Listening - A Drop in the Ocean by Ron Pope

Watch the video and complete the activities below.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Chorus - Gap Fill (Cloze)

Listen to the chorus of the song and fill in the blanks with the missing words.

A drop in the (1)

A change in the (2)

I was praying that you and me might end up (3)

It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the (4)

But I'm holding you closer than most
'Cause you are my (5)

Activity 2: Verse 1 - Spot the Mistake

In the Verse 1 below, there is one word wrong in each line. Listen carefully, click the incorrect word to highlight it, and write the correct one next to the line.

I don't wanna taste the weekend:

If you don't love me, defend:

A few more years, then it's time to go:

As my bus rolls down the East coast:

I wonder how you keep cold:

Activity 3: Verse 2 - Find the Extra Word

There is one extra word in each of these lines that does not belong in the song. Click on the extra word to cross it out!

1. It's really too late to cry, too broken to move on.

2. Still I just can't let you be.

3. Most dark nights I hardly sleep.

4. Don't take away what you don't need, from me.

🎵 The Chorus is playing again! 🎵

Scroll back up to Activity 1 to check your lyrics and sing along!

Activity 4: The Bridge - Unscramble the Lines

The singer is reflecting on his past. Put these lines in the correct order (1-6) as you hear them.

12 3456 The last excuse that I'll claim

12 3456 Never counting regrets

12 3456 I was a boy who loved a woman like a little girl

12 3456 Misplaced trust and old friends

12 3456 And New England as the leaves change

12 3456 By the grace of God, I do not rest at all

🎵 The Chorus is playing again! 🎵

Before the song ends, the chorus plays one more time. Scroll back up to Activity 1 to check your lyrics and sing along! Then, complete the final part below.

Activity 5: Outro - Gap Fill

The song finishes with these final lines. Listen and fill in the missing words to complete the lyrics.

Heaven doesn't seem (1) away anymore no, no

Heaven doesn't seem far away
Heaven doesn't seem far away (2) no, no

Heaven doesn't seem far away
It's just a drop in the (3)

A change in the (4)

I was praying that you and me might end up together
It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert
But I'm holding you closer than most
'Cause you are my (5)

Oh you are my heaven

Activity 6: Song Interpretation - Multiple Choice

Check your understanding of the lyrics and metaphors.

1. What does the metaphor "A drop in the ocean" most likely mean in this song?
Select... a) Something very large and important. b) A small, insignificant part of something much bigger. c) A very sad moment near the sea.

2. Why does the singer mention "wishing for rain as I stand in the desert"?
Select... a) To show that he loves the weather in the desert. b) To show that what he wants (being with the person) feels impossible. c) To explain his travel plans for the summer.

3. How does the singer feel about the person he is singing to?
Select... a) He is angry and wants to leave immediately. b) He is indifferent and doesn't care anymore. c) He is deeply attached and finds it hard to move on.

4. What is happening in the "Bridge" section regarding the setting?
Select... a) The seasons are changing in New England. b) He is visiting old friends at a party. c) He is resting and feeling peaceful.

5. What is the overall mood of the song?
Select... a) Joyful and energetic. b) Melancholic and longing. c) Aggressive and loud.