Remember the Lyrics
Finish the lyric: “Should I be ___ at a time like this?”
joking
How would you describe the tone at the beginning of the song?
Playful, exaggerated, mock-heroic
Define irony.
Saying one thing but meaning another
What is Burnham questioning in this song?
Whether comedy can help during real-world suffering
What key prop does Burnham use throughout?
Microphone
What line does Burnham repeat throughout the song?
“Should I be joking at a time like this?”
What happens to the tone by the end?
It becomes serious or introspective
Give one example of irony in “Comedy.”
Joking about whether he should joke
What fear does he express as an artist?
That his work doesn’t actually help anyone
How does his movement change as tone shifts?
From big gestures → smaller, tense posture
Name one serious global issue Burnham mentions.
Climate change / war / poverty / inequality
What musical or vocal change signals this shift?
Slower tempo, softer voice, reduced humour
Why does Burnham use repetition?
Shows anxiety, obsession, or self-doubt
What does “comedy” symbolise here?
Performance, coping, or distraction
How does lighting support his message?
Bright = performance; dim = reflection
What feeling replaces confidence by the end of the song?
Doubt, guilt, or self-awareness
What emotion does the audience likely feel at the end?
Sympathy or discomfort
How does lighting affect the meaning?
Bright lights = false confidence; darkness = honesty
What is the artist’s dilemma?
Wanting to help while needing attention
What kind of “stage” has he created?
A fake one — the room becomes his performance space
What is the final mood or tone of “Comedy”?
It mirrors Burnham’s conflict between wanting to help and fearing he’s trivialising pain.
Why might Burnham want the audience to feel uneasy?
To make us question the role or comfort of comedy during crisis
How does camera framing add meaning?
Close-ups show vulnerability; wide shots show isolation
What overall message does “Comedy” send about creativity in crisis?
Art can question or comfort, but can’t always fix real problems
How do sound and image combine to show tension?
Music stays upbeat while visuals show collapse or doubt