What does ‘The Fear’ tell us?

Does the media send us messages without many realising? Does the media inform the ‘norms’ of our society? I believe they do.

Alot of my students watch MTV and Video Hits. They are being bombarded with messages about what to value and what is important without even knowing it. The other day I was bopping along to Lily Allen’s song ‘the fear’ in the car. It wasn’t until a few days later when I heard the song again that I started paying attention to the lyrics. I was surprised to say the least. Check it out for yourself:

Watch the following video and and then read the lyrics.

 

Lily Allen – The Fear Lyrics

 I want to be rich and I want lots of money

I don`t care about clever I don`t care about funny
I want loads of clothes and truckloads of diamonds
I heard people die while they are trying to find them

I`ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
`Cuz everyone knows that`s how you get famous
I`ll look at the sun and I`ll look in the mirror
I`m on the right track yeah I`m on to a winner

 Chorus

I don`t know what`s right and what`s real anymore
I don`t know how I`m meant to feel anymore
When we think it will all become clear
`Cuz I`m being taken over by The Fear

Life`s about film stars and less about mothers
It`s all about fast cars and passing each other
But it doesn`t matter cause I`m packing plastic
and that`s what makes my life so very fantastic

And I am a weapon of massive consumption
and its not my fault it`s how I`m program to function
I`ll look at the sun and I`ll look in the mirror
I`m on the right track yeah I`m on to a winner

 Bridge

Forget about guns and forget ammunition
Cause I`m killing them all on my own little mission
Now I`m not a saint but I`m not a sinner
Now everything is cool as long as I`m getting thinner

 Chorus

I don`t know what`s right and what`s real anymore
I don`t know how I`m meant to feel anymore
When we think it will all become clear
`Cuz I`m being taken over by The Fear

 

interesting hey?

If you want a great classroom activity, get your students to answer the following 2 questions about the song. 

1)     Underline any lines that send a message or give us a picture of the culture of today.

2)     Indicate whether each underlined passage sends a positive or negative message.

Share your answers with the class.

I can guarantee a great discussion will develop and the students will be challenged to think about the messages they are being given through music.

Next time you are listening to the radio why not pay close attention to the lyrics, I know I will!