Black Tambourine – English Lyrics

• By: Beck

Lyrics & Translation

Explore the depths of human emotion with Beck's "Black Tambourine," a song that delves into themes of vulnerability and resilience. With its simple yet powerful lyrics and percussive beat, this track offers a unique opportunity to learn about metaphorical language and the healing power of music. Discover how Beck blends musical styles to create a raw and unforgettable listening experience.

[English]

[TYPEWRITER CLICKING]

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

♪ BLACK HEARTS IN EFFIGY ♪

♪ WE SING A SONG THAT WAS HATED ♪

♪ ALL DRESSED IN RAG AND BONES ♪

♪ SHARKS SMELL THE BLOOD THAT I'M BLEEDING ♪

♪ I KNOW THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG ♪

♪ MIGHT TAKE A FIRE TO KILL IT ♪

♪ MIGHT TAKE A HURRICANE ♪

♪ DON'T KNOW WHAT LIFE THAT I'M LIVIN' ♪

♪ OH, OH, OH ♪

♪ BLACK TAMBOURINE ♪

♪ OH, OH, OH ♪

♪ BLACK TAMBOURINE ♪

♪ MY BABY RUN TO ME ♪

♪ SHE LIVES IN BROKEN DOWN BUILDINGS ♪

♪ CAN'T PAY THE RENT AGAIN ♪

♪ THESE SPIDER WEBS ARE MY HOME NOW ♪

♪ AND WHEN THE SUN IS DOWN ♪

♪ WE'LL SHAKE AND RATTLE OUR BODIES ♪

♪ TO KEEP IT WARM AT NIGHT ♪

♪ MY TAMBOURINE IS STILL SHAKING ♪

♪ OH, OH, OH ♪

♪ BLACK TAMBOURINE ♪

♪ OH, OH, OH ♪

♪ BLACK TAMBOURINE ♪

♪ BLACK HEARTS IN EFFIGY ♪

♪ WE SING A SONG THAT WAS HATED ♪

♪ ALL DRESSED IN RAG AND BONES ♪

♪ SHARKS SMELL THE BLOOD THAT I'M BLEEDING ♪

♪ I KNOW THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG ♪

♪ MIGHT TAKE A FIRE TO KILL IT ♪

♪ MIGHT TAKE A HURRICANE ♪

♪ DON'T KNOW WHAT LIFE THAT I'M LIVIN' ♪

♪ BLACK TAMBOURINE ♪

♪ OH, OH, OH ♪

♪ BLACK TAMBOURINE ♪

♪♪♪

[CRUMPLING PAPER]

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
tambourine /ˌtæm.bəˈrin/ B1	noun - a musical instrument consisting of a frame with metal discs that jingle when shaken
effigy /ˈef.ɪ.dʒi/ C1	noun - a representation or image, especially a sculpture, of a person, often used in protests or ceremonies
hated /ˈheɪ.tɪd/ A2	adjective - strongly disliked
sharks /ʃɑːrks/ A1	noun - a large, predatory fish with a cartilaginous skeleton
bleeding /ˈbliː.dɪŋ/ A2	verb - to lose blood from the body
hurricane /ˈhɜːr.ɪ.kən/ A2	noun - a violent tropical storm with strong winds and heavy rain
run /rʌn/ A1	verb - to move quickly on foot
broken /ˈbroʊ.kən/ A1	adjective - damaged and not working correctly
rent /rɛnt/ A2	noun - money paid for the use of a property
spider /ˈspaɪ.dər/ A1	noun - an eight-legged arachnid that spins webs
shake /ʃeɪk/ A1	verb - to move something back and forth or from side to side
rattle /ˈræt̬.əl/ A2	verb - to make a succession of rapid, sharp sounds
warm /wɔːrm/ A1	adjective - slightly hot
hearts /hɑːrts/ A1	noun - the organ in the chest that pumps blood around the body
bones /boʊnz/ A1	noun - the hard parts of the body that form the skeleton