Keep The Wolves Away – English Lyrics

• By: Uncle Lucius
• Album: And You Are Me

Lyrics & Translation

Embark on a linguistic journey with Uncle Lucius's poignant anthem, "Keep The Wolves Away." This song offers a compelling narrative rooted in a true story of struggle and resilience, making it an excellent resource for language learners. Its clear storytelling and emotional depth provide a rich context for understanding American English vocabulary related to family, work, hardship, and determination. By delving into its powerful lyrics, you can explore authentic expressions and gain insight into cultural themes of perseverance that resonate deeply with many.

[English]

Took my first breath where the muddy Brazos

Spills into the Gulf of Mexico

Where the skyline's colored by chemical plants

That put the bread on the table of the workin' man

Where the workin' man does his best to provide

Safety and shelter for kids and a wife

Giving a little of his soul every day

Makin' overtime to keep the wolves away

...

I was barely 13 when the company men

Tried to dig my daddy's grave

It happened on a French-owned tanker ship

Spillin' poison in the Galveston Bay

Where the liquid fire filled his lungs and his eyes

Silenced any mortal cries

Cold in the grave, but death stinging pain

He fought like hell to keep the wolves away

...

For the next few years, Dad was sick as a dog

But he made recovery just to spite the odds

The settlement came, and we moved out of town

Where the sky isn't heavy with refinery clouds

Yeah, he's still alive, he's doing good, he's in his fifties

But the money's running out, and he's pinching for pennies

So I'm going for broke with every song I play

'Cause now it's my turn to keep the wolves away

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
muddy /ˈmʌdi/ B1	adjective - covered in or full of mud.
spill /spɪl/ B1	verb - to cause or allow (liquid) to flow over the edge of its container accidentally.
chemical /ˈkemɪkl/ B1	adjective - relating to chemistry or the interactions of substances. noun - a substance produced by or used in a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules.
provide /prəˈvaɪd/ B1	verb - to supply something that is needed or wanted.
shelter /ˈʃeltər/ B1	noun - a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger. verb - protect or shield from something harmful, especially bad weather.
soul /soʊl/ B1	noun - the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal.
overtime /ˈoʊvərtaɪm/ B1	noun - time worked in addition to regular working hours. adverb - after the regularly working hours.
grave /ɡreɪv/ B1	noun - a hole dug in the ground to receive a coffin or body.
tanker /ˈtæŋkər/ B1	noun - a ship, road vehicle, or aircraft for carrying liquids, especially petroleum or gas, in bulk.
poison /ˈpɔɪzn/ B1	noun - a substance that causes death or injury when swallowed or absorbed. verb - administer poison to (a person or animal), either deliberately or accidentally.
liquid /ˈlɪkwɪd/ A2	noun - a substance that flows freely but is of constant volume, like water or oil. adjective - having the properties of a liquid; flowing freely but of constant volume.
recover /rɪˈkʌvər/ B2	verb - return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.
settlement /ˈsetlmənt/ B2	noun - an official agreement intended to resolve a dispute or conflict.
refinery /rɪˈfaɪnəri/ B2	noun - an industrial installation where a substance is refined.
pinch /pɪntʃ/ B2	verb - to be stingy or frugal.
broke /broʊk/ B1	adjective - having completely run out of money.

Key Grammar Structures

• Took my first breath where the muddy Brazos spills into the Gulf of Mexico

  ➔ Relative Clause with 'where'

  ➔ The word "where" introduces a relative clause that modifies the noun "breath", indicating the location where the first breath was taken. It functions as an adverbial of place.

• That put the bread on the table of the workin' man

  ➔ Relative Clause with 'that'

  ➔ The word "that" introduces a defining relative clause modifying "chemical plants." The phrase "put the bread on the table" is an idiom meaning to provide sustenance or income.

• Giving a little of his soul every day

  ➔ Present Participle Clause (reduced relative clause/adverbial clause of manner)

  ➔ "Giving" introduces a present participle clause, acting as an adverbial modifier describing how the working man provides for his family. It is equivalent to saying "by giving a little of his soul every day."

• I was barely 13 when the company men tried to dig my daddy's grave

  ➔ Adverbial Clause of Time with 'when'

  ➔ The word "when" introduces an adverbial clause indicating the time at which the main clause event occurred. It establishes a temporal relationship between being 13 and the attempt to dig his father's grave.

• Spillin' poison in the Galveston Bay

  ➔ Present Participle as an Adjective (describing 'tanker ship')

  ➔ "Spillin'" is a present participle used as an adjective to describe the tanker ship. It is a shortened form of "spilling", giving more of a colloquial, narrative feel.

• Silenced any mortal cries

  ➔ Past Participle as Adjective (Describing 'cries')

  ➔ "Silenced" functions as an adjective modifying "cries." It indicates that the cries were stopped or made unable to be heard.

• But he made recovery just to spite the odds

  ➔ Infinitive of Purpose ('to spite the odds')

  ➔ The infinitive phrase "to spite the odds" expresses the purpose or intention behind his recovery. It explains *why* he made the recovery; he did it specifically to defy the unfavorable probabilities.

• Cause now it's my turn to keep the wolves away

  ➔ Use of 'Cause' (informal contraction of 'Because')

  ➔ 'Cause' is a shortened, informal version of "Because". It's common in casual speech and song lyrics. It introduces the reason why the speaker is now taking action.