JC
When Avicii died in 2018, we lost an artist capable of brightening the darkest day. We’re so grateful for the music he left behind. Uplifting and poignant, Avicii’s best tracks give us the best feeling and offer us the platform to be the best essay writers.
- MUSIC FOCUS: Avicii
- ACTIVITY FOCUS: Unseen Poetry (AQA GCSE)
Start today’s class by watching this tribute to the superstar DJ/humble songwriter:
TASK 1
Watch the ‘Hey Brother’ video and read the lyrics.
‘Hey Brother‘
Hey, brother, there’s an endless road to re-discover
Hey, sister, know the water’s sweet but blood is thicker
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
Hey, brother, do you still believe in one another?
Hey, sister, do you still believe in love, I wonder?
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
What if I’m far from home?
Oh, brother, I will hear you call
What if I lose it all?
Oh, sister, I will help you out!
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
Hey, brother, there’s an endless road to re-discover
Hey, sister, do you still believe in love, I wonder?
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
What if I’m far from home?
Oh, brother, I will hear you call
What if I lose it all?
Oh, sister, I will help you out!
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
TASK 2
You will be aiming to answer this question:
In ‘Hey Brother’, how does the poet presents the speaker’s feelings about family?
Come up with 2 main points you want to make in response to the above. Then, make a note of the 3 quotes you could use to support each of those points.
TASK 3
Turn your ideas and quotes into two fully-developed paragraphs. Make sure you’re identifying the techniques used in each quote and full explaining how those techniques help the poet to make the point you’re exploring.
TASK 4
Watch ‘The Nights’ video and read the lyrics.
‘The Nights’
Once upon a younger year
When all our shadows disappeared
The animals inside came out to play
Went face to face with all our fears
Learned our lessons through the tears
Made memories we knew would never fade
One day my father—he told me
“Son, don’t let it slip away”
He took me in his arms, I heard him say
“When you get older
Your wild heart will live for younger days
Think of me if ever you’re afraid”
He said, “One day you’ll leave this world behind
So, live a life you will remember”
My father told me when I was just a child
“These are the nights that never die”
My father told me
“When thunder clouds start pouring down
Light a fire they can’t put out
Carve your name into those shining stars”
He said, “Go venture far beyond the shores
Don’t forsake this life of yours
I’ll guide you home no matter where you are”
One day my father—he told me
“Son, don’t let it slip away”
When I was just a kid I heard him say
“When you get older
Your wild heart will live for younger days
Think of me if ever you’re afraid”
He said, “One day you’ll leave this world behind
So, live a life you will remember”
My father told me when I was just a child
“These are the nights that never die”
My father told me
“These are the nights that never die”
My father told me
My father told me
TASK 5
You will be aiming to answer this question:
In both ‘Hey Brother’ and ‘The Nights’, the speakers describe attitudes towards family members. What are the similarities/differences between the methods the writers use to present these attitudes?
Choose a quote from ‘Hey Brother’ and pair it with a quote from ‘The Nights’ – you should choose quotes that demonstrate either a similar attitude OR a completely different attitude. Then, do this again. You need two pairs.
TASK 6
Turn your ideas and quotes into two fully-developed paragraphs. Begin each paragraph by summing up what you’re going to show about the two quotes e.g. both show family to be important. Then zoom in on a technique used in each quote and explain how it has been used to emphasise your point.
Please do send your work in. I want to publish the most exciting answers and offer advice.
Watch the powerful Avicii documentary here.
Then develop your ability to link context and language analysis with Against The Current.