Will You Be There – English Lyrics

• By: Michael Jackson
• Album: Dangerous

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music can be a deeply moving experience, and Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There" offers a unique opportunity for English learners. The song's clear, emotional lyrics and repetitive chorus make it accessible for practicing vocabulary related to feelings and support. What makes this song special is its blend of personal vulnerability and universal themes, allowing learners to connect with powerful human emotions while improving their language skills.

[English]

Hold me

Like the River Jordan

And I will then say to thee

You are my friend

Carry me

Like you are my brother

Love me like a mother

Will you be there?

...

Weary

Tell me, will you hold me?

When wrong, will you scold me?

When lost will you find me?

But they told me

A man should be faithful

And walk when not able

And fight 'til the end, but I'm only human

...

Everyone's taking control of me

Seems that the world's got a role for me

I'm so confused, will you show it to me?

You'll be there for me, and care enough to bear me

Hold me (show me)

Lay your head lowly (told me)

Softly then boldly (yeah)

Carry me there (I'm only human)

Lead me (hold me)

Love me and feed me (lead, yeah, yeah)

Kiss me and free me (yeah)

I will feel blessed (I'm only human)

Carry (carry)

Carry me boldly (carry, yeah)

Lift me up slowly (yeah)

Carry me there (I'm only human)

Save me (lift me)

Heal me and bathe me (lift me up, lift me up)

Softly you say to me

I will be there (I will be there)

Lift me (told me, yeah)

Lift me up slowly

Carry me boldly (yeah)

Show me you care (will you be there?)

Hold me (woo)

Lay your head lowly (get lonely sometimes)

Softly then boldly (I get lonely, yeah, yeah)

Carry me there (will you be there?)

Need me (woo)

Love me and feed me (lift me up, hold me up)

Kiss me and free me (lift me up sometimes, up sometimes)

I will feel blessed (oh-yeah)

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
hold /hoʊld/ A2	verb - to grasp and keep
carry /ˈkæri/ A2	verb - to transport
love /lʌv/ A1	verb - to have a strong affection for noun - an intense feeling of affection
fight /faɪt/ B1	verb - to take part in a struggle
human /ˈhjuːmən/ B1	adjective - relating to or characteristic of people noun - a person
control /kənˈtroʊl/ B2	noun - the power to influence or direct verb - to exercise restraint or direction over
confused /kənˈfjuːzd/ B1	adjective - unable to think clearly
show /ʃoʊ/ A2	verb - to allow to be seen
care /ker/ A2	verb - to feel concern or interest noun - attention or concern
bear /ber/ B2	verb - to endure
head /hed/ A1	noun - the part of the body above the neck
softly /ˈsɒftli/ B1	adverb - in a gentle manner
boldly /ˈboʊldli/ B2	adverb - in a courageous manner
lift /lɪft/ A2	verb - to raise
heal /hiːl/ B2	verb - to become healthy again
bathe /beɪθ/ B1	verb - to wash
blessed /ˈblesd/ B2	adjective - holy or consecrated

Key Grammar Structures

• Hold me Like the River Jordan

  ➔ Simile (using 'like')

  ➔ This line uses 'like' to compare the act of holding someone to the powerful imagery of the River Jordan, suggesting comfort and support.

• When wrong, will you scold me?

  ➔ Conditional sentence (Type 1 - possible future)

  ➔ This is a first conditional, expressing a possible future scenario. It sets up a condition ('When wrong') and a likely result ('will you scold me?').

• But I'm only human

  ➔ Use of 'only' as an intensifier

  ➔ The word 'only' emphasizes the speaker's vulnerability and limitations. It highlights the fact that they are not perfect and capable of making mistakes.

• Everyone's taking control of me

  ➔ Contraction ('Everyone's')

  ➔ The use of 'Everyone's' is a common contraction, making the sentence more conversational and informal. It combines 'Everyone is' into a single word.

• You'll be there for me, and care enough to bear me

  ➔ Future Simple ('You'll be')

  ➔ The future simple 'You'll be' expresses a prediction or promise about a future action. 'Care enough to bear me' shows a willingness to support and endure hardships for the speaker.

• Lift me up slowly

  ➔ Adverb of manner ('slowly')

  ➔ The adverb 'slowly' modifies the verb 'lift', describing *how* the action should be performed. It suggests gentleness and care.

• I will feel blessed

  ➔ Future Simple ('I will feel')

  ➔ The future simple 'I will feel' expresses a future emotion or state. It conveys a sense of gratitude and contentment.

• Show me you care

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ This is an imperative sentence, directly requesting the listener to demonstrate their care and affection. It's a plea for reassurance.