Book of Rules

• By: The Heptones

Lyrics:

Vocabulary in this song:

Vocabulary	Meanings
strange /streɪndʒ/ A2	adjective - unusual or surprising; difficult to understand or explain
princesses /prɪnˈsesɪz/ A2	noun - daughters of a king or queen
kings /kɪŋz/ A1	noun - male rulers of a country
clown /klaʊn/ B1	noun - a comic performer
ragged /ˈræɡɪd/ B2	adjective - old and torn
people /ˈpiːpl/ A1	noun - human beings in general or considered collectively
builders /ˈbɪldərz/ A2	noun - people who construct buildings
eternity /ɪˈtɜːrnəti/ B2	noun - infinite or unending time
bag /bæɡ/ A1	noun - a container made of flexible material with an opening at the top
tools /tuːlz/ A1	noun - instruments used to carry out a particular function
shapeless /ˈʃeɪpləs/ B2	adjective - lacking a defined form or shape
mass /mæs/ A2	noun - a body of matter with no definite shape
rules /ruːlz/ A1	noun - instructions telling you what you are allowed to do or not do
flowing /ˈfloʊɪŋ/ B1	verb - moving smoothly and continuously
tumbling /ˈtʌmblɪŋ/ B2	verb - falling or collapsing suddenly and awkwardly
rain /reɪn/ A1	noun - water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
sky /skaɪ/ A1	noun - the region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth
sun /sʌn/ A1	noun - the star that provides light and heat to the Earth
missing /ˈmɪsɪŋ/ A2	adjective - not present or in its usual place

Grammar:

• Isn't it strange how princesses and kings...

  ➔ Question Tag/Rhetorical Question

  ➔ The use of "Isn't it strange" is a question tag, but in this context, it's more of a rhetorical question emphasizing the absurdity or unexpectedness of the situation. It doesn't require a direct answer but serves to introduce the contrasting idea.

• Just while common people like you and me...

  ➔ Subordinating Conjunction "while" introducing a clause of contrast

  ➔ The word "while" introduces a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause. It implies that common people are building for eternity, in contrast to the actions of princesses and kings.

• Each is given a bag of tools...

  ➔ Passive Voice

  ➔ The structure "Each is given" uses the passive voice, indicating that the subject (each person) receives the action (being given) rather than performing it. This emphasizes the act of receiving.

• A shapeless mass. and the book of rules

  ➔ Ellipsis (omission of words)

  ➔ There is an ellipsis here. The complete sentence could be "Each is given a shapeless mass and the book of rules." The verb 'is given' is omitted for brevity and stylistic effect.

• Each must make his life as flowing in...

  ➔ Modal Verb "must" expressing obligation/necessity and incorrect grammar

  ➔ "Must" indicates obligation. However, the phrase "as flowing in" is grammatically incorrect and stylistically unconventional. It seems the writer intended to convey smooth integration or progress, but the phrase itself is non-standard English. A correct version might be something like 'as flowing'.

• Tumbling block on a stepping stone

  ➔ Metaphor and Juxtaposition

  ➔ This line presents a metaphor. "Tumbling block" (obstacle) and "stepping stone" (opportunity) are juxtaposed, highlighting the contrasting possibilities in life. Each challenge can either hinder or help progress.

• Look when the rain has fallen from the sky...

  ➔ Time Clause with "when" and Present Perfect "has fallen"

  ➔ "When" introduces a time clause. The use of the present perfect "has fallen" emphasizes the completed action of the rain falling, setting the stage for the following statement (sun will be missing).

• I know the sun will be only missing for a while

  ➔ Future Simple with "will be" and Adverb Placement

  ➔ "Will be" expresses a future state. The placement of "only" before "missing" is standard, modifying the adjective. It shows that the missing state is temporary.