Humility – English Lyrics

• By: Gorillaz, George Benson

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the English language through the melancholic yet hopeful sounds of Gorillaz's "Humility." This song offers a great opportunity to explore themes of loneliness and connection, with clear and accessible lyrics. The contrast between the upbeat melody and the introspective words makes it a unique and engaging way to learn.

[English]

Calling the world from isolation

'Cause right now, that's the ball where we be chained

And if you're coming back to find me

You'd better have good aim

...

Shoot it true, I need you in the picture

That's why I'm calling you (Calling you)

I'm the lonely twin, the left hand

Reset myself and get back on track

...

I don't want this isolation

See the state I'm in now?

...

Calling the hunter with the rifle

'Cause right now, that's the ball where we be chained

...

Shoot it true, I want you in the picture

That's why I'm calling you (Calling you)

I'm the lonely twin, the left hand

Reset myself and get back on track

I don't want this isolation

See the state I'm in now?

...

If I pick it up when I know that it's broken

Do I put it back?

...

Or do I head out onto the lonesome trail

And let you down?

...

I'm the lonely twin

The left hand (If I pick it up when I know that it's broken)

(Do I put it back?)

I don't want this isolation (Or do I head out onto the lonesome trail)

See the state I'm in now?

...

(And let you down?)

If I pick it up when I know that it's broken

Do I put it back?

Or do I head out onto the lonesome trail

And let you go?

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
isolation /ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən/ B2	noun - the state of being alone
chain /tʃeɪn/ A2	noun - a series of connected links verb - to restrain with chains
aim /eɪm/ A2	noun - a goal or purpose verb - to point or direct
picture /ˈpɪktʃər/ A1	noun - a visual representation
twin /twɪn/ A2	noun - one of two identical individuals
hand /hænd/ A1	noun - the end part of the arm
reset /riːˈset/ B1	verb - to restore to a previous state
track /træk/ A2	noun - a path or course verb - to follow or trace
state /steɪt/ B1	noun - a condition or situation
hunter /ˈhʌntər/ A2	noun - a person who hunts
rifle /ˈraɪfl/ B1	noun - a long gun with a rifled barrel
lonesome /ˈloʊnsəm/ B2	adjective - sadly alone
trail /treɪl/ A2	noun - a path or track
broken /ˈbroʊkən/ A2	adjective - not in working order
pick /pɪk/ A1	verb - to choose or select
head /hed/ A1	verb - to move in a specific direction

Key Grammar Structures

• Calling the world from **isolation**

  ➔ Noun phrase (preposition + noun)

  ➔ The noun phrase "from **isolation**" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "calling."

• 'Cause right now, that's the ball **where we be chained**

  ➔ Adverbial clause of place (where + subject + verb)

  ➔ The clause "where we be chained" provides the location of "the ball."

• And if you're coming back to find me, **you'd better have good aim**

  ➔ Conditional sentence (If + subject + verb, subject + modal verb + verb)

  ➔ This sentence expresses a condition and its result. The modal verb "had better" is used to give advice or a warning.

• Shoot it true, **I need you in the picture**

  ➔ Subject + Verb + Object + Prepositional phrase

  ➔ This sentence uses the direct object "you" and a prepositional phrase "in the picture" to describe where the subject is needed.

• I'm the lonely twin, **the left hand**

  ➔ Appositive phrase

  ➔ The phrase "the left hand" renames or clarifies "the lonely twin."

• Reset myself and **get back on track**

  ➔ Phrasal verb (verb + adverbial particle)

  ➔ "Get back on track" is a phrasal verb, meaning to return to the right path or a previous state of progress.

• I don't want **this isolation**

  ➔ Direct Object

  ➔ "This isolation" is the direct object of the verb "want."

• See the **state I'm in now**?

  ➔ Relative Clause (reduced form)

  ➔ The phrase "I'm in now" functions as a reduced relative clause, modifying "state." The relative pronoun (which/that) is omitted.

• Or do I head out onto the lonesome trail **and let you down**?

  ➔ Phrasal verb (verb + adverbial particle)

  ➔ "Let you down" is a phrasal verb, meaning to disappoint someone.