Love In The First Degree – English Lyrics

• By: Alabama

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language can be a joyful journey, and what better way to start than with a classic song? Alabama's "Love In The First Degree" is a perfect example of storytelling in music. Its clear narrative about a man surrendering to love, told through the clever metaphor of a courtroom trial, makes the lyrics both engaging and easy to follow. By listening to this song, you can pick up on common English phrases and see how language can be used creatively to express powerful emotions. It's a fun and memorable way to begin your English learning adventure!

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
prison /ˈprɪzən/ B1	noun - a place where people are legally held as punishment for crimes
decision /dɪˈsɪʒən/ B1	noun - a choice or conclusion made after consideration
footloose /ˈfʊtlus/ C1	adjective - free to do what you want without being restricted by responsibilities or commitments
tempted /ˈtɛmptɪd/ B2	verb (past tense) - to try to persuade someone to do something they might not want to do
gambled /ˈgæmbld/ C1	verb (past tense) - to bet money or something of value on an uncertain outcome
caught /kɔt/ A2	verb (past tense) - to reach or come into possession of something
crime /kraɪm/ A2	noun - an illegal act
defenseless /dɪˈfɛns·lɪs/ C1	adjective - without protection or defenses
plea /pliː/ B2	noun - a serious or urgent request
guilty /ˈgɪlti/ B1	adjective - responsible for a crime or offense
degree /dɪˈgriː/ A2	noun - a measure of the amount or intensity of something
simple /ˈsɪmpəl/ A2	adjective - easy to do or understand
walk /wɔːk/ A1	verb - to move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn

Key Grammar Structures

• I once thought of love as a prison

  ➔ Past simple tense with 'thought'

  ➔ The singer describes a past belief using the simple past tense 'thought'.

• And throw away the key

  ➔ Imperative mood with 'throw away'

  ➔ The phrase uses the imperative form to suggest a command or strong desire.

• I'm guilty, of love in the first degree

  ➔ Use of the present tense 'I'm' with predicate 'guilty'

  ➔ The phrase emphasizes the current state of feeling guilty using 'I'm' (I am).

• To be footloose and fancy-free

  ➔ Infinitive phrase describing a state or condition

  ➔ An idiomatic expression with the infinitive 'to be', describing a carefree lifestyle.

• But you came and I was so tempted

  ➔ Past tense 'came' and 'was tempted' indicating completed actions and feelings

  ➔ Using past simple tense to describe an event that happened and a feeling of being attracted or influenced.

• If lovin' you's a crime

  ➔ Conditional sentence with 'if' and a present simple verb 'lovin''

  ➔ A conditional clause that speculates about a situation, using the present tense 'lovin'' for informal speech.

• And I've only got one plea

  ➔ Present perfect tense 'I've' (I have) indicating experience or possession

  ➔ Using the present perfect tense to show possession of a single plea or appeal.

• Love in the first degree

  ➔ Noun phrase with 'in' indicating a state or classification

  ➔ The phrase 'Love in the first degree' is a metaphor indicating a strong, perhaps criminal-like, love.