This handout is a step by step guide to writing a song parody.

Steps include choosing a song, analyzing the song, writing your parody, and practicing it with a karaoke track.

The Great Parody Showcase Lesson Plan

Objective:
Students will learn to write and perform a parody song in the style of “Weird Al” Yankovic. They will analyze their chosen song for its syllable count, rhyme scheme, and form, then create new lyrics to fit the original melody. The final product will be performed or recorded using a YouTube karaoke background track.

Materials Needed:
1. Access to YouTube for karaoke tracks
2. Lyrics and audio of chosen songs
3. Handouts for syllable and rhyme analysis
4. Pencils/pens
5. Recording devices (optional)

Lesson Activities:

Introduction
Introduce the concept of parody songs, highlighting “Weird Al” Yankovic as a prominent example. Play a few examples of “Weird Al” parodies and discuss what makes them effective and entertaining.

Choosing and Analyzing a Song
Students will choose a song they want to parody. Distribute handouts for analyzing the song’s lyrics, focusing on the number of syllables per line, rhyme scheme, and overall form. Guide students through the process of breaking down the original lyrics, ensuring they understand how to match their new lyrics to the song’s structure.

Writing Parody Lyrics
Students will brainstorm ideas for their parody, choosing a new theme or story that fits the melody of their chosen song. Have students write new lyrics, ensuring they match the syllable count and rhyme scheme of the original. Encourage creativity and humor in their lyric writing.

Rehearsal and Performance
Students will practice singing their parody lyrics to the melody of the original song using YouTube karaoke background tracks. Facilitate a performance session where students can sing their parodies for the class. Optionally, students can record their performances using available recording devices.

Reflection:
Discuss the challenges and fun aspects of writing a parody song. Encourage students to reflect on how analyzing song structure and syllable count can enhance their songwriting skills.

National Core Arts Standards Alignment:
Creating (MU.1.5a): Students will generate musical ideas for various purposes and contexts.
Performing (MU.2.5a): Students will demonstrate the ability to read and perform music.
Responding (MU.1.5a): Students will perceive and analyze music.
Connecting (MU.0.5a): Students will synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make music.

Additional Tips and Tricks:

1. This is our first dive into song analysis. Even though this lesson is meant to be fun and light, there is so much value to getting students into analysis. We just call it listening and noticing what is happening.

2. Parody writing exposes students to a large range of comedic songwriting. This genere is not always school appropriate, but here are a few tracks that are school appropriate that might be worth exploring: Grocery Store – Kate Micucci, The Elements – Tom Lehrer, Craft Talk – Leslie Hall