Lesson 3: Song Lyrics Study

Choose an English song you enjoy with lyrics that aren’t too complex. Listen while following along with the written lyrics.

• Materials: Song, lyrics sheet, dictionary
• Focus: Vocabulary, pronunciation, listening comprehension
• Steps: Listen twice, circle unknown words, look them up, then sing along
• Extension: Write a short paragraph about what you think the song means.

Lesson 3: Song Lyrics Study

Overview

This engaging audio-based lesson uses English songs as a powerful learning tool. By studying song lyrics, you’ll improve your listening comprehension, pronunciation, vocabulary, and cultural understanding in a fun and memorable way.

Learning Objectives

• Develop active listening skills in English
• Improve pronunciation through singing along
• Build vocabulary in context
• Practice reading comprehension
• Explore cultural expressions and idioms

Materials Needed

• Device for playing music (smartphone, computer, tablet)
• Internet access to find song lyrics
• Printed lyrics or digital document of the lyrics
• Notebook and pen for notes
• Dictionary or online translation tool
• Headphones (optional but recommended)

Preparation (15 minutes)

1. Choose an appropriate English song:
   • Select a song you enjoy but with relatively simple lyrics
   • Look for songs with clear pronunciation
   • Choose songs with an appropriate theme for your age
   • Consider slower tempo songs for beginners
2. Find the official lyrics online (search “[song title] official lyrics”)
   • Reliable sources include the artist’s official website, music platforms like Spotify, or reputable lyrics sites
   • Be careful of unofficial lyrics sites that may have errors
3. Print the lyrics or have them open in a digital document

Suggested Song Types for Beginners

• Pop songs with simple, repetitive choruses
• Children’s songs or Disney movie soundtracks
• Folk songs with clear storytelling
• Simple ballads with slower tempos

Song Study Activity (40 minutes)

Part 1: First Listen (5 minutes)

1. Listen to the song once without looking at the lyrics
2. Focus on the overall feeling and how much you can understand
3. Write down any words or phrases you recognized

Part 2: Lyrics Reading (5 minutes)

1. Read through the lyrics without the music
2. Circle or highlight any words you don’t understand
3. Try to guess what these words might mean from context

Part 3: Vocabulary Study (10 minutes)

1. Look up the meanings of the words you circled
2. Create a small vocabulary list with:
   • The new word
   • Its meaning
   • The full line from the song where it appears
3. Think about why the songwriter chose these particular words

Part 4: Second Listen (5 minutes)

1. Listen to the song again while following along with the lyrics
2. Pay attention to how the words match the music
3. Notice the pronunciation of difficult words

Part 5: Sing Along (10 minutes)

1. Listen and sing along with the song 2-3 times
2. Focus on matching the singer’s pronunciation
3. Don’t worry about perfect singing – focus on the English!

Part 6: Reflection (5 minutes)

1. Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) about:
   • What you think the song means
   • How the song makes you feel
   • Any new expressions you learned

Example Song Analysis Format

Extension Activities

1. Record Yourself: Record yourself singing or reading the lyrics and listen back to identify pronunciation areas to improve.
2. Create Flashcards: Make digital or paper flashcards with the new vocabulary from the song.
3. Song Illustration: Draw a picture representing the main theme or story of the song.
4. Write New Verses: Try writing an additional verse for the song using similar vocabulary and style.
5. Song Comparison: Choose another song by the same artist and compare the vocabulary and themes.

Tips for Success

• Choose songs you genuinely enjoy – your motivation will be higher
• Don’t try to understand every single word on the first listen
• Pay attention to phrases and expressions, not just individual words
• Sing along even if you feel shy – singing improves pronunciation dramatically
• Listen to the song multiple times over several days for better learning

Common English Song Terminology

• Verse: The main storytelling sections that change throughout the song
• Chorus: The repeated section that usually contains the main message
• Bridge: A section that provides contrast, often in the middle of the song
• Hook: A catchy, memorable part of the song
• Lyrics: The words of the song

Cultural Learning Note

Songs often contain cultural references, slang, idioms, or expressions that might not be in standard English textbooks. This makes songs valuable for understanding how English is actually used by native speakers in different countries and contexts.

Remember to enjoy the music while you learn! Songs make language learning more fun and help your brain remember new vocabulary and expressions better than traditional study methods.