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Another Day in Paradise – Phil Collins
She calls out to the man on the street
“Sir, can you help me?
It’s cold and I’ve nowhere to sleep,
Is there somewhere you can tell me?”
He walks on, doesn’t look back
He pretends he can’t hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there.
Oh, think twice, cause it’s another day for
You and me in paradise.
Oh, think twice, cause it’s another day for you,
You and me in paradise,
Think about it.
She calls out to the man on the street.
He can see she’s been crying,
She’s got blisters on the soles of her feet
She can’t walk but she’s trying
Oh, think twice, cause it’s another day for
You and me in paradise.
Oh, think twice, it’s just another day for you,
You and me in paradise.
Just think about it.
Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do
Oh Lord, there must be something you can say.
You can tell from the lines on her face
You can see that she’s been there,
Probably been moved on from every place
‘Cause she didn’t fit in there.
Oh, think twice, cause it’s another day for
You and me in paradise.
Oh, think twice, it’s just another day for you,
You and me in paradise.
Just think about it.
It’s just another day for you and me in paradise,
It’s just another day for you and me in paradise
Just think about it.
About the Lyricist
Philip Collins (1951 – ) is a British musician, singer, song-writer, record producer and actor. He was the drummer and lead singer of the rock band Genesis. His most successful singles include In the Air Tonight, One More Night, Another Day in Paradise and I Wish It Would Rain Down. Collins has been celebrated for his contributions to the pop music canon – both as a solo artist and a member of Genesis. Among other
honours, his solo work has earned him eight Grammys, an Academy award (Oscar), a Brit award for the British Album of the year, and many more. In 1999, he was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Let’s Rewind and Rejoice
- What do you think the woman in the street really needs?
The woman needs help, kindness, and a safe place to stay. She is cold, homeless, and struggling to survive. More than anything, she needs someone to care about her situation and offer support. Her call is not just for shelter, but for compassion and dignity. - How does the man respond to the woman’s call?
The man ignores her. He walks away, pretends not to hear, and even whistles to avoid feeling uncomfortable. He doesn’t stop to help or even acknowledge her. His reaction shows how people often turn away from those in need. - Why does the writer ask us to think twice?
The writer wants us to reflect on our actions and attitudes. “Think twice” means we should not ignore people who are suffering. We live in comfort while others struggle. The song reminds us to be more aware, caring, and responsible. - Why can’t the woman walk?
She has blisters on her feet from walking too much without proper shoes or rest. Her feet are hurt and swollen, but she still tries to move. This shows her pain, her struggle, and her determination to survive despite her condition. - Comment on the significance of the line ‘… is there nothing more anybody can do’.
This line shows deep sadness and frustration. It questions why no one is helping the woman. It’s a cry for action, asking if society has lost its ability to care. It challenges us to do more and not stay silent when others suffer. - Why is the woman always being asked to move on?
She doesn’t fit in anywhere—maybe because she’s poor, homeless, or seen as a problem. People don’t want her around, so they keep pushing her away. This shows how society often rejects those who are vulnerable instead of helping them. - Do you think the woman shows perseverance? Give reasons.
Yes, the woman shows perseverance. Even though she is cold, homeless, and has blisters on her feet, she keeps trying to walk and survive. She doesn’t give up, even when people ignore her. Her effort to keep going, despite pain and rejection, shows strength and determination. - What, in your opinion, is the message of the song?
The song reminds us to care about others, especially those who are suffering. It shows how easy it is to ignore people in need, but asks us to “think twice” and be more compassionate. It’s a call to notice the pain around us and do something to help.
Let’s Appreciate
1. Poetic Devices
Device | Example from the Song | Explanation |
---|---|---|
Refrain | “Oh, think twice, it’s another day for you and me in paradise” | Repeated throughout the song to emphasize the contrast between comfort and suffering. |
Refrain | “Just think about it” | Repeated after the chorus to urge reflection and empathy. |
Refrain | “It’s just another day for you and me in paradise” | Slight variation of the main refrain, reinforcing the message. |
Anaphora | “She calls out…” / “She can see…” / “She’s got…” / “She can’t…” | Multiple lines begin with “She…” to highlight the woman’s struggle and presence. |
Anaphora | “Oh Lord…” | Repeated at the start of two lines to express desperation and appeal for help. |
Anaphora | “You can…” | Used in two lines to describe the visible signs of the woman’s suffering. |
2. Do the man’s actions reveal the general attitude of society to the homeless?
Yes, the man’s actions show how society often treats the homeless. He ignores the woman, walks away, and acts like she doesn’t exist. Many people feel uncomfortable around the poor and choose not to help. This shows a lack of empathy and responsibility. Instead of offering support, society often turns its back, pretending not to see the suffering. The man’s behavior reflects how common this attitude is in real life.
3. Appreciation of the song ‘Another Day in Paradise’
The song shows how people ignore the poor and homeless. It uses strong images like a woman with blisters and no place to sleep. The refrain “think twice” reminds us to care and act. The song’s tone is sad and thoughtful. Poetic devices like repetition and anaphora make the message clear and powerful. It asks us to reflect on our comfort and the pain of others. The song teaches kindness and awareness in a simple, emotional way.
Choreography Script
Choreography Script: “Another Day in Paradise”
Opening Verse
Lyrics: She calls out to the man on the street…
- Movement: Dancer enters stage slowly, hunched posture, arms wrapped around themselves to show cold and vulnerability.
- Gesture: Extend one arm forward pleadingly, palm up, as if asking for help.
- Expression: Eyes searching, face filled with quiet desperation.
Man’s Reaction
Lyrics: He walks on, doesn’t look back…
- Movement: Second dancer walks briskly past, head turned away, hands in pockets.
- Gesture: Shrug or slight head shake to show indifference.
- Expression: Avoidance, discomfort.
Chorus
Lyrics: Oh, think twice…
- Movement: Group of dancers enter, slow sweeping arm movements, reaching outward and upward.
- Gesture: Hands to heart, then extended to audience—inviting reflection.
- Expression: Thoughtful, emotional.
Second Verse
Lyrics: She’s got blisters on the soles of her feet…
- Movement: Dancer stumbles, limps, falls to knees.
- Gesture: Hands clutching feet, then pushing against the floor to rise.
- Expression: Pain, determination.
Bridge
Lyrics: Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do…
- Movement: Dancer kneels, arms raised in prayer.
- Gesture: Open palms to the sky, then slowly lowered in defeat.
- Expression: Pleading, sorrowful.
Final Verse
Lyrics: Probably been moved on from every place…
- Movement: Dancer walks slowly across stage, repeatedly stopped by invisible barriers (other dancers or gestures).
- Gesture: Hands pushed away, shoulders slumped.
- Expression: Rejection, isolation.
Closing Chorus
Lyrics: Just another day for you and me in paradise…
- Movement: All dancers come together, forming a circle around the central figure.
- Gesture: Hands joined, then slowly raised as a symbol of unity and hope.
- Expression: Reflective, gentle, hopeful.
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