Mind Games – English Lyrics

• By: John Lennon
• Album: Mind Games (The Ultimate Mixes)

Lyrics & Translation

“Mind Games” by John Lennon is more than just a song; it's an invitation to explore the power of positive thought and collective consciousness. Through its clear and inspiring English lyrics, you can delve into themes of peace, love, and personal transformation. Its straightforward language makes it an excellent choice for English learners, offering both a rich vocabulary related to spirituality and social change, and a deeply resonant message that continues to inspire. The song's uplifting chorus and insightful verses provide a powerful and accessible way to engage with profound ideas in English.

[English]

We're playin' those mind games together

...

Pushin' the barriers, plantin' seeds

Playin' the mind guerrilla

Chantin' the mantra, peace on Earth

We all been playin' those mind games forever

Some kinda druid dude liftin' the veil

Doin' the mind guerrilla

Some call it magic, the search for the grail

Love is the answer

And you know that for sure

Love is a flower

You gotta let it, you gotta let it grow

So keep on playin' those mind games together

...

Faith in the future, out of the now

You just can't beat on those mind guerrillas

Absolute elsewhere in the stones of your mind

Yeah, we're playin' those mind games forever

Projectin' our images in space and in time

Yes is the answer

And you know that for sure

...

Yes is surrender

You gotta let it, you gotta let it go

So keep on playin' those mind games together

...

Doin' the ritual dance in the sun

Millions of mind guerrillas

Puttin' their soul power to the karmic wheel

Keep on playin' those mind games forever

Raisin' the spirit of peace and love

Love

...

I want you to make love, not war

I know you've heard it before

...

I want you to make love

...

Key Grammar Structures

• We're playin' those mind games together

  ➔ Present continuous tense

  ➔ The use of 'playin' (playing) + -ing' indicates ongoing action, emphasizing the continuous nature of the activity.

• Some call it magic, the search for the grail

  ➔ Present simple tense with 'call'

  ➔ The phrase 'Some call it magic' uses the present simple to describe a general truth or habitual action.

• Love is the answer

  ➔ Present simple tense with 'be'

  ➔ The phrase 'Love is the answer' uses the present simple to state a fact or a universal truth.

• You gotta let it, you gotta let it grow

  ➔ Modal verb 'gotta' (informal for 'have got to')

  ➔ 'Gotta' is an informal contraction of 'have got to,' expressing necessity or obligation.

• Yes is surrender

  ➔ Equative sentence structure

  ➔ The sentence 'Yes is surrender' uses an equative structure to equate 'yes' with 'surrender,' emphasizing their equivalence.

• Keep on playin' those mind games forever

  ➔ Emphatic structure with 'keep on'

  ➔ The phrase 'keep on playin'' uses 'keep on' to emphasize the continuous and persistent nature of the action.

• I want you to make love, not war

  ➔ Infinitive of purpose with 'to make'

  ➔ The phrase 'I want you to make love' uses the infinitive of purpose to express the desired action.