Filed under: ESL teaching
Koreans do seem to like Michael Jackson, even if his appearance in the later years may be incomprehensible to them.
I’ve decided to try this song with my advanced middle schoolers, who seem more interested in really understanding a song (as opposed to merely singing it). This is a great song about taking responsibility for one’s self and recognizing that you mustn’t be ‘blind’ to the need all around us. It’s a great message and very catchy. Playing the video first is also a must.
Lyrics:
Gotta make a change
For once in my life
It’s gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right
As I turned up the collar on
A favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin’ my mind
I see the kids in the street
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind
Pretending not to see their needs
A summer’s disregard
A broken bottle top
And a one man’s soul
They follow each other
On the wind ya’ know
‘Cause they got nowhere to go
That’s why I want you to know
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change, yey
Na na na, na na na, na na na na oh ho
I’ve been a victim of
A selfish kinda love
It’s time that I realize
There are some with no home
Not a nickel to loan
Could it be really pretending that they’re not alone
A willow deeply scarred
Somebody’s broken heart
And a washed out dream
(Washed out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind ya’ see
‘Cause they got no place to be
That’s why I’m starting with me….
Questions to pose in class:
1. Who is the Man in the Mirror?
2. The singer says “I’m starting with the Man in the Mirror”. What does it mean to ‘start with’? What is the meaning of this sentence?
3. What does it mean to “change [your] ways”? What kind of “change” does the singer want to make in his life?
4. What kind of change would you like to make to your life?
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