22.1.11

R. Kelly - The World's Greatest


Inspired by the life of the Muhammad Ali, R. Kelly wrote this tribute song for the film "Ali" starring Will Smith in 2001.  I remember singing this song back in Grade 8.  It was even the warning song over the PA system at my high school.  It's a good inspirational song, not to mention that every line's practically a metaphor.  You can use this song teach students in elementary school about metaphors and symbolism too.  
I am a mountain.
I am a tall tree.
Oh, I am a swift wind.
sweeping the country.
I am a river
down in the valley
Oh, I am a vision
and I can see clearly.
If anybody asks you who I am,
just stand up tall look 'em in the face and say...

Chorus:
I'm that star up in the sky.
I'm that mountain peak up high.
Hey, I made it.
I'm the world's greatest.
And I'm that little bit of hope
when my back's against the ropes.
I can feel it.
I'm the world's greatest.

I am a giant.
I am an eagle.
I am a lion.
Down in the jungle.
I am a marchin' band.
I am the people.
I am a helpin' hand.
And I am a hero.
If anybody asks you who I am.
Just stand up tall look 'em in the face and say...
This activity is also a great minds on activity for doing Praise Poems.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love that song! I never used to notice all those metaphors..

Ms. M said...

I didn't realize all those metaphors either. Hopefully, students who've heard it before too would have a similar reaction to reading lyrics with a new eye.