Electricityscape – English Lyrics

• By: The Strokes
• Album: First Impressions Of Earth

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the vibrant yet melancholic soundscape of The Strokes' 'Electricityscape.' This indie rock gem, known for its introspective lyrics and compelling melodies, offers a unique opportunity to explore English vocabulary related to urban life, emotions, and self-discovery. Julian Casablancas' distinctive vocal delivery and the song's vivid imagery make it a captivating listen, perfect for anyone looking to connect with English through evocative music.

[English]

Oh, with strangers to impress, so near

Old friends don't realize I'm here

I wish two drinks were always in me

I'd pretend I had the perfect ear

Take me to the water

Make me understand that I was wrong

For me, tomorrow is my first day

So please don't tempt me in the wrong way

It's almost after midnight

I can see the city lights

We're here

Change your mind tonight

You belong to the city now

And you're closer now, I know

You belong on the radio

...

I swear I'll give it back tomorrow

But for now, I think that I'll just borrow

All the chords from that song

And all the words from that other song I heard yesterday

Change your mind tonight

You belong to the city now

And you're closer now, I know

You belong on the radio

I will not disturb you

I was just returning you the compliment

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
impress /ɪmˈprɛs/ B1	verb - to make someone admire or respect you
realize /ˈriəlaɪz/ A2	verb - to become aware of something
pretend /prɪˈtɛnd/ A2	verb - to behave as if something is true when it is not
perfect /ˈpɜːrfɪkt/ A2	adjective - having no flaws or mistakes
understand /ˌʌndərˈstænd/ A1	verb - to comprehend or grasp the meaning of something
tempt /tɛmpt/ B1	verb - to attract or entice someone to do something
midnight /ˈmɪdˌnaɪt/ A1	noun - 12 o'clock at night
city /ˈsɪti/ A1	noun - a large town
lights /laɪts/ A1	noun - sources of illumination
belong /bɪˈlɒŋ/ A2	verb - to be in the right place or suitable
closer /ˈkloʊzər/ A2	adjective - nearer in distance or relationship
radio /ˈreɪdioʊ/ A1	noun - a device for receiving broadcast audio
swear /swɛər/ B1	verb - to make a solemn promise
borrow /ˈbɒroʊ/ A1	verb - to take and use something with the intention of returning it
chords /kɔːrdz/ B1	noun - a group of notes played together in music
disturb /dɪˈstɜːrb/ B1	verb - to interrupt or upset someone
compliment /ˈkɒmplɪmənt/ B1	noun - an expression of praise or admiration verb - to praise or express admiration for someone

Key Grammar Structures

• Old friends don't realize I'm here

  ➔ Present simple tense with negative form

  ➔ The verb 'don't realize' shows a general state or fact that old friends are unaware of.

• I wish two drinks were always in me

  ➔ Subjunctive mood for unreal or hypothetical situations

  ➔ The phrase 'I wish ... were' shows a wish about something unreal in the present.

• Take me to the water

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ The base verb form 'take' gives a command or request directed at someone.

• Make me understand that I was wrong

  ➔ Causative verb 'make' + object + base verb

  ➔ 'Make me understand' means cause me to understand or help me realize something.

• Tomorrow is my first day

  ➔ Present simple to express future (scheduled event)

  ➔ The speaker uses 'is' to indicate a fixed future plan or schedule.

• It's almost after midnight

  ➔ Contraction with 'it’s' = it is

  ➔ 'It's' is used in informal speech to describe the current time or state.

• You belong to the city now

  ➔ Present simple expressing state of being

  ➔ The verb 'belong' describes a current and continuing relationship or condition.

• I swear I’ll give it back tomorrow

  ➔ Future simple tense with 'will'

  ➔ 'I’ll give' expresses a promise or decision about a future action.

• I was just returning you the compliment

  ➔ Past continuous tense

  ➔ The use of 'was returning' indicates an action in progress in the past context, often polite or reflective.