In the vibrant world of Barbie, where fashion, friendship, and fantasy converge, the iconic doll has become more than just a toy; she represents a cultural phenomenon that shapes the perceptions of generations. Two particular songs stand out because of their Oscar nomination and their potential to spark meaningful conversations about feminism and gender roles: “I’m Just Ken” interpreted by Ryan Gosling and Billie Eilish’s “What was I made for?”. That’s why we have chosen them for this article, which includes a gap fill activity, an ordering the stanzas task, as well as conversation questions on the themes of the songs. The worksheet is free and available in PDF version. You can download our free printable song worksheet or do the activities online. Happy listening!
“I’m Just Ken” is a cry for attention, as he feels that he is always number two in Barbieland, and his effort to find an identity as he realizes that just being Ken might not be enough. It could be seen as a reflection of what a part of men might feel in a rapidly changing world where they now have to prove themselves and just being a man is not enough. Thus, the song, using humour and empathy manages to give an insight into the pressure to abide by gender roles that might result in being limiting or toxic.
Doesn't seem to ______________what I do
I'm always number two
No one ______________how hard I tried
Oh, oh, I
I have feelings that I can't explain
______________' me insane
All my life, been so polite
But I'll sleep alone tonight
'Cause I'm just Ken
Anywhere else I'd be a ten
Is it my ______________to live and die a life of blonde fragility?
I'm just Ken
______________I see love, she sees a friend
What will it take for her to see the man behind the tan and ______________for me?
I wanna know what it's like to love
To be the ____________ _____________
Is it a crime?
Am I not hot when I'm in my feelings?
And is my moment finally here or am I dreamin'?
I'm no dreamer
Can you feel the Kenergy?
Feels so ______________, my Kenergy
Can you feel the Kenergy?
Feels so ______________, my Kenergy
I'm just Ken
Anywhere else I'd be a ten
Is it my ______________to live and die a life of blonde fragility?
I'm just Ken
Where I see love, she sees a friend
What will it ______________for her to see the man behind the tan and ______________ for me?
I'm just Ken (and I'm ______________)
And I'm great at doin' stuff
So, hey, ______________ ___ ______, yeah, I'm just Ken
My name's Ken (and so am I)
Put that manly hand in mine
So, hey, world, ______________ ___ ______, yeah, I'm just Ken
Baby, I'm just Ken (nobody else, nobody else)
Billie Eilish’s song “What Was I Made For?" invites listeners to explore the complex dynamics of identity and purpose, raising existential questions. Moreover, taking into account the movie scene of the song, it makes us reflect on what it means to be human and a reminder that sadness is part of the human experience. Of course, it could also be connected to how women experience the world and on the journey to explore their identity outside the predetermined roles.
Takin' a drive, I was an ideal
Looked so alive, turns out I'm not real
Just something you paid for
What was I made for?
Think I forgot how to be happy
Something I'm not, but something I can be
Something I wait for
Something I'm made for
Something I'm made for
'Cause I, I
I don't know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don't know how to feel
But someday, I might
'Cause I, 'cause I
I don't know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don't know how to feel
But someday I might
Someday I might
Someday, I might
I used to float, now I just fall down
I used to know but I'm not sure now
What I was made for
What was I made for?
When did it end? All the enjoyment
I'm sad again, don't tell my boyfriend
It's not what he's made for
What was I made for?
"I'm Just Ken" - Conversation Questions
- What are Ken’s feelings in the song?
- Why does he feel that way?
- Can you describe the video?
- What message does it convey?
- How are gender roles criticized in the song/video?
"What was I made for?" - Conversation Questions
- Do “real” humans also wonder what they were made for?
- How do you think a transformation from being a “doll” to being a human would feel?
- What are some things/feelings associated to being human?
- Can we constantly be happy?
Doesn't seem to matter what I do
I'm always number two
No one knows how hard I tried
Oh, oh, I
I have feelings that I can't explain
Drivin' me insane
All my life, been so polite
But I'll sleep alone tonight
'Cause I'm just Ken
Anywhere else I'd be a ten
Is it my destiny to live and die a life of blonde fragility?
I'm just Ken
Where I see love, she sees a friend
What will it take for her to see the man behind the tan and fight for me?
I wanna know what it's like to love
To be the real thing
Is it a crime?
Am I not hot when I'm in my feelings?
And is my moment finally here or am I dreamin'?
I'm no dreamer
Can you feel the Kenergy?
Feels so real, my Kenergy
Can you feel the Kenergy?
Feels so real, my Kenergy
I'm just Ken
Anywhere else I'd be a ten
Is it my destiny to live and die a life of blonde fragility?
I'm just Ken
Where I see love, she sees a friend
What will it take for her to see the man behind the tan and fight for me?
I'm just Ken (and I'm enough)
And I'm great at doin' stuff
So, hey, check me out, yeah, I'm just Ken
My name's Ken (and so am I)
Put that manly hand in mine
So, hey, world, check me out, yeah, I'm just Ken
Baby, I'm just Ken (nobody else, nobody else)
I used to float, now I just fall down
I used to know but I'm not sure now
What I was made for
What was I made for?
Takin' a drive, I was an ideal
Looked so alive, turns out I'm not real
Just something you paid for
What was I made for?
'Cause I, I
I don't know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don't know how to feel
But someday, I might
Someday, I might
When did it end? All the enjoyment
I'm sad again, don't tell my boyfriend
It's not what he's made for
What was I made for?
'Cause I, 'cause I
I don't know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don't know how to feel
But someday I might
Someday I might
Think I forgot how to be happy
Something I'm not, but something I can be
Something I wait for
Something I'm made for
Something I'm made for
