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Music Performance

ASSIGNMENT
The Rhetoric of Music:
Exploring Your Favorite Song

Introduction

Music speaks to us in ways that few other forms of communication can. A single song can bring back memories, stir powerful emotions, or even shift how we perceive the world. In this assignment, The Rhetoric of Music – Exploring Your Favorite Song, we invite you to look closely at a song that matters deeply to you, not just as a listener, but as a writer and thinker.

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As Jacques Attali (1985) argues, “music is prophecy” and “its styles and economic organization are ahead of the rest of society because it explores, much faster than material reality can, the entire range of possibilities in a given code” (p. 11). This insight encourages us to understand music not only as entertainment but as a powerful force that anticipates and shapes social realities.

 

Whether your chosen song makes you cry, dance, dream, or think, this is your chance to explore it deeply and express why it matters. In doing so, you will strengthen your writing skills and uncover the powerful ways music shapes our thoughts, identities, and communities.

By blending personal storytelling with critical inquiry, you will learn how music functions as a rhetorical and cultural artifact. You will discover how lyrics, sound, and context work together to create meaning. As Sterne (2012) notes, “to think sonically is to think conjuncturally about sound and culture […] hearing requires positionality” (pp. 3–4), reminding us that listening is not neutral—it is shaped by who we are and where we stand. You will also reflect on your own experiences and emotions, helping you develop a more authentic and engaging writing voice.

This assignment is not just about music—it is about you, your story, and how your favorite song can reveal something bigger about the world and how we connect to it.

Objective:

In this assignment, you will connect personal storytelling with rhetorical exploration by analyzing your favorite song. You will reflect on its meaning, investigate its history, and express what makes it special to you. The goal is to inspire you to write authentically and discover the power of music as a rhetorical and cultural text.

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Choose Your Song

    • Pick a song that speaks to you emotionally, intellectually, or creatively. It can be from any language, genre, or time period.

  2. Step 2: Reflection

    • Write freely about your experience with the song. Consider these questions as a guide (but do not feel limited by them):

      • What does this song make you feel or remember?

      • Is there a particular story or memory tied to it?

      • Why do you consider it your favorite?

    • There is no required word count here—write as much as you feel is needed to express your thoughts fully.

  3. Step 3: Exploration and Discovery

    • Now, dig deeper into the song's origins. Some prompts to guide your investigation:

      • When was it released? Who wrote or composed it?

      • Are there any interesting or surprising stories about how it was created or recorded?

      • What was happening in the world when the song came out? Does that context affect its message?

    • Write as much as you need to share your discoveries. Use reliable sources for your research and cite them informally (for example: "According to Rolling Stone...").

  4. Step 4: Rhetorical Analysis

    • Consider how the song communicates its message. You can explore:

      • What rhetorical devices does the song use? (Examples: metaphor, repetition, hyperbole, rhetorical questions)

      • How do the melody, rhythm, or instruments enhance the message?

      • Is there a persuasive element to the song? Who might it be speaking to?

    • You may review Merriam-Webster’s resource on “Rhetorical Devices in Pop Songs” to grab more ideas and examples of how rhetorical strategies appear in music. There is no strict word count—focus on sharing thoughtful insights about how the song’s elements work together to create meaning.

  5. Step 5: Final Touch

    • Before submitting, read through your work. Ask yourself:

      • Did I express my genuine thoughts?

      • Did I share enough to help others understand why I love this song?

      • Is my writing clear and easy to follow?

Presentation Expectations (In-Class Component)

You will present your findings to the class. This is your opportunity to share your song and explain why it matters.

During the presentation, you should:

  1. Play a short piece excerpt (1-2 minutes) of your chosen song.

  2. Introduce the song: title, artist, year, and your reason for choosing it.

  3. Share your story and discoveries: reflect on your personal connection and what you learned about the song's background.

  4. Highlight your rhetorical insights: What makes this song meaningful? How does it communicate emotionally or politically?

Presentation format:

Canva, PowerPoint, or Google Slides. Include visuals, a link to the song, and key insights.

Time limit:

4–6 minutes per student

Submission Guidelines:

  • Length: Write freely, aiming for 2–3 thoughtful sections. Authenticity matters more than word count.

  • Format: In-class presentation using Canva, PowerPoint, or Google Slides.

  • Due Date: Determined by your instructor

  • Submission: Share your link or file with your instructor.

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Example Songs and Analysis Ideas

Song: Imagine by John Lennon


Why this song works:

  • It has a strong emotional and rhetorical message, inviting listeners to reflect on peace and unity.

  • The historical context (post-Vietnam War and during global unrest) enriches its meaning.

  • The simple but poignant lyrics make it accessible for analysis.

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Students might explore:

  • What makes Imagine an anthem for peace?

  • How does the repetition of "Imagine" create a rhetorical impact?

  • Why do people continue to connect with this song decades after its release?

 

One More Song for Inspiration:
Song: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen


Why this song works:

  • It offers rich material for rhetorical analysis due to its complex structure and varied musical styles.

  • It has a compelling backstory, with Freddie Mercury's creative process and the band's struggle to get the song released.

  • The lyrics are open to multiple interpretations, which encourages critical thinking.

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Students can explore questions such as:

  • How does the song's structure defy traditional pop music norms?

  • What emotional journey does the song take listeners on?

  • What cultural significance did Bohemian Rhapsody have during the 1970s, and why does it continue to resonate today?

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Suggested Resources for Research

 

Rate your Music/SecondHandSongs (Covers, remixes, fan data)

© 2025 by JM Flores

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