Shadowing Practice: Michael Bublé - Sway (Official Lyric Video) - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

B1
When marimba rhythms start to play,
⏸ Paused
21 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
When marimba rhythms start to play,
2
dance with me, make me sway Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore,
3
hold me close, sway me more Like a flower bending in the breeze Bend with me,
4
sway with ease When you dance you have a way with me Stay with me,
5
sway with me Other dancers may be on the floor Dear,
6
but my eyes will see only you Only you have that magic technique When we swear I go weak
7
I can hear the sound of violence Long before it begins Make me thrillers only you know how Sway me smooth,
8
sway me now
9
Other dancers may be on the floor,
10
dear, but my eyes will see only you Only you have that magic technique,
11
when we sway I go in I can hear the sound of violins long before it begins
12
Make me thrillers only you know how Sway me smooth,
13
sway me now When marimbo rebels start to play Dance with me,
14
make me sway Like a lazy ocean that hops the shore Hold me close,
15
sway me more Like a flower bend in the tree It's better with me,
16
swear with me When we dance you have a way with me Stay with me,
17
swear with me When marimms start to play Hold me close,
18
make me sway Like an ocean up the shore Hold me close,
19
swear with me more Like a flower fell in the breeze Stand with me,
20
swear with me When we dance you have a way with me Stay with me,
21
swear with me

Download App

AI scoring for every sentence you speak

TRENDING

Popular

Why practice speaking with this video?

The song "Sway" performed by Michael Bublé offers a perfect opportunity for English learners to engage in shadow speech practice. The combination of rhythmic lyrics and emotive delivery creates an ideal context for improving your speaking skills. By dancing with the lyrics, as the song suggests, you can enhance your ability to express emotions and intentions, making your spoken English more natural and relatable.

Additionally, this video presents a unique way to practice english speaking practice through music. Music is a powerful tool for language acquisition because it aids in memorization, pronunciation, and listening skills. As you practice with this song, you’ll not only enjoy the process but also gain confidence in your ability to communicate effectively in English.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

This video features several key grammatical structures and expressions that are valuable for learners:

  • Imperative verbs: Phrases like "dance with me" and "sway me more" are imperative demands, offering a practical way to practice giving commands or making requests in English.
  • Comparative phrases: The expression "like a lazy ocean hugs the shore" uses a simile to create vivid imagery, which adds depth to the language and allows for creative expression.
  • Magic-like technique: The line "only you have that magic technique" introduces the idea of unique qualities, helping learners understand how to express admiration or attraction in conversational English.
  • Softening requests: The phrase "stay with me" emphasizes the importance of making requests sound inviting, which is so important in everyday interactions.

Common Pronunciation Traps

When practicing with this song, English learners may encounter several pronunciation challenges:

  • Marimba: The word marimba can be tricky due to its unfamiliar sound structure. Break it down into syllables: ma-rim-ba, and practice saying it along with the music.
  • Sway: The recurring word sway requires practice to ensure it is pronounced with the correct intonation, especially in the context of dancing.
  • Violins: The word violins contains a complex consonant cluster at the beginning. Pay attention to articulation; make sure to clearly pronounce the 'v' sound before moving onto the vowels.

By focusing on these elements, learners can significantly enhance their English speaking skills. Embrace the power of a shadowing app or shadowing site to practice these aspects of language and improve your overall fluency while enjoying the music!

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.

Buy us a coffee