Getting graded for analyzing music? Amazing

Normally, when students get bored in class, they draw pictures. Send notes. Write their name over and over again. Sketch an image of the teacher.

But I always write lyrics.

It's not uncommon for me to stumble upon old notebooks and see the pages across from my class notes filled with lines from songs. I enjoy it; it's kind of funny to see what I was listening to at the time.

Which brings me to this blog. When I was assigned to start one for my online journalism class, I knew I wanted to write about music, but I wanted to put a spin on it. Then it occurred to me-- why don't I write about lyrics?

In addition to scribbling lyrics of songs in notebooks, analyzing lyrics is a somewhat guilty pleasure of mine. For me, music isn't just about the words. It's about the meaning of the words. I have literally stopped in my path while walking on the University of Maryland campus, iPod in hand, when I hear a particularly striking verse. Maybe it's because I'm a journalism major, and have a unique appreciation for the sound and tone and structure of words.

Once (or more) a week, I will be analyzing the lyrics of various songs, including information about the artist or genres, and also tie it to current events. I'll be honest- it seems pretty exciting to be getting graded on something I would usually do for fun.

(List of key words and phrases I will use: amazing song, inspiring lyrics, country music, pop music, rock music, up and coming artist)