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Lesson plan; “Another Day In Paradise” by Phil Collins

Ann S. Michaelsen
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Grade Level: Middle or High School
Subject Area: Social Studies/English/Arts Integration
Objective:
Students will explore the theme of homelessness through Phil Collins’ song “Another Day in Paradise,” analyzing its literary devices, social message, and controversies while connecting the song’s themes to broader real-world issues.

1. Introduction to the Theme

 

  1. 2. Listening and Lyric Analysis

    • Activity 1: First Listening: Distribute copies of the song’s lyrics. Play the original studio version or a live recording. Ask students to underline or highlight words and phrases that evoke emotion or create imagery.
      • Guiding Question: What emotions does the song evoke? How do the lyrics reflect the woman’s situation?
    • Activity 2: Literary Device Hunt: Divide students into small groups. Assign each group a literary device (e.g., metaphor, repetition, symbolism, imagery) and ask them to identify examples in the song.
      • Examples for Discussion:
        • Imagery: “It’s cold and I’ve nowhere to sleep.”
        • Repetition: The chorus (“It’s just another day for you and me in paradise”) reinforces irony and indifference.
        • Symbolism: Objects like the cardboard box symbolize poverty and survival.
      • Follow-Up Question: How do these devices enhance the song’s message?
    • Activity 3: Second Listening: Play the song again. This time, ask students to reflect on how the music (melody, tone, tempo) complements the lyrics.

    3. Discussion: Controversies and Criticisms

    • Context: Explain that while the song was widely praised, it also faced criticism for being hypocritical or simplistic.
    • Group Discussion Activity:
      • Introduce the controversy:
        • The song “Another Day in Paradise” by Phil Collins was criticized for being hypocritical and insensitive to the problem of homelessness.
        • Critics argued that Collins was exploiting the issue for commercial gain and was out of touch with the reality of poverty.
        • Others felt the song was too preachy and simplistic in its portrayal of homelessness.
      • Share Collins’ response:
        • He stated that he was not trying to be a spokesperson for the homeless but aimed to raise awareness and empathy for their plight.
        • Collins revealed that he was inspired by seeing a homeless woman outside a recording studio and feeling guilty for ignoring her.
        • He defended the song as honest and sincere, not motivated by commercial success.
      • Discussion Questions:
        • Do you think Collins’ intentions were genuine or commercial? Why?
        • Is it fair to criticize someone for raising awareness if they’re not actively solving the problem?
        • Can art and music inspire meaningful change in society?
    • Debrief: Bring groups together for a whole-class discussion. Encourage students to articulate their views while respecting differing perspectives.

    4. Research and Reading on Homelessness

    • Assign students to read one or more of the suggested articles to deepen their understanding of homelessness:
      • Homelessness Monitor 2022 by Crisis UK.
      • Homelessness set to soar in England amid cost of living crisis (The Guardian).
      • Government statistics on homelessness from GOV.UK.
      • Homelessness in England rises by 165% in the past decade (The Guardian).
    • Follow-Up Activity: Ask students to summarize key findings from their assigned reading and present them to the class.

    5. Essay Questions

    Choose one of the following topics or allow students to propose their own:

    1. How does Phil Collins use music and lyrics to convey his message about homelessness and poverty?
    2. What are some causes and effects of homelessness in your country or globally?
    3. What are some actions that individuals, organizations, or governments can take to address homelessness and poverty?
    4. Do you believe that music can effectively bring awareness to social issues? Why or why not?

    6. Creative Extension Options

    Optional Activities to Enhance Engagement

    • Song Rewrite: Ask students to rewrite the lyrics from the perspective of the homeless woman or another character affected by poverty.
    • Visual Art: Create a collage or digital art piece inspired by the themes of the song.
    • PSA Creation: Develop a short video or poster campaign raising awareness about homelessness.

    7. Reflection and Closing Discussion

    • Discuss:
      • What did you learn about homelessness through this lesson?
      • How does this song challenge us to think differently about social issues?
    • Encourage students to share personal takeaways or ideas for taking action, such as volunteering or supporting local initiatives.

    Learning Outcomes:

    By the end of this lesson, students will:

    1. Analyze the literary devices and musical elements of “Another Day in Paradise.”
    2. Understand the complexities of homelessness and its portrayal in media and art.
    3. Form and articulate opinions on the effectiveness of music as a tool for social change.
    4. Develop critical thinking skills through discussion, research, and writing

Further reading

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