Black Sabbath – English Lyrics

• By: Black Sabbath

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the origins of heavy metal with 'Black Sabbath.' This song is a masterclass in atmospheric English storytelling; by studying its lyrics, you can learn how to use descriptive, evocative vocabulary to create mood and suspense in the English language.

[English]

What is this that stands before me?

Figure in black which points at me

Turn 'round quick and start to run

Find out I'm the chosen one

Oh, no!

Big black shape with eyes of fire

Telling people their desire

Satan's sitting there, he's smiling

Watches those flames get higher and higher

Oh, no, no, please, God help me!

Is it the end, my friend?

Satan's coming 'round the bend

People running 'cause they're scared

The people better go and beware

No, no, please, no!

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
figure /ˈfɪɡjər/ A2	noun - a person of a particular kind or appearance
points /pɔɪnts/ A2	verb - to direct someone's attention towards something
chosen /ˈtʃoʊzən/ B1	adjective - selected or preferred above all others
shape /ʃeɪp/ A2	noun - the external form or appearance of someone or something
fire /ˈfaɪər/ A1	noun - combustion or burning
desire /dɪˈzaɪər/ B2	noun - a strong feeling of wanting to have something
smiling /ˈsmaɪlɪŋ/ A1	verb - to form one's features into a pleased or kind expression
watches /ˈwɒtʃɪz/ A1	verb - to look at or observe attentively
flames /fleɪmz/ B1	noun - a hot glowing body of ignited gas
bend /bɛnd/ B1	noun - a curve or turn in a road or path
scared /skɛərd/ A2	adjective - feeling fear or worry
beware /bɪˈwɛər/ B2	verb - be cautious and alert to risks or dangers

Key Grammar Structures

• What is this that stands before me?

  ➔ Relative clause with 'that'

  ➔ The pronoun "that" functions as a relative pronoun defining the subject "this".

• Figure in black which points at me

  ➔ Reduced relative clause / Relative pronoun usage

  ➔ The word "which" introduces a defining clause for the "Figure in black".

• Turn 'round quick and start to run

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ The verbs "Turn" and "start" are in the imperative form to express a direct command or action.

• Find out I'm the chosen one

  ➔ Cleft sentence structure (implicit)

  ➔ The phrase "the chosen one" functions as a noun phrase identifying the subject.

• Telling people their desire

  ➔ Present participle phrase

  ➔ "Telling" is a present participle describing the action of the "big black shape".

• Satan's sitting there, he's smiling

  ➔ Present Continuous Tense

  ➔ The continuous aspect "is sitting" and "is smiling" indicates actions happening at that moment.

• Watches those flames get higher and higher

  ➔ Comparative adjectives with 'get'

  ➔ The structure "get + comparative" describes a process of change.

• People running 'cause they're scared

  ➔ Causal clause with 'cause' (colloquial)

  ➔ The word "'cause" is a contraction of "because" used to explain the reason.