Improve your listening and writing skills by filling in the blanks in the song lyrics. These activities are designed for Beginners and Intermediates to learn new vocabulary related to a specific topic in a quick and fun way.
Halloween! We close the special tribute to Halloween songs with the powerful I Put A Spell On You. The song was written by the American singer-songwriter Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956 and it was his biggest commercial success. John Lennon’s mother listened frequently to this song by Hawkins and it is said to have influenced Lennon’s musical development as a child.
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was famous for his highly theatrical performances. He first created his outlandish stage character with I Put a Spell on You, a song in which he screams (hence his name Screamin’ Jay Hawkins), grunts and makes scary sounds. This gave him a steady career as a live performer for decades afterward, opening concerts of many top bands, such as Fats Domino and the Rolling Stones.
The song has simple and sexist lyrics in which the man singer tells his woman: he’s cast a spell on her because she belongs to him (‘you’re mine‘), and he does not tolerate her playing around (‘I can’t stand no runnin’ around’). A very unique song, do you like it?
Exercise
Fill in the missing words ⇩: around – Because – care – down – love – lyin’ – mine – put – spell – Stop – things
This activity is case sensitive so make sure to use capital letters when needed.
Grammar – Contractions & Slang in Music 
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Contractions & Slang in Music
- Lyrics often use of an informal type of vocabulary. This is why we find things like contractions and slang words.
- Here are some examples of contractions and slang we can find in lyrics:
- (These lyrics):
- – I ain’t lyin’ = I am not lying
- – No runnin‘ around – No running around
- – ’bout = about
- – don’tcha = don’t you
- – ain’t = am not, is not, are not, has not or have not
- – ’cause / ‘coz = because
- – –in’ ending like in thinkin’ or losin’ (it looses the g in -ing to sound more informal)
- – dunno = don’t know
- – lemme = let me
- – gimme = give me
- – gonna = going to
- – gotta = got to
- – wanna = want to
- – kinda = kind of
Don’t miss our latest song lyric activities. By creating a habit step-by-step, you will be able to shape your learning path while doing activities you love.
Which song would you like to practise with next?
It’s absolutely perfect and great voice for jazz singer. I like it very much.
Horrible words and horrible Guy Whois I love you
Powerful song, it is some wild, I like the Annie Lennox’s version
Great song!
I like this song , it‘s short and the lyrics are easy to understand