Dear Old Shiz – English Lyrics

• By: Shiz University Choir, Ariana Grande
• Album: Wicked

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is a fantastic journey, and “Dear Old Shiz” from *Wicked* offers a unique opportunity to explore English through the lens of a grand, theatrical alma mater. This song is special because it uses formal, evocative language to paint a picture of a prestigious university, but its true depth lies in the irony and subtext of the lyrics. By listening, you can learn about expressing nostalgia and pride, while also understanding how language can be used to mask true feelings and create social divides. It’s a powerful lesson in both English and human nature.

[English]

(Glinda! Is it true you were her friend?)

(Yes, I mean I did know her)

(That is, our paths did cross, at school)

O hallowed halls and vine-draped walls

The proudliest sight there is

When grey and sere our hair hath turned

We shall still revere the lessons learned

In our days at dear old Shiz

Our days at dear old

Oh-oh-oh-oh-old

Dear old Shiz

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
hallowed /ˈhæloʊd/ C1	adjective - made holy or consecrated
revere /rɪˈvɪər/ B2	verb - to regard with deep respect and admiration
draped /dreɪpt/ B2	adjective / verb (past participle) - covered or adorned with cloth
proudliest /ˈpraʊdlijɪst/ C2	adjective (superlative of proud) - most having pride; feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction
sere /sɪər/ C2	adjective - dry, withered (especially of vegetation or landscapes)
lessons /ˈlɛs.ənz/ A2	noun - instructions or teachings designed to teach someone about a subject
cross /krɒs/ A2	verb / noun - to go or extend across; a mark or structure formed by intersecting lines
walls /wɔːlz/ A2	noun - vertical structures that enclose or divide spaces
paths /pæθs/ A2	noun - routes or ways for traveling between places
school /skuːl/ A1	noun - institution for educating children

Key Grammar Structures

• O hallowed halls and vine-draped walls

  ➔ Use of adjectives to describe nouns.

  ➔ In the phrase "hallowed halls" and "vine-draped walls", the adjectives "hallowed" and "vine-draped" provide specific qualities to the nouns.

• When grey and sere our hair hath turned

  ➔ Use of the present perfect tense.

  ➔ The phrase "hath turned" indicates an action that has relevance to the present, showing the state of the hair.

• We shall still revere the lessons learned

  ➔ Use of the future simple tense with 'shall'.

  ➔ The phrase "We shall still revere" indicates a future intention or promise regarding the lessons learned.

• In our days at dear old Shiz

  ➔ Use of prepositions to indicate time.

  ➔ The preposition "at" indicates a specific time period, referring to the days spent at Shiz.