Not For Nothing – English Lyrics

• By: Nico & Vinz

Lyrics & Translation

Delve into the reflective sounds of Nico & Vinz's 'Not For Nothing,' a song that encourages listeners to ponder life's deeper questions. Through its blend of pop and African rhythms, discover how the song's thoughtful lyrics offer a unique perspective on struggle and purpose, enriching your understanding of musical storytelling.

[English]

Why does a rose need water

and a whole lot of sunshine

(one more time)

why does a rose need water and whole lot of sunshine

why does the night need moonlight tell me

oh not for nothing

not for nothing

why do the wheels keep rollin'

medle down to the floor yea (tell me)

Why do we stop at a red light (oh why)

not for nothing

oh not for nothing

oh na na na na na na

oh na na na na na x3

Freedom fighters fighting a silence

oh

but no for nothing

oh not for nothing

why do the hands keep ticking around the clock

like the sand in an hourglass

so slow but so fast

why are we born in a sinen just to be born again

not for nothing x3

oh no

oh not for nothing

oh not for nothing

when you see my hands up and i say i can't breath

that's not for nothing

oh no no no no x4

when my hands are up high and i say i can't breath!

it's not for nothing

it's not for nothing

oh not for nothing

oh not for nothing

...

Key Grammar Structures

• Why does a rose need water and a whole lot of sunshine

  ➔ Wh‑question with do/does + base verb (present simple)

  ➔ Why "does a rose need" water and a whole lot of sunshine.

• why does the night need moonlight tell me

  ➔ Imperative clause after a question to request information

  ➔ why does the night need moonlight "tell me".

• why do the wheels keep rollin' down to the floor yea (tell me)

  ➔ Do‑support with keep + gerund to express continuous action

  ➔ why do the wheels "keep rollin'" down to the floor.

• Why do we stop at a red light (oh why)

  ➔ Simple present for habitual actions

  ➔ Why do we "stop" at a red light.

• Freedom fighters fighting a silence

  ➔ Present participle used as an adjective (gerund phrase)

  ➔ Freedom fighters "fighting" a silence.

• like the sand in an hourglass

  ➔ Simile using "like" to make a comparison

  ➔ "like" the sand in an hourglass.

• why are we born in a sinen just to be born again

  ➔ Passive voice (are born) + infinitive of purpose (just to be born again)

  ➔ why "are we born" in a sinen just to be born again.

• when you see my hands up and i say i can't breath

  ➔ When‑clause (conditional) + present simple; modal verb "can't" (cannot) for ability negation

  ➔ i "can't" breath.