Black Flies – English Lyrics

• By: Ben Howard

Lyrics & Translation

Delve into the evocative world of Ben Howard's "Black Flies," a song rich with metaphor and raw emotion. Through its poignant lyrics and intricate acoustic melodies, you can explore themes of change, friendship, and the journey of self-discovery. The song's contemplative nature and symbolic language make it a unique and rewarding experience for language learners, offering insights into poetic expression and deeper understanding of English idiomatic phrases like "no man is an island." Get ready to be moved by its haunting beauty and discover the layers of meaning within its verses.

[English]

Black flies on the windowsill

That we are, that we are, that we are to know

Winter stole summer's thrill

And the river's cracked and cold

See, the sky is no man's land

A darkened plume to stay

Hope here needs a humble hand

Not a fox found in your place

...

No man is an island

Oh, this I know

But can't you see, oh?

Or maybe you were the ocean

When I was just a stone

...

Black flies on the windowsill

That we are, that we are, that we are to hold

Comfort came against my will

And every story must grow old

Still I'll be a traveller

A gypsy's reins to face

But the road is wearier

With that fool found in your place

...

No man is an island

Oh, this I know

But can't you see, oh?

Or maybe you were the ocean

When I was just a stone

...

No man is an island

Oh, this I know

But can't you see, oh?

Or maybe you were the ocean

When I was just a stone

...

So here we are

...

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

...

And I don't wanna beg your pardon

And I don't wanna ask you why

But if I was to go my own way

Would I have to pass you by?

And I don't wanna beg your pardon

And I don't wanna ask you why

But if I was to go my own way

Would I have to pass you by?

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
flies /flaɪz/ B1	noun - insects with two wings
window /ˈwɪndəʊ/, /ˈwɪndoʊ/ A2	noun - an opening in a wall or vehicle for light or air
winter /ˈwɪntər/ A2	noun - the coldest season of the year
summer's /ˈsʌmərz/ A2	noun (possessive form of summer) - related to the summer season
river /ˈrɪvər/ A2	noun - a large natural flow of water
sky /skaɪ/ A2	noun - the space above the Earth
land /lænd/, /lɑːnd/ A2	noun - solid part of the Earth's surface
plume /pluːm/ B2	noun - a feather or a cloud of smoke, dust, or vapor
hope /hoʊp/ B1	noun / verb - the feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen / to want for something to happen
hand /hænd/ A2	noun - the long, narrow part of the body at the end of the arm
story /ˈstɔːri/ A2	noun - an account of real or imaginary events
traveller /ˈtrævələ/ B2	noun - a person who travels, especially over long distances
gipsy's /ˈdʒɪp.siz/ C1	adjective - pertaining to a gypsy or gypsies

Key Grammar Structures

• No man is an island

  ➔ Present Simple tense with 'to be' in negative form and indefinite article 'an'.

  ➔ This is a common expression indicating that nobody is entirely isolated or alone.

• Would I have to pass you by?

  ➔ Use of modal 'would' to form conditional or hypothetical questions.

  ➔ Expresses a hypothetical or conditional action, asking if passing by would be necessary under certain circumstances.

• Hope here needs a humble hand

  ➔ Use of singular noun 'hand' with quantifier 'a' and adjective 'humble'.

  ➔ The phrase suggests that hope requires humility or modesty to succeed.

• And I don't wanna beg your pardon

  ➔ Use of modal 'wanna' (informal for 'want to') with the base verb 'beg'.

  ➔ Indicates a desire or intention informally to not plead for forgiveness or permission.

• Would I have to pass you by?

  ➔ Use of modal 'would' for forming hypothetical questions, with 'have to' for necessity.

  ➔ Expresses a hypothetical or conditional scenario asking if passing you by is necessary under certain conditions.

• And I don't wanna ask you why

  ➔ Use of 'wanna' (informal for 'want to') with the base verb 'ask'.

  ➔ Expresses a desire not to inquire about the reasons or details, implying sensitivity or restraint.