"I Am A Rock" Lyrics and Questions Due: 1/20-1/21

By Paul Simon

A winter's day
In a deep and dark December;
I am alone,
Gazing from my window to the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

I've built walls,
A fortress deep and mighty,
That none may penetrate.
I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

Don't talk of love,
But I've heard the words before;
It's sleeping in my memory.
I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died.
If I never loved I never would have cried.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

I have my books
And my poetry to protect me;
I am shielded in my armor,
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb.
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.

Questions:
Answer the following questions on another sheet of paper:
1. What is this song about?
2. What is the theme of this song?
3. What line(s) do you especiallyI like in this song?
4. Are there any examples of poetic devices in the lyrics of this song (alliteration, personification, simile, metaphor, rhyme, etc.)?

Your Favorite Lyrics- Follow these directions on another sheet of paper:
1. Find the lyrics to a song that you feel have a special meaning. Print them out and bring them to class.
2. What is the name of the song?
3. What is the name of the group? Album?
4. How would you describe this song?
5. What is the song about?
6. What is the theme?
7. Copy down your favorite lines and explain what they mean to you.