Student Writer Instructions:
Song lyrics are just poetry. Blues lyrics are poetry with a very unique type of voice.
Just like the early blues singers, you are going to be examining your life’s conditions, and finding something you feel passionate about to put into song lyrics; then, you might even set those lyrics to music.
Your teacher will share examples of early and modern-day jazz songs so you can get an idea of subjects and styles. Using the examples of the blues as your inspiration, think about something in your life that’s worth singing about. It can be something good or bad, joyful or painful, funny or serious.
Remember that many of the subjects that are dealt with in blues songs are not sad subjects. They evoke passion, but not sadness. You might sing about your girlfriend, your home, your car, your little brother, or your favorite blue jeans!
First, you will brainstorm blues topics with your classmates.
Next, you will compose your own blues song lyrics, capturing mood in your lyrics that could be conveyed through the tonality and modality of the music.
Try to write your lyrics with a "final performance" in mind, as you might ultimately get to sing your song for the class!
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