I Sold My Bed, But Not My Stereo – English Lyrics

• By: Capital Cities
• Album: In A Tidal Wave of Mystery (Deluxe Edition)

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the world of Capital Cities with "I Sold My Bed, But Not My Stereo," a catchy and upbeat song that's perfect for language learners. Its clear vocals, engaging melodies, and positive message about the universal power of music make the lyrics easy to follow and connect with. You'll not only enjoy its unique blend of electronic and analog sounds but also gain insights into conversational English through its relatable themes of passion and prioritization. Let this song be your joyful guide to learning English, one memorable lyric at a time.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
sold /səʊld/ B1	verb - past tense of sell; to have transferred ownership of something for money
bed /bɛd/ A1	noun - a piece of furniture for sleeping or resting
stereo /ˈstɛri.oʊ/ B2	noun - a sound system that reproduces separate channels for left and right speakers
black /blæk/ A1	adjective - the darkest color, the absence of light
favorite /ˈfeɪvərɪt/ A2	adjective - preferred above all others
color /ˈkʌlər/ A1	noun - the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye
magnetic /mæɡˈnɛtɪk/ B2	adjective - having the properties of a magnet; capable of attracting iron
hero /ˈhɪəroʊ/ A2	noun - a person who is admired for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities
town /taʊn/ A1	noun - a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city
ones /wʌnz/ B1	noun - the digit 1; used to denote binary code or single units
zeros /ˈzɪəroʊz/ B1	noun - the digit 0; often paired with ones in binary notation
backbeat /ˈbækˌbit/ C1	noun - the rhythmic accent on the off-beats in music, especially in rock and pop
lover /ˈlʌvər/ B1	noun - a person who is in a romantic relationship
tape /teɪp/ A2	noun - a strip of material used for recording sound or video, or for binding items together
poster /ˈpoʊstər/ A2	noun - a printed picture or notice intended for display
floor /flɔːr/ A1	noun - the lower surface of a room on which one stands
push /pʊʃ/ A1	verb - to exert force on something in order to move it away from oneself
broken /ˈbroʊkən/ A2	adjective - having been fractured or damaged and no longer in one piece
fader /ˈfeɪdər/ C1	noun - a control on an audio mixing console that gradually changes the level of a signal
mixed /mɪkst/ B1	adjective - combined or blended together; not pure or uniform

Key Grammar Structures

• Black is my favorite color

  ➔ Subject-verb agreement, stative verb 'is', possessive adjective 'my'

  ➔ The sentence demonstrates basic subject-verb agreement. 'Black' (the subject) takes the singular verb 'is'. 'My' indicates possession – the color belongs to the speaker. The verb 'is' describes a state, not an action.

• Take a seat like a backbeat lover

  ➔ Simile ('like'), imperative mood ('Take'), noun used as adjective ('backbeat')

  ➔ This line uses a simile to create a vivid image. 'Like a backbeat lover' compares the way someone should sit to the feeling of being deeply connected to the rhythm of music. 'Take' is in the imperative mood, giving a direct command.

• You are one magnetic hero

  ➔ Subject complement ('hero'), adjective used as noun modifier ('magnetic'), indefinite article 'one'

  ➔ This line uses a metaphor. 'Magnetic hero' suggests someone is captivating and draws people in. 'One' functions as an indefinite article emphasizing singularity and uniqueness.

• In a town of ones and zeros

  ➔ Prepositional phrase ('In a town'), plural nouns ('ones', 'zeros'), coordination ('and')

  ➔ This line creates a metaphorical setting. 'Ones and zeros' allude to binary code, representing a digital, perhaps impersonal, world. The preposition 'in' establishes the location.