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.
Introducing a legend: Amy Winehouse. Today’s exercise is based on a song by British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Why is she a legend? Because she died at age 27, joining the sad list of very talented musicians, actors and artists who passed away at that age, often due to drug and alcohol abuse. Other famous names in the 27 Club are Jimmy Hendrix, Jim Morrison or Janis Joplin.
Amy Winehouse was known for her extraordinary voice, which was deep and expressive. Her music mixed musical genres, including soul, rhythm and blues and jazz. In her short life and career she recorded two albums that received several awards. A third album was released after her death in late 2011.
The song Valerie is an Amy Winehouse version of a song composed by another British band, but it was Amy’s cover that achieved nº2 in the UK Singles Charts. The lyrics are about a friend, Valerie, who has been arrested for driving under the influence. The singer is asking Valerie how she is handling the problem and asks her to come visit: “Oh, won’t you come on over?”
Note: Amy Winehouse’s characteristic way of singing makes her difficult to understand sometimes. She would merge words together and so pronunciation is not always clear. This is an exercise for Advanced students. Enjoy!
Exercise
Fill in the missing words ⇩: busy – come – dizzy – dress – fix – ginger – house – mess – paint – sometimes – Stop – things
This activity is case sensitive so make sure to use capital letters when needed.
Grammar – Phrasal Verbs Without An Object 
See more
Phrasal Verbs Without An Object
- PHRASAL VERBS are made by adding a VERB to ADVERB PARTICLES or PREPOSITIONS.
- We usually place the OBJECT before or after the PARTICLE, unless the OBJECT is a PERSONAL PRONOUN (me, him, us, exc.)
- However, we can use some PHRASAL VERBS without an object.
- Common examples include: break down, get back, move in, move out, carry on, go off, run away, drop off, hang on, set off, eat out, join in, and wake up.
- Examples:
- Lyrics: I go out by myself. / Come on over.
- My car broke down so I was late for work. (to stop functioning)
- When I go hiking, I set off early in the morning. (to depart)
- What time did the children wake up this morning? (to become awake)
- When did your roommate move in? (to become a resident)
- We often use some of these structures as IMPERATIVES as well:
- Wake up!
- Watch out!
- Get back!
Related Course Units
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?
Hi Sunny thanks for this song. Take care
Thanks Sunny! Particularly I’ve never liked this artist but the activity was great!
Always soooo good to remember Amy Winehouse music and voice. Thank you so much
Great Singer, great song, great lesson!
Ufff what a singer and what a shame she died so young….I always enjoy her duet with Tony Bennet singing Body and soul….Unfortunately for music she surrrended too much early to life….Thanks Sunny! Another big song!