Dirty Computer – English Lyrics

• By: Janelle Monáe, Brian Wilson
• Album: Dirty Computer

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Janelle Monáe's "Dirty Computer," a vibrant and empowering album that not only offers a rich tapestry of pop, funk, and R&B sounds but also serves as a powerful testament to self-acceptance and freedom of expression. Through its evocative lyrics and compelling narratives, learners can explore themes of identity, social justice, and love, gaining insight into contemporary English expressions and cultural dialogue while enjoying a truly special and critically acclaimed musical experience. What makes this song special is its bold celebration of individuality and its seamless blend of profound messages with irresistible grooves.

[English]

Dirty computer, walk in line

If you look closer you'll recognize

I'm not that special, I'm broke inside

Crashing slowly, the bugs are in me

Dirty computer, breaking down

Picking my face up off the ground

I'll love you in this space and time

'Cause baby, all I'll ever be is

Your dirty computer

Dirty computer

Searching for someone to fix my life

Text message caught up in the sky

Oh, if you love me, won't you please reply?

Oh, can't you see that it's only me, your dirty computer?

Dirty computer

Your dirty computer

Dirty computer

I'll love you in this space and time

I'll love you in this space and time

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
computer /kəmˈpjuːtər/ A1	noun - an electronic device that processes data
dirty /ˈdɜːrti/ A1	adjective - not clean
walk /wɔːk/ A1	verb - to move at a regular pace by using the feet
line /laɪn/ A1	noun - a long, narrow mark or band
recognize /ˈrekəɡˌnaɪz/ A2	verb - to identify someone or something from previous encounters
special /ˈspɛʃəl/ A1	adjective - better or more important than others
broke /broʊk/ A2	adjective - having little or no money
crash /kræʃ/ B1	verb - to fall or cause to fall suddenly and violently
bug /bʌɡ/ A2	noun - a small insect noun - a problem in a computer program
break /breɪk/ A1	verb - to separate into pieces as a result of a blow or strain
pick /pɪk/ A1	verb - to choose or select from a group
love /lʌv/ A1	verb - to have a deep affection for someone
search /sɜːrtʃ/ A1	verb - to look for something or someone
fix /fɪks/ A1	verb - to repair or mend something
text /tɛkst/ A2	noun - a written message sent electronically
reply /rɪˈplaɪ/ A2	verb - to respond to a message or question
space /speɪs/ A1	noun - the area or gap between things
time /taɪm/ A1	noun - the progression of events from past to future

Key Grammar Structures

• Dirty computer, walk in line

  ➔ Imperative Mood

  ➔ The phrase 'walk in line' uses the imperative mood to give a direct command or instruction.

• If you look closer you'll recognize

  ➔ Conditional Sentence (Type 1)

  ➔ This is a Type 1 conditional sentence, indicating a likely result ('you'll recognize') if the condition ('if you look closer') is met.

• I'm not that special, I'm broke inside

  ➔ Present Simple with Adjectives

  ➔ The present simple tense is used with adjectives ('special', 'broke') to describe a permanent or general state.

• Crashing slowly, the bugs are in me

  ➔ Present Continuous

  ➔ The present continuous tense ('are in me') is used to describe an action happening now or around now.

• I'll love you in this space and time

  ➔ Future Simple with 'will'

  ➔ The future simple tense with 'will' ('I'll love') is used to express a promise or a prediction about the future.

• Oh, if you love me, won't you please reply?

  ➔ Tag Question

  ➔ The phrase 'won't you please reply?' is a tag question, used to confirm information or to make a request in a more polite way.

• Oh, can't you see that it's only me, your dirty computer?

  ➔ Modal Verb 'can'

  ➔ The modal verb 'can' is used to express ability or to make a request ('can't you see').

• Your dirty computer

  ➔ Possessive Adjective

  ➔ The phrase 'your dirty computer' uses the possessive adjective 'your' to show ownership.