Blowin’ in the Wind (Bob Dylan) How many roads must a man walk down Before you call him a man? How many seas must a white dove sail Before she sleeps in the sand? Yes, how many times must the cannon balls fly Before they’re forever banned? The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind The answer is blowin’ in the wind. Yes, how many years can a mountain exist Before it’s washed to the sea? Yes, how many years can some people exist Before they’re allowed to be free? Yes, how many times can a man turn his head And pretend that he just doesn’t see? The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind The answer is blowin’ in the wind. Yes, how many times must a man look up Before he can see the sky? Yes, how many ears must one man have Before he can hear people cry? Yes, how many deaths will it take till he knows That too many people have died? The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind The answer is blowin’ in the wind. (© Text: Bob Dylan) First reactions a) Judging by the lyrics, which song did you like better, and why? b) Look back at task 1 on page 78. Which adjectives there best describe “Can’t hold us down” and “Blowin’ in the wind”? What other adjectives can you think of to describe the two songs? The message a) Have a close look at the lyrics again and underline the following aspects: • What is the basic message in each song? • Which song is more specific and which is more general? b) Can you relate to the songs’ messages? Why or why not? c) Discuss whether songs should offer solutions to problems or if “just” protesting is enough. “Can’t hold us down”: A closer look a) How does Christina Aguilera deal with the situation of many women around the world in her song? Find examples in the text and add the line numbers. 1. Some people think women should not say what’s on their mind. … am I not supposed to have an opinion (line 1) 2. Women shouldn’t . 3. Men act . 4. Men . b) What do you think? Take notes and present your ideas in a one-minute talk in class. • Do you know countries in which the situation for women/girls is as serious as described in the song? • If yes, what could be done to improve women’s rights? 3 4 5 Fact file Sexism In many cultures men and women are still not equal in their partnerships and in society. The belief that men are above women in the hierarchy or the other way round is called sexism. F 5 10 15 20 79 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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