Behind the Mask – English Lyrics

• By: Michael Jackson

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 it

But 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
mask /mæsk/ A2	noun - a covering for the face
phony /foni/ B2	adjective - not genuine; false
control /kənˈtroʊl/ B1	verb - to direct or manage noun - power to influence or direct
truth /truːθ/ A2	noun - the real or actual facts
hiding /ˈhaɪdɪŋ/ B1	verb - to conceal or keep out of sight
scary /ˈskɛri/ B1	adjective - causing fear or anxiety
suffering /ˈsʌfərɪŋ/ B2	noun - the state of experiencing pain or distress
doom /duːm/ B2	noun - certain future death or ruin
wary /ˈwɛri/ C1	adjective - cautious and alert to danger or deception
insincere /ɪnˈsɪnʃər/ C1	adjective - not expressing genuine feelings
soul /soʊl/ B2	noun - the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being
answer /ˈænsər/ A2	verb - to respond to a question noun - a reply to a question
bright /braɪt/ B1	adjective - giving off a lot of light
grand /ɡrænd/ B2	adjective - impressive in size, scope, or scale
always /ɔːlweɪz/ A2	adverb - at all times; forever

Key Grammar Structures

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.