Continuing on with our limited focus on death and how we express both praise and lament in writing, this week we will be discussing elegies or poems of lament. Poetry set to music become song lyrics, of which there are many good examples that I've linked below. I do not plan on spending time on modern day songs of lament in class but will likely refer to them during the lesson. If you and your student have time before Thursday, please listen or at least read the lyrics for some of the songs below. A couple of the songs are well-known, but not without possible controversy because of the words/ideas expressed in them, so feel free to use your best judgment on whether you listen to those or not.
Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (song he wrote after his 4-year old son died)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gygCzRaSSss
Missing You by Lionel Richie, sung by Diana Ross (after the death of Marvin Gaye)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAkFfKdtdlE
Coldest Winter by Kanye West, sung by Pentatonix (about his mother, Donda West)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oxSjw83u5E
American Pie by Don McLean (refers to the death of Buddy Holly and, many believe, to a loss of innocence as the country transitioned through the 50s, 60s, and 70s) Contains references to drinking alcohol, Satan and hell, loss of faith in God. To only hear the part that refers to Buddy Holly, listen until 1:35 and avoid the rest, although it is an interesting song about the history/social issues of the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAsV5-Hv-7U
Candle in the Wind by Elton John and Bernie Taupin (written 11 years after Marilyn Monroe died) Lyrics briefly refer to the fact she died and was nude when she was found as well as the word "sexual".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80rHyABCb20
Candle in the Wind -- rewritten and performed by Elton John to honor Princess Diana after her death
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80rHyABCb20
Blessings,
Phyllis