Burn – English Lyrics

• By: Andra Day

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the raw emotion and powerful storytelling of Andra Day's "Burn." This soulful R&B track, a standout from *The Hamilton Mixtape*, offers a profound look into heartbreak and resilience. By exploring its lyrics, you can learn English vocabulary related to intense emotions, betrayal, and self-empowerment. The song's depth, coupled with Day's evocative vocals, makes it a unique and compelling piece for language learners and music lovers alike.

[English]

I saved every letter you wrote me

From the moment I read them

I knew you were mine, said you were mine

I thought you were mine

Do you know what Angelica said

When we saw your first letter arrive?

She said, "Be careful with that one, love

He will do what it takes to survive."

You and your words flooded my senses

Your sentences left me defenseless

You built me palaces out of paragraphs

You built cathedrals

I'm re-reading the letters you wrote me

I'm searching and scanning for answers

In every line, for some kind of sign

And when you were mine

The world seemed to

Burn

Burn

You published the letters she wrote you

You told the whole world how you brought

This girl into our bed

In clearing your name, you have ruined our lives

Do you know what Angelica said

When she read what you'd done?

She said, "You have married an Icarus

He has flown too close to the sun."

You and your words, obsessed with your legacy

Your sentences border on senseless

And you are paranoid in every paragraph

How they perceive you

You, you, you...

I'm erasing myself from this narrative

Let future historians wonder how Eliza

Reacted when you broke her heart

You have torn it all apart

I am watching it

Burn

Watching it burn

The world has no right to my heart

The world has no place in our bed

They don't get to know what I said

I'm burning the memories

Burning the letters that might have redeemed you

You forfeit all rights to my heart

You forfeit the place in our bed

You sleep in your office instead

With only the memories

Of when you were mine

I hope that you burn

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
burn /bɜrn/ B1	verb - to be on fire or to cause to be on fire
letter /ˈlɛtər/ A2	noun - a written message sent to someone
world /wɜrld/ A1	noun - the earth and all the people, places, and things on it
heart /hɑrt/ A1	noun - the organ in your chest that sends the blood around your body
memory /ˈmɛməri/ B1	noun - the ability to remember information, experiences, and people
words /wɜrdz/ A1	noun - a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - a strong feeling of affection
sign /saɪn/ B1	noun - an indication or gesture that conveys information
paragraph /ˈpærəɡræf/ B2	noun - a distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a single theme
defenseless /dɪˈfɛns.ləs/ B2	adjective - without defense; vulnerable
obsessed /əbˈsɛst/ B2	adjective - preoccupied with or constantly thinking about something
paranoid /ˈpær.ə.nɔɪd/ C1	adjective - having an unreasonable feeling that people are trying to harm you
future /ˈfjuːtʃər/ A2	noun - the time that will come after the present

Key Grammar Structures

• I saved every letter you wrote me

  ➔ Past Simple Tense

  ➔ The verb "saved" indicates an action completed in the past.

• You built me palaces out of paragraphs

  ➔ Past Simple Tense

  ➔ The verb "built" shows a completed action in the past.

• I'm erasing myself from this narrative

  ➔ Present Continuous Tense

  ➔ The phrase "I'm erasing" indicates an action currently in progress.

• You have torn it all apart

  ➔ Present Perfect Tense

  ➔ The phrase "have torn" indicates an action that has relevance to the present.

• The world has no right to my heart

  ➔ Present Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "has no right" expresses a general truth or fact.

• You forfeit all rights to my heart

  ➔ Present Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "forfeit all rights" indicates a current state or action.

• I hope that you burn

  ➔ Present Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "hope that you burn" expresses a desire or wish.