Numb – English Lyrics

• By: Pet Shop Boys

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the English language through the poignant and universally relatable theme of 'Numb'. This song, with its clear and emotive lyrics, offers a great opportunity to learn vocabulary related to feelings and the desire for escape. The contrast between the simple, direct lyrics and the complex orchestral arrangement makes it a special and memorable track for any language learner.

Key Grammar Structures

• I don't wanna hear the news

  ➔ Negative present simple with auxiliary *do* (contraction) + informal *wanna* = want to

  ➔ The word "don't" marks the negative, and "wanna" is the informal contraction of "want to".

• I want to forget

  ➔ Verb + infinitive (want + to‑infinitive)

  ➔ "to forget" is the infinitive complement of the verb "want".

• I just wanna go and lock the door

  ➔ Coordination of two infinitives with *and* after *wanna*

  ➔ "go" and "lock" are two infinitives linked by "and" after "wanna".

• There's too much light

  ➔ Existential *there* + *be* (there's = there is)

  ➔ "There's" is the contraction of "there is", used to introduce the existence of something.

• World's closing in

  ➔ Present progressive (be + -ing)

  ➔ "World's" is a contraction of "World is"; "closing" shows the -ing form indicating an ongoing action.

• I've seen too much

  ➔ Present perfect (have + past participle)

  ➔ "I've" = "I have"; "seen" is the past participle of "see", showing experience up to now.

• I'm on the edge

  ➔ Prepositional phrase with "on" after a linking verb

  ➔ "on the edge" is a prepositional phrase describing the speaker's state.

• About to lose my mind

  ➔ "be about to" + infinitive (future intention)

  ➔ "About to" indicates that the action "lose" is imminent.

• Can't find no space to breathe

  ➔ Double negative (informal) – *can't* + *no*

  ➔ "Can't" is the negative modal, and "no" adds another layer of negation, which is common in informal speech.