People – English Lyrics

• By: Libianca

Lyrics & Translation

Explore the poignant lyrics and emotional depth of Libianca's "People," a song that delves into themes of loneliness and mental health. Discover how this viral hit sparked a global conversation about empathy and the importance of checking in on one another, offering a unique opportunity to connect with Cameroonian culture and explore the nuances of expressing vulnerability.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
alcohol /ˈæl.kə.hɒl/ (UK), /ˈæl.kə.hɔːl/ (US) B1	noun - a colorless, flammable liquid used as a solvent and intoxicant
smoke /smoʊk/ B1	verb - to inhale and exhale the smoke of tobacco
face /feɪs/ A2	noun - the front part of the head that contains the eyes, nose, and mouth
people /ˈpiːpl/ A2	noun - humans in general; persons
check /tʃɛk/ A2	verb - to examine or look at carefully
notice /ˈnoʊ.tɪs/ A2	verb - to become aware of something
notice /ˈnoʊ.tɪs/ A2	noun - attention; warning
inside /ˌɪn.saɪd/ A2	adjective / preposition - within the outer surface of something
grave /ɡreɪv/ B2	noun - a burial place for a dead body adjective - serious or important
buried /ˈbɛr.iːd/ C1	adjective / verb (past participle) - placed in the ground and covered with earth
never /ˈnɛv.ər/ A2	adverb - at no time; not ever

Key Grammar Structures

• I've been drinking more alcohol for the past five days

  ➔ Present Perfect Continuous

  ➔ The "I've been drinking" indicates an action that started in the past and continues into the present. It emphasizes the duration and ongoing nature of the action.

• Did you check on me?

  ➔ Simple Past Question

  ➔ The structure "Did + subject + verb" forms a question in the simple past tense, asking if an action was completed at some point in the past.

• Now, did you look for me?

  ➔ Simple Past Question

  ➔ Similar to the previous line, this is another example of a question in the simple past tense. The phrasal verb "look for" means to search for someone.

• I walked in the room, eyes are red, and I don't smoke banga

  ➔ Simple Past, Simple Present (stative)

  ➔ "I walked" is simple past, describing a completed action. "eyes are red" is simple present describing a state of being. "I don't smoke" is present simple, showing a habit or regular action that does not happen.

• 'Cause I put a smile on my face, a facade you can never face

  ➔ Relative Clause (you can never face)

  ➔ "you can never face" is a relative clause modifying "facade". It explains which facade she is talking about.

• And if you don't know me well, well, oh

  ➔ Conditional Sentence (Type 1)

  ➔ This is a type 1 conditional sentence: "If + simple present, will + base form". Although "will" is not explicitly stated, the following sentence explains the likely outcome if the condition is met.

• You won't see how buried I am inside my grave, inside my grave

  ➔ Passive Voice (am buried)

  ➔ "am buried" is in the passive voice, indicating that the subject (I) is the receiver of the action, not the performer. It implies that someone or something has buried the speaker metaphorically.

• I say make You no leave me diko

  ➔ Subjunctive Mood (implied)

  ➔ The use of "make" followed by the base form of the verb "leave" implies a subjunctive mood, expressing a wish or a request. In standard English, it might be 'I say that You not leave me'. However, it shows the dialect and the speaker's request.