storytelling and poetry, let's learn about the connection between poetry and songs.

Let's listen to a classic folk song called "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan. Listen to the words and music. Notice how the lyrics relate to the sound of the melody. The two elements blend together to create something that is more powerful than just the words or music by themselves.

Listen to the song by clicking here (you need Real Audio).

How many roads most a man walk down
Before you call him a man ?

How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand ?

Yes, how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned ?

The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

 

Yes, how many years can a mountain exist
Before it's washed to the sea ?

Yes, how many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free ?

Yes, how many times can a man turn his head
Pretending he just doesn't see ?

The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

 

Yes, how many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky ?

Yes, how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry ?

Yes, how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died ?

The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

What was poetic about the lyrics? What poetry techniques did Bob Dylan use? Look for rhythm and rhymes. What do you notice about his use of figurative language?

Hope you're inspired because now it's time for you to create an original folk song. Compose a set of original lyrics to the tune of one of your favorite songs. Be sure to match the flow of your new lyrics to the flow of the melody in the original tune. Try to match the mood and tone of the music to the mood and tone of your lyrics. As you compose your song,

  1. Think of images, descriptive words, and figurative language that best describe your theme..
  2. Jot them down in web form or in a list as you think of them.
  3. Turn your ideas into a paragraph or paragraphs.
  4. Go back and break the paragraph into lines. As you do this, revise the lines until they look, feel, and sound right to you. Draft, revise, and edit.
  5. Now, for the real test, read it ALOUD. Does it really paint a clear picture of your idea?
  6. Share your poem with someone else. Listen to his or her critique of your poem. A critique is when someone tells you the strengths and weaknesses of your work. DON'T GET MAD, LISTEN to the suggestions. Revise your work. Remember, the BEST writers are REWRITERS!
  7. Give your poem a title.
  8. Type and choose a font that adds to the look of your song lyrics.
  9. Illustrate your song lyrics.

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