Citizen Soldier – English Lyrics

• By: 3 Doors Down, The National Guard

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language can be an exciting journey, and music is a fantastic way to immerse yourself. 'Citizen/Soldier' by 3 Doors Down offers a unique opportunity to learn English through its powerful and clearly articulated lyrics. The song's strong, narrative-driven verses and anthemic chorus make it easy to follow along and pick up new vocabulary related to heroism, support, and community. The repetitive nature of the chorus will help reinforce these new words and phrases. What makes this song special is its heartfelt tribute to the everyday heroes among us, providing not just a language lesson, but a cultural insight into American patriotism and respect for its service members.

[English]

Beyond the boundaries of your city's lights

Stand the heroes waiting for your cries

So many times you did not bring this on yourself

When that moment finally comes, I'll be there to help

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care

I'll be right here

Citizen soldiers

Holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair

Standing on guard for the ones that we shelter

We'll always be ready because we will always be there

...

For when there are people crying in the streets

For when they're starving for a meal to eat

For when they simply need a place to make their beds

Right here underneath my wing, you can rest your head

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care

I'll be right here

Citizen soldiers

Holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair

Standing on guard for the ones that we shelter

We'll always be ready because we will always be there

(There, there, there)

Hope and pray that you never need me

But rest assured I will not let you down

I walk beside you, but you may not see me

The strongest among you may not wear a crown

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care

I'll be right here

On that day when you don't have the strength for the burden you bear

I'll be right here

Citizen soldiers

Holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair

Standing on guard for the ones that we shelter

We'll always be ready because we will always be there

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
boundary /ˈbaʊndəri/ B2	noun - a line that marks the limits of an area
hero /ˈhɪəroʊ/ B1	noun - a person admired for bravery or noble qualities
guide /ɡaɪd/ B1	verb - to show or point out the way noun - a person who shows others the way
despair /dɪsˈpɛər/ B2	noun - the complete loss or absence of hope
shelter /ˈʃɛltər/ B1	noun - a place that provides protection from weather or danger verb - to provide protection or refuge
guard /ɡɑːrd/ B1	noun - a person who keeps watch to prevent trouble verb - to keep watch over
deserve /dɪˈzɜːrv/ B2	verb - to earn or be worthy of something
strength /strɛŋkθ/ B2	noun - quality or state of being strong
burden /ˈbɜːrdn/ B2	noun - a heavy load or responsibility
rest /rɛst/ A2	verb - to cease work or movement for relaxation noun - the period of relaxing or sleep
strength /strɛŋkθ/ B2	noun - quality of being strong, strength
crown /kraʊn/ B2	noun - a circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch

Key Grammar Structures

• Beyond the boundaries of your city's lights

  ➔ Prepositional Phrase

  ➔ The phrase "Beyond the boundaries" indicates a location or state that is outside of defined limits.

• I'll be right here

  ➔ Future Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "I'll be" indicates a promise or commitment to be present in the future.

• For when there are people crying in the streets

  ➔ Subordinate Clause

  ➔ The clause "For when there are people crying" provides a condition or reason for the main action.

• Hope and pray that you never need me

  ➔ Imperative Mood

  ➔ The phrase "Hope and pray" expresses a wish or desire in an imperative form.

• The strongest among you may not wear a crown

  ➔ Modal Verb

  ➔ The phrase "may not wear" indicates possibility or permission in a negative form.

• We'll always be ready because we will always be there

  ➔ Future Continuous Tense

  ➔ The phrase "We'll always be ready" indicates an ongoing state of readiness in the future.