AP WIRE Assignment March 23, 2013
  THE SONGS of BOOM and BUST

Songs of Boom and Bust

Read the Lyrics to Blue Skies (1926) and Brother Can You Spare a Dime (1931) and then compare and contrast them. In your analysis provide specific factual information supporting the theme of both songs. In other words, what circumstances or events support the theme and tone of each song.

FOR EXAMPLE: For the song lyrics – provide specific evidence (#’s , events) that support the tone and tenor of the happy go-lucky 1920s and used evidence from the 1930s that supports the tone of the Brother can you spare a dime lyrics.

Why do people think the 20’s are about Blue skies and happy times?

What is so great about the 20’s that has every one singing about “Blue Skies”

Why does that attitude shift in the 1930’s? Why are people looking for handouts?

Why has the tone gone from Blue Skies to dark clouds?