Table of Contents
Listening Activity
This listening activity is based on the song “Sign Your Name by Terence Trent D’Arby“. The song lyrics are beautiful and ideal for English learners and include many interesting language topics, such as relative clauses.
Let’s start with some information about the song!
Sign Your Name by Terence Trent D’Arby
“Sign Your Name” by Terence Trent D’Arby achieved significant international success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart in early 1988.
The song also made a strong impact in the United States, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a timeless hit, further cementing Terence Trent D’Arby’s place in music history.
The song’s success was a testament to D’Arby’s distinctive style and the universal appeal of its themes of love and commitment.
Sign your name by Terence Trent D’Arby
Level
Beginner and intermediate students.
Facts about the Song
- Song: Sign your name
- Album: Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby
- Date of release: 1988
- Genre: Soul
- Length of the song: 4 minutes and 37 seconds.
- Writer: Terence Trent D’Arby
Interesting Information about the Song
The song was an international success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart in early 1988 and number four on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The Video
The Lyrics
Language Points
The song includes many interesting language points:
Expressions that may be useful to students:
- Fortunately you
Have someone who relies on you
We started out as friends
But the thought of you just caves me in - I’d rather be in Hell
With you, baby, than in cool Heaven
It seems to be the way
Listening Comprehension
Sentence Completion Exercise
Complete these sentences while listening to the song:
- Fortunately, you have got someone who ________ on you.
- We started out as friends, but the thought of you just ________ me in.
- Time I’m sure will bring disappointments in ________ things.
- Birds never look into the sun before the ________ is done.
- All alone with you makes the butterflies in me ________.
Gap-Fill Exercise
These words are used in the lyrics of the song:
- Relies – Depends on someone for support or help.
- Disappointments – Feelings of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations.
- Gambling – Taking risky actions in the hope of a desired result.
- Shed – To let something fall off, like tears or skin; to get rid of something.
- Dictates – Commands or guides with authority.
- Butterflies – A light fluttery feeling, often in the stomach, associated with nervousness or excitement.
- Rotates – Moves or turns in a circular motion around an axis.
Complete these sentences with the words provided above:
Disappointments, Gambling, Shed, Dictates, Dictates, Butterflies, Rotates
- The team ________ heavily on their leader to make crucial decisions.
- After many ________ in life, she finally found her true passion.
- He lost all his money ________ on the wrong horse.
- As she spoke, he could feel the ________ in his stomach.
- The earth ________ around the sun, completing one cycle every year.
- The company plans to ________ unnecessary expenses to stay profitable.
- Her presence in the room ________ the mood, and everyone listened carefully.
Source: Wikipedia