Shadowing Practice: AJR - World's Smallest Violin (Official Video) - Learn English Speaking with Video

Choose a practice mode

Each mode opens a full-screen practice room.

20 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
Okay, you're lying.
2
But I can't help myself from feeling bad I kinda feel
3
like two things can be said The world's smallest violin Really needs an audience
4
So if I do not find somebody soon I blow up into smithereens
5
This real life's not a symphony Just let me play my violin for you, you, you, you
6
My grandpa fought in World War II when he was such a noble dude Man, I feel like such a fool,
7
I got so much left to prove All my friends are vaping friends, they're so good at making friends I'm so scared of caving in,
8
is that entertaining yet?
9
That's so insane, that's such a shame Next to them my shit don't feel so grand
10
But I can't help myself from feeling bad I kinda feel like two things can be said
11
The world's smallest violin Really needs an audience So if I do not find somebody soon
12
Why blow up into smithereens and spill my tiny symphony
13
Yo, yo, yo, yo! an audience so if I do not find somebody soon
14
I'll blow up into smithereens and spew my tiny symphony.
15
All up and down a city street while trying to put my mind at ease.
16
Like finishing this melody, this feels like a necessity.
17
So this could be the death of me, or maybe just a better me.
18
Now come in with the timpanies and take a shot of Hennessy.
19
I know I'm not there mentally, but you could be the remedy.
20
So let me play my violin for you!

Download App

Everything you need to speak fluently

AI PronunciationScore every sentence
IPA PracticeMaster every sound
VocabularyBuild your word bank
Vocab GameLearn while playing
FOR YOU

Recommend Video

Boost Your Speaking Skills with This Catchy Video Clip

Practicing English speaking doesn’t have to be boring! The video “AJR - World's Smallest Violin” is a fun tool for english speaking practice, especially if you’re into shadowing—also called “shadowspeak.” Shadowing means repeating lines right after the speaker, which helps with fluency, rhythm, and confidence. This clip is perfect for hitting that milestone where you can speak more naturally, not just read from a script.

Phrase Bank: Reusable Expressions to Add to Your Vocab

  • “I can't help myself from feeling bad” – Great for talking about unavoidable emotions.
  • “two things can be said” – Useful when presenting multiple perspectives.
  • “so much left to prove” – Perfect for describing ambition or self-doubt.
  • “scared of caving in” – A relatable way to talk about fear of giving up.
  • “this could be the death of me, or maybe just a better me” – A vivid phrase for big life changes.

These phrases work in everyday conversations or even IELTS speaking practice—they add personality and depth to your answers!

Fix Your Weak Spots: Rhythm and Stress in Fast Speech

The song’s quick pace and conversational tone make it ideal for improving rhythm. Notice how words like “smithereens” and “symphony” are stressed—this is key for sounding natural. Many learners struggle with linking words in fast speech, but shadowing this video (try using a shadowing app to pause and repeat) helps you get used to how native speakers connect phrases. For example, “if I do not find” becomes “if I don’t find” in casual speech—listen closely to those reductions!

Learning English with YouTube videos like this turns practice into a game. So hit play, start shadowing, and watch your speaking skills grow—one catchy line at a time.

Grammar in this video

The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:

StructureIn the video
Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does itcan be said
Present continuous am/is/are + -ing — something happening right now or around nowyou're lying · are vaping

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →