The Nights – English Lyrics

• By: Avicii

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the inspiring world of Avicii's "The Nights," a global anthem that blends electronic dance music with folk elements. By learning the lyrics to this song, you'll pick up on powerful English phrases related to courage, adventure, and living without regret—like 'Carve your name into those shining stars' and 'Don't let it slip away.' The song's clear, narrative structure, delivered through the impactful lyrics of a father's advice, makes it a perfect, unforgettable piece for practicing vocabulary and understanding emotional English storytelling.

[English]

Once upon a younger year

When all our shadows disappeared

The animals inside came out to play

Went face to face with all our fears

Learned our lessons through the tears

Made memories we knew would never fade

One day my father—he told me

"Son, don't let it slip away"

He took me in his arms, I heard him say

"When you get older

Your wild heart will live for younger days

Think of me if ever you're afraid"

He said, "One day you'll leave this world behind

So, live a life you will remember"

My father told me when I was just a child

"These are the nights that never die"

My father told me

"When thunder clouds start pouring down

Light a fire they can't put out

Carve your name into those shining stars"

He said, "Go venture far beyond the shores

Don't forsake this life of yours

I'll guide you home no matter where you are"

One day my father—he told me

"Son, don't let it slip away"

When I was just a kid I heard him say

"When you get older

Your wild heart will live for younger days

Think of me if ever you're afraid"

He said, "One day you'll leave this world behind

So, live a life you will remember"

My father told me when I was just a child

"These are the nights that never die"

My father told me

My father told me

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
shadows /ˈʃædoʊz/ B1	noun - dark shapes produced by something blocking light.
animals /ˈænɪməlz/ A2	noun - living creatures that are not plants.
fears /fɪrz/ B1	noun - an unpleasant emotion caused by the perception of danger, real or imagined.
lessons /ˈlesənz/ B1	noun - a piece of information or knowledge gained through experience.
memories /ˈmeməriz/ B2	noun - things remembered; recollection.
slip /slɪp/ A2	verb - to slide unintentionally.
wild /waɪld/ B1	adjective - not domesticated or cultivated.
afraid /əˈfreɪd/ A2	adjective - feeling fear or anxiety.
venture /ˈventʃər/ B2	verb - to dare to do something or go somewhere that may be risky.
shores /ʃɔrz/ B1	noun - the land along the edge of a sea or lake.
forsake /fərˈseɪk/ C1	verb - to abandon or give up completely.
guide /ɡaɪd/ B1	verb - to show someone the way.
thunder /ˈθʌndər/ A2	noun - the loud crashing sound made by lightning.
pouring /ˈpɔːrɪŋ/ B1	verb - raining heavily.
stars /stɑrz/ A2	noun - distant luminous objects in the night sky.
shining /ˈʃaɪnɪŋ/ A2	adjective - giving out or reflecting a lot of light.

Key Grammar Structures

• Once upon a younger year

  ➔ Past tense with 'upon'

  ➔ The phrase 'Once upon' is a literary device often used to begin stories, here it sets a nostalgic tone.

• He took me in his arms, I heard him say

  ➔ Past continuous and simple past

  ➔ The use of 'took' (simple past) and 'heard' (simple past) shows completed actions, while the context implies a sequence of events.

• When you get older

  ➔ Future time clause with 'when'

  ➔ The clause 'When you get older' indicates a future condition or time, used to give advice or predict future feelings.

• So, live a life you will remember

  ➔ Future in the past with 'will'

  ➔ The use of 'will remember' refers to a future action from the perspective of the past, emphasizing the importance of the advice.

• These are the nights that never die

  ➔ Present simple with 'never'

  ➔ The phrase 'never die' uses the present simple to emphasize the timelessness and lasting impact of the memories.

• Light a fire they can't put out

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ The imperative mood is used to give a direct command or instruction, here encouraging action and resilience.

• I'll guide you home no matter where you are

  ➔ Future simple with 'will'

  ➔ The use of 'will guide' expresses a promise or assurance of future action, emphasizing reliability and support.

• Don't forsake this life of yours

  ➔ Negative imperative

  ➔ The negative imperative 'Don't forsake' is used to strongly advise against an action, emphasizing the importance of valuing one's life.