The Only Way To Love – English Lyrics

• By: Vanessa Carlton
• Album: Love Is An Art

Lyrics & Translation

Explore the nuances of love and vulnerability with Vanessa Carlton's 'The Only Way To Love.' This song offers a glimpse into the emotional complexities of relationships, encouraging listeners to confront their fears and embrace openness. Discover how Carlton's unique blend of folk, country, and rock creates a compelling exploration of the heart's journey .

[English]

For you, the coast is clear

Bury my fear, you're the edge of the ocean

The tide follows what's right

And so have I

Say, let's get out of here

There's a danger when you feel without thinking

In this moment what I fear, I need the most

I wanna run, but I won't get very far

'Cause I can't fight the force of my young beating heart

Like a soldier's steady march answering the call

It's the only way to love

Now, we walk the streets

The city speaks the tales of paramours

The wave, it comes for me

Am I brave enough to let go?

We are walking up the stairs to your apartment

You open up the door and let me in

I wanna run, but I won't get very far

'Cause I can't fight the force of my young beating heart

Like a soldier's steady march answering the call

It's the only way to love

The energy comes, feel a rush

It will move you

The energy goes, and you trust

It will come back again

Our hands will trace out a map that is ancient

Drawing our fate, all this pain and illusion

I wanna run but I won't get very far

'Cause I can't fight the force of my young beating heart

Like a soldier's steady march answering the call

It's the only way to

I wanna run, I won't get very far

'Cause I can't fight the force of my young beating heart

And like a soldier's steady march answering the call

It's the only way to love

You're the edge of the ocean

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
run /rʌn/ A1	verb - to move quickly on foot
fear /fɪr/ A1	noun - an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous
danger /ˈdeɪnʒər/ A2	noun - the possibility of harm or injury
moment /ˈmoʊmənt/ A2	noun - a very short period of time
fight /faɪt/ A1	verb - to take part in a violent struggle using weapons or physical force
force /fɔrs/ B1	noun - strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement
steady /ˈstɛdi/ B1	adjective - firmly fixed or supported
march /mɑrʧ/ A2	verb - to walk with long, firm steps in a regular rhythm
energy /ˈɛnərʤi/ B1	noun - the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity
rush /rʌʃ/ B1	noun - a sudden brief increase in strength
trust /trʌst/ A2	verb - to believe that someone is good and honest and will not harm you
ancient /ˈeɪnʃənt/ B1	adjective - very old
fate /feɪt/ B1	noun - the development of events outside human control
illusion /ɪˈluʒən/ B2	noun - a false idea or belief
brave /breɪv/ A2	adjective - showing courage
paramour /ˈpærəmɔr/ C1	noun - a lover, especially one in an adulterous relationship

Key Grammar Structures

• For you, the coast is clear

  ➔ Present Simple Tense

  ➔ The verb 'is' is in the present simple tense, indicating a general truth or a habitual action.

• The tide follows what's right

  ➔ Present Simple Tense with 's' for 3rd person singular

  ➔ The verb 'follows' uses 's' to agree with the third person singular subject 'The tide'.

• There's a danger when you feel without thinking

  ➔ Present Simple Tense with 's' (There is)

  ➔ 'There's' is a contraction of 'there is', used to indicate existence in the present.

• I wanna run, but I won't get very far

  ➔ Modal Verb 'will' for future negation

  ➔ 'Won't' is a contraction of 'will not', used to express a negative future action.

• Like a soldier's steady march answering the call

  ➔ Possessive Apostrophe

  ➔ The apostrophe in 'soldier's' indicates possession, showing that the march belongs to the soldier.

• It's the only way to love

  ➔ Contraction 'It is'

  ➔ 'It's' is a contraction of 'it is', commonly used in spoken and informal English.

• The energy comes, feel a rush

  ➔ Imperative Mood

  ➔ 'Feel' is used in the imperative mood to give a command or instruction.

• Our hands will trace out a map that is ancient

  ➔ Future Simple Tense with 'will'

  ➔ The verb 'will trace' indicates a future action, expressing what will happen.