Reflection 2: You Poor Thing⁠—Songs for the Down and Out

For such a bleak subject, impoverishment is a surprisingly common theme for singers and songwriters. Perhaps the topic is so broadly relatable because most of us, at one time or another, have experienced financial stress. For their part, artists have harvested all aspects of monetary destitution for their songs, from desperation to denial to hope. For this reflection, you will examine, in depth, the lyrics of three iconic songs about being poor. 

Choose three of the songs from the set of your birthday month to write about:

January - March:

1. Phil Collins, "Another Day in a Paradise"
2. Tom Jones, "I Who Have Nothing"
3. Arrested Development, "Mr. Wendal"
4. Anaïs Mitchell, "Wedding Song"
5. Sade, "Jezebel"
6. Pet Shop Boys, "Rent"
   

April - June:

1. Loretta Lynn, "Coal Miner's Daughter" 
2. Bruce Hornsby and The Range, "That's the Way It Is"
3. Crystal Waters, “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)
4. ABBA, "Money, Money"
5. Dolly Parton, "Coat of Many Colors"
6. Donna Summer, "She Works Hard for the Money"
   

July - September:

1. Stevie Wonder, "Living for the City"
2. Merle Haggard, "If We Make it Through December"
3. Loggins & Messina, "Danny's Song"
4. Billy Joel, "Allentown" 
5. Tennessee Ernie Ford, "Sixteen Tons" 
6. Everlast, "What it's Like" 

October - December:

1. "It's the Hard Knock Life" from Annie 
2. Lorde, "Royals" 
3. Tracy Chapman, "Fast Car" 
4. Bobby Gentry, "Fancy"
5. Simply Red, "Money's Too Tight (to Mention)"
6. Los Lobos, "Angels with Dirty Faces"
   

Notes:

1. You will be responsible for sourcing the lyrics for your songs. It is recommended you find more than one source per song as online lyrics are notoriously inaccurate. Additionally, you should credit the lyricist—which may or may not be the singer—for the words. 
2. When quoting lyrics, use this form: "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"  
   
3. Some songs may be NSFW.
   

Required:

• 1.5-2 pages in length
  
• MLA Style

Due: Thu 9.9-Tue 9.14 (via Canvas)