Shadowing Practice: Alex Warren - Ordinary (Official Lyric Video) - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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They say the holy waters watered down
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And this town's lost its faith Our colors will fade eventually So if our time is running down Day after day,
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we'll make the mundane A masterpiece I take one look at you,
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you're taking me out of the ordinary I want you laying me down to the dead and buried
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On the edge of your knife, staying drunk on your ride The angels up in the clouds,
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are jealous now where we found Something so out of the ordinary,
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you got me kissing the ground Oh Lord,
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return me to dust The angels up in the clouds are jealous,
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nowhere we found Hopeless Hallelujah,
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holy sight of heaven's gate Oh my life,
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hallelujah Breathe in, take my breath away Scoped on the clay Oh my,
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my, you're taking me out of the ordinary I want you laying me down So we're getting buried
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On the edge of your night Staying drunk on your vine
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The angels up in the clouds Are jealous now we'll be foul
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So we're so out of the ordinary You got me kissing the ground
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Oh Lord return me to dust The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowing we found Summer's so heavenly,
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high in the ecstasy Whenever you're next to me on my mind World was in black
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and white Until I saw your light I thought you had to die to fight Something so out of the ordinary
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Down to a dead and buried On the edge of your night,
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staying drunk on your vine The angels up in the clouds Are jealous knowing we fall,
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so it's too loud Of the ordinary You got me kissing the ground,
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in the sanctuary Shatter me when you touch Or go return me to dust I'm not.

Why practice speaking with this video?

Practicing speaking using Alex Warren's "Ordinary" provides an engaging context through which learners can enhance their spoken English skills. The song's relatable themes of love and the pursuit of meaning in everyday life will resonate with many, making it a rich resource for emotional expression. By shadow speaking along with the lyrics, you not only improve your pronunciation but also gain confidence in using everyday expressions and vocabulary.

The rhythm and melody of the song can help memorize phrases, allowing learners to internalize English structures and vocabulary effectively. This is particularly beneficial when employing the shadowing technique, where mimicking the speaker helps improve intonation and fluency. As you listen and repeat, you'll develop a sense of the flow of natural conversation, which can be incredibly valuable in real-life situations.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Here are some key grammatical structures and expressions from the lyrics that can enhance your English speaking:

  • “Taking me out of the ordinary” - This expression emphasizes the impact of someone special in disrupting the mundane aspects of life. Note how using the phrase "out of the ordinary" can add depth to your descriptions in everyday conversations.
  • “Staying drunk on your ride” - This metaphorical language illustrates a feeling of euphoria. Understanding how to mix figurative language into your speech can make you sound more expressive and engaging.
  • “Return me to dust” - This phrase digs into deeper themes of mortality and existential thought, showcasing that English can be a vehicle for profound ideas. Mastering such expressions can enhance your conversational range.
  • “The world was in black and white until I saw your light” - This vivid imagery teaches you how to construct meaningful comparisons, which are essential for creating compelling narratives.

Common Pronunciation Traps

As you practice with this song, pay attention to these tricky words and sounds:

  • “Hallelujah” - This word can be difficult due to its vowel sounds and rhythm, especially in a fast-paced song. Practice saying it slowly and then at normal speed.
  • “Jealous” - The soft "j" and the "ous" ending might slip into a less clear pronunciation; ensure you articulate clearly to avoid slurring.
  • “Sanctuary” - This word contains multiple syllables that can be challenging. Break it down into syllables to master the pronunciation: san-ctu-ar-y.

Utilizing song lyrics for shadow speech not only makes learning enjoyable but also effective. By incorporating learn English with YouTube into your study routine, you can enhance your speaking abilities and expand your vocabulary in a natural, engaging way. The shadowspeaks method is a fantastic way to adopt the nuances of oral English, leading to greater competency in communication.

Grammar in this video

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

StructureIn the video
Present continuous am/is/are + -ing — something happening right now or around nowis running · you're taking
Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or predictionwill fade · we'll make · we'll be

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 →