Shadowing Practice: Lenka - Trouble Is a Friend (Official Video) - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

B1
Trouble is, I'm so sorry.
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32 sentences
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Trouble is, I'm so sorry.
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Trouble will find you no matter where you go.
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No matter if you're fast,
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no matter if you're slow.
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The eye of the storm,
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of the cry in the morn,
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ow, ow You're flying for a while,
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but you start to lose control He's found the dark,
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he's found my heart He waits in the wings,
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he's gotta play a part Trouble is a friend,
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yeah, trouble is a friend of mine Trouble is a friend,
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but trouble is a foe And no matter what I see,
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then he always seems to grow He sees what I see
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and he knows what I know So don't forget as you ease on down my run
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He's tied the door, he's there in my heart He waits in the wings,
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he's gotta play a part Trouble is a friend,
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yeah, trouble is a friend of mine Oh,
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I miss the love from the alarm Baby,
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fix it by the arm I won't let him in,
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but I'm a sucker for his charm Trouble is a friend,
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yeah, trouble is a friend of mine Oh,
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I hate the way he makes me feel
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And how I try to make him leave I try,
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oh, oh, I try He's lying on the deck,
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he's out of my head He waits in the wings,
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he's gotta play hard Trouble is a friend,
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yeah, trouble is a friend I'll fly,
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oh, I'll tell you Don't be alone,
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there's a tent to fight the arm I won't let you remember,
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I'm a sucker for this charm Trouble is a friend,
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yeah, trouble is a friend of mine
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you

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About This Lesson

In this lesson, learners will focus on enhancing their English speaking practice through the captivating song "Trouble Is a Friend" by Lenka. This exercise is designed to help you improve your pronunciation and intonation while engaging with relatable themes such as friendship and challenges. The song's consistent rhythm and varied emotional tone provide an excellent opportunity for shadow speech practice, which is crucial for developing fluency. By the end of the lesson, you will not only have practiced shadowing but also gained insight into expressing complex emotions in English.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Trouble - a person or situation that causes difficulties.
  • Find you - to discover someone's whereabouts or feelings.
  • Lose control - to become unable to manage or direct.
  • Heart - often symbolizes emotions, love, or inner feelings.
  • Waiting in the wings - to be present but not actively involved, often implying anticipation.
  • Sucker for charm - someone who easily falls for someone else's appeal or attractiveness.
  • Try to make him leave - an expression depicting struggle against an unwanted influence.
  • Miss the love - to long for affection that is absent.

Practice Tips

When practicing with this song, it's essential to approach it in a structured way. Here are some tips for effective IELTS speaking practice through shadowing:

  • Listen First: Start by listening to the song without attempting to sing along. Pay close attention to the rhythm and emotional delivery of the artist.
  • Break It Down: Divide the song into smaller sections. Shadow each section individually, repeating it after you hear it. This makes it easier to focus on pronunciation and flow.
  • Match the Tone: Notice the shifts in tone throughout the song, especially during emotional phrases. Try to mimic these variations to add depth to your practice.
  • Record Yourself: After shadowing, record your voice. Compare it to the original to identify areas where you need improvement in pronunciation and clarity.
  • Focus on Meaning: As you practice, think about the meanings of the phrases. Understanding the lyrics will help you convey emotion better when speaking.

By incorporating learn English with YouTube videos like this into your routine, you can develop your listening and speaking skills significantly. Regular practice with shadowing can lead to improved fluency and confidence in your English speaking abilities.

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.

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