Table of Contents
Listening Activity
This listening activity is based on the song “Because Of You by Kelly Clarkson“. The song lyrics are ideal for English Learners and include many interesting language topics, such as the present perfect and the simple future and expressions of cause and effect.
Let’s start with some information about the song!
Because Of You by Kelly Clarkson
Because Of You by Kelly Clarkson from her second studio album, Breakaway. This listening activity offers information about the song, a link to the official video, and the lyrics.
Because Of You by Kelly Clarkson
Level
Beginners and intermediate students.
Facts about the Song
- Song: Because of you
- Album: Breakaway
- Date of release: August 16, 2005
- Genre: Pop
- Song length: 3 minutes, 39 seconds
- Writer: Kelly Clarkson, David Hodges, Ben Moody
- Produced by: David Hodges, Ben Moody
Interesting information about the Song
“Because of You” delves into the emotional turmoil of a failing relationship. Critics have interpreted the lyrics as a reflection of Clarkson’s complex feelings towards her father. The song’s poignant narrative captures the lingering pain and fear of repeating the mistakes of the past.
Clarkson initially wrote the song at the age of 16 as a means to process the emotional distress following her parents’ divorce. The raw and personal nature of the lyrics resonates with listeners, making it one of her most relatable and powerful songs.
Notably, Clarkson co-wrote the song with David Hodges and Ben Moody, further refining it for her second studio album, *Breakaway*. The song became a significant hit, highlighting Clarkson’s ability to convey deep emotional experiences through her music.
The Video
The Lyrics
Language Points
The song includes many examples of the simple future and cause and effect.
Here are some expressions that may be useful to students:
- I will not make the same mistakes that you did.
- I will not let myself.
- I will not break the way you did.
- Because of you, I never stray too far from the sidewalk.
- Because of you, I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt.
- Because of you, I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me.
- Because of you, I am afraid.
Listening Comprehension
Sentence Completion Exercise
Complete the sentences using the lyrics of the song “Because of You” by Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson.
- “I will not make the same mistakes that you did; I will not let myself cause my heart so much __.”
- “Because of you, I never stray too far from the __.”
- “I cannot cry because I know that’s __ in your eyes.”
- “I’m forced to fake a smile, a laugh every day of my life; my heart can’t possibly break when it wasn’t even __ to start with.”
- “I was so young; you should have known better than to __ on me.”
Gap Fill Exercise
The following words are used in the lyrics:
- Misery: A state of great suffering or distress, often characterized by intense unhappiness or discomfort. The adjective form is “miserable.”
- Stray: To move away from a set course or path.
- Trust: The belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.
- Weakness: A lack of strength or a perceived fault.
- Fake: To pretend or give a false impression.
- Lean on: To depend on someone for support.
- Afraid: Feeling fear or anxiety; frightened.
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words from the list above.
- He felt __ after losing his job and going through a tough time.
- The dog started to __ from its owner during their walk, chasing after a squirrel.
- It’s hard for her to __ others after being betrayed so many times.
- Showing __ isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it can be a sign of being human.
- She had to __ her excitement when she saw her surprise birthday party.
- After the accident, he had to __ his friends for help and support.
- The child was __ of the dark and always kept a light on at night.
Source: Wikipedia
