TEXAS HOLD 'EM

• By: Beyoncé

Lyrics:

Vocabulary in this song:

Vocabulary	Meanings
hold /hoʊld/ A1	verb - to grasp, carry, or support with one's hands noun - the act or manner of holding something
cards /kɑːrdz/ A1	noun - playing cards
dance /dæns/ A1	verb - to move rhythmically to music noun - a set of steps and movements
sugar /ˈʃʊɡər/ A1	noun - a sweet crystalline substance
life /laɪf/ A1	noun - the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic matter
tornado /tɔːrˈneɪdoʊ/ B2	noun - a destructive whirling storm
city /ˈsɪti/ A1	noun - a large town or metropolis
whiskey /ˈwɪski/ B1	noun - a type of distilled alcoholic beverage
kisses /ˈkɪsɪz/ A2	noun - an act of touching with the lips
redemption /rɪˈdɛmpʃən/ C1	noun - the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil
dive /daɪv/ B2	verb - to plunge into water headfirst noun - a disreputable or seedy establishment, especially a bar
bar /bɑːr/ A2	noun - a place that sells alcoholic drinks
heat /hiːt/ A2	noun - the quality of being hot; high temperature
hot /hɒt/ A1	adjective - having a high degree of heat or a high temperature
cold /koʊld/ A1	adjective - having a low degree of heat or a low temperature
problems /ˈprɒbləmz/ A2	noun - a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome
boots /buːts/ A1	noun - a sturdy item of footwear covering the foot and ankle
liquor /ˈlɪkər/ B1	noun - an alcoholic drink, especially distilled spirits

Grammar:

• This ain’t Texas, ain’t no Hold Em’

  ➔ Non-standard dialect / colloquialism (Ain't)

  ➔ "Ain't" is a contraction of "am not", "is not", "are not", "has not", or "have not". It's common in some dialects and informal speech. Using it creates a more relaxed, conversational tone, suggesting informality and authenticity.

• So lay your cards down down down down

  ➔ Imperative verb ("lay") and Repetition

  ➔ The sentence starts with the imperative form of the verb "lay", which is a command. The repetition of "down" emphasizes the action and adds a rhythmic effect. It makes the command more forceful and memorable.

• And I’ll be damned if I can’t slow dance with you

  ➔ Idiomatic expression ("I'll be damned if...") and Modal verb ("can't")

  ➔ "I'll be damned if..." expresses strong determination or disbelief that something will happen. Using "can't" (cannot) strengthens the meaning, indicating a confident ability to slow dance.

• Come pour some sugar on me honey too

  ➔ Imperative verb ("Come pour") and use of "too"

  ➔ The phrase begins with an invitation or command: "Come pour." The word "too" indicates addition, suggesting that the speaker wants to be pampered in the same way as someone mentioned or implied before.

• Don’t be a bitch come take it to the floor now

  ➔ Imperative (negative) and Colloquialism

  ➔ This line uses a negative imperative ("Don't be a bitch") followed by a positive imperative ("come take it to the floor now"). "Bitch" is used colloquially, often (though not always) in a negative way. The overall effect is confrontational but also energetic and encouraging participation on the dance floor.

• Rugged Whiskey cause we surviving

  ➔ Informal conjunction ('cause) and present continuous tense

  ➔ "Cause" is an informal shortening of "because." "We surviving" uses the present continuous tense to indicate an action that is ongoing, often implying difficulty or effort.

• Too hot to think straight, too cold to panic

  ➔ "Too + adjective + to + infinitive" structure

  ➔ This structure expresses that something is excessive or prevents an action. In both clauses, the extreme temperature prevents clear thinking or action. It creates a sense of being overwhelmed by circumstances.