If you’re a fan of learning English with music, buckle up, because I’ve got a great song for you this week. Learn 10 new vocabulary words with the classic song “Ol’ Man River” from the musical Show Boat. If you want to test your listening, too, try using the song as a dictation and writing what you hear before you look at the lyrics!
This is one of the most powerful songs in American musical history, both because of William Warfield‘s incredible voice, and because of the poignant lyrics. I’m so excited for you to listen to it, and learn a few new vocabulary words while you’re at it!
POIGNANT
There’s an old man called the Mississippi.
That’s the old man that I want to be.
What does he care if the world’s got troubles?
What does he care if the land ain’t free?
Ol’ Man River, that Ol’ Man River,
He must know something,
But don’t say nothing,
He just keeps rollin’,
He keeps on rollin’ along.
He don’t plant taters, he don’t plant cotton,
And them that plants ’em is soon forgotten!
But Ol’ Man River, he just keeps rollin’ along.
You and me, we sweat and strain,
Body all achin’ and racked with pain! Tote that barge!
And lift that pail!
Get a little drunk, and you land in jail.
I get weary and sick of trying.
I’m tired of living
And scared of dying!
But Ol’ Man River, he just keeps rolling along!
THE MISSISSIPPI
TATER
STRAIN
ACHE
RACKED WITH PAIN
Similarly, you can be racked with guilt, racked with fear, or racked with self-loathing.
If you want to master your English, you need to grow an advanced English vocabulary. Let me help you with my free weekly lessons.
Â
Each lesson comes with a quick anecdote with a list of focus vocabulary, a downloadable verb card, a WOTD quiz, and more.
Â
When you join our email family, you will also receive occasional marketing emails, but I will never spam you or sell your information, ever.
Woohoo! Now go check your inbox and click CONFIRM, or you won't be added to our email family. (Don't see the confirmation email? Check your Spam folder.)
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Skyrocket Your Vocabulary
Â
Are you learning English? Are you a word nerd? Join our email family to learn the vocabulary that native speakers don't expect you to know. Once a week, you will get advanced English lessons not available anywhere else.
You will also receive occasional marketing emails, but I will never spam you or sell your information, ever, and it's easy to unsubscribe.
Woohoo! Now go check your inbox and click CONFIRM, or you won't be added to our email family. (Don't see the confirmation email? Check your Spam folder.)
