1. Hero Song Activity
Get with a partner. Make sure you both brought different lyrics.
On a the note sheet provided, answer the four Close and Critical Reading questions for each set of lyrics.
Make sure you use specific details from the songs you chose that DIRECTLY relate to each CCR question.

2. Close and Critical Reading Steps
Summarize (What happens in the song?)
Analyze Structure (How is it set up? What is the structure? Are there any devices?)
Identify Meaning (What is the theme or message?)
State Significance (Why is the theme or message important?)

3. CCR Example
Summarize: In this song, the author thinks about what it means to be a hero and reflects on someone who he thinks fits the description
Structure: The song is structured with two verses, a chorus and a bridge. The verses seem to be reflective and almost sad, like he lost the person he considers a hero. The chorus uses repetition to drive the point home about his hero leaving. The author uses rhyming and questions to engage the listener.
Theme: The theme of this song is that anyone can be a hero. The author says that his hero is “ordinary” so he is saying that there are everyday heroes that live life and deal with things and don’t get the recognition or fanfare they deserve.
Significance: This song’s message is significant because it inspires the listener to reflect and realize that anyone can be a hero. The author says “the rest of them peter out”- meaning that some people don’t rise to the occasion but if you try you can be a hero to anyone.