Literary Elements in Songs

Simile Definition: A comparison using like or as “Dark Horse” by Katy Perry What is she comparing in this part of the song?

Metaphor Definition: A comparison not using like or as “Down” by Jay Sean What are some things being compared in this

song?

Allusion Definition: A reference or mention of something else “Where is the Love” by Black Eyed Peas List allusions heard in this song.

Personification Definition: Giving human characteristics to something that is

not living “Thriller” by Michael Jackson What is being personified in this song?

Hyperbole Definition: An exaggeration “Grenade” by Bruno Mars What examples are there of hyperbole in this

song?

Onomatopoeia Definition: A word imitating a sound “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj What are the sound words she uses in this part of the

song?

Irony Definition: When something is the opposite of what you

would expect “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon What is ironic about this song?

“She’s like a song played again and again”

“Replay” by Sean Kingston

Simile

“Tick! Tock! on the clockbut the party don’t stop”

“Tik Tok” by Ke$ha

Onomatopoeia

“But you put on quite a showReally had me goin‘

But now it's time to goCurtain's finally closin'That was quite a show

Very entertainin'But it's over now

Go on and take a bow”“Take a Bow”by Rihanna

Metaphor

“You would not believe your eyesIf ten million fireflies

Lit up the world as I fell asleep”

“Fireflies”by Owl City

Hyperbole

“I’m not going to write you a love song,

Because you asked for one Because you need one”

“Love Song”by Sara Bareilles

Irony

“That you were RomeoYou were throwing pebbles

And my daddy said Stay away from Juliet”

“Love Story”by Taylor Swift

Allusion/Metaphor

“Cause you know I’d walk A thousand miles

If I could just see youTonight”

“A Thousand Miles”by Vanessa Carlton

Hyperbole

“You are the thunder, and I am the

lightning”

“Naturally” by Selena Gomez

Metaphor

“I need you like a heart needs a beat”

“Apologize” by One Republic ft. Timbaland

Simile