Damage – English Lyrics

• By: H.E.R.
• Album: Back Of My Mind

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is an immersive experience, and H.E.R.'s "Damage" is a perfect song to start with for those learning English. The lyrics are clear, direct, and express a universal feeling of vulnerability in love, making it easy to connect with emotionally. What makes this song special is its blend of modern R&B with a classic, soulful feel, offering a glimpse into the rich history and evolution of the genre. By listening to "Damage," you can learn common English phrases related to relationships and emotions in a beautiful and memorable way.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
damage /ˈdæmɪdʒ/ B1	noun - physical harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of something. verb - to inflict physical harm on something so as to impair its value, usefulness, or normal function.
question /ˈkwɛstʃən/ A2	noun - a sentence worded or expressed so as to elicit information. verb - ask questions of (someone), especially in an official context.
room /ruːm/ A1	noun - space that can be occupied or where something can be done.
guessing /ˈɡɛsɪŋ/ A2	verb - estimate or suppose (something) without sufficient information to be sure of being correct.
invested /ɪnˈvɛstɪd/ B2	verb - expend money with the expectation of achieving a profit or material result by putting it into financial schemes, shares, or property, or by using it to develop a commercial venture.
imperfections /ˌɪmpərˈfɛkʃənz/ C1	noun - a fault, blemish, or undesirable feature.
granted /ˈɡrɑːntɪd/ B1	verb - agree or concede to (something requested or desired).
manage /ˈmænɪdʒ/ A2	verb - be in charge of (a company, establishment, or undertaking); administer; run.
honest /ˈɒnɪst/ A2	adjective - free of deceit; truthful and sincere.
solace /ˈsɒləs/ C1	noun - comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.
promise /ˈprɒmɪs/ A2	noun - a declaration assuring that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen. verb - assure someone that one will definitely do, give, or arrange something; undertake or declare something.
fall /fɔːl/ A1	verb - move downwards, typically rapidly and freely without control, from a higher to a lower level.
lies /laɪz/ A2	noun - an intentionally false statement. verb - speak falsely or deceptively.
cry /kraɪ/ A1	verb - shed tears, typically as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow.
wasting /ˈweɪstɪŋ/ B1	verb - use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.
careful /ˈkeərfʊl/ A2	adjective - giving serious attention to avoiding danger or mistakes; cautious.
worried /ˈwʌrid/ A2	adjective - anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems.
pressure /ˈprɛʃər/ B1	noun - the exertion of force on something by something else that is in contact with it. verb - attempt to persuade (someone) to do something.
pleasure /ˈplɛʒər/ B1	noun - a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment.
learn /lɜːrn/ A1	verb - gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught.

Key Grammar Structures

• If you got it, it ain't no question

  ➔ Zero Conditional (informal)

  ➔ This uses a simplified zero conditional structure. "If you got it" is the condition, and "it ain't no question" is the result. The 'ain't' is non-standard English but common in colloquial speech. Zero conditional expresses a general truth or fact.

• No more than emotionally invested

  ➔ Comparative structure (implied)

  ➔ The full sentence is implied, but likely something along the lines of "I'm **no more** than emotionally invested." It implies a limit on her emotional investment, suggesting she isn't fully committed.

• If I let you, you'll take me for granted, yeah

  ➔ First Conditional

  ➔ This is a standard first conditional sentence: "If" + Present Simple (I let you), "will" + infinitive (you'll take me). It expresses a likely outcome if a certain condition is met.

• Promise that you won't let me fall

  ➔ Noun Clause after 'Promise'

  ➔ The word 'that' introduces a noun clause which acts as the object of the verb 'promise'. The noun clause provides the content of the promise.

• So just be careful what you take for granted, yeah

  ➔ Imperative + Embedded Question

  ➔ "Be careful" is an imperative. "What you take for granted" is an embedded question acting as the object of "be careful". It essentially means "Be careful about the things you don't appreciate."

• 'Cause with me, know you could do damage

  ➔ Ellipsis (omission of 'you')

  ➔ The word "you" is omitted from the clause "know you could do damage." A more formal version would be "(You) know that you could do damage."

• Either learn me or I'm a lesson gone, oh

  ➔ Either/Or structure, non-standard use of 'learn me'

  ➔ This sentence uses the 'either/or' construction to present two options. However, 'learn me' is non-standard English. 'Learn about me' or 'learn from me' would be grammatically correct. It adds to the informal and slightly edgy tone. It could also mean 'learn what I am about'.