Sway – English Lyrics

• By: Michael Bublé

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Michael Bublé's enchanting rendition of "Sway," a song whose smooth, mambo-infused rhythm and romantic lyrics offer a perfect entry point into the sophisticated world of jazz standards. Learning this song is like being invited to an intimate dance where you can absorb the language of classic romance and feel the connection expressed through every note, revealing an allegory for trust and responsiveness in love.

[English]

When marimba rhythms start to play Dance with me, make me sway 

Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore Hold me close, sway me more 

Like a flower bending in the breeze Bend with me, sway with ease 

When we dance you have a way with me Stay with me, sway with me

[Chorus] Other dancers may be on the floor 

Dear, but my eyes will see only you Only you have that magic technique 

When we sway I go weak I can hear the sounds of violins 

Long before it begins 

Make me thrill as only you know how Sway me smooth, sway me now

[Chorus] Other dancers may be on the floor 

Dear, but my eyes will see only you Only you have that magic technique 

When we sway I grow weak I can hear the  

sounds of violins Long before it begins 

Make me thrill as only you know how Sway me smooth, sway me now

[Verse 1] When marimba rhythms start to play 

Dance with me, make me sway Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore 

Hold me close, sway me more Like a flower bending in the breeze 

Bend with me, sway with ease When we dance you have a way with me 

Stay with me, sway with me

[Outro] When marimba start to play 

Hold me close, make me sway Like a ocean hugs the shore 

Hold me close, sway me more Like a flower bending in the breeze 

Bend with me, sway with ease When we dance you have a way with me 

Stay with me, sway with me

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
rhythm /ˈrɪðəm/ B1	noun - a strong, regular repeated pattern of movement or sound
dance /dæns/ A1	verb - to move rhythmically to music noun - a series of movements that are performed to music
sway /sweɪ/ A2	verb - to move gently from side to side
ocean /ˈoʊʃən/ B1	noun - a very large expanse of sea
shore /ʃɔːr/ B1	noun - the land along the edge of the sea
flower /ˈflaʊər/ A1	noun - a colorful part of a plant
breeze /briːz/ A2	noun - a gentle wind
bend /bend/ A2	verb - to curve or lean
way /weɪ/ A1	noun - a method or manner
technique /tɛkˈniːk/ B2	noun - a skillful way of doing something
magic /ˈmædʒɪk/ B1	noun - the power of apparently influencing events using mysterious forces
weak /wiːk/ A2	adjective - lacking physical strength
sound /saʊnd/ A1	noun - vibrations that travel through air or another medium
violin /ˌvaɪəˈlɪn/ B1	noun - a stringed musical instrument
thrill /θrɪl/ B2	verb - to cause a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure
smooth /smuːθ/ B1	adjective - having an even and regular surface or consistency

Key Grammar Structures

• When marimba rhythms start to play

  ➔ Zero conditional / simple present in a time clause with *when*

  ➔ The word "when" introduces a subordinate clause that uses the present simple to talk about a future event.

• Dance with me, make me sway

  ➔ Imperative mood with two coordinated verbs

  ➔ "Dance" and "make" are both in the **imperative**, giving a direct command.

• Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore

  ➔ Simile with present simple verb "hugs"

  ➔ The verb "hugs" is in the **present simple** to describe a habitual image.

• Hold me close, sway me more

  ➔ Imperative + comparative adverb "more"

  ➔ "more" modifies the verb "sway" and shows a **comparative degree**.

• Other dancers may be on the floor

  ➔ Modal verb *may* + base verb indicating possibility

  ➔ "may" expresses **possibility**: "Other dancers *may* be on the floor".

• But my eyes will see only you

  ➔ Future simple with *will* + verb

  ➔ "will see" is the **future simple** form showing a certain future action.

• I can hear the sounds of violins

  ➔ Modal verb *can* + bare infinitive expressing ability

  ➔ "can hear" combines **modal *can*** with the base verb "hear" to show ability.

• Make me thrill as only you know how

  ➔ Imperative with a comparative clause introduced by *as*

  ➔ "as" introduces a **comparative clause**: "as only you know how".