Congratulations – English Lyrics

• By: MGMT
• Album: Congratulations

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the intricate world of MGMT's "Congratulations," a captivating song that offers a unique perspective on fame and success. This track, rich in psychedelic rock elements, provides a compelling listen for those interested in exploring complex lyrical themes and unconventional song structures. Learning about this song can deepen your appreciation for how artists express personal struggles through their craft, making it a fascinating piece for language learners to unpack its nuanced English lyrics and cultural context.

[English]

Dead in the water

...

It's not a paid vacation

The sons and daughters of city officials

Attend demonstrations

It's hardly a sink or swim

When all is well if the ticket sells

Out with a wimper

...

It's not a blaze of glory

You look down from your temple

As people endeavor to make it a story

And chisel a marble word

But all is lost if it's never heard

But I've got someone to make reports

...

That tell me how my money's spent

To book my stays and draw my blinds

So I can't tell what's really there

And all I need's a great big congratulations

...

I'll keep your dreams

You pay attention for me

As strange as it seems

I'd rather dissolve than have you ignore me

The ground may be moving fast

But I've tied my boots to a broken mast

The difference is clear

...

You throw it in your cauldron

...

Rust and veneer, dusk and dawn

Steinways and Baldwins

You start with a simple stock

Of all the waste and salt to taste

But damn my luck and damn these friends

...

That keep on combing back their smiles

I save my grace with half-assed guilt

And lay down the quilt upon the lawn

Spread my arms and soak up congratulations

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
vacation /vəˈkeɪʃən/ B1	noun - a period of time spent away from home or work, usually for relaxation or recreation
demonstration /ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃən/ B2	noun - a public meeting or march held to protest something or to show support for something
glory /ˈɡlɔːri/ B2	noun - high renown or honor won by notable achievements
endeavor /ɪnˈdɛvər/ B2	verb - to try hard to do or achieve something
chisel /ˈtʃɪzəl/ B2	verb - to shape or cut something with a chisel
congratulations /kənˌɡrætʃʊˈleɪʃənz/ A2	noun - a message of joy or praise for someone's achievement
grace /ɡreɪs/ B2	noun - simple elegance or refinement of movement
dissolve /dɪˈzɒlv/ B2	verb - to become incorporated into a liquid so as to form a solution
moving /ˈmuːvɪŋ/ B1	adjective - causing strong feelings of sadness or sympathy
cauldron /ˈkɔːldrən/ C1	noun - a large metal pot for cooking or boiling
quilt /kwɪlt/ B1	noun - a warm bed covering made of padding enclosed between layers of fabric
waste /weɪst/ B1	noun - material that is not wanted; the unusable remains or by-products of something
smile /smaɪl/ A1	verb - to make a facial expression showing happiness or pleasure
arms /ɑːrmz/ A1	noun - the upper limbs of the human body
dream /driːm/ A2	noun - a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep