Mercy – English Lyrics

• By: Duffy

Lyrics & Translation

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
mercy /ˈmɜːrsi/ B2	noun - compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm
begging /ˈbɛɡɪŋ/ B1	verb - to ask someone earnestly or humbly for something
release /rɪˈliːs/ B2	verb - to allow or enable to escape from confinement; to set free
true /truː/ A2	adjective - in accordance with fact or reality
games /ɡeɪmz/ A1	noun - activities that one engages in for amusement or fun
morals /ˈmɔːrəlz/ B2	noun - principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior
spell /spɛl/ B1	noun - a form of words used as a magical charm or incantation
knew /njuː/ A2	verb - to have knowledge or awareness of something
got /ɡɒt/ A1	verb - to obtain or receive
man /mæn/ A1	noun - an adult human male
hand /hænd/ A1	noun - the end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist
love /lʌv/ A1	verb - to feel deep affection for someone
stay /steɪ/ A2	verb - to remain in the same place or position
good /ɡʊd/ A1	adjective - to be desired or approved of
think /θɪŋk/ A2	verb - to have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something

Key Grammar Structures

• But I gotta stay true

  ➔ Gotta (got to): Informal contraction of 'got to', expressing obligation or necessity.

  ➔ Here, "gotta" means "have to". The speaker feels obligated to remain honest and faithful to their own principles.

• My morals got me on my knees

  ➔ Causative 'got': Using 'got' to indicate that something caused a particular state or action.

  ➔ The speaker's morals have caused them to be in a vulnerable and submissive position ("on my knees"). "Got me on my knees" implies the morals put them in that position.

• But you got me good, just like you knew you would

  ➔ Idiomatic use of 'got me good': Implies being thoroughly affected or manipulated by someone.

  ➔ "Got me good" signifies that the other person has successfully and completely influenced or affected the speaker, often in a negative way. "Just like you knew you would" highlights the intentionality behind their actions.

• I'm under your spell

  ➔ Metaphorical use of 'under your spell': Suggests being completely captivated or controlled by someone's influence.

  ➔ This line implies that the speaker feels powerless against the other person's allure or manipulation. They are in a state where they cannot resist the other person's influence.

• Why won't you release me?

  ➔ Interrogative sentence with 'will': Expressing a strong desire or plea.

  ➔ The use of "won't" highlights the speaker's frustration and desperation. They are questioning the other person's refusal to let them go, indicating a desire to be free from the situation.

• Now you think that I will be something on the side

  ➔ Future tense with 'will': Expressing a belief or prediction about a future event.

  ➔ Here, "will be" expresses the speaker's perception of the other person's expectation for the future of their relationship. The speaker believes the other person sees them as a secondary option.

• Who can take my hand, yes, I do

  ➔ Relative clause with 'who': Used to provide additional information about a person (the man).

  ➔ 'Who can take my hand' defines the kind of man the speaker desires. The phrase "yes, I do" is an emphatic affirmation of this desire.