Titanium – English Lyrics

• By: David Guetta

Lyrics & Translation

“Titanium” is an empowering song that offers a rich vocabulary related to strength, defiance, and emotional resilience. Its powerful lyrics, delivered by Sia's distinctive vocals over David Guetta's energetic production, provide an excellent opportunity to explore metaphorical language (e.g., "bulletproof," "ricochet") and expressions of overcoming challenges. The song's clear narrative of standing firm in the face of criticism makes it particularly special for language learners interested in understanding how English can convey strong emotional messages and inspire courage.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
shout /ʃaʊt/ A2	verb - to say something very loudly
hear /hɪər/ A1	verb - to perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something)
word /wɜːrd/ A1	noun - a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence
criticize /ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz/ B2	verb - to express disapproval of (someone or something)
bullet /ˈbʊlɪt/ B1	noun - a metal projectile for use in a gun
ricochet /ˌrɪkəˈʃeɪ/ C1	verb - (of a bullet or other projectile) rebound off a surface noun - a shot or hit that rebounds off a surface
shoot /ʃuːt/ A2	verb - to discharge a bullet or arrow from a gun or bow
down /daʊn/ A1	adverb - towards or in a lower place or position adjective - directed or moving downwards
fall /fɔːl/ A1	verb - to move downward, typically rapidly and freely without control, from a higher to a lower level
bulletproof /ˈbʊlɪtpruːf/ B2	adjective - impenetrable to bullets
lose /luːz/ A1	verb - be deprived of (something) through accident, carelessness, or misfortune
fire /ˈfaɪər/ A2	verb - discharge (a weapon or explosive) noun - combustion or burning, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke
aim /eɪm/ B1	verb - point or direct (a weapon or something else) at a target noun - a purpose or intention; a desired outcome
cut /kʌt/ A1	verb - divide into pieces with a sharp implement
ghost /ɡoʊst/ B1	noun - an apparition of a dead person which is believed to appear or become manifest to the living, typically as a nebulous image
haunted /ˈhɔːntɪd/ B2	adjective - (of a place) frequented by a ghost or ghosts
raise /reɪz/ A2	verb - lift or move to a higher position or level
voice /vɔɪs/ A2	noun - the sound produced in a person's larynx and uttered through the mouth, as speech or song
stone /stoʊn/ A1	noun - hard solid nonmetallic mineral matter of which rock is made, especially as a building material
hard /hɑːrd/ A2	adjective - solid, firm, and rigid; not easily broken, bent, or pierced
machine /məˈʃiːn/ A2	noun - an apparatus using or applying mechanical power and having several parts, each with a definite function and together performing a particular task
glass /ɡlæs/ A1	noun - a hard, brittle, transparent amorphous solid made by heating sand with soda and lime and cooling rapidly
run /rʌn/ A1	verb - move at a speed faster than a walk, never having both or all the feet on the ground at the same time
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - an intense feeling of affection

Key Grammar Structures

• You shout it out, but I can't hear a word you say

  ➔ Modal verb "can't" (negative ability) and relative clause "a word you say".

  ➔ "Can't" indicates the inability to hear. "A word you say" is a relative clause modifying "word". It means I can't hear anything that comes out of your mouth

• Talking loud, not saying much

  ➔ Present participles used as adjectives/adverbs modifying the implied subject (you).

  ➔ "Talking" and "saying" are present participles. It's short for "You are talking loud, but (you are) not saying much."

• I'm criticized, but all your bullets ricochet

  ➔ Passive voice ("I'm criticized") and present simple tense ("ricochet") to describe a general truth or habitual action.

  ➔ "I'm criticized" uses the passive voice to emphasize the action being done to the speaker. "Ricochet" in the present simple shows that the bullets *always* bounce off, indicating resilience.

• Shoot me down, but I get up

  ➔ Imperative mood ("Shoot me down") followed by a contrasting statement using "but" and the present simple tense ("I get up") to express a general truth.

  ➔ "Shoot me down" is a command. "But" introduces a contrast: despite being knocked down, the speaker always recovers. The present simple "I get up" makes it a recurring action.

• I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose

  ➔ Simple present tense with adjectives ("I'm bulletproof") followed by a noun phrase ("nothing to lose").

  ➔ "Bulletproof" is an adjective describing the speaker's invulnerability. "Nothing to lose" implies a state of having no attachments or fear of consequences.

• Cut me down, but it's you who'll have further to fall

  ➔ Imperative mood ("Cut me down") followed by a future tense with "will" and a comparative adjective ("further to fall") in a relative clause using "who".

  ➔ "Cut me down" is a command. The phrase "it's you who'll have further to fall" is a cleft sentence emphasizing "you". "Further to fall" is a comparative adjective indicating the consequences for the attacker will be greater.

• Raise your voice, sticks and stones may break my bones

  ➔ Imperative mood ("Raise your voice") and modal verb "may" expressing possibility ("may break my bones").

  ➔ "Raise your voice" is a command. "May break my bones" expresses a possibility but not certainty, implying the speaker acknowledges the threat but isn't necessarily intimidated.

• Stone hard, machine gun, Firing at the ones who run

  ➔ Adjectives and nouns used as descriptive phrases. Present participle "Firing" acting as an adjective, modifying the implied subject.

  ➔ These phrases create a vivid image. "Stone hard" and "machine gun" are descriptive. "Firing at the ones who run" implies an action, with "Firing" describing the machine gun. The 'ones who run' is a relative clause indicating the target