Play Nice – English Lyrics

• By: Annie LeBlanc

Lyrics & Translation

"Play Nice" by Annie LeBlanc offers a lesson in understanding the power of standing up for yourself, even when it means breaking from expectations. Explore the confident and assertive language of the song, perfect for learners interested in themes of self-empowerment and karma. Discover how LeBlanc uses irony and catchy pop melodies to deliver a meaningful message.

[English]

I can hear 'em talkin' in my sleep

Got one eye open while I'm listening

They think that they know me got me figured out

But they don't know anything that I'm about

And when I get the chance

I'll say so sweetly

Hush my loves, now don't you lie

Karma's got the way of making things right

If you think your words are nice

Better close your mouth, shut your lips real tight

Secrets aren't safe, keep em' to yourself

To yourself and nobody else

So hush my loves now don't you lie

I might look sweet but I don't play nice

I can hear em' talkin' in my sleep

Even though all their whispering

They think that they know me got me figured out

But they don't know anything that I'm about

I should warn them now to stay away

And I say

Hush my loves now don't you lie

Karma's got the way of making things right

If you think your words are nice

Better close your mouth, shut your lips real tight

Secrets aren't safe, keep 'em to yourself

To yourself and nobody else

So hush my loves now don't you lie

I might look sweet but I don't play nice

Hush my loves now don't you lie

Karma's got the way of making things right

If you think your words are nice

Better close your mouth, shut your lips real tight

Secrets aren't safe keep 'em to yourself

To yourself and nobody else

So hush my loves now don't you lie

I might look sweet but I don't play nice

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
sleep /sliːp/ A1	noun - a condition of body and mind that typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the eyes are closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended. verb - be in a state of sleep.
eye /aɪ/ A1	noun - the organ of sight
talk /tɔːk/ A1	verb - to say words, to express oneself in language noun - the act of talking
know /noʊ/ A1	verb - to be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information
sweetly /ˈswiːtli/ B1	adverb - in a sweet manner; pleasantly
lie /laɪ/ A2	verb - to not tell the truth noun - a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive.
karma /ˈkɑːrmə/ B2	noun - (in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.
words /wɜːrdz/ A1	noun - a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning.
nice /naɪs/ A1	adjective - pleasant; agreeable; satisfactory.
safe /seɪf/ A2	adjective - protected from or not exposed to danger or risk.
secrets /ˈsiːkrɪts/ B1	noun - something kept hidden or unexplained.
whispering /ˈwɪspərɪŋ/ B2	verb - speak very softly using one's breath, without vibration of the vocal cords. noun - the act of speaking very softly using one's breath, without vibration of the vocal cords.
warn /wɔːrn/ B1	verb - inform someone of a possible danger or problem.
sweet /swiːt/ A2	adjective - having a pleasant taste like that of sugar or honey.
play /pleɪ/ A1	verb - engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.

Key Grammar Structures

• I can hear 'em talkin' in my sleep

  ➔ Present continuous tense

  ➔ The phrase "I can hear" indicates an ability in the present, while "talkin'" shows an ongoing action.

• But they don't know anything that I'm about

  ➔ Negative form

  ➔ The phrase "don't know" is the negative form of the verb "know", indicating a lack of knowledge.

• Karma's got the way of making things right

  ➔ Possessive form

  ➔ The phrase "Karma's got" uses the possessive form to indicate that karma has a certain quality or ability.

• If you think your words are nice

  ➔ Conditional clause

  ➔ The phrase "If you think" introduces a condition that must be met for the following statement to be true.

• Secrets aren't safe, keep 'em to yourself

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ The phrase "keep 'em to yourself" is in the imperative mood, giving a command or instruction.

• I might look sweet but I don't play nice

  ➔ Modal verb

  ➔ The phrase "I might look" uses the modal verb "might" to express possibility.

• Hush my loves, now don't you lie

  ➔ Direct address

  ➔ The phrase "my loves" is a direct address to the listeners, creating a personal connection.