Playing Games – English Lyrics

• By: Summer Walker, Bryson Tiller
• Album: Over It

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the raw emotions of "Playing Games" by Summer Walker, featuring Bryson Tiller, a captivating R&B anthem that delves into the complexities of seeking genuine connection. This song offers a relatable narrative about demanding sincerity and transparency in relationships, making it an excellent listen for anyone looking to understand modern love and its challenges through compelling English lyrics. The track's soulful delivery and relatable themes make it a powerful piece for language learners to connect with authentic emotional expression.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
shopping /ˈʃɒpɪŋ/ A1	noun - the activity of buying things from shops
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - an intense feeling of affection verb - to feel affection for someone
club /klʌb/ A2	noun - a place where people go to dance and listen to music
name /neɪm/ A1	noun - a word or words by which someone or something is known verb - to give a name to
games /ɡeɪmz/ A1	noun - a form of play or sport, especially a competitive one played according to rules and decided by skill, strength, or chance
line /laɪn/ A1	noun - a length of cord or wire used for a particular purpose
words /wɜːdz/ A1	noun - a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence and typically shown with a space on either side when written or printed.
actions /ˈækʃənz/ A2	noun - the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim
friends /frendz/ A1	noun - a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations
picture /ˈpɪktʃər/ A1	noun - a painting or drawing
baby /ˈbeɪbi/ A1	noun - a very young child noun - (informal) a term of endearment
issue /ˈɪʃuː/ B1	noun - an important topic or problem for debate or discussion
shady /ˈʃeɪdi/ B2	adjective - of doubtful honesty or legality
satisfaction /ˌsætɪsˈfækʃn/ B2	noun - fulfillment of one's wishes, expectations, or needs, or the pleasure derived from this
flex /fleks/ B2	verb - (slang) to show off one's wealth, possessions, or achievements

Key Grammar Structures

• Did I ever ask you to take me to go shopping in Paris or go sailing overseas...

  ➔ Infinitive of purpose (to + verb)

  ➔ The phrase "to take me to go shopping" uses the infinitive "to go shopping" to express the *purpose* of the action 'take me'. It means 'for the purpose of going shopping'.

• All I ever asked was you to pick up the phone when you alone

  ➔ Cleft sentence with "all" and the subjunctive mood (implied)

  ➔ This is a cleft sentence that emphasizes what was asked. The structure "All I ever asked was you to..." focuses on the single request. The subjunctive is implied in "All I ever asked was (that) you pick...", but 'to pick' is grammatically acceptable. 'When you are alone' uses 'are' omitted.

• You ain't been calling me baby, oh

  ➔ Present Perfect Continuous Tense (Negative Contraction)

  ➔ "You ain't been calling" is a colloquial contraction of "You have not been calling". The Present Perfect Continuous describes an action that started in the past and continues to the present, emphasizing its duration.

• Boy you can go and stop playing games

  ➔ Modal Verb "can" for permission/suggestion, followed by "go and" + verb

  ➔ "Can go" is used to imply "You are permitted/should go". The construction "go and stop" is used for two consecutive actions.

• I'm just trying to match your words with your actions

  ➔ Present Continuous Tense (describing an ongoing attempt)

  ➔ "I'm trying" utilizes the present continuous to indicate that the action of trying to match words and actions is currently happening. It suggests a continuous effort, not a one-time event.

• Is you really 'bout that action

  ➔ Non-standard grammar with omission of 'are' and use of 'bout

  ➔ This is a slang expression. In standard English, it would be "Are you really about that action?". The omission of "are" and the use of "'bout" are common in informal speech, especially in African American Vernacular English (AAVE).