The Only Exception – English Lyrics

• By: Paramore
• Album: brand new eyes

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the heartfelt story behind Paramore's "The Only Exception," a poignant exploration of love and vulnerability. Delve into the song's creation, meaning, and impact, and learn how its exploration of overcoming emotional barriers can help you understand and express your own feelings about love and relationships. Explore how music can express complex emotions, making this song a unique addition to Paramore's discography.

[English]

When I was younger, I saw my daddy cry

And curse at the wind

He broke his own heart and I watched

As he tried to reassemble it

And my momma swore

That she would never let herself forget

And that was the day that I promised

I'd never sing of love if it does not exist

But darling, you are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

...

Maybe I know somewhere deep in my soul

That love never lasts

And we've got to find other ways to make it alone

Or keep a straight face

And I've always lived like this

Keeping a comfortable distance

And up until now I had sworn to myself

That I'm content with loneliness

Because none of it was ever worth the risk

But you are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

...

I've got a tight grip on reality

But I can't let go of what's in front of me here

I know you're leaving in the morning when you wake up

Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream

...

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

And I'm on my way to believing

...

Oh, and I'm on my way to believing

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
exception /ɪkˈsɛpʃən/ B1	noun - a person or thing that is not included in a general statement or rule
promise /ˈprɑmɪs/ A2	verb - to undertake or commit to do something noun - a declaration assuring that one will do something
swear /swɛər/ A2	verb - to make a solemn promise or undertaking
loneliness /ˈloʊnliˌnɛs/ B1	noun - sadness because one has no friends or company
content /kənˈtɛnt/ B1	adjective - satisfied with one's situation
reassemble /ˌriəˈsɛmbəl/ B2	verb - to bring together again the parts of something
proof /pruːf/ A2	noun - evidence that demonstrates a fact
risk /rɪsk/ A2	noun - the possibility of suffering harm or loss
curse /kɜrs/ A2	verb - to express anger or annoyance in offensive words
worth /wɜrθ/ A2	adjective - having a value that makes something desirable
grip /ɡrɪp/ B1	noun - a firm hold or grasp
reality /riˈælɪti/ A2	noun - the state of things as they actually exist
believing /bɪˈliːvɪŋ/ A2	verb - to accept something as true
distance /ˈdɪstəns/ A2	noun - the amount of space between two points
straight /streɪt/ A1	adjective - without a curve or bend

Key Grammar Structures

• When I was younger, I saw my daddy cry

  ➔ Past Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase 'When I was younger' sets the time frame, and 'saw' is in the Past Simple, indicating a completed action in the past.

• And that was the day that I promised

  ➔ Past Simple with 'that' clause

  ➔ The clause 'that I promised' is introduced by 'that', emphasizing the specific day when the promise was made.

• But darling, you are the only exception

  ➔ Present Simple with emphasis

  ➔ The use of 'are' in the present simple tense emphasizes the current state of the exception, highlighting its uniqueness.

• Maybe I know somewhere deep in my soul

  ➔ Present Simple with modal verb 'maybe'

  ➔ The modal verb 'maybe' expresses uncertainty, softening the statement about knowing something deep in the soul.

• I've got a tight grip on reality

  ➔ Present Perfect with 'have got'

  ➔ The phrase 'I've got' is a common way to express possession or a state that began in the past and continues to the present.

• But I can't let go of what's in front of me here

  ➔ Present Simple with modal verb 'can't'

  ➔ The modal verb 'can't' expresses inability, emphasizing the difficulty in letting go of something present.

• And I'm on my way to believing

  ➔ Present Continuous for future action

  ➔ The present continuous 'I'm on my way' is used to describe an action that is in progress and will continue into the future.