I Will Always Love You, originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973, became a global hit when Whitney Houston covered it for 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack in 1992. This powerful ballad showcases Houston's incredible vocal range and emotional delivery, making it a timeless classic. Not only is it a poignant farewell song, but its clear vocabulary and relatable themes make it an excellent choice for English learners. Houston's version topped charts worldwide, solidifying her status as one of the most celebrated voices in music history.
Lyrics
I Will Always Love You — Whitney Houston
English
If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I will go, but I know
I'll think of you every step of the way
And I will always love you
I will always love you
You, my darling, you
Bittersweet memories
That is all I'm taking with me
So goodbye, please, don't cry
We both know I'm not what you, you need
And I will always love you
I will always love you, oh
I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you'll have all you've dreamed of
And I wished you joy and happiness
But above all this, I wish you love
And I will always love you
[…]
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Simple Future - Futuro Simple
'So I will go, but I know' — This line indicates a decision made for the future.
'And I will always love you' — Here, 'will love' expresses a promise of love in the future.
'I hope you'll have all you've dreamed of' — This sentence conveys a future wish or hope for someone.
Simple Present - Presente Simple
The Simple Present tense is used for regular actions, facts, and general truths. It is formed using the base form of the verb, generally with an -s added for third-person singular. This tense is essential for communicating routines or universal truths and forms the basis of everyday conversation.
'That is all I'm taking with me' — Indicates a current fact about what is being taken.
'We both know I'm not what you, you need' — Here, 'know' is a regular action referring to a shared understanding.
'But above all this, I wish you love' — The use of 'wish' shows a current feeling about someone's future.
Fun facts
Did you know?
Whitney Houston's cover of 'I Will Always Love You' became the best-selling single by a female artist, achieving a record 14 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was featured in the 1992 film 'The Bodyguard,' which earned over $410 million globally, further popularizing Houston's rendition.
Dolly Parton, the original composer, made millions from Houston's version, as she receives royalties every time the song is played or covered.
Whitney's rendition of the song has been recognized for its cultural impact, being included in numerous 'greatest songs' lists and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Houston's powerful performance of the song at the 1994 Grammy Awards became iconic and showcased her exceptional talent to a live audience.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
This song is ideal for learning English due to its moderate vocabulary level and repetitive expressions that enhance retention. Whitney Houston's clear pronunciation allows learners to grasp the pronunciation patterns easily. The emotional depth of the lyrics provides context for vocabulary use, making it engaging while practicing grammar such as Simple Future and Simple Present.
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