It's My Life – English Lyrics

• By: Bon Jovi

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is a powerful tool, and Bon Jovi's “It's My Life” is an excellent choice for English learners. The song's clear, anthemic lyrics about self-empowerment and individuality are not only inspiring but also easy to follow and sing along to. Its universal message of taking charge of your life makes it a timeless classic that transcends cultural boundaries, offering a fun and motivational way to improve your English skills.

[English]

(KEYS CLATTERING)

- [MOM] TOMMY, COME TAKE OUT THE GARBAGE

- [TOMMY] IN A MINUTE, MOM

(PHONE RINGING)

HELLO - WHERE ARE YOU?

- WHAT? - YOU'RE MISSING IT

GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW

- [TOMMY] WHERE ARE YOU?

- WE'RE IN THE TUNNEL, YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES

GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW

- OKAY - HURRY UP

(HEARTBEAT POUNDING)

♪ (UPBEAT ROCK MUSIC) ♪

♪ THIS AIN'T A SONG FOR THE BROKEN-HEARTED ♪

♪ NO SILENT PRAYER FOR THE FAITH DEPARTED ♪

♪ I AIN'T GONNA BE JUST A FACE IN THE CROWD ♪

♪ YOU'RE GONNA HEAR MY VOICE ♪

♪ WHEN I SHOUT IT OUT LOUD ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE, IT'S NOW OR NEVER ♪

♪ I AIN'T GONNA LIVE FOREVER ♪

♪ I JUST WANT TO LIVE WHILE I'M ALIVE ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE ♪

♪ MY HEART IS LIKE AN OPEN HIGHWAY ♪

♪ LIKE FRANKIE SAID, I DID IT MY WAY ♪

♪ I JUST WANT TO LIVE WHILE I'M ALIVE ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE ♪

♪ THIS IS FOR THE ONES WHO STOOD THEIR GROUND ♪

♪ FOR TOMMY AND GINA WHO NEVER BACKED DOWN ♪

♪ TOMORROW'S GETTING HARDER, MAKE NO MISTAKE ♪

♪ LUCK AIN'T ENOUGH ♪

♪ YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE YOUR OWN BREAKS ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE, AND IT'S NOW OR NEVER ♪

♪ I AIN'T GONNA LIVE FOREVER ♪

♪ I JUST WANT TO LIVE WHILE I'M ALIVE ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE ♪

♪ MY HEART IS LIKE AN OPEN HIGHWAY ♪

♪ LIKE FRANKIE SAID, I DID IT MY WAY ♪

♪ I JUST WANT TO LIVE WHILE I'M ALIVE ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE ♪

♪ YOU BETTER STAND TALL WHEN THEY'RE CALLING YOU OUT ♪

♪ DON'T BEND, DON'T BREAK, BABY, DON'T BACK DOWN ♪

♪ (HEARTBEAT POUNDING) ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE, AND IT'S NOW OR NEVER ♪

♪ I AIN'T GONNA LIVE FOREVER ♪

♪ I JUST WANT TO LIVE WHILE I'M ALIVE ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE ♪

♪ MY HEART IS LIKE AN OPEN HIGHWAY ♪

♪ LIKE FRANKIE SAID, I DID IT MY WAY ♪

♪ I JUST WANT TO LIVE WHILE I'M ALIVE ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE ♪

♪ AND IT'S NOW OR NEVER ♪

♪ I AIN'T GONNA LIVE FOREVER ♪

♪ I JUST WANT TO LIVE WHILE I'M ALIVE ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE ♪

♪ MY HEART IS LIKE AN OPEN HIGHWAY ♪

♪ LIKE FRANKIE SAID, I DID IT MY WAY ♪

♪ I JUST WANT TO LIVE WHILE I'M ALIVE ♪

♪ - WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? ♪

♪ - YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE IT ♪

♪ IT'S MY LIFE ♪

♪ (AUDIENCE CHEERING) ♪

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
life /laɪf/ A1	noun - the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic matter, including capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death.
heart /hɑːrt/ A1	noun - a hollow muscular organ that pumps the blood through the circulatory system by rhythmic contraction and dilation.
voice /vɔɪs/ A2	noun - the sound produced in a person's larynx and uttered through the mouth, as speech or song.
shout /ʃaʊt/ A2	verb - to utter a loud call or cry.
live /lɪv/ A1	verb - to remain alive.
highway /ˈhaɪweɪ/ B1	noun - a main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities.
ground /ɡraʊnd/ A2	noun - the solid surface of the earth.
tomorrow /təˈmɒrəʊ/ A1	noun - the day after today.
luck /lʌk/ A2	noun - success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions.
mistake /mɪˈsteɪk/ B1	noun - an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong.
breaks /breɪks/ B1	noun - an interruption of continuity or uniformity. verb - separate or cause to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain.
tall /tɔːl/ A1	adjective - of great or more than average height, especially of a human being.
calling /ˈkɔːlɪŋ/ B2	noun - a strong urge toward a particular way of life or career; a vocation. verb - give someone or something a specified name.
bend /bend/ B1	verb - shape or force (something straight) into a curve or angle.
crowd /kraʊd/ B1	noun - a large number of people gathered together in a disorganized or unruly way.

Key Grammar Structures

• This ain't a song for the broken-hearted

  ➔ Apostrophe in 'ain't' as a colloquial contraction.

  ➔ 'Ain't' is a non-standard contraction of "am not", "is not", "are not", "has not", or "have not". It's used here for emphasis and a more informal tone. The grammar here, while technically incorrect in formal writing, adds to the song's rebellious spirit.

• I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd

  ➔ Use of "gonna" as a contraction of "going to", indicating future intention.

  ➔ "Gonna" is an informal future tense marker. This construction simplifies the spoken rhythm and adds a conversational feel. The sentence expresses a strong determination to stand out.

• I just want to live while I'm alive

  ➔ Use of "while" as a conjunction indicating simultaneous actions or states.

  ➔ The conjunction "while" connects the two clauses, expressing that the act of living should be done during the time one is alive. It highlights the importance of present moment and active participation in life.

• Like Frankie said, I did it my way

  ➔ Use of past simple tense "did" to describe a completed action in the past.

  ➔ The past simple tense "did" indicates that the action of doing things one's own way is complete and has happened in the past. It reinforces the idea of personal autonomy and self-determination, referencing the famous song by Frank Sinatra.

• You better stand tall when they're calling you out

  ➔ Use of "better" as a shortened form of "had better", expressing a strong recommendation or advice.

  ➔ "Had better" (shortened to "better") is used to express a strong suggestion or advice, often implying negative consequences if the advice is not followed. It emphasizes the importance of standing firm and confident when challenged.

• Don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down

  ➔ Imperative mood used to give direct commands or instructions.

  ➔ The imperative mood is used to give direct commands or instructions. "Don't bend", "don't break", and "don't back down" are all commands aimed at urging resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.