Lyrics & Translation
Dive into Michael Jackson's "Behind the Mask," a track with a fascinating journey from Japanese synth-pop to a poignant exploration of hidden emotions. By engaging with its lyrics, you can gain insight into English vocabulary related to relationships, deception, and self-expression, as well as nuanced phrases that convey emotional depth. The song's rich history and evocative themes make it a unique and special piece for language learners to uncover.
[English]
All along I had to talk about itBut like a two-edged sword
It cuts you and it stabs me
All along I knew you were a phony girl
You sit behind the mask
And you control your world
You sit around and I watch your face
I try to find the truth
But that's your hiding place
You say you love me but it's hard to see
'Cause when he's in your arms
You're throwing rocks at me!
Who do you love?
Is it me?
Will you?
I don't know
Who do you love?
I don't want ya
If you can't answer
You know me
(There is nothing in your eyes)
There is nothing in your eyes
(But that's the way you cry)
But that's the way you cry girl (Cry girl)
(All is grand, all is bright)
Always been on his side
(You're just studying my mind)
I walk around, I’m suffering in my doom
And when I come to you
You're sitting in your room
You sit around in the strangest place
So take off the mask, so I can see your face!
Who do you love?
Is it me?
Will You?
I don't know
Who do you love, babe?
I don't want ya
If you can't answer
I know you
(Heaven must be wary)
Heaven must be wary
(Your smile is scary)
You got me scared, girl
(Insincere, empty tears)
The very tears they're given to
(Where's your soul? Where did it go?)
I walk around I’m suffering in my doom
And when I come to you
You're sitting in your room
You sit around in the strangest place
So take off the mask
So I can see your face!
Who do you love?
Is it me?
Will you?
I don’t know
Who do you love?
I don't want ya
If you can't answer
I don't know
I don't want to talk about it (let's talk about it)
I don't want to talk about it (let's talk about it)
I don't want to talk about it (let's talk about it)
Key Vocabulary
| Vocabulary | Meanings |
|---|---|
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mask /mæsk/ A2 |
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phony /foni/ B2 |
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control /kənˈtroʊl/ B1 |
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truth /truːθ/ A2 |
|
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hiding /ˈhaɪdɪŋ/ B1 |
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scary /ˈskɛri/ B1 |
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suffering /ˈsʌfərɪŋ/ B2 |
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doom /duːm/ B2 |
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wary /ˈwɛri/ C1 |
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insincere /ɪnˈsɪnʃər/ C1 |
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soul /soʊl/ B2 |
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answer /ˈænsər/ A2 |
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bright /braɪt/ B1 |
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grand /ɡrænd/ B2 |
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always /ɔːlweɪz/ A2 |
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What does “mask” mean in the song "Behind the Mask"?
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Key Grammar Structures
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All along I had to talk about it
➔ Past Perfect Continuous (had + to + infinitive)
➔ The phrase indicates an action that was ongoing up to a point in the past. The use of 'had to' implies obligation. The sentence highlights a prolonged necessity to discuss something.
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You sit behind the mask
➔ Present Simple (habitual action/state)
➔ The present simple describes a recurring action or a general truth. Here, it suggests the person *always* hides behind the mask, it's part of their character.
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You say you love me but it's hard to see
➔ Noun Clause as Object of Verb ('say')
➔ The phrase 'you love me' functions as the object of the verb 'say'. It's a complete thought acting as a noun. The 'but' introduces a contrast.
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Who do you love?
➔ Question Word (Who) + Auxiliary Verb (Do)
➔ This is a direct question formed using the question word 'who' and the auxiliary verb 'do'. It seeks specific information about the object of the person's affection.
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I don't want ya If you can't answer
➔ Conditional Sentence (Type 1 - Implied)
➔ This is a conditional statement. The 'if' is implied. It means 'I don't want you *if* you are unable to answer'. It expresses a condition for wanting or not wanting someone.
