Lesson Plan: Song Collage

Synopsis: This lesson compliments the previously posted Chinese poetry scrolls lesson. I use it as an introductory activity and a bridge between my "song as poetry" unit and my actual poetry unit. In this lesson, students analyze the lyrics of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" and work in groups to create a collage for each verse.

Supplies: Copy of "Redemption Song" lyrics, "Redemption Song" mp3, chart paper, scissors, glue sticks, magazines for students to cut up.

Time allotment: 1-3 class periods, depending on depth and length of discussion and what is assigned as homework.

Procedures

1. Pass out copies of "Redemption Song" lyrics. Ask students what they know about Bob Marley. (Biography here)
2. Play song for students. As they listen, ask them to highlight words, phrases or images that stand out to them. (You may need to clarify vocabulary like "redemption" and "emancipate.")
3. Questions for whole class or small group discussion:

• How can a song redeem people? What are the limits of this redemption?
• Who are the pirates? What are the merchant ships? (answers: white slave traders - students may need some prompting about Marley's race and African history)
• What is the bottomless pit?
• During Marley's lifetime, what types of "mental slavery" might have existed? What mental slavery exists now?
• Who are the prophets? What specific historical figures might they represent? Who in modern times might be considered a prophet? What are the benefits and dangers of viewing contemporary or historical figures as prophets?
  
• What "book" does Marley refer to? What actions would people take to fulfill the book?

Creating the collages

1. Divide students into groups of 3-4. Assign each group one verse of the song and distribute chart paper, magazines, glue sticks and scissors.
2. Tell each group they must find (or create) images to illustrate their assigned verse. They should write the verse in the center of the chart paper and surround it with images. Next to the images, or on a separate sheet of paper, students must explain how their images relate to specific words or lines from the song.
3. Hang finished collages around classroom.

Extension Activities

1. Listen to Johnny Cash's cover of "Redemption Song." Discuss: how does each singer present the song differently? Do their choices alter the meaning or impact of the song? What is the effect of hearing Cash sing in a Caribbean dialect ("old pirates rob I")? Should he have changed the lyrics to better suit his American speech patterns? What audience would each singer reach the best?
2. M.I.A's "Paper Planes" is a more challenging song and could be used to introduce satire. Students discuss how the lyrics satirize typical gangster rap as well as Western attitudes toward immigrants and terrorism.