Wagging Tongue – English Lyrics

• By: Depeche Mode
• Album: Memento Mori

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the evocative soundscape of Depeche Mode's 'Wagging Tongue,' a masterful blend of classic synth-pop and profound lyrical depth. This track offers a unique opportunity to explore the nuances of English through its poignant verses, which tackle themes of truth, silence, and the power of words. The song's compelling narrative and signature Depeche Mode sound make it a special piece for language learners to uncover deeper meanings and artistic expression.

[English]

♪ You won’t do well to silence me ♪

♪ With your words or wagging tongue ♪

♪ With your long tall tales of sorrow ♪

♪ Your song yet to be sung ♪

♪ I won’t be offended ♪

♪ If I’m left across the great divide ♪

♪ Believe me, they will follow ♪

♪ Just to watch another angel die ♪

♪ Watch another angel die ♪

♪ You won’t do well to darken me ♪

♪ With your secrets and your lies ♪

♪ With your piercing code of silence ♪

♪ Relax enjoy the ride ♪

♪ I’ll meet you by the river ♪

♪ Or maybe on the other side ♪

♪ You find it hard to swallow ♪

♪ When you watch another angel die ♪

♪ Watch another angel die ♪

♪ Another sun is rising ♪

♪ Another day has come ♪

♪ You can find me, I’ll be waiting ♪

♪ Until the day is done ♪

♪ I won’t be persuaded ♪

♪ Kiss your doubts goodbye ♪

♪ Everything seems hollow ♪

♪ When you watch another angel die ♪

♪ Watch another angel die ♪

♪ Watch another angel die ♪

♪ Watch another angel die ♪

♪ Watch another angel die ♪

♪ Watch another angel die ♪

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
silence /ˈsaɪləns/ B1	noun - the state of being silent; quiet verb - to make silent; to suppress sound
wagging /ˈwægɪŋ/ B1	adjective - moving back and forth rapidly; shaking
tongue /tʌŋ/ A2	noun - the muscular organ in the mouth used for tasting and speech
tales /teɪlz/ A2	noun - stories, especially imaginative or traditional ones
sorrow /ˈsɒr.oʊ/ B2	noun - deep sadness or grief
angel /ˈeɪn.dʒəl/ A2	noun - a spiritual being believed to act as a messenger of God
die /daɪ/ A1	verb - to stop living; to cease to exist
watch /wɒtʃ/ A2	verb - to look at or observe attentively over a period of time
darken /ˈdɑː.kən/ B2	verb - to make or become darker; to shade
secrets /ˈsiː.krɪts/ B1	noun - things kept hidden or unknown to others
lies /laɪz/ B1	noun - false statements deliberately presented as truth verb - to tell something that is not true
piercing /ˈpɪə.rɪŋ/ B2	adjective - sharp, able to penetrate; intense
code /koʊd/ B1	noun - a system of symbols, letters, or numbers used to represent information
river /ˈrɪv.ər/ A2	noun - a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river
swallow /ˈswɒl.oʊ/ B1	verb - to cause or allow something to pass down the throat
rising /ˈraɪ.zɪŋ/ B1	adjective - moving upward; increasing
day /deɪ/ A1	noun - a period of 24 hours; daytime
waiting /ˈweɪ.tɪŋ/ B1	noun - the act of staying in one place or remaining inactive until something happens
hollow /ˈhɒl.oʊ/ B2	adjective - having a space or cavity inside; empty
doubts /daʊts/ B1	noun - feelings of uncertainty or lack of conviction

Key Grammar Structures

• You won’t do well to silence me

  ➔ won’t do well to + infinitive (negative)

  ➔ This is a negative construction indicating that the action (silencing the speaker) won't be successful or won't work out well.

• With your words or wagging tongue

  ➔ with + noun (preposition + noun)

  ➔ This construction indicates possession, association, or accompaniment.

• I won’t be offended

  ➔ won’t be + verb (negative)

  ➔ This is a negative construction indicating that the speaker won't be offended by the action or statement.

• Another sun is rising

  ➔ another + noun (adjective + noun)

  ➔ This construction indicates something additional or different from the first.

• Another day has come

  ➔ another + noun (adjective + noun)

  ➔ Similar to the previous line, this construction emphasizes the arrival of a new day.

• You can find me, I’ll be waiting

  ➔ can + verb (ability)

  ➔ This construction expresses ability or possibility.

• Until the day is done

  ➔ until + adverb (time)

  ➔ This construction indicates a duration or a time limit.