Burning Heart – English Lyrics

• By: Survivor
• Album: Ultimate Survivor

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is a powerful tool, and Survivor's 'Burning Heart' offers a unique lesson in direct, impactful English. The song's lyrics are a clear window into the political climate of the 1980s Cold War, using straightforward metaphors like 'East versus West' and 'rival nations'. For learners, it's a great way to understand how music can capture a historical moment, with powerful, easy-to-grasp phrases about determination and conflict that are both motivating and educational.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
burning /ˈbɜːrnɪŋ/ B2	adjective - on fire; very hot
heart /hɑːt/ A1	noun - muscle that pumps blood; symbol of emotions
clash /klæʃ/ B2	noun - violent conflict or collision verb - to collide or come into conflict
hope /hoʊp/ A2	noun - desire for a positive outcome verb - to desire something to happen
quest /kwest/ B2	noun - search for something important verb - to go in search of
thirst /θɜːrst/ B1	noun - strong desire for a drink or for something abstract
darkness /ˈdɑːrk.nəs/ B2	noun - absence of light
spire /spaɪə(r)/ C1	noun - tall, pointed architectural element
fire /faɪər/ A1	noun - combustion producing heat and light
warrior /ˈwɒr.i.ər/ B2	noun - fighter, especially in ancient or heroic context
surrender /sərˈrɛn.dər/ B2	noun - act of giving up resistance verb - to give up or yield
spirit /ˈspɪr.ɪt/ B1	noun - soul; essential quality or attitude
paradox /ˈpær.ə.dɒks/ C1	noun - statement that seems self‑contradictory but may be true
battle /ˈbæt.əl/ B2	noun - armed conflict between groups verb - to fight in a battle
passion /ˈpæʃ.ən/ B2	noun - strong, intense emotion or enthusiasm
victory /ˈvɪk.tə.ri/ B2	noun - success in a struggle or competition
frustration /frʌˈstreɪ.ʃən/ B2	noun - feeling of being upset because of inability to achieve something
ember /ˈɛm.bər/ C1	noun - small glowing piece of coal or wood in a fire