Can You Learn English Through Song Lyrics?

Let’s face it, musicians aren’t exactly grammar gurus. They’re too busy rhyming “baby” with “maybe” to worry about the past perfect! That’s why grammar mistakes in English song lyrics are so common. Music may be all about rhythm and rhyme, but as a language school, we can’t ignore grammar when it’s clearly out of tune.

So, if you’re learning English and belting out your favorite lyrics… maybe double-check those lines before using them in class. Just because it sounds good in a song doesn’t mean it would pass an English exam!

Famous Song Lyrics with Grammar Mistakes.

Let’s look at some famous lines with grammar mistakes in English song lyrics and how to correct them.

“I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones

Grammatically correct version: “I can’t get any satisfaction”

Double negatives are a no-no in standard English. “Can’t” and “no” cancel each other out, meaning the lyric technically suggests the opposite of what Mick Jagger intended. But to be honest, “I can’t get any satisfaction” definitely doesn’t sound as Rock ‘N’ Roll.

“We don’t need no education” – Pink Floyd

Grammatically correct version: “We don’t need any education”

Another double negative –  “don’t” and “no” cancel each other out, which technically means these rebels are actually saying they do need education… and judging by that grammar slip, they might be proving their own point…

“If I Was a Rich Girl” – Gwen Stefani

Grammatically correct version: “If I were a rich girl”

Oops! Gwen bends the rules here. Since she’s imagining a life that isn’t real in the context of the song, this should be in the subjunctive mood  so “If I were a rich girl” is technically correct.

What is the Subjunctive Mood you ask? 

The subjunctive mood is a grammar structure used when we’re talking about:

• Hypothetical or imaginary situations
• Wishes or dreams
• Suggestions or demands
• Things that are not real (yet)

“What’s Love Got to Do with It” – Tina Turner

Grammatically correct version: “What does love have to do with it?”

Tina keeps it real – and wrong – with a line that sounds punchy and powerful. But if we’re being grammatically proper, the lyric should read: “What does love have to do with it?”

So what’s going on here? She’s dropping the helping verb “does” and using “got” for effect –  super common in spoken English and music.
But, to be fair, who needs grammar when you’ve got a voice like that.

So, What’s the takeaway?

These common grammar mistakes in English song lyrics can be confusing for learners. Even though, these songs may throw grammar out the window, but they’re unforgettable and that’s the beauty of music. It makes us feel something, even if it sometimes teaches us the wrong way to form a sentence.

So still sing your heart out, just don’t write your IELTS essay like a rockstar!