Cecilia – English Lyrics

• By: Simon & Garfunkel

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the rhythmic complexities and lyrical nuances of Simon & Garfunkel's "Cecilia," a song that blends themes of love, infidelity, and artistic inspiration. Explore the unique creation of its infectious beat and learn how its lyrics offer a glimpse into both personal relationships and the creative process, making it a perfect tune to expand your understanding of English through music.

[English]

Celia, you're breaking my heart

You're shaking my confidence daily

Oh, Cecilia, I'm down on my knees

I'm begging you please to come home

Celia, you're breaking my heart

You're shaking my confidence daily

Oh, Cecilia, I'm down on my knees

I'm begging you please to come home

Come on home

Making love in the afternoon with Cecilia

Up in my bedroom (making love)

I got up to wash my face

When I come back to bed

Someone's taken my place

Celia, you're breaking my heart

You're shaking my confidence daily

Oh, Cecilia, I'm down on my knees

I'm begging you please to come home

Come on home

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh

...

(Pick it up, pick it up)

(Pick it up, pick it up)

Jubilation, she loves me again

I fall on the floor and die laughing

Jubilation, she loves me again

I fall on the floor and die laughing

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh...

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
breaking /ˈbreɪkɪŋ/ A2	verb - to cause something to separate into pieces verb (progressive) - currently in the process of causing damage or separation
heart /hɑːrt/ A1	noun - the organ that pumps blood through the body; also the centre of emotions
shaking /ˈʃeɪkɪŋ/ B1	verb - to move quickly back and forth or up and down verb (progressive) - currently trembling or causing trembling
confidence /ˈkɒnfɪdəns/ B2	noun - a feeling of self‑assurance arising from one’s abilities or qualities
knees /niːz/ A2	noun - the two joints between the thigh and the lower leg
begging /ˈbɛgɪŋ/ B1	verb - to ask earnestly for something, especially help or a favor
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - a deep affection or strong emotional attachment verb - to feel deep affection for someone or something
afternoon /ˈɑːftərˌnuːn/ B1	noun - the part of the day from noon until evening
bedroom /ˈbɛdruːm/ A2	noun - a room used primarily for sleeping
wash /wɒʃ/ A1	verb - to clean something with water or another liquid
face /feɪs/ A1	noun - the front part of the head that includes the eyes, nose and mouth
jubilation /ˌdʒuːbɪˈleɪʃən/ C1	noun - a feeling of great happiness and triumph
fall /fɔːl/ A1	verb - to move downward, typically rapidly and accidentally
floor /flɔːr/ A1	noun - the lower surface of a room on which one walks
die /daɪ/ A2	verb - to cease living; to stop existing
laughing /ˈlæfɪŋ/ B1	verb - to make spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that express amusement
daily /ˈdeɪli/ A2	adjective - happening or done every day

Key Grammar Structures

• Celia, you're breaking my heart

  ➔ Present continuous tense.

  ➔ The use of *"you're breaking"* indicates an action currently happening.

• I'm begging you please to come home

  ➔ Present continuous tense with an infinitive.

  ➔ The phrase *"I'm begging"* shows ongoing action while *"to come"* indicates intent.

• Someone's taken my place

  ➔ Present perfect tense.

  ➔ *"Someone's taken"* indicates an action that has occurred at an unspecified time in the past.

• Jubilation, she loves me again

  ➔ Simple present tense.

  ➔ The use of *"she loves"* states a general truth or fact.