Taylor Swift Lady Gaga Ed Sheeran Beyoncé

Song to Speech: The Prose Challenge

Activity Summary: Song to Speech

This activity challenges you to transform your favorite English song into a spoken prose piece or a short speech. The goal is to convey the song's story or emotion without singing, making its message clear and engaging for a listening audience.

How to Do It:

  1. Select a Song: Choose any English song you love.
  2. Understand the Lyrics: Make sure you grasp the meaning, story, and emotions of the song.
  3. Convert to Prose:
    • Rewrite the lyrics as if you were telling a story or giving a speech.
    • Add connecting words and sentences to create a smooth flow.
    • Rephrase song lines to sound natural when spoken.
    • Explain any metaphors, slang, or complex ideas from the song.
    • Expand on the song's emotions or narrative to make it more detailed.
  4. Prepare to Present: Practice speaking your transformed piece clearly and expressively.

Key: Focus on making the song's essence understandable and captivating as spoken word, not just a recited lyric sheet.

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It...

Welcome to an exciting oral activity where you'll get to share your favorite music in a completely new way!

Here's what you need to do:

The key is to make the song's message or story understandable and engaging as a spoken piece, not a sung one.

Examples: From Lyrics to Speech

Here are a few examples to get your creative juices flowing:

Example 1: "Imagine" by John Lennon

Original Lyrics (excerpt):

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today... Aha-ah...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace... You...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world... You...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Prose Transformation:

"I invite you to consider a world without the traditional concept of heaven. It might seem like a stretch, but it's possible if you truly try to envision it. In this world I'm describing, there's also no concept of hell beneath our feet. Instead, above us, there is simply the vast, open sky. Now, try to picture all of humanity, every single person, focusing their lives on the present moment, living fully for today. Yes, just think about that for a moment.

Let's take it a step further: imagine a world without national borders, without countries. This isn't as difficult to conceive as it might sound. In such a world, there would be no wars fought over territory, nothing that would compel people to kill or to die for a cause. And alongside that, picture a world without organized religion dividing us. Can you see it? All people, everyone, living their lives in a state of profound peace. It's a powerful thought.

Now, I understand that some of you might hear this and think I'm just a dreamer, lost in unrealistic fantasies. But I assure you, I'm not alone in these thoughts. There are many who share this vision. And my deepest hope is that one day, you too will join us in this aspiration. If that happens, the entire world could truly become a unified, harmonious whole.

Consider this as well: imagine a world where there are no personal possessions. I know this is a challenging concept, but I wonder if you can entertain the idea. In this scenario, there would be no driving force for greed, and consequently, no suffering from hunger. Instead, humanity would exist as a true brotherhood, a global family. Picture it: all people across the globe, sharing all the resources of the world. It's a beautiful image.

Again, you might call me a dreamer. But I want to reiterate that I am not the only one who holds these beliefs. My sincere hope is that someday, you will come to share this vision with us. And when that day comes, the world will finally live as one, united and at peace."

Example 2: "Yesterday" by The Beatles

Original Lyrics (excerpt):

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be
There's a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.

Why she had to go, I don't know, she wouldn't say
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Why she had to go, I don't know, she wouldn't say
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Prose Transformation:

"It feels like only a short time ago, just yesterday, that all my worries and problems seemed distant and insignificant. But things have changed dramatically. Now, it appears these troubles have become a permanent part of my life, and they're here to stay. Oh, how I long for that past, for the way things were. I truly believe in that time, in 'yesterday.'

Then, all of a sudden, everything changed. I feel like I've diminished, like I'm not the person I once was. A dark cloud, a shadow, seems to be constantly hanging over me, affecting everything. It's as if that 'yesterday,' that time of peace, was abruptly taken away.

The reason she left, why she had to go, remains a mystery to me. She never explained it, never said a word. I can only assume I must have said something wrong, something that hurt her. And now, all I can do is yearn for that time before, for 'yesterday.'

Back then, in what feels like just yesterday, love felt so simple, like an effortless game we played. But now, the situation is so different. I feel the need to retreat, to find a place where I can hide away from the pain. Oh, I truly do believe in the solace and simplicity of 'yesterday.'

I still don't understand why she had to leave. She wouldn't give me a reason. I keep replaying things in my mind, thinking I must have said something that I shouldn't have, and now all I feel is this deep longing for how things used to be, for 'yesterday.'

It's hard to forget how easy love felt back then, like a game we both enjoyed. Now, I just want to disappear, to find some refuge. My belief in that past, in 'yesterday,' is all I have left to hold onto."

Example 3: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen (excerpt)

Original Lyrics (excerpt):

Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide,
No escape from reality.
Open your eyes,
Look up to the skies and see,
I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy,
Because I'm easy come, easy go,
Little high, little low,
Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me, to me.

Mama, just killed a man,
Put a gun against his head,
Pulled my trigger, now he's dead.
Mama, life had just begun,
But now I've gone and thrown it all away.
Mama, ooh,
Didn't mean to make you cry,
If I'm not back again this time tomorrow,
Carry on, carry on as if nothing really matters.

Too late, my time has come,
Sends shivers down my spine,
Body's aching all the time.
Goodbye, everybody, I've got to go,
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth.
Mama, ooh (any way the wind blows),
I don't wanna die,
I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all.

I see a little silhouetto of a man,
Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?
Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me.
(Galileo) Galileo, (Galileo) Galileo, Galileo Figaro magnifico.
I'm just a poor boy, nobody loves me.
He's just a poor boy from a poor family,
Spare him his life from this monstrosity.
Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?
Bismillah! No, we will not let you go. (Let him go!)
Bismillah! We will not let you go. (Let him go!)
Bismillah! We will not let you go. (Let me go!)
Will not let you go. (Let me go!)
Never, never, never, never let me go!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Oh, mama mia, mama mia (Mama mia, let me go.)
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me!

So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye?
So you think you can love me and leave me to die?
Oh, baby, can't do this to me, baby,
Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here.

(Ooh, yeah, ooh, yeah)
Nothing really matters,
Anyone can see,
Nothing really matters,
Nothing really matters to me.

Any way the wind blows.

Prose Transformation:

"I find myself in a state of profound confusion, questioning the very nature of my existence. Is what I'm experiencing genuinely real, or is it merely a figment of my imagination, some elaborate fantasy? I feel utterly overwhelmed, as if I've been caught in a powerful landslide, with absolutely no way to break free from the harsh, unyielding truths of reality. I urge you to open your eyes, to look towards the heavens and truly see. You'll see that I'm just an ordinary, perhaps unfortunate, young man. I'm not looking for pity or sympathy, because my life has always been one of transient experiences – things come easily, and they go just as easily. I experience emotional highs, and I experience emotional lows. Ultimately, whatever direction life takes me, whichever way the wind blows, it doesn't hold any significant importance for me.

Mother, I have something terrible to confess: I've just taken a man's life. I held a gun to his head, I pulled the trigger, and now he is no longer alive. Mother, it feels like my own life had only just started, full of potential, but with this act, I've thrown it all away, squandered everything. Oh, Mother, it was never my intention to cause you such pain, to make you cry. If I don't return by this time tomorrow, I need you to continue with your life, to carry on as if none of this, as if my fate, truly matters.

It feels as though my time is up, that it's too late for me now. A chilling sensation runs down my spine, and my body is constantly in pain. So, goodbye to everyone. I have to leave now. I must leave all of you behind and confront the consequences, face the undeniable truth of what I've done. Mother... oh... regardless of what happens, I truly don't want to die. There are moments when I wish I had never been born into this world at all.

My mind is racing, and I see a faint outline, a silhouette of a man. Who is this figure? Scaramouche, the clownish character, are you there? Will you perform the Fandango, that lively Spanish dance, for me? The atmosphere is charged, like a storm with thunderbolts and lightning, and it's incredibly frightening. Then I hear voices, calling out 'Galileo,' the great astronomer, as if seeking wisdom or intervention. 'Galileo Figaro,' they cry, 'magnifico!' a grand pronouncement. But amidst this chaos, I feel like just a poor boy, unloved by anyone. Others seem to echo this, seeing me as just a poor boy from a disadvantaged family, pleading to spare him from this monstrous fate, this terrible situation. They say, 'He's easy come, easy go,' so will you release me? But a powerful voice, perhaps invoking God by saying 'Bismillah!', declares, 'No, we will not let you go!' The plea 'Let him go!' is repeated, but the refusal is firm: 'We will not let you go!' This continues, a battle of wills, 'Let me go!' versus 'Will not let you go!' until the definitive 'Never, never, never, never let me go!' rings out. 'No, no, no, no, no, no, no.' Oh, my dear mother, Mama mia, let me go! It feels as though Beelzebub, the devil himself, has reserved a special place in hell just for me, for me, for me!

So, after all this, do you really think you can condemn me, stone me, and show me such contempt by spitting in my eye? Do you believe you can claim to love me and then abandon me to die? Oh, my love, you can't possibly do this to me. I simply have to escape this, I must get out of this situation right now.

In the end, perhaps nothing truly holds any ultimate significance. Anyone can observe this. Nothing really matters. For me, at least, nothing really matters. Whatever happens, whichever way the wind blows, it will be."

Guess the Rap Song!

Ready for another challenge? Below are descriptions of some famous rap songs, written in simpler English (around B1 level). Can you guess the song title and the artist for each one? Type your guesses and then click 'Show Answer' to see if you're right!

Challenge 1

"Imagine you're facing a very important moment, maybe the only one you'll get to achieve your dream. You're incredibly nervous; your hands are sweaty, your knees feel weak, and your arms are heavy. You might even feel sick, like you've just eaten your mom's spaghetti and it's coming back up. You're on stage, the spotlight is on you, but your mind goes blank and you can't remember the words you're supposed to say. Everyone is watching, and you feel like you've failed. The chance is gone, time is up, and suddenly you're back to your ordinary, difficult life, the reality of living in a trailer park.

But then, you realize you have to lose yourself in the music, in this very moment. You own it, and you must never let it go. You only get one shot, one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted. Don't miss your chance to make it happen, because opportunities like this rarely come a second time.

Your soul feels like it's trying to escape through your body. This opportunity is right there for you to take. Life can feel like a game, and the rules can change. But staying in your normal, everyday life feels boring and unfulfilling. You dream of traveling, performing for crowds everywhere. You know life has been hard; maybe you grew up without a father, and things weren't easy. But you're determined not to be stuck. You're changing, you're evolving. No more games, you're taking this seriously.

So again, you must lose yourself in the music, in the moment. This is your one shot. Don't let it pass you by.

You can't keep playing around like this. Giving up is not an option. You have to stay focused, grab this moment, and hold onto it. This is your life, and success is the only path you see. Failure is not something you can accept. You tell your mom you love her, but you know you have to leave this difficult life behind; this trailer has to go. This is your chance. You have to take it. You can achieve anything if you really put your mind to it."

Challenge 2

"It feels like many people I know have spent most of their lives in a difficult and dangerous environment, what you might call a 'gangsta's paradise.' As I walk through my neighborhood, it's like I'm in a very dangerous place, often thinking about death. I look at my own life and realize that maybe there isn't much future for me because I've been involved in negative activities for so long. Even my mother worries that I've lost my way. But I believe I've only ever confronted people who deserved it. If someone disrespects me, they should know that's not something I tolerate. People need to be careful what they say and where they go, or they and their friends could end up in serious trouble, possibly dead. I don't like to cause problems, but sometimes I have to. When things get violent, I see myself in the middle of it all. I'm the kind of person younger people in my neighborhood look up to, even though my life is hard. At night, you might find me praying on the street.

Yes, most of us have spent our lives in this 'gangsta's paradise.'

The situation I'm in, the life I face, it's tough. I can't live a normal life because the streets raised me. So, I have to stay loyal to my group, my team from the neighborhood. Watching too much TV has given me unrealistic dreams. I might have some education, but my main focus is on making money. I'm always prepared for trouble, and I have a determined look. I'm a serious person involved in gang life, and I'm ready to defend my territory. My friends are loyal too, so it's best not to make me angry. Death always feels very close, just a heartbeat away. I live my life with a 'do or die' attitude. What else can I say? I'm twenty-three years old now, but with the way things are going, I honestly don't know if I'll even live to see twenty-four.

It's a constant cycle here in this 'gangsta's paradise.'

Why is it that we often don't see that the people we harm are ultimately ourselves and our own community? It's all about power and money. Money brings power, and power helps get more money. This goes on endlessly, minute after minute, hour after hour. Everyone seems to be rushing around, but many don't even know what they're chasing. There are things happening behind the scenes, secret activities, but I don't always know the details. People tell me I need to learn and change, but there's no one around to teach me or guide me. If they can't understand my situation, how can they help me? I suppose they can't, or maybe they won't. Maybe they're just pretending. That's why I feel like my life is just unlucky."

Challenge 3

"You remember how you used to call me on your cell phone? It was often late at night, whenever you felt you needed my love and affection. You'd call me on your cell phone, and when I heard that special ring, that 'hotline bling,' I knew it could only mean one thing: it was you, wanting to connect.

Ever since I moved away from the city, things have changed. I hear you've developed a bit of a reputation for yourself now. It seems like everyone knows about your new lifestyle, and honestly, it makes me feel a bit left out. It has me feeling down and quite stressed out. Because, since I left, I've heard you've started wearing more revealing clothes and going out a lot more often. People see you with glasses of champagne, out on the dance floor, and you're often hanging out with a group of girls I don't recognize, friends I've never seen before.

And you still used to call me on your cell phone late at night when you needed my love. I always knew that when my hotline was ringing, it could only be you.

Since I left the city, it feels like you've changed so much. It's like it's your group of friends against me and my memories of us. Are we just wasting our time thinking about what we had? It seems like you got exactly what you wanted, perhaps more freedom or a different kind of life. You're traveling so much, it's like you're running out of pages in your passport. And you're still seen with those girls I've never met.

These days, all I do is wonder about you. I wonder if you're doing special things for someone else now, the kind of things you used to do for me. Are you sharing intimate moments with another person, doing those things I taught you, for someone new? You used to tell me you didn't need anyone else, no one at all. So why are you never alone these days? Why are you always out and about, 'touching road' as they say? You used to be someone who would always stay at home; you were such a good girl, focused and in your own world. I wish you would just be yourself, because right now, it feels like you're trying to be someone else entirely.

But I still remember, you used to call me on your cell phone, late at night, when you needed my love. And I knew, when that hotline would bling, it could only mean one thing: it was you."

Challenge 4

"I really need you to be here with me, right now. There's a famous saying: 'That which doesn't kill me can only make me stronger.' I truly believe that. I need you to hurry up, because I can't wait much longer for things to happen. I know I have to get things right at this moment, because I feel like I can't afford to make many more mistakes. I've been waiting for this for such a long time; that's how long I've been focused on this goal.

Let's escape tonight. You could be like my muse, my inspiration. Let's imagine you're the secretary and I'm the boss for tonight. I know you don't care what other people say, right? That's fantastic. You have such incredible style, like something from a high-fashion designer. They just don't make people like you anymore. It makes me wonder, does anyone create anything truly real and authentic these days? People should recognize when they're in the presence of something great. Sometimes it feels like genuine greatness has abandoned us. You should actually feel honored that I'm even a little late, that I bothered to show up to some of these superficial events.

Because, remember, whatever doesn't kill me only makes me stronger. So, please hurry, I can't wait much longer. I have to be right, I can't be much more wrong. I've been waiting all night for this, that's how dedicated I've been. To achieve this, I have to work it harder, make it better, do it faster – all of this makes us stronger. More than ever before, hour after hour, the work is never truly over.

I need you with me right now. I don't care what anyone else says; I'm just going to be myself. When I'm focused and in my zone, everyone else needs to get out of my way. This is my special moment, and nothing is going to stop me. You should know how long I've been pursuing this, for a very long time – since way back when Prince was with Apollonia, since O.J. Simpson was famous for wearing Isotoner gloves. So don't act like I never told you about my determination.

Whatever challenges I face, they will only make me stronger. I need you to act quickly because my patience is running out. I am committed to getting things right because I can't afford more errors. I've been anticipating this for the entire night; that's the extent of my focus on you and my goals. The key is to constantly improve: work harder, make things better, do them faster. This process strengthens us. More than ever, this effort is continuous, hour after hour; the work never really ends."

Challenge 5

"Go on, girl, it's your special day, like it's your birthday! We're going to celebrate and party hard, just as if it really is your birthday. We might even have some drinks, like Bacardi, to celebrate. And you should know, we're here to have fun, so it doesn't even matter if it's not actually your birthday!

If you're looking for me, you can find me in the club. I'll have a bottle full of champagne, or 'bub.' Hey there, beautiful lady, if you're interested in party drugs, I have some. Personally, I'm more interested in physical connections than deep emotional love. So, come over and give me a hug if you're looking for some close dancing and affection.

When I arrive at the club, you'll see my expensive Mercedes-Benz with big, fancy wheels. When I come with my crew, there are usually about twenty of us together. Since people heard I'm working with Dr. Dre, many now want to show me respect and admiration. When you sell as many records as Eminem, you get awards and recognition, like gold and platinum plaques sent to you in the mail. I aim to be a unique and respected figure in music, free from being taken advantage of. If you watch how I carry myself, you might think I'm a smooth operator or a pimp. I've been through some dangerous situations, even been shot a few times, but I still walk strong, without a limp. In my old neighborhood, and even in places like Los Angeles, people are saying, '50, you're really popular and doing great.' They like me now, but I want them to admire me as much as they admired Tupac Shakur. However, if you ask about me in New York, they'll tell you I'm a bit crazy. My main plan is to dominate the rap music industry. I'm completely focused, man, and my mind is always on making money. I made a million dollars from my record deal, and I'm still working hard, always hustling. Just now, a young lady told me she likes my style and the way I rap. Her girlfriend is also interested, and they both seem ready for a good time.

So, you know where to find me – in the club, with a bottle of champagne. If you're into drugs, I have some. I'm looking for fun, not a serious relationship. Come give me a hug if you want to get close.

My unique way of rapping and my performances have brought me a lot of money. That money has bought me all my nice things: my big house, my expensive cars, my swimming pools, and my jewelry. Look, man, I've become very successful, and I haven't changed who I am at my core. You should appreciate that much more than you dislike it. Are you angry about my success? I thought you'd be happy that I made it. I'm that guy you see at the bar, raising a glass to celebrate the good life. You might be one of those jealous people trying to bring me down, right? When my music starts playing loud in the club, the party really gets going. If I make eye contact with your girlfriend and she smiles back, she's probably going to leave with me. Even if things get chaotic, like the 'roof is on fire,' we'll just let it burn – we're here to party. If you're talking about money problems, friend, that's not something I worry about. I'll tell you what my friend Lloyd Banks told me: go ahead and change up your style if you want. If people hate on you, let them hate, and just watch your money keep growing. Or, if someone causes trouble, we're prepared to deal with it, maybe even hit them over the head with a champagne bottle. Everyone knows where we are.

Don't pretend you don't know where we are, man. We're always in the club. It's always exciting. G-Unit!"

Challenge 6

"When I go to the club, it's not the best place to find someone to love. So, I usually go to the bar with my friends. We drink slowly and then we talk. After a little while, you come over and start a conversation with me. I trust my feelings, and I give you a chance.

My hands start to move to the music, and you put Van Morrison's song on the jukebox. We start to dance. You are singing along with the song. Now I am singing too, and you are laughing. I ask you, 'Do you want to come outside with me for a bit?' We can walk and talk.

Then we are sitting in the back of a taxi. I kiss you. The driver is playing music on the radio, and it feels good.

You know, I am really liking the shape of your body. You and I, we fit together well, like when you push and pull a magnet. My heart is falling for you too, even though my body is also very attracted to you. Last night, you were in my room, and now my bedsheets smell like you. Every day, we discover something new and wonderful. I am so in love with your body.

Oh, I, I, I, I'm in love with your body. Oh, I, I, I, I'm in love with your body. Oh, I, I, I, I'm in love with your body. Every day, we discover something new. I am so in love with the shape of you.

One week later, we are on our first date. We are eating at a restaurant. We eat a lot – it’s cheap but good. We talk for hours and hours about sweet and sour things, and how your family is doing. Then we leave and walk along the street, holding hands. We walk so much that we get tired, so we take a taxi home.

I am still really liking the shape of your body. You and I, we are like two parts of a magnet that pull towards each other. My heart is really falling for you, just like my body is attracted to you. I remember last night you were in my room, and now my bed still smells like you. Every day, we find out new things about each other. I am so in love with your body.

Oh, I, I, I, I'm in love with your body. Oh, I, I, I, I'm in love with your body. Oh, I, I, I, I'm in love with your body. Every day, we discover something new. I am so in love with the shape of you.

Come on, my baby, come on. Let’s follow my lead. Come on, my baby, come on.

I am in love with your body. I really like your body. I want your body. It’s something I really, really want. I am in love with your body. And I am in love with the shape of you."