Unfinished Business – English Lyrics

• By: White Lies

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the atmospheric world of White Lies with "Unfinished Business," a compelling song that blends dark storytelling with evocative lyrics. This track offers a rich tapestry of vocabulary and emotional expression, making it an excellent piece for English language learners to explore narrative and complex feelings within a musical context. Discover how the band uses language to build suspense and convey a haunting tale of love, loss, and unresolved connections.

[English]

Just give me a second, darling, to clear my head

Just put down those scissors, baby, on this single bed

The sand in the hourglass is running low

I came through thunder, the cold, wind, the rain and the snow

To find you awake by your window sill

A sight for sore eyes and a view to kill

I broke down in horror at you standing there

The glow from the moon shone through cracks in your hair

I shouted with passion: "I love you so much"

But feeling my skin, it was cold to the touch

You whispered: "Where are you?", I questioned your doubt

But soon realised you were talking to god now

You got blood on your hands and I know it's mine

I just need more time

So get off your low, let's dance like we used to

But there's a light in the distance, waiting for me

I will wait for you

So get off your low, let's kiss like we used to

I looked in the mirror but something was wrong

I saw you behind but my reflection was gone

There was smoke in the fireplace as white as the snow

A voice beckoned gently: "Now it's time to go"

A requiem played, as you begged for forgiveness

"Don't touch me", I screamed, "I've got unfinished business"

You got blood on your hands and I know it's mine

I just need more time

So get off your low, let's dance like we used to

But there's a light in the distance, waiting for me

I will wait for you

So get off your low, let's kiss like we used to

You got blood on your hands and I know it's mine

I just need more time

So get off your low, let's dance like we used to

But there's a light in the distance, waiting for me

I will wait for you

So get off your low, let's kiss like we used to

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
clear /klɪər/ A2	verb - to make or become easy to understand
scissors /ˈsɪzərz/ A1	noun - a cutting tool with two blades joined together
running /ˈrʌnɪŋ/ A1	verb - to move quickly on foot
thunder /ˈθʌndər/ A2	noun - the sound that follows a flash of lightning
glow /ɡloʊ/ B1	noun - a steady light
shone /ʃoʊn/ B1	verb - past tense of shine; to emit light
passion /ˈpæʃən/ B1	noun - strong and powerful emotion
whispered /ˈhwɪspərd/ A2	verb - to speak very softly
realised /ˈriəlaɪzd/ B1	verb - to become aware of something
blood /blʌd/ A1	noun - the red liquid in the bodies of people and animals
distance /ˈdɪstəns/ A2	noun - the amount of space between two places
beckoned /ˈbɛkənd/ B2	verb - to signal or summon someone with a movement of the hand
requiem /ˈrɛkwiəm/ C1	noun - a mass for the repose of the souls of the dead
forgiveness /fərˈɡɪvnəs/ B1	noun - the act of forgiving someone
business /ˈbɪznɪs/ A2	noun - a person's work or tasks

Key Grammar Structures

• Just give me a second, darling, to clear my head

  ➔ Present Imperative

  ➔ The phrase 'Just give me a second' uses the present imperative to make a direct request.

• The sand in the hourglass is running low

  ➔ Present Continuous

  ➔ 'Is running' is in the present continuous, indicating an action happening now.

• I came through thunder, the cold, wind, the rain and the snow

  ➔ Past Simple

  ➔ 'Came' is in the past simple, describing a completed action in the past.

• I shouted with passion: 'I love you so much'

  ➔ Direct Speech

  ➔ The phrase 'I love you so much' is in direct speech, quoting exact words spoken.

• But feeling my skin, it was cold to the touch

  ➔ Past Continuous

  ➔ 'Was cold' is in the past continuous, describing a state that was ongoing in the past.

• You whispered: 'Where are you?', I questioned your doubt

  ➔ Past Simple with Reported Speech

  ➔ 'Whispered' and 'questioned' are in the past simple, and 'Where are you?' is reported speech.

• There was smoke in the fireplace as white as the snow

  ➔ Past Simple with Simile

  ➔ 'Was' is in the past simple, and 'as white as the snow' is a simile for comparison.

• 'Don't touch me', I screamed, 'I've got unfinished business'

  ➔ Present Perfect

  ➔ 'I've got' uses the present perfect to describe an action that started in the past and is relevant now.