Listening Activity
This listening activity is based on the song Don’t Speak by No Doubt. The song lyrics are ideal for English Learners and include many interesting language topics, such as the structure “used to” and modals.
Let’s start with some information about the song!
Don’t Speak by No Doubt
“Don’t Speak” is a song by the American rock band No Doubt, featured on their third studio album, Tragic Kingdom (1995). It was released as the third single from the album in 1996 by Interscope Records in the United States.
This listening activity offers information about the song, a link to the lyrics, and the official video.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Level
Beginner and intermediate students.
Facts about the Song
- Song: Don’t worry, be happy
- Album: Simple Pleasures
- Date of release:
September 1988 - Genre: Reggae, Jazz
- Length of the song: 4 minutes and 50 seconds.
- Writer: Bobby McFerrin
- Produced by: Linda Goldstein
Interesting information about the song
Lead singer Gwen Stefani and her brother Eric Stefani, a former member of No Doubt, initially wrote “Don’t Speak” as a love song. The song underwent several rewrites and new versions.
After the end of their seven-year relationship, Gwen later transformed it into a breakup song about her bandmate and ex-boyfriend Tony Kanal.
The Video
The Lyrics
Language Points
The song includes many interesting language points:
- Used to
- Modals : could + verb
- Participial adjectives
Examples of some expressions that may be useful to students:
- We used to be together.
- This could be the end.
- I’ve changed my name.
- Well, they can be inviting.
- But some are altogether.
- Mighty frightening.
Listening Comprehension
Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences using the words or phrases provided.
- You and me, we used to be together, every day together, ________.
- (always, sometimes, rarely)
- I really feel that I’m losing my ________.
- (best friend, lover, colleague)
- It looks as though you’re ________, and if it’s real, well, I don’t want to know.
- (holding on, letting go, coming back)
- Our ________ can be inviting, but some are altogether mighty frightening.
- (dreams, memories, conversations)
- As we die, both you and I, with my head in my hands I sit and ________.
- (laugh, cry, wonder)
Gap-Fill Exercise
These words are used in the lyrics:
- Losing: Failing to keep or maintain something or someone; the opposite of gaining or winning.
- Memories: Recollections of past events or experiences stored in the mind.
- Frightening: Causing fear or alarm; scary.
- Reasons: Explanations or justifications for an action or belief; the cause behind something happening.
Complete the sentences with the appropriate word from the list provided.
together, losing, letting, memories, frightening, cry, reasons
- The feeling of ________ someone you care about can be overwhelming.
- Our ________ are filled with both joy and sorrow from our past.
- Sometimes it’s hard to accept that someone is ________ go.
- We used to be so happy ________, sharing every moment.
- The thought of an uncertain future can be quite ________.
- When things get tough, it’s okay to sit and ________.
- Even if you have your ________, it’s difficult to say goodbye.
Source: Wikipedia
