Closer – English Lyrics

• By: The Chainsmokers, Halsey

Lyrics & Translation

Delve into the English lyrics of "Closer" to explore its narrative of a chance reunion between ex-lovers and the bittersweet nostalgia that comes with revisiting a past relationship. This song offers a blend of relatable storytelling and catchy electro-pop melodies, making it an engaging way to connect with contemporary English song structure and common romantic expressions.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
meet /miːt/ A1	verb - to encounter someone for the first time or by arrangement
friends /frendz/ A1	noun - a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection
heart /hɑːrt/ A2	noun - the organ that pumps blood through the body noun - the seat of emotions
city /ˈsɪti/ A1	noun - a large town or urban area
car /kɑːr/ A1	noun - a road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor
bar /bɑːr/ A2	noun - a place where alcoholic drinks are served
stop /stɒp/ A1	verb - to cease moving or operating
baby /ˈbeɪbi/ A1	noun - a very young child noun - a term of endearment
pull /pʊl/ A2	verb - to exert force on (someone or something) so as to move them towards oneself
tattoo /tæˈtuː/ B1	noun - a permanent mark or design made on the skin by pricking it and inserting an indelible ink
shoulder /ˈʃəʊldər/ A2	noun - the part of the human body between the neck and the upper arm
sheets /ʃiːts/ A2	noun - a large piece of cloth used as bedding, typically one of a pair
mattress /ˈmætrɪs/ B1	noun - a fabric case filled with firm material, used for sleeping on
roommate /ˈruːmmeɪt/ A2	noun - a person with whom one shares a room or dwelling
older /ˈoʊldər/ A1	adjective - having lived for a relatively long time
insane /ɪnˈseɪn/ B2	adjective - in a state of mind that prevents normal perception, behavior, or social interaction

Key Grammar Structures

• Hey, I was doing just fine before I met you

  ➔ Past Continuous Tense

  ➔ The past continuous tense "was doing" describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past, before meeting the other person. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of feeling fine at that point.

• I drink too much and that's an issue, but I'm okay

  ➔ Adverb of degree "too much"

  ➔ "Too much" modifies "drink," indicating an excessive quantity or degree. It's used to express that the amount of drinking is problematic.

• I hope I never see them again

  ➔ Subjunctive mood (implied)

  ➔ While not explicitly using a subjunctive form, the sentence expresses a wish or desire, implying a degree of uncertainty. The speaker is hoping for a specific outcome.

• Moved to the city in a broke-down car

  ➔ Past participle as adjective ("broke-down")

  ➔ "Broke-down" is a past participle acting as an adjective to describe the condition of the car. It means the car was not working or in a state of disrepair.

• Now you're lookin' pretty in a hotel bar

  ➔ Present Continuous Tense (informal spelling)

  ➔ "You're lookin'" is an informal contraction of "you are looking". The present continuous describes an action happening now or around now.

• Pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ "Pull" is the imperative form of the verb, giving a direct command or request.

• That I know you can't afford

  ➔ Relative Clause with omitted relative pronoun

  ➔ The full clause would be "that I know *that* you can't afford". The relative pronoun "that" (or sometimes "which") is often omitted when it is the object of the relative clause.

• We ain't ever gettin' older

  ➔ Double Negative (Non-Standard English)

  ➔ "Ain't ever" is a double negative construction. In standard English, it would be "aren't ever" or "are never". Using "ain't ever" is a feature of some dialects and is considered grammatically incorrect in formal settings.