This week, we're going to talk about music. We can start with a song from 1964 Called "A Change is Gonna Come." First, listen to the song and read the lyrics. What do you think he's singing about?
Now here's an NPR story about this song. If you're having problems listening or want to read the text version, you can find the story here. The complete transcript is here.
1:08 What is the first thing we should know about "A Change is Gonna Come"?
1:51 Think about what was happening in the United States in the 1950s and 60s. Black and white activists were fighting against the apartheid state and struggling for Civil Rights. Even music was seperate: a "crossover" artist was a black artist who became commercially successful with white audiences.
2:52 What did Sam Cooke think of Blowin' in the Wind?
3:03 Why do you think Cooke was turned away from the Holiday Inn Hotel in Louisiana? How is this reflected in the lyrics?
4:10 Why is the song "one of the most complex" he ever wrote?
4:49 Sam Cooke was "a bit of a control freak" – what is that?
6:07 What was a major reason that Sam Cooke never played the song live? What was the spooky coincidence?
6:47 Why is this song still important?
Now it's your turn. Find a song and tell your classmates an interesting story behind it. What do the lyrics mean? Why is it important? Is there anything surprising about this song? If you are having trouble, here are some ideas. These songs may surprise you:
Born in the USA – is this a patriotic song?
Love Yourself – Is this a love song?
I Don't Like Mondays – Is this the way all of us feel on Mondays?
See you soon!
