Description
In this paired texts poetry analysis activity, students read and respond to the classic poem “To an Athlete Dying Young” by A. E. Housman before listening to and analyzing the song “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry, which carries a similar message. By examining both texts, students explore how poetry and music convey meaning in powerful and emotionally resonant ways.
After analyzing the poem, students shift to the song lyrics and consider how themes of mortality, legacy, and loss are expressed through a different medium. They then compare and contrast the poem and the song, strengthening their understanding of point of view, tone, mood, and theme across paired texts.
Adding music to the lesson helps make poetry more accessible and engaging for students, encouraging deeper discussion and personal connection while reinforcing close reading and analytical skills.
This resource includes the full text of the poem “To an Athlete Dying Young,” guided analysis questions for the poem, song analysis questions based on the lyrics of “If I Die Young,” and a compare-and-contrast question that asks students to examine how both texts address similar ideas. An editable copy of all questions is included for teacher flexibility, along with answer keys for every component.
Perfect for middle school and high school ELA, this poetry and music paired-text lesson blends literary analysis with modern relevance, helping students engage deeply with theme and author’s message.