The Sentinel – English Lyrics

• By: Judas Priest

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the power of storytelling in heavy metal with Judas Priest's "The Sentinel." This song is a fantastic way to learn English vocabulary related to conflict, and descriptive adjectives that create a vivid, dark, and futuristic atmosphere. The clear and powerful vocals of Rob Halford make it easier to follow the epic narrative of a lone warrior, making your language learning journey a truly metal experience.

[English]

Along deserted avenues

Steam begins to rise

The figures primed and ready

Prepared for quick surprise

He's watching for a sign

His life is on the line

Sworn to avenge

Condemned to Hell

Tempt not the blade

All fear the Sentinel

Dogs whine in the alleys

Smoke is on the wind

From deep inside its empty shell

A cathedral bell begins

Ringing out its toll

A storm begins to grow

Sworn to avenge

Condemned to Hell

Tempt not the blade

All fear the Sentinel

Amidst the upturned burned-out cars

The challengers await

And in their fists clutch iron bars

With which to seal his fate

Across his chest in scabbards rest

The rows of throwing knives

Whose razor points in challenged tests

Have finished many lives

Now facing one another

The stand-off eats at time

Then all at once a silence falls

As the bell ceases its chime

Upon this sign, the challengers

With shrieks and cries rush forth

The knives fly out like bullets

Upon their deadly course

Screams of pain and agony

Rend the silent air

Amidst the dying bodies

Blood runs everywhere

The figure stands expressionless

Impassive and alone

Unmoved by this victory

And the seeds of death he's sown

Sworn to avenge

Condemned to Hell

Tempt not the blade

All fear the Sentinel

Sworn to avenge

Condemned to Hell

Tempt not the blade

All fear the Sentinel

Sworn to avenge

Condemned to Hell

Tempt not the blade

All fear the Sentinel

Sworn to avenge

Condemned to Hell

Tempt not the blade

All fear the Sentinel

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
avenge /əˈvɛndʒ/ B2	verb - to punish someone for a wrongdoing, typically on behalf of another
condemn /kənˈdɛm/ B2	verb - to express strong disapproval of someone or something
blade /bleɪd/ A2	noun - the flat cutting part of a weapon or tool
sentinel /ˈsɛntənəl/ B2	noun - a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch
challenge /ˈtʃæləndʒ/ B1	noun - a call to prove or improve one's ability verb - to invite someone to compete or fight
expressionless /ɪkˈsprɛʃənlɪs/ C1	adjective - showing no emotion or feeling
impassive /ɪmˈpæsɪv/ C1	adjective - showing no emotion
scabbard /ˈskæbərd/ B2	noun - a sheath for a sword or knife
throwing /ˈθroʊɪŋ/ A2	verb - to propel something through the air with force
razor /ˈreɪzər/ A2	noun - a sharp blade used for shaving or cutting
stand-off /ˈstænd ɔːf/ B2	noun - a situation in which neither side will back down
toll /toʊl/ B1	noun - a fee paid for using a road or service verb - to ring a bell
clutch /klʌtʃ/ A2	verb - to grasp or hold tightly
expression /ɪkˈsprɛʃən/ B1	noun - a look on someone's face showing emotion
victory /ˈvɪktəri/ A2	noun - a success or triumph over an enemy or obstacle

Key Grammar Structures

• Along deserted avenues

  ➔ Prepositional Phrase

  ➔ The phrase 'Along deserted avenues' uses a prepositional phrase to indicate location.

• The figures primed and ready

  ➔ Past Participle as Adjective

  ➔ 'Primed' and 'ready' are past participles used as adjectives to describe 'figures'.

• Prepared for quick surprise

  ➔ Past Participle in Passive Voice

  ➔ 'Prepared' is a past participle used in a passive voice construction.

• Sworn to avenge

  ➔ Past Participle in Verbal Phrase

  ➔ 'Sworn' is a past participle used in a verbal phrase to indicate a past action.

• A storm begins to grow

  ➔ Present Continuous Tense

  ➔ 'Begins to grow' uses the present continuous tense to describe an ongoing action.

• With shrieks and cries rush forth

  ➔ Prepositional Phrase with Gerund

  ➔ 'With shrieks and cries' is a prepositional phrase using gerunds to describe the manner of action.

• Blood runs everywhere

  ➔ Present Simple Tense

  ➔ 'Runs' uses the present simple tense to describe a habitual or ongoing action.

• Unmoved by this victory

  ➔ Past Participle in Passive Voice

  ➔ 'Unmoved' is a past participle used in a passive voice construction to describe the subject's state.