WON'T STAND DOWN – English Lyrics

• By: Muse
• Album: WILL OF THE PEOPLE

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is an immersive experience, and Muse's “WON'T STAND DOWN” offers a powerful entry point into expressive and defiant English. The song's clear and direct lyrics about empowerment and resilience make it easy to grasp its central theme. What makes this track special for learners is its dynamic shift in tone and intensity, mirroring the emotional journey from victimhood to strength, all while showcasing a rich vocabulary of rebellion and self-assertion.

[English]

I never believed that I would concede

And let someone trample on me

You strung me along, I thought I was strong

But you were just gaslighting me

I've opened my eyes, and counted the lies

And now it is clearer to me

You are just a user and an abuser

Living vicariously

I never believed that I would concede

And get myself blown asunder

You strung me along, I thought I was strong

But now you have pushed me under

I've opened my eyes and counted the lies

And now it is clearer to me

You are just a user and an abuser

And I refuse to take it

Won't stand down

I'm growing stronger

Won't stand down

I'm owned no longer

Won't stand down

You've used me for too long

Now die alone

Now I'm coming back, a counterattack

I'm playing you at your own game

I'm cutting you out, a shadow of doubt

Is gonna hang over your name

I've opened my eyes, I see your disguise

I will never see you the same

I know how to win, before you begin

I'll shoot you before you take aim

Now I'm coming back, a counterattack

A psychological war

I'm cutting you in, I'm under your skin

Now I'm gonna settle the score

I've opened my eyes, I see your disguise

I will never see you the same

I know how to win, before you begin

I'll shoot you before you take aim

Won't stand down

I'm growing stronger

Won't stand down

I'm owned no longer

Won't stand down

You've used me for too long

Now die alone

(Won't stand down)

(Breaking out)

(Won't stand down)

Won't stand down

I'm growing stronger

Won't stand down

I'm owned no longer

Won't stand down

You've used me for too long

Now die alone

(Won't stand down)

(Won't stand down)

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
concede /kənˈsiːd/ C1	verb - to admit that something is true after denying it
trample /ˈtræm.pəl/ B2	verb - to step heavily on something or someone
gaslighting /ɡæsˌlaɪ.tɪŋ/ C2	noun - manipulating someone into questioning their own sanity
opened /ˈoʊ.pənd/ A2	verb - to move something to a position that is no longer closed
lies /laɪz/ A2	noun, verb - untrue statements; to make untrue statements
clearer /ˈklɪərər/ B2	adjective - more easy or understandable to see or understand
abuser /əˈbjuː.zər/ C2	noun - a person who treats someone in a cruel or violent way
refuse /rɪˈfjuːz/ B2	verb - to say or show that you will not do, accept, or agree to something
stand /stænd/ A2	verb - to be in a vertical position; to resist or oppose
stronger /ˈstrɒŋ.ər/ B2	adjective - more powerful or forceful
owned /oʊnd/ B1	verb - possessed or controlled by someone
longer /ˈlɒŋ.ər/ A2	adjective - more extensive in time or distance
attack /əˈtæk/ B2	noun, verb - a fight or aggressive act; to start hostile action against someone or something

Key Grammar Structures

• And now it is clearer to me

  ➔ Use of the simple present tense to state a current condition or realization.

  ➔ The phrase describes a current realization or understanding happening now.

• I've opened my eyes, and counted the lies

  ➔ Use of present perfect tense to show an action that has relevance to the present moment.

  ➔ Emphasizes that the action of opening eyes and inspecting lies has implications for the present.

• You are just a user and an abuser

  ➔ Use of the adjective 'just' to emphasize simplicity or lack of other qualities.

  ➔ The word 'just' underscores that someone is merely a certain way, implying a judgment or limited role.

• I'll shoot you before you take aim

  ➔ Future simple tense 'will' to express a decision or intention about an action in the future.

  ➔ Expresses a determined action the speaker intends to take in the future, often implying threat or decisiveness.

• I'm growing stronger

  ➔ Present continuous tense indicating an ongoing process of change or development.

  ➔ This tense conveys that the process of becoming stronger is happening right now and is still ongoing.

• Won't stand down

  ➔ Use of the negative future tense with 'won't' (will not) to express refusal or determination.

  ➔ Expresses a firm attitude of not backing down or giving up in the future.