Izabella / Machine Gun – English Lyrics

• By: Jimi Hendrix

Lyrics & Translation

Delve into the poignant world of Jimi Hendrix with "Izabella / Machine Gun," where love and war intertwine. Discover how Hendrix's innovative guitar work and heartfelt lyrics captured the spirit of an era, offering a unique lens through which to understand the complexities of the Vietnam War and the emotions it stirred. Perfect for those learning about the history and language of protest through music.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
machine /məˈʃiːn/ B1	noun - a device that uses power to perform a task
gun /ɡʌn/ A2	noun - a firearm that shoots bullets
tear /tɪər/ (verb) , /tɛər/ (noun) A2	verb - to pull something apart or into pieces
body /ˈbɒdi/ A1	noun - the physical structure of a person or animal
evil /ˈiːvəl/ B2	adjective - morally wrong or wicked
man /mæn/ A1	noun - an adult male human
kill /kɪl/ B1	verb - to cause the death of a living thing
families /ˈfæmɪliz/ A2	noun - groups of related people, especially parents and children
weight /weɪt/ B1	noun - the heaviness of an object
helpless /ˈhɛlpləs/ B2	adjective - unable to help oneself or act without assistance
child /tʃaɪld/ A1	noun - a young human being below the age of puberty
mother /ˈmʌðər/ A1	noun - a female parent
insane /ɪnˈseɪn/ B2	adjective - showing a lack of reason or sound judgment; mad
wild /waɪld/ B1	adjective - untamed, uncontrolled, or not domesticated
ghosts /ɡoʊsts/ B2	noun - spirits of dead people, often imagined as apparitions
war /wɔːr/ B1	noun - armed conflict between nations or groups
fighting /ˈfaɪtɪŋ/ B2	verb - engaging in combat or struggle
miles /maɪlz/ B1	noun - a unit of distance equal to 5,280 feet
make /meɪk/ A1	verb - to create, produce, or cause something to exist

Key Grammar Structures

• Instead of this machine gun

  ➔ Preposition + noun phrase

  ➔ The phrase "instead of" indicates a substitution or alternative.

• Evil man make me kill you

  ➔ Subject + verb + object

  ➔ This structure shows a clear action performed by the subject on the object.

• Take a weight off our families

  ➔ Imperative verb form

  ➔ The imperative form is used to give commands or requests.

• Only families apart

  ➔ Adverb + noun phrase

  ➔ The adverb "only" modifies the noun phrase, emphasizing exclusivity.

• 'til we goin' insane

  ➔ Colloquial contraction

  ➔ The contraction "'til" is a colloquial form of "until".

• Way over yonder from the mother

  ➔ Adverbial phrase

  ➔ The phrase "way over yonder" indicates a distant location.