The Iraq War Found in Popular Music?!!!
Grades: 9 – 12
Class: US History
Activity:
Challenge the students to think of songs that they currently listen to that have lyrics about the Iraq War. Give students 5 minutes to brainstorm. After about 5 minutes have students share what they came up with. Write their ideas on the board.
Tell students that there is actually a lot of popular music that talks about the Iraq War. You probably listen to it every day but do not realize. Tell students that today we are going to listen to 4 songs about the Iraq War and analyze their lyrics. Hand out song lyrics for each song.
Songs: (These are only suggestions)
Toby Keith “American Soldier�
System of a Down “B.Y.O.B� (*Edited Version)
Linkin Park “Hands Held High� (*Edited Version)
John Mayer “Waiting for the World to Change�
Play each song one by one. While students are listening have them follow along on the lyrics page and have them underline or circle lyrics that deal with the Iraq War. After each song is done discuss as a class. For one or two songs you can also have the students discuss in small groups first and then bring the discussion to the whole class (This will allow students who are shy the opportunity to voice their opinion in a small group and feel more comfortable, in addition it gives the students a chance to form their own opinions before the teacher steps in).
After listening to and discussing all songs, have students nominate the song that they felt was the most meaningful and explain why (Students can write on the back of their lyrics page).
Extra Credit Opportunity:
Tell students to keep their ears open for more songs about the Iraq War. If you hear something, print out the lyrics and write a ½ page analysis of the song/lyrics (like we did in class).