I'm Still Standing – English Lyrics

• By: Elton John
• Album: Too Low For Zero

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the vibrant world of Elton John's "I'm Still Standing," an energetic and uplifting anthem that's perfect for learning English. Its clear, empowering lyrics tell a story of resilience and overcoming adversity, making complex emotions accessible through catchy phrases and a triumphant message. You'll grasp expressions of perseverance and self-worth while enjoying a timeless pop-rock classic.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
standing /ˈstændɪŋ/ A2	verb - to be in or rise to an upright position, supported by one's feet. noun - status or reputation.
blood /blʌd/ A2	noun - the red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and other vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body.
winter /ˈwɪntər/ A1	noun - the coldest season of the year.
ice /aɪs/ A1	noun - frozen water.
cold /koʊld/ A1	adjective - of or at a low or relatively low temperature.
light /laɪt/ A1	noun - the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.
wreck /rek/ B2	noun - a ship destroyed at sea; a person in bad physical or mental condition
hide /haɪd/ A2	verb - to put (something) out of sight.
mask /mæsk/ A2	noun - a covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, or for protection.
fool /fuːl/ B1	noun - a person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a jester or clown.
taste /teɪst/ A2	noun - the sensation of flavour perceived in the mouth and throat on contact with a substance.
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - an intense feeling of affection.
fade /feɪd/ B1	verb - gradually ceasing to be visible.
survivor /sərˈvaɪvər/ B2	noun - a person who survives, especially in the face of overwhelming odds.
kid /kɪd/ A2	noun - a child or young person.
life /laɪf/ A1	noun - the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death.
mind /maɪnd/ A2	noun - the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness.
threats /θrets/ B2	noun - a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for or conditionally on something done or not done.
cut /kʌt/ A1	verb - divide into pieces with a sharp implement.
circus /ˈsɜːrkəs/ A2	noun - a traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and other entertainers which gives performances, typically in a large tent or open-air arena.
clown /klaʊn/ B1	noun - an entertainer, typically with a painted face and wearing exaggerated clothes, who amuses an audience by acting in a silly way.

Key Grammar Structures

• You could never know what it's like

  ➔ Modal verb 'could' + 'never' + relative clause 'what it's like'

  ➔ 'Could' expresses possibility or past ability. 'Never' negates the possibility. 'What it's like' is a relative clause acting as the object of 'know'.

• Your blood like winter freezes just like ice

  ➔ Simile using 'like' (comparison)

  ➔ Compares the person's coldness to winter and ice, highlighting their emotional distance.

• You'll wind up like the wreck you hide

  ➔ Future tense ('You'll') + phrasal verb 'wind up' + simile using 'like' + relative clause 'you hide'

  ➔ 'You'll wind up' means you will eventually become. 'Like the wreck you hide' compares their future to a hidden disaster.

• And did you think this fool could never win

  ➔ Past simple question with auxiliary verb 'did' + modal verb 'could' + adverb 'never'

  ➔ Expresses disbelief and challenges the other person's low expectations. 'Could never win' shows a strong lack of possibility in their mind.

• Well, look at me, I'm a-coming back again

  ➔ Imperative 'look' + present continuous (informal 'a-coming')

  ➔ 'Look at me' is a direct instruction. 'I'm a-coming' is an informal way of saying 'I am coming', emphasizing the action is happening right now.

• And if you need to know while I'm still standing

  ➔ Conditional clause ('if you need to know') + subordinate clause ('while I'm still standing')

  ➔ Establishes a condition and context. 'If you need to know' introduces the hypothetical situation. 'While I'm still standing' sets the timeframe.

• Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did

  ➔ Negative imperative ('Don't you know') + present continuous 'I'm still standing' + comparative adjective 'better than'

  ➔ 'Don't you know' expresses surprise or disbelief. The rest of the sentence emphasizes the improved state after overcoming adversity.

• Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid

  ➔ Participle clauses (present participles 'Looking' and 'Feeling') + simile using 'like'

  ➔ Describes the speaker's current state with two simultaneous actions or states. One expressing resilience, the other renewed innocence.