I Say A Little Prayer

• By: Aretha Franklin

Lyrics:

Vocabulary in this song:

Vocabulary	Meanings
moment /ˈmoʊ.mənt/ A2	noun - a very brief period of time
makeup /ˈmeɪ.kʌp/ B1	noun - cosmetics applied to the face
prayer /ˈprɛɪ.ər/ B1	noun - a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God
heart /hɑːrt/ A1	noun - the organ in your chest that sends the blood around your body
love /lʌv/ A1	verb - to have a strong affection for someone noun - a strong feeling of affection
together /təˈɡɛð.ər/ A2	adverb - with each other; in a group
ride /raɪd/ A2	verb - to sit on and control the movement of a vehicle or animal
think /θɪŋk/ A1	verb - to have a particular opinion or belief
break /breɪk/ A2	noun - a short period of rest or pause
darling /ˈdɑːr.lɪŋ/ B2	noun - a beloved person
believe /bɪˈliːv/ A2	verb - to accept something as true
answer /ˈæn.sər/ A2	verb - to respond to a question or request
part /pɑːrt/ A2	verb - to separate or divide into pieces
mean /miːn/ B1	verb - to signify or represent

Grammar:

• The moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup

  ➔ Time clauses with 'before'

  ➔ This sentence uses 'before' to indicate that one action (putting on makeup) happens after another (waking up). 'Before' introduces a dependent clause that specifies the timing of the main clause action.

• And wondering what dress to wear now

  ➔ Indirect question (embedded question) with 'what + to + infinitive'

  ➔ This is an example of an indirect question. Instead of asking directly, 'What dress should I wear?', the sentence embeds the question within the larger clause 'And wondering...'. The structure 'what + to + wear' is a common way to express this.

• (That's how it must be) to live without you

  ➔ Use of 'to + infinitive' to express purpose or consequence

  ➔ Here, 'to live without you' explains the consequence or result of the previous statement ('That's how it must be'). The infinitive phrase functions as an adverbial modifier.

• Would only mean heartbreak for me

  ➔ Conditional sentence (implied condition)

  ➔ This sentence implies a conditional clause. The full thought is something like: 'If I were to live without you, it would only mean heartbreak for me.' The 'if' clause is omitted, but understood.

• I run for the bus, dear

  ➔ Simple Present Tense for habits or routines

  ➔ The verb 'run' in the simple present tense indicates a regular action or routine. It's something she does habitually.

• Say you'll love me true

  ➔ Future in the past (will -> would) in indirect speech.

  ➔ This phrase is a direct request/command that implies the future, but, viewed from a past perspective (i.e. if it were reported), 'will' would change to 'would'. However, in this context, the 'will' is used to make a firm request or plea.