Singing about Substances Assignment

Are individuals influenced by music? Are behaviors and attitudes altered based on listening preferences? Do artists condemn or condone substance use through music? Are we aware of the messages received through music? This exercise provides an opportunity to analyze the lyrics of popular music, regarding attitudes and influence.

Completing this assignment will allow you to demonstrate that you are able to:

• Identify different types of drugs per category
• Outline effects of different drugs
• Describe your opinion regarding the influence of music: the condemnation or glorification of use
• Organize and accurately present material, and
• Apply APA formatting within the text and for end-of-text references, when appropriate.

Choose a song that describes a drug, or the use of a drug, or a description of a drug. Do not make up a song; choose a published song. Use judgement; while we are all adults, steer away from purposefully graphic lyrics. Be aware that the drug indicated may not be spelled out for you. Many songs talk about substances and never use the actual name of the drug.

Use the following outline to discuss the song.

1. Name of the song, supply a copy of the lyrics.
2. Give the following information.

• What is the actual name of the substance?
• What are the nicknames?
• In which category (amphetamine, depressant, narcotic, hallucinogenic, etc) does the drug belong?
• Describe the effects of the drug.
• Is it legal?

1. How does the song glorify use or condemn it? Identify specific lines from the lyrics that support your argument (at least two).
2. With what feelings, behaviors, and thinking is the song connecting the substance? Identify specific lines from the lyrics that support your argument (at least two).
3. After doing this assignment, have your thoughts and feelings about the song changed? Explain in detail.

Please review the rubric for this assignment to ensure you earn full credit.

Rubric

Singing about Substances