Super Bowl Halftime Performance: Kendrick Lamar Lyric

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learning experiences for all students.

This lesson plan focuses on the Super Bowl Halftime Performance by Kendrick
Lamar, providing clean, school-appropriate lyrics and reflection questions that
encourage students to explore themes of perseverance, resilience,
self-reflection, and community.

What’s Inside:

●​ Clean versions of lyrics from Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance:

○​ Man at the Garden
○​ DNA
○​ HUMBLE.
●​ Reflection Questions and Classroom Discussion Prompts
●​ Creative Activities to Foster Critical Thinking and Connection
●​ Alignment with 21st Century Skills and Core Standards

For More Information:

Visit Kind Academy at www.kindacademy.org to explore more resources and

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Lesson Plan: Analyzing Symbolism and Figurative Language in Kendrick
Lamar’s Halftime Performance

Grade Level: 10+​

Subject: English Language Arts​
Duration: 60–90 minutes​
Theme: Music as Literature – Symbolism, Figurative Language, and Social Commentary

Objective:

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1.​ Understand how symbolism is used in Kendrick Lamar’s performance to convey deeper
meanings.
2.​ Identify and analyze examples of figurative language in lyrics.
3.​ Think critically about the cultural significance of the performance.
4.​ Apply their understanding by creating their own symbolic expressions.

Materials Needed:

●​ Video of Kendrick Lamar’s performances (or key excerpts)

●​ Annotated handout with selected lyrics (with highlighted examples of figurative language
and symbolism)
●​ Figurative language chart (metaphor, simile, symbolism, repetition, personification, etc.)
●​ Journal or writing paper
Lesson Breakdown:

1. Introduction to Symbolism (10 Minutes)

Mini-Lesson: What is Symbolism?​

Explain that symbolism is when an object, person, or action represents something deeper than
its literal meaning.

●​ Example 1: The American flag symbolizes freedom and patriotism.

●​ Example 2: A rose can symbolize love or beauty.

Ask the class:

●​ “What are some symbols you’ve noticed in everyday life? In music? Movies?”

2. Watch the Performance (15 Minutes)

Set the Context:

●​ Kendrick Lamar is known for weaving powerful messages about identity, struggle, and
resilience into his performances.
●​ Ask students to pay attention to repeated images, objects, and lyrics.

Viewing Questions:

●​ What objects, colors, or images stand out?

●​ How do they contribute to the message of the performance?

3. Teaching Symbolism and Figurative Language in the Performance (15 Minutes)

Break it Down:​
Use guided instruction to analyze key parts of the performance and lyrics.

Examples of symbolism in Kendrick’s work:

1.​ Symbolism of Red, White, and Blue – Represents America

2.​ Black Hoodie or Military Formation – Unity, resistance, and strength in the face of
systemic challenges.
3.​ “I deserve it all” – A repeated mantra. It’s a declaration of personal value and
confidence—a way to reclaim one’s identity and remind oneself that abundance and
success are deserved.

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Group Work:​
In pairs, students use the handout to find other examples of figurative language and symbols.

4. Class Discussion: Critical Thinking and Meaning (20 Minutes)

Guiding Questions:

●​ What is Kendrick trying to say in this performance?

●​ How does the use of symbolism help convey this message?
●​ Why might Kendrick Lamar repeat the phrase “We gon’ be alright” several times? How
does it make the listener feel?

Teacher-Led Insight:​
Explain how artists like Kendrick use symbols and lyrics to connect with real-life struggles and
triumphs. Help students make connections to current events, personal experiences, and
broader cultural themes.

5. Creative Application (20 Minutes)

Activity: Create Your Own Symbolic Poem or Visual Art

●​ Option 1: Write a short poem using figurative language and symbolism to express a
personal challenge or message of hope.
●​ Option 2: Create a visual symbol that represents a theme in the performance (e.g.,
freedom, identity, resilience) and explain its meaning in a brief paragraph.

Wrap-Up Discussion (5–10 Minutes):

Ask students to share their poems or visual symbols.​

Reflection Prompt: "How does symbolism make art and music more powerful?"

Homework (Optional Extension Activity):

●​ Research another performance or song that uses symbolism and write a short paragraph
about its meaning.

​
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Assessment:

●​ Participation in class discussion and group work.

●​ Accuracy and creativity in identifying symbolism and figurative language.
●​ Creative project (poem or visual art) with an explanation of symbolism.

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 Worksheet

Figurative Language and Symbolism in

Kendrick Lamar’s Performances
Name: __________________________​
Date: __________________________

Section 1: Figurative Language Reference Guide

Literary Devices and Examples

1.​ Metaphor – A figure of speech that describes an object or action as something it is not
to imply a deeper meaning.
○​ Example: “I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA” (Metaphor for strength and
heritage)
2.​ Simile – A comparison using "like" or "as."
○​ Example: “Shine bright like a diamond” (Simile for brilliance and beauty)
3.​ Symbolism – The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
○​ Example: Chains representing oppression or freedom
4.​ Personification – Giving human traits to non-human things.
○​ Example: “The wind whispered through the trees”
5.​ Repetition – Repeating a word or phrase for emphasis or effect.
○​ Example: “We gon’ be alright” (Repetition for hope and resilience)
6.​ Alliteration – The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words.
○​ Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”
7.​ Hyperbole – An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.
○​ Example: “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse”
8.​ Imagery – Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch,
taste).
○​ Example: “The golden sun kissed the horizon”

Section 2: Lyric Analysis Worksheet

Instructions: Watch the performance and read the selected lyrics from his Kendrick’s other
works. Use this section to identify and analyze figurative language and symbolism.
Lyrics Analysis Table
Lyric / Phrase Literary Device Meaning / Purpose

“We gon’ be alright” Repetition _____________________________

_____________________________

“I got loyalty, got royalty Metaphor _____________________________

inside my DNA” _____________________________

Chains or shackles in Symbolism _____________________________

visuals _____________________________

“The wind whispered Personification _____________________________

through the night” _____________________________

Reflection Question:​
What do you think Kendrick Lamar is trying to communicate through the repeated phrase “We
gon’ be alright”? How does it make the audience feel?​
Your Answer:
______________________________________________________________________
Section 3: Creative Response
Option 1: Write a Symbolic Poem​
Write a short poem using at least two examples of figurative language (metaphor, simile, or
symbolism). Focus on a personal challenge, hope, or message.

Option 2: Create a Visual Symbol​

Design a visual symbol that represents one of the themes discussed (freedom, identity,
resilience). Write a paragraph explaining the meaning behind your symbol.

Reflection Prompt:​
How does understanding figurative language and symbolism change the way you experience
music and performances?​
Your Answer:
______________________________________________________________________

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Partial Lyrics from Kendrick’s Works (clean)

1. “DNA” ( Clean)

I got, I got, I got, I got

Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA

Quarter piece, got war, and peace inside my DNA

I got power, poison, pain, and joy inside my DNA

I got hustle, though, ambition flow inside my DNA

I was born like this

Since one like this, immaculate conception

I transform like this, perform like this

Was Yeshua new weapon

I don't contemplate, I meditate

2. “Alright” (clean)

(Chorus)​
We gon' be alright​
We gon' be alright​
We gon' be alright​
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon' be alright

(Verse 1)​
And when I wake up​
I recognize you're looking at me for the pay cut​
But love surrounds us even when things feel tough​
We rise together and that is enough

(Bridge)​
Wouldn't you know​
We’ve been down before​
Felt the world like, "Where do we go?"​
But we rise high and take it slow​
We’ll be alright
3. “HUMBLE.” (Super Bowl version, clean)

(Intro)​
Nobody pray for me​
It’s been that day for me​
Yeah, yeah

(Verse 1)​
Ayy, I remember syrup sandwiches and simple allowances​
I was hustling, but now I’m counting my blessings, it balances​
We rise above the struggle; every win feels miraculous​
No need for power trips, let’s stay humble, it's fabulous

(Chorus)​
Be humble (Sit down!)​
Be humble (Sit down!)​
Be humble (Sit down!)​
Be humble

4. “Man at the Garden.” (Clean)

Twice emotional stability

Of sound body and tranquility, I deserve it all
Like minds and less enemies
Stock investments, more entities, I deserve it all
VVS', white diamonds, GNX with the seat back, reclinin'
I deserve it all
Put my homes on the beachfront
Flyin' private, what you eat for lunch?
I deserve it all
The respect and the accolades
Lampin' on the island, watchin' Cast Away, I deserve it all
For every good dude that passed away
Sent two-point-five million on an average day
I deserve it all

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