What Are Words – English Lyrics

• By: Chris Medina

Lyrics & Translation

Delve into the emotional depth of Chris Medina's "What Are Words." This powerful ballad, born from a true story of enduring love and commitment, offers a unique opportunity to connect with English through universal themes of loyalty and resilience. Its clear, evocative lyrics and heartfelt delivery make it an excellent song for language learners to explore vocabulary related to emotions, relationships, and promises, while also experiencing a truly touching narrative. What makes this song special is its authenticity and the profound human experience it conveys, making the language learning journey both meaningful and memorable.

[English]

(gentle pop music)

♪ Anywhere you are, I am near ♪

♪ Anywhere you go, I'll be there ♪

♪ Anytime you whisper my name ♪

♪ You'll see ♪

♪ How every single promise I'll keep ♪

♪ 'Cause what kind of guy would I be ♪

♪ If I was to leave when you need me most ♪

♪ What are words if you really don't mean them ♪

♪ When you say them ♪

♪ What are words if they're only for good times ♪

♪ Then they're done ♪

♪ When it's love ♪

♪ Yeah, you say them out loud those words ♪

♪ They never go away ♪

♪ They live on, even when we're gone ♪

♪ And I know an angel was sent ♪

♪ Just for me and I know I'm meant ♪

♪ To be where I am and I'm gonna be ♪

♪ Standing right beside her tonight ♪

♪ And I'm gonna be by your side ♪

♪ I would never leave when she needs me most ♪

♪ What are words if you really don't mean them ♪

♪ When you say them ♪

♪ What are words if they're only for good times ♪

♪ Then they're done ♪

♪ When it's love ♪

♪ Yeah, you say them out loud those words ♪

♪ They never go away ♪

♪ They live on, even when we're gone ♪

♪ Anywhere you are, I am near ♪

♪ Anywhere you go, I'll be there ♪

♪ And I'm gonna be here forever more ♪

♪ Every single promise I'll keep ♪

♪ 'Cause what kind of guy would I be ♪

♪ If I was to leave when you need me most ♪

♪ I'm forever keeping my angel close ♪

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
words /wɜːrdz/ A1	noun - the things that someone says or writes
say /seɪ/ A1	verb - to utter words
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - a strong feeling of affection
mean /miːn/ A2	verb - to express or represent something
time /taɪm/ A1	noun - the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues; duration
go /ɡoʊ/ A1	verb - to move or travel
guy /ɡaɪ/ A2	noun - a man
leave /liːv/ A2	verb - to go away from
need /niːd/ A1	verb - to require something noun - something that is necessary
angel /ˈeɪndʒəl/ B1	noun - a spiritual being believed to act as a messenger of God
promise /ˈprɒmɪs/ B1	noun - a declaration assuring that one will do or refrain from doing something verb - to commit oneself to do or give something
gone /ɡɔːn/ B1	adjective - no longer present; departed or lost
forever /fərˈevər/ B1	adverb - for all future time
close /kləʊs/ A2	adjective - near in space or time verb - to shut

Key Grammar Structures

• What are words if you really don't mean them?

  ➔ Conditional sentence using 'if' to express hypothetical situations.

  ➔ The sentence presents a hypothetical condition, questioning the meaning of 'words' if they lack sincerity.

• They live on, even when we're gone.

  ➔ Present tense verb 'live', combined with 'on' to indicate ongoing existence beyond present time.

  ➔ The phrase emphasizes that the impact of words or feelings persists over time, even after someone is no longer present.

• And I'm gonna be here forever more.

  ➔ Future tense with 'gonna' (informal for 'going to') to express a planned or inevitable future action.

  ➔ The phrase indicates a strong intention or certainty about remaining in a state of support or presence over a long time.

• They never go away.

  ➔ Use of 'never' with the present tense to indicate that something does not happen at any time.

  ➔ The adverb 'never' emphasizes that the impact or presence of something is everlasting and unchanging.

• What kind of guy would I be?

  ➔ Interrogative sentence using 'would' to express hypothetical or reflective questions about identity or behavior.

  ➔ This question explores hypothetical scenarios, asking what kind of person someone would be in different circumstances.

• Promise I'll keep.

  ➔ Future simple tense 'will' used in the context of making a promise or commitment.

  ➔ This phrase signifies a firm commitment to act or behave in a certain way in the future.