Find the correct word or phrase in the song to match the definitions.
Not containing any things or people
emptiness
Death, destruction or any very bad situation that cannot be avoided
doom
Describes the feeling when people lack confidence are uncertain about their own abilities and whether other people really like them. Feeling guilty or embarrassed about something that you have done or a quality in you character.
ashamed
Unable to think of speak clear because of fever, excitement or mental confusion
delirious
To have so much of a feeling that it affects everything you do
consumed
A game or toy in which you have to fit separate pieces together, of a problem or question which you have to answer by using your skill or knowledge
puzzle
What is the theme of the song? Does it have a message? Use PETAL (point, evidence, technique, analysis, link) to develop your answer.
The theme of the song is that everyone is beautiful in their own way, and that even though everyone has imperfections, these are what make us unique and special (“full of beautiful mistakes”). We are all important and should be valued the way we are, not be brought down by negative words and discouragement. She achieves this by using a simple repeated message (“you are beautiful”), but with a deeper meaning behind it. As a whole, the song could be interpreted as a personal song about her, but it has a more general message which is that you shouldn’t let others change who you are or discriminate against you.
Is the tone positive or negative? Use PETAL (point, evidence, technique, analysis, link) to develop your answer.
The song starts with her thinking negatively (“Now and then I get insecure from all the pain, I’m so ashamed”) but she gradually gets more positive throughout. At the beginning, she has a sense of panic (“it’s hard to breathe”), feels unsure of herself (“now and then I get insecure”) and is suffering (“from all the pain”). She also feels as if she is in the wrong (“I’m so ashamed”). However, as the song progresses, she gains more confidence and by the chorus she is putting things in perspective and realising that no-one should be able to change who she is (“don’t you bring me down today”). By the fifth verse, she has accepted that everyone has mistakes, but that is what makes us who we are. She also compares herself to music (“we’re the song inside the tune”), and she talks about how “the sun will always shine”, which looks forward to the future and is definitely more positive than the beginning. All in all, the tone of the song starts negative but ends on an uplifting, positive note.
What poetic features can you spot in this song? What effect do they have on the reader?
The structure of a pop song allows for lots of repetition, which is a powerful tool used to reinforce the central message that everyone is beautiful. When the chorus is repeated, the subject of it (I am beautiful, you are beautiful, we are beautiful) changes each time to give a universal message that is not just specific to her. She also uses images – the image of an “undone puzzle”, which is also a metaphor for how people are incomplete. Another metaphor used in the song, “we’re the song inside the tune” shows that everyone has a voice and an impact. As well as this, the author uses ideas of waking up in a bright future, which is an extended metaphor.
What do you think the most important characteristic is in a person and why?
I think that the most important characteristic in a person is to be kind and supportive to others, as well as being empathetic and respecting others’ opinions and views. This is because otherwise people would be selfish and self-centred.
Leo T 